Massachusetts Senate Bill S2647

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/23/25
• Refer: 10/23/25
• Refer: 11/24/25

Caption

To study single-stair residential buildings

Summary

This bill creates a special commission to study whether Massachusetts should allow certain multi-family residential buildings up to six stories tall to be built with a single staircase. The commission is directed to define the conditions under which such buildings could be permitted and to develop a proposed building code amendment for review by the Board of Building Regulations and Standards. The study must also identify measures to reduce any health and safety risks that may be unique to single-stair buildings. The commission is required to examine existing research, including the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies/Boston Indicators/Utile report on legalizing mid-rise single-stair housing in Massachusetts. Its report must address safety comparisons between single-stair and two-stair buildings, possible alternate safety modifications, the likely number of additional housing units that could be created, and a timeline and process for implementing any code change. The report is due to legislative clerks and relevant committees by December 15, 2026.

Impact

The bill does not itself change the building code or authorize single-stair residential construction; instead, it establishes a study commission that could lead to future amendments to state building regulations. If the commission’s recommendations are adopted, the measure could affect the Massachusetts building code, housing development standards, fire safety requirements, and the design of mid-rise multifamily housing. The bill would also engage state agencies, municipal building officials, fire safety professionals, architects, developers, and housing advocates in evaluating potential code changes.

Sentiment

The bill appears generally favorable and exploratory, with support implied by its referral from the Housing Committee and its focus on housing production. The framing suggests interest in expanding housing options while maintaining safety standards, and the commission’s membership is designed to include a broad range of stakeholders. No recorded votes or committee transcripts are provided, so there is no evidence of formal opposition in the available record.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely the balance between housing supply and life-safety concerns. Supporters are likely to emphasize that single-stair buildings could make mid-rise housing more feasible and increase the number of units, while fire safety professionals, building officials, and public safety stakeholders may focus on evacuation, fire suppression, and other risks associated with reducing stair access. The bill addresses this tension by requiring the commission to study safety impacts and propose mitigation measures before any code amendment is considered.