Vancouver City Council approved new space-saving stair designs that will create more flexible apartment layouts, improve access to natural light and fresh air, and make it possible to build homes on smaller sites.

They were developed following a comprehensive review of the latest research and consultation with the Vancouver Fire Rescue Services, industry experts and building officials from other municipalities. The design also prioritizes the safety of residents, visitors and first responders.

“During a fire or emergency, stairwells are the critical lifelines for residents and first responders,” said Karen Fry, fire chief and general manager of Vancouver Fire Rescue Services. “The two new stair design options maintain a good level of protection needed to keep those pathways safe while supporting new housing options for Vancouver.”

As approved additions to the Vancouver Building By-law (VBBL), the new designs can be used in buildings up to six storeys and include:

• External single egress stairs: A single exterior stair and corridor that maximizes space efficiency, enabling more housing options such as family-sized, multi-bedroom units on smaller lots in low-density neighbourhoods.
• Scissor stairs: Two staircases within a single enclosure, separated by fire-proofed walls, providing two pathways while saving space. A key improvement removes the minimum distance requirement between exit doors, making it more space efficient.

Amendments to the VBBL are expected to be enacted at the next council meeting on January 20.