Single-stair multifamily codes trend as states lean into affordability

"Single-stair small multifamily housing has shifted from a niche building type to a momentum-driven national reform trend in recent months, as cities and states seek to expand housing affordability through missing middle construction. As of now, 19 states have introduced or passed bills or commissioned studies on single-stair construction, meaning the trend has a long way to go before it reaches critical mass."

"Last year, Colorado, Texas, Montana, and New Hampshire enacted new legislation, while Los Angeles and Nashville are among the cities that made the switch. Minnesota is now considering allowing single-stair construction up to six stories, based on a study showing that single-stair designs can be safe in taller buildings when other fire safety conditions are in place. The Minnesota study could serve as a model for how other states and cities build evidence to support allowing single stairways in new, taller residential buildings."

"States and cities are targeting changes to stairway requirements in building codes to enable small increases in density alongside zoning changes. The shift reflects a broader inflection toward scrutinizing building codes as a tool for density increases, even modest ones. Dallas, for example, adopted an ordinance last year that applies the residential International Building Code to multifamily construction in developments up to eight stories. In many developers' view, the commercial IBC had made smaller projects too costly to build, effectively shutting out small developers."

Single-stair small multifamily housing is becoming a national reform trend to expand affordability through missing-middle construction. Nineteen states have introduced or passed bills or commissioned studies on single-stair construction, while several states and cities have enacted or adopted changes. Colorado, Texas, Montana, and New Hampshire passed legislation last year; Los Angeles and Nashville adopted new rules. Minnesota is studying allowing single-stair buildings up to six stories after a study found single-stair designs can be safe when other fire-safety measures are present. Cities and states are targeting stairway requirements in building codes to enable modest density increases alongside zoning changes. Dallas applied the residential IBC to multifamily developments up to eight stories to lower costs for small developers.

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