Across the country, new building code reforms are creating real opportunities for multifamily developers. Single-stair allowances are beginning to replace long-standing restrictions on midrise design, allowing up to six stories of residential density within a smaller, more efficient footprint. The result is lower construction costs, faster delivery timelines and access to infill sites that were previously out of reach. As more states adopt these updates, developers are gaining new ways to balance financial performance with attainable housing goals.
More States and Cities Are Taking Action
More than ten states are now considering or have adopted single-stair provisions. Texas recently passed Senate Bill 2835, which allows single-stair buildings up to six stories statewide. In North Carolina, a proposed bill known as SB 492 would permit midrise buildings up to eight stories when enhanced safety measures are met.
Cities are also leading reform efforts. Seattle, New York City, Los Angeles, Austin and Honolulu have each advanced their own versions of these updates. These early adopters are showing that well-planned code changes can expand housing options while maintaining public trust.
Safety and Design in Balance
Single-stair reform does not remove safety standards, but it reframes them to align with modern construction practices and performance-based codes. Updated fire and life-safety requirements ensure residents remain just as protected as they would in traditional two-stair designs. Typical measures include continuous rated fire barriers, full sprinkler systems, generator-backed elevators and carefully calculated egress distances.
These updates open the door to better design outcomes. By freeing up building area previously used for redundant circulation, architects can deliver improved daylight, cross-ventilation and overall livability within compact footprints.
Development Opportunities
For developers, the benefits extend well beyond design. Single-stair reforms can lower construction costs by reducing structural duplication and circulation area. They can also increase unit yield, allowing projects to become viable on smaller or irregular sites. As more jurisdictions adopt these policies, developers can move projects through entitlement and construction more efficiently while contributing to attainable, well-designed housing solutions.
Looking Ahead
From Honolulu to Austin early projects are proving that single-stair midrises can provide livable and efficient housing that meets market needs without compromising quality or safety. With more states advancing legislation and cities refining their codes, single-stair reform represents the next evolution in midrise housing across the country.
