HB0088 would limit the ability of state and local governments in Wyoming to require more than one exit in certain multi-family residential buildings. Specifically, it directs that no state agency, county, city, or town may require more than one exit for residential Group R-2 occupancies of six stories or fewer, which includes apartment houses, boarding houses, dormitories, convents, and similar residential buildings with more than two dwelling units or sleeping units where occupants are primarily permanent in nature.
The bill also preserves some local flexibility. Counties, cities, and towns may still adopt an ordinance or resolution requiring more than one exit for these buildings, but simply adopting a uniform building code such as the International Building Code would not by itself be enough to impose a second-exit requirement. A local government would have to expressly state that more than one exit is required. The act would take effect July 1, 2025.
Impact
HB0088 would amend Wyoming law by creating a new building code provision that preempts default state and local requirements for multiple exits in certain low- and mid-rise multi-family residential buildings. It would affect state agencies and local governments that regulate building safety and construction standards, and it would likely influence developers, architects, landlords, and builders of apartment-style housing by allowing single-stairwell designs in qualifying structures unless a local jurisdiction affirmatively requires otherwise.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or formal support/opposition in the materials supplied. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to reflect a policy choice favoring greater flexibility in residential building design and reduced regulatory barriers for multi-family housing, while still allowing local governments to opt into stricter exit requirements.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely to be building safety versus housing design flexibility. Supporters would likely emphasize that single-exit buildings can reduce construction costs and expand housing options, especially for multi-family development. Opponents would likely argue that requiring only one exit in six-story-or-lower residential buildings could increase life-safety risks during fires or emergencies. Another likely issue is local control: the bill limits the practical effect of uniform building codes unless a locality expressly reimposes a second-exit requirement.