City building, fire officials establish guidelines for new single-stair apartment buildings

The City of Portland's building official and fire marshal have established a new Building Code Guide that allows only one stairwell in apartment buildings up to four stories tall. This measure is in line with the 2025 Oregon Structural Specialty Code, which became effective on October 1. Developers must adhere to 11 specific conditions outlined in Building Code Guide 25-10, such as maintaining a maximum net floor area of 4,000 square feet per story and limiting each floor to four dwelling units. Building Code Guides provide clarity on building code applications and present alternatives for compliance, serving as a resource for builders and developers. These guides are issued solely by the city's building official and do not require public approval before implementation.

The initiative is designed to facilitate construction efficiency while upholding safety standards. Local officials emphasize that this change reflects ongoing efforts to adapt building regulations to modern needs. The move may influence future residential developments in Portland.