This bill amends RSA 155-A:2 to allow certain residential buildings with 4 to 6 floors above grade to have only one stairway under specific conditions. For buildings with 4 or fewer floors, the bill stipulates that they may have a single stairway if they are equipped with a compliant sprinkler system and the stairway meets state fire code requirements, including the installation of fire-rated doors and construction from fireproof materials. For buildings with 5 or 6 floors, additional criteria are outlined, such as a maximum floor area of 4,000 square feet, a maximum exit access travel distance of 125 feet, and the requirement for a manual fire alarm system and automatic smoke detection system.

The bill also specifies that openings to the interior exit stairway enclosure must be limited, elevators cannot open into the stairway enclosure, and electrical receptacles are prohibited in the stairway. All stairways must comply with state fire code requirements. The effective date of the act is set for 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 155-A:2
As Amended by the Senate: 155-A:2