Hi Will
In California a state legislative action, supported by AIA CA, called for the State Fire Marshall to launch a 'working group' to review point access block issues, challenges and opportunities for code adjustment. That working group has been meeting; the proceeding minutes and presentations that have occurred on an SFM website here:
https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/code-development-and-analysis/workgroups (scroll down to last item)
It's a pretty complete collection of research and presentations on the topic.
These are public meetings, so Architects interested in the outcome are welcome to participate. All the meetings are virtual. The outcome of this group is expected to be in draft form in August, with revisions through November, when it will advance to the SFM for code development consideration. The Charter for this working group is attached.
UPCOMING MEETING DATES FOR 2025
The first Tuesday of each month starts at 8 AM
a. Next meeting – June 3, 2025, 8-10 AM PST Time: 10 AM – 12 PM PST
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87236779373?pwd=lSul1tdy1n36pxffDkyzYK4YznN2e9.1
Stephen Smith, who leads the non-profit Center For Building has been a key proponent of this; at ICC Hearings (a version has been adopted for a future code cycle) and in CA and beyond. Steven has been attending the SFM working group meetings regularly (they are virtual) stephen@centerforbuilding.org Stephen's non-profit's website: https://www.centerforbuilding.org/
In recent conversation with Stephen, he shared some thoughts along these lines:
- It appears there is a good change of some level of acceptance in CA; possibly as high as six stories (this height is on the runway for approval by ICC in the current code cycle).
- Probably some form of smoke control and possibly additional fire protection for the stairs
- Maybe some other requirements related to exiting fire protection/smoke control
Some members of AIASan Francisco recently shared some design studies they did. These show clearly how pointblock can make very tight lots in San Francisco (25x100) useable for functional multifamily infill housing. You can request a copy of this study by contacting Bryan Alcorn <bryanalcorn@dbarchitect.com>
Stephen Smith has a wide range of materials, including illustrations of how point block design can allow for a wider range of housing geometries in an efficient footprint. He also has research on the impact of this design approach on safety referencing jurisdictions with large numbers of units using this design approach (New York City; Seattle).
Cheers
Michael F. Malinowski FAIA
Consultant AIA California
President Applied Architecture Inc
President, Streamline Institute, Inc 501c3
ICC Existing Building Code Committee 2018-2023
AIA California President 2016
AIA National Director 2012-2014