Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why I’m Qualified to Discuss Single Stair Construction
- What Is Single Stair Residential Construction?
- Governor Healey’s Executive Order and the Massachusetts Conversation
- Somerville Leaders Supporting the Study of Single Stair Construction
- Why Many Firefighters Oppose Single Stair Buildings
- My Perspective as a Former Firefighter and Construction Professional
- The Role of Modern Fire Protection Systems
- How Single Stair Construction Could Help Housing Production
- Finding the Right Balance Between Housing and Safety
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Single Stair Residential Construction in Massachusetts: Exploring a New Tool to Address Our Housing Shortage
Massachusetts is facing a housing shortage that affects families, workers, seniors, and young professionals throughout the Commonwealth. Communities like Somerville continue to experience rising housing costs as available land becomes increasingly limited. As policymakers, planners, housing advocates, and construction professionals search for solutions, one concept receiving growing attention is single stair residential construction.
The discussion surrounding single stair construction in Massachusetts has become more prominent following Governor Maura Healey’s efforts to explore innovative housing solutions. At the same time, local leaders, housing advocates, and residents are debating whether single stair residential buildings can safely provide more housing opportunities while maintaining strong fire and life safety standards.
As someone who has spent my career at the intersection of fire safety and construction, I believe this conversation deserves thoughtful consideration.
Why I’m Qualified to Discuss Single Stair Construction
Before entering the construction industry full-time, I proudly served as a firefighter in the City of Somerville for 12 years. During that time, I responded to fires, emergencies, rescues, and countless incidents throughout our community. Those experiences gave me firsthand knowledge of building safety, fire behavior, emergency response, and life safety systems.
My educational background includes:
- Associate Degree in Fire Science from Bunker Hill Community College
- Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management from Wentworth Institute of Technology
I also currently hold:
- Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL)
- Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor License (HIC)
- Passive House Certification
- OSHA 30 Certification
Because of this combination of firefighting experience, construction management education, and professional licensing, I believe I am uniquely qualified to discuss both the opportunities and concerns associated with exploring single stair residential construction.
What Is Single Stair Residential Construction?
Most mid-rise residential buildings in Massachusetts require two means of egress, typically two separate stairways that occupants can use to exit during an emergency.
A single stair residential building uses a single protected stairwell as the primary means of vertical egress. These designs are commonly used in many European countries and are allowed in various forms throughout other parts of the world.
Supporters argue that single stair construction in Somerville and other Massachusetts communities could allow architects and developers to create more efficient building layouts, especially on smaller urban lots where fitting two stairwells can significantly reduce the amount of usable residential space.
In many cases, single stair designs can make it possible to build housing that otherwise would not be financially or physically feasible.
Governor Healey’s Executive Order and the Massachusetts Conversation
The conversation around single stair construction in Massachusetts gained momentum when Governor Maura Healey signed an executive order directing state officials to explore innovative housing solutions, including the study of single stair residential construction.
The purpose of this effort is not to immediately eliminate existing safety requirements. Rather, it is to examine whether modern building technologies, fire protection systems, and updated building codes can safely support alternative residential building designs.
Massachusetts urgently needs more housing. Exploring every responsible tool available should be part of the discussion.
Governor Healey’s executive order recognizes that addressing the housing crisis requires both innovation and careful evaluation.
Somerville Leaders Supporting the Study of Single Stair Construction
The discussion is not limited to the state level.
Several Somerville City Councilors have advocated for studying and evaluating Somerville single stair construction as a potential housing tool. Their support aligns with Governor Healey’s efforts to better understand whether these building types could help address local housing challenges.
Organizations such as Somerville YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) have also expressed support for studying single stair residential construction. Housing advocates point out that smaller lots throughout Somerville may be better suited for housing development if more flexible building configurations are available.
Additionally, I have spoken directly with Jesse Kanson-Benanav of Abundant Housing Massachusetts, and we both agree that exploring and studying single stair construction is a conversation worth having.
Massachusetts simply does not have enough housing.
In many communities, particularly older cities like Somerville, small and irregularly shaped lots present challenges for development. If single stair construction can safely unlock additional housing opportunities on these sites, it deserves serious consideration.
Why Many Firefighters Oppose Single Stair Buildings
It is important to acknowledge that many firefighters and fire service organizations across Massachusetts oppose single stair residential construction.
The concerns are legitimate and deserve respect.
Many fire departments, including members of Somerville Firefighters Local 76, have argued that a single means of egress creates challenges during emergencies because firefighters entering a building may need to use the same stairway that residents are using to evacuate.
This concern has long been part of fire service thinking.
In an emergency situation, firefighters often move equipment, hose lines, and personnel upward while occupants move downward toward safety. Having only one stairwell can potentially create congestion and operational challenges.
As a former firefighter, I understand and appreciate these concerns.
In fact, I agree that these operational realities must be carefully considered whenever discussing changes to building codes.
My Perspective as a Former Firefighter and Construction Professional
While I understand the concerns raised by firefighters, I also believe it is important to recognize how much modern building technology has evolved.
As Somerville City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen has noted during public discussions, many newer buildings contain sophisticated fire protection systems that often control or suppress fires before firefighters arrive.
During my years in the fire service, I observed firsthand how effective modern sprinkler systems can be.
Today’s residential buildings include:
- Automatic fire sprinkler systems
- Smoke detection systems
- Fire-rated construction assemblies
- Fire-resistant doors
- Improved alarm systems
- Enhanced emergency communication systems
When these systems are properly designed, installed, inspected, and maintained, they significantly reduce risk.
That does not mean risk disappears entirely. No building is completely risk-free.
However, it does mean that the conversation about supporting single stair residential construction in Massachusetts should be based on modern building performance rather than assumptions rooted solely in older construction practices.
I believe single stair buildings can function safely if proper safeguards are in place and if residents keep stairways clear of personal belongings and obstructions.
A blocked stairway presents a serious safety hazard regardless of whether a building has one stair or two.
The Role of Modern Fire Protection Systems
One of the most important aspects of this discussion is recognizing that today’s buildings are fundamentally different from those built decades ago.
Modern sprinkler systems are extraordinarily effective.
Numerous fire incidents demonstrate that sprinklers often control or extinguish fires before they can spread beyond the room of origin.
When combined with:
- Fire-rated construction
- Smoke compartmentalization
- Alarm systems
- Building inspections
- Property maintenance requirements
the overall safety profile of a building improves dramatically.
This is why many jurisdictions around the world have successfully implemented single stair building models while maintaining strong safety records.
Massachusetts should carefully study these examples rather than dismiss them outright.
How Single Stair Construction Could Help Housing Production
The housing shortage remains one of the greatest challenges facing Massachusetts.
Single stair residential construction could potentially:
- Increase housing production on small urban lots
- Support more family-sized apartments
- Improve building efficiency
- Reduce construction costs in certain situations
- Encourage infill development
- Create more housing near public transit
In cities like Somerville, where developable land is limited, every opportunity to create additional housing matters.
No single solution will solve the housing crisis.
However, exploring single stair residential construction may provide another tool that helps communities build the housing they need.
Finding the Right Balance Between Housing and Safety
The ultimate goal should not be choosing between housing production and firefighter safety.
We should strive to achieve both.
Massachusetts has some of the most talented code officials, fire service professionals, engineers, architects, and construction experts in the country.
By bringing these groups together, we can evaluate:
- Appropriate height limitations
- Sprinkler requirements
- Stairwell design standards
- Fire department access requirements
- Building maintenance standards
- Emergency response considerations
The objective should be finding a framework that supports additional housing while protecting residents and firefighters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is single stair residential construction?
Single stair residential construction refers to residential buildings that use one protected stairway as the primary vertical means of egress rather than two separate stairways.
Is single stair construction currently allowed in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts building codes currently require multiple means of egress for many residential building types. State officials are studying whether changes should be considered for certain building categories.
Why are housing advocates supporting single stair construction?
Supporters believe it could allow more housing to be built on smaller lots while improving building efficiency and helping address the state’s housing shortage.
Why do firefighters oppose single stair buildings?
Many firefighters are concerned that emergency responders and evacuating residents would need to share the same stairwell during emergencies, potentially creating operational challenges.
Can modern sprinkler systems make single stair buildings safer?
Modern sprinkler systems, alarm systems, and fire-resistant construction significantly improve building safety and often control fires before firefighters arrive. However, safety must be evaluated comprehensively.
Does supporting a study mean supporting immediate code changes?
No. Studying single stair construction simply means evaluating the concept carefully and using data, research, and expert input to determine whether code changes are appropriate.
Conclusion
The debate surrounding single stair construction in Somerville, single stair construction in Massachusetts, and the broader effort to support single stair residential construction in Massachusetts is ultimately about balancing two important priorities: housing production and public safety.
As a former Somerville firefighter, construction professional, and owner of Veleny Construction, I believe the issue deserves thoughtful study rather than immediate dismissal.
We need more housing. We also need to keep residents and firefighters safe.
Governor Healey’s executive order, the support of Somerville leaders, the advocacy of organizations like Somerville YIMBY and Abundant Housing Massachusetts, and the concerns raised by firefighters all contribute valuable perspectives to this important discussion.
The best path forward is one grounded in evidence, modern building science, fire safety expertise, and a shared commitment to solving Massachusetts’ housing challenges responsibly.
At Veleny Construction, we believe that exploring innovative solutions while maintaining a strong commitment to safety is the right approach for the future of housing in Somerville and throughout Massachusetts.