An Act Concerning The State Building Code And Required Elevator Size.
Summary
HB 6646 would amend Title 29 of the Connecticut General Statutes to change the State Building Code’s elevator-size requirements for certain residential buildings. Specifically, it would allow a smaller passenger elevator in residential buildings that are six stories or fewer and contain fewer than 25 dwelling units, so long as the elevator is large enough to fit one person and one person in a wheelchair. The bill is framed as a code modification affecting new or regulated residential construction subject to the State Building Code.
The stated purpose is to permit smaller elevator sizes in smaller multifamily residential buildings, which could reduce construction costs and make some projects easier to build. At the same time, the bill preserves a minimum accessibility standard by requiring the elevator to accommodate a wheelchair user and another person. The proposal appears to target a narrow class of residential buildings rather than all buildings covered by the code.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would amend the State Building Code under Title 29 to create a specific elevator-size exception for low-rise residential buildings with fewer than 25 dwelling units. This would affect building code compliance for developers, architects, contractors, and local building officials reviewing plans for qualifying residential projects. It would also modify the accessibility and design requirements currently applied to passenger elevators in those buildings, potentially lowering construction and space requirements for some developments while retaining a basic wheelchair-accessibility standard.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes, the available record suggests a neutral-to-supportive policy intent centered on flexibility in building design. The proposal’s language indicates an effort to balance cost and feasibility concerns with accessibility needs. Because there are no transcripts or vote records provided, there is no documented public opposition or endorsement in the available materials.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the tradeoff between reducing building costs and preserving accessibility and usability standards. Supporters would likely emphasize that smaller elevators can make low-rise housing projects more practical and affordable, while critics may worry that reducing elevator size could limit convenience, accessibility, or future adaptability for residents with mobility needs. Any debate would likely focus on whether the proposed minimum size is sufficient for wheelchair access and whether the exception should apply to the specified class of residential buildings.