Vernon Council Votes to Restrict Single-Exit Stair Buildings

“Approving a Single Exit Stairway residential building design in the City of Vernon would create a life safety risk that currently cannot be reasonably mitigated within the existing fire department resources.” Vernon Fire Chief Lind

File image of Vernon Fire Rescue at a downtown building fire

July 21 2026 - Single-exit stair (SES) buildings are multi-unit residential structures that rely on just one stairwell for all floors instead of the traditional two.

The Province of British Columbia began allowing them in 2024 (up to 6 storeys) to help increase housing supply.

At its Regular Council meeting on July 20, 2026, Vernon City Council voted to adopt Policy 2026-06-V1, which effectively blocks these single-exit stair designs in the city for the time being.

The policy states that SES buildings shall not be permitted until Vernon Fire Rescue Services has the necessary staffing, equipment, and response capabilities required by the provincial Building Code.

Fire Rescue Director David Lind recommended the policy, warning that approving SES buildings now would create unacceptable life safety risks for residents and firefighters.

Council was split on the issue. Councillor Brian Quiring spoke strongly in favour of allowing single-exit stair buildings, arguing they are safe under the BC Code and good for small-lot development.

However, the majority supported the restrictive policy.

No applications for single-exit stair buildings have been submitted to the City yet.

Vernon’s decision follows a similar cautious approach taken by West Kelowna and several other BC municipalities.

Vernon Council Votes to Restrict Single-Exit Stair Buildings