Washington passes first statewide bill allowing 'scissor stairs'

Slender, light-filled buildings might soon be a feature of the Washington state skyline thanks to House Bill 2228, which reforms the state's building code to allow "scissor stairs" in apartment buildings — a first in the nation. 

The Sightline Institute explains, "Scissor stairs are a design feature common in other countries but rare in most US cities. They help save more of a building’s interior square footage for homes, while still providing two fire-safe staircases for residents and emergency responders. What’s more, scissor stairs make it possible to design for more light and cross-breeze in every apartment, plus accommodate narrow or oddly shaped lots for more infill opportunities."

Scissor stairs comprise two interlocking stairways with two separate exits, enclosed and separated by fire-resistance rated walls, and help buildings fit onto smaller lots.

Sightline's report details — and visually illustrates — exactly how scissor stairs work to simultaneously save floor space and maintain fire safety measures. Check it out at the link below.