An Act to create 15.407 (19), 101.02 (7r) (h) and 101.024 of the statutes; Relating to: creating a multifamily housing innovation council and allowing a multifamily dwelling up to six stories to be served by a single stairway. (FE)
Impact
The introduction of SB771 is expected to have significant implications for state housing laws. It allows local governments - counties, cities, villages, and towns - to enact ordinances that align with the developed guidebook permitting multifamily dwellings on commercially zoned land. This could lead to an increase in housing availability in urban areas, helping to address housing shortages while promoting more intensive use of existing commercial zones. However, a fiscal report will evaluate how this bill may financially influence the development and ownership costs associated with housing within the state.
Summary
Senate Bill 771 aims to innovate and facilitate the development of multifamily housing in Wisconsin. It proposes the creation of a Multifamily Housing Innovation Council, which will consist of various stakeholders, including building inspectors, firefighters, and engineers. This council is tasked with developing a guidebook to establish standards for the design and construction of multifamily dwellings that can be served by a single stairway, thus allowing such buildings to rise up to six stories. This change reflects an effort to modernize housing regulations while ensuring safety for residents under the National Fire Protection Association standards.
Contention
While SB771 aims to streamline housing processes, it may raise concerns among certain groups regarding fire safety and building integrity, specifically regarding the allowance for multifamily buildings to be served by only one stairway. Critics might question the adequacy of safety measures that would be in place for residents during emergencies. The composition of the Multifamily Housing Innovation Council includes various professionals, which could either foster comprehensive safety standards or lead to disagreements on best practices, reflecting a potential point of contention among stakeholders.
Crossfiled
An Act to create 15.407 (19), 101.02 (7r) (h) and 101.024 of the statutes; Relating to: creating a multifamily housing innovation council and allowing a multifamily dwelling up to six stories to be served by a single stairway. (FE)