MontanaSB 21369th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET

Revise the state building code to allow single stairwells in certain buildings

Sponsored By: Daniel Zolnikov (Republican)

Became Law

HousingBuildings and Building RegulationsPropertyRule Making

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Fewer building code mandates and energy choice

The state building code cannot require fire sprinklers in single-family homes or buildings with two or fewer units. It cannot require solar panels, solar wiring, batteries, or electric-vehicle wiring. It cannot ban or limit electric, natural gas, propane, or other energy sources. It cannot ban EPA‑approved refrigerants; equipment using them must meet safety standards and EPA use conditions. The department adopts rules that permit below‑grade liquefied‑petroleum gas appliances.

Single-stair option for mid-rise apartments

The state permits Group R-2 residential buildings to use one stairway for all units if safety limits are met. The building is six stories or less above grade and has no more than four units per floor. It has an automatic sprinkler system. Each unit has a window or other emergency exit.

Medical gas installs follow national safety rules

The state adopts the most recent NFPA 99C for installing medical gas piping systems. The department may issue plumbing permits and require inspections for these systems. Inspectors must check that onsite workers have a medical gas installation endorsement and report violations to their agency. Agencies must report violations to the board of plumbers.

Places of worship can host overnight stays

Places of worship may offer free, temporary overnight stays for retreats, programs, events, emergencies, or displaced people. They can host up to 75 days each calendar year, unless a state emergency or exigent circumstances exist. They may not charge for the stay. The area must have either a monitored automatic sprinkler system, or a hard‑wired stand‑alone fire and smoke alarm plus an exit door or window to the outside. This use is not a change in occupancy and is not a code violation by itself.

State updates and runs the building code

The state department adopts and runs the Montana building code by rule. Rules cover construction, equipment, materials, safety, disability access, sanitation, and energy conservation. The department may adopt national model codes by reference and can set stricter rules within legal limits. Once adopted, these rules are the state building code and apply to covered buildings.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Daniel Zolnikov
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Courtenay Sprunger
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 213 • No: 85

Senate vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 67 • No: 32

Senate vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 60 • No: 39

Senate vote • 2/21/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 43 • No: 7

Senate vote • 2/20/2025