As noted in previous newsletters, the Province announced last summer BC Building Code (BCBC) changes to allow SES construction up to six-storeys if key safety measures are put in place.  

On February 26, 2025, Council passed the attached motion that staff consult with the building sector “… to further explore the housing flexibility and liveability benefits single egress building designs could provide, and review any related and upcoming studies and literature on single egress stair buildings, and report back to Council in Fall 2025 …”. They also requested “… staff’s report back and recommendations seek to limit any beneficial proposed additions to the Vancouver Building By-law in order to not add undue cost and complexity to opening up additional housing options in Vancouver.” 

Staff have begun their consultations this month. Please see their attached slide presentation on Single Egress Stairs and Space Efficient Egress. In addition to the BCBC SES option, they are also exploring two other space-efficient designs: 

• One that involves exterior passageways and exterior stairs (attached); and 
• Another with scissor stairs (attached).  

The City is seeking written feedback on the following questions for each of the options: 

1. “What are the benefits or concerns with having this solution? 
2. What would you see as an impediment? 
3. Can you comment on the potential cost or savings associated with this solution? 
4. Are there any modifications to the proposed design solution we should consider? 
5. What zoning implications may constrain the feasibility of this solution?” 

Staff will likely be bringing forward their Report to Council in late November. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Annika Nunan at 236-479-1418 by September 10th. 

October 22, 2024

As mentioned in previous updates, at the Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities on February 26th, Council directed staff to further explore Provincial Single Egress Stair (SES) provisions and directed staff to report back to Council in Fall 2025 with further information for Council’s consideration. 

Concerns of SES implementation in the report focused on fire safety risks, such as congestion during response and evacuation due to only one exit route and occupants becoming trapped if smoke reached the stairwell. The report noted that taller buildings are at higher risk due to increased evacuation times. 

Alternatives for space-efficient egress alternatives proposed in the report include: 

• Scissor Stairs – The City has historically restricted the use of scissor stairs in wood and steel-framed buildings due to construction and seismic concerns. Additional simple design features could be introduced to improve safety or review the required minimum separation between exits to see if safer and more efficient designs are possible; and
• Exterior Stairs – A key concern with SES is the risk of smoke filling the stairwell, making it unusable. External stairs could greatly reduce this risk by allowing smoke and heat to disperse outside. Staff recommend further study on this option, including suites opening directly onto exterior stairs, which could improve efficiency while maintaining fire and life safety. 

More information can be found in the full report by City staff. 

October 22, 2024

At the Standing Committee on City Finance and Services on October 9th, Council directed staff to report back on the potential to update the Vancouver Building By-law (VBBL) to enable Single Egress Stairs in low and mid-rise buildings. Staff were directed to report back in Q4 of 2024 on this progress to enable larger layouts and more multi-bedroom apartment options for families.  

Further direction noted that the report should be guided by the advice of architects with code and accessibility expertise, Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services and IAFF18 representatives, and consideration of VFRS concerns, or recommendations concerning the identification or potential inclusion of supporting life safety and firefighting measures.   

More information can be found in the motion brought forward for consideration by Council and UDI’s correspondence to the City on the VBBL.