HB 615 Summary

• Requires residential rental properties with dwelling areas above the second story to have a separate exterior means of egress (unblocked window with ladder/staircase extending no more than 5 feet above ground) unless the property has a fire suppression system.

• Applies the exterior egress requirement to the state fire code (section 3737.82), state residential building code (section 3781.10), and existing residential rental properties (section 3781.104).

• Defines "residential rental property" as a single-family dwelling structure leased or rented to multiple tenants for residential purposes, excluding hotels and college/university dormitories.

• Requires the residential construction advisory committee to include the exterior egress requirement in recommendations to the board of building standards for residential building codes (section 4740.14).

• Amends section 3781.104 to remove the 180-day implementation timeline for existing apartment and condominium buildings to comply with smoke detection requirements.