Editorial: Legalize Single-Staircase Buildings in California

A state bill that would allow multifamily buildings to only include one staircase could help boost the housing supply and encourage more spacious and well-designed apartments.

1 minute read

August 14, 2023, 11:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


View of plain building staircase with light coming in from window on landing

supersomik / Adobe Stock

The Los Angeles Times Editorial Board is getting behind the movement for single-staircase reform, which proponents argue would create the opportunity for more housing.

The editorial highlights Assembly Bill 835, which “would direct the State Fire Marshal to propose standards to allow multifamily buildings with one stairway while still protecting residents, which could make it easier to build small-to-medium sized complexes on small lots.”

Single-staircase buildings were outlawed in many U.S. cities and states in the early 20th century as part of an effort to improve fire safety in multifamily buildings. “In recent years, however, indoor sprinklers and fire-safe construction have become common in new buildings, and architects and housing advocates argue that the two-stairway requirement should be reconsidered.”

The two-staircase requirement has eliminated building designs common in other countries that provide more variety and opportunities for community, while data suggests that there is no difference in fire safety given other modern fire standards.

The editorial board acknowledges that allowing single-stair buildings wouldn’t solve the housing crisis, but it could join other policy solutions such as ADUs in alleviating the shortage and creating more interesting and comfortable buildings. “The change would give architects more flexibility in designing larger units for families, with shared courtyards, more light and ventilation.”

Friday, August 11, 2023 in Los Angeles Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Aerial view of schoolyard in Oakland, California with newly planted trees, sports courts, and playground equipment.

Greening Oakland’s School Grounds

With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.

5 hours ago - FacilitiesNet

Power lines at golden hour with downtown Los Angeles in far background.

California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas

Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.

6 hours ago - Los Angeles Times

Green roadside sign with white text reading "Entering Nez Perce Indian Reservation" against grassy field and blue sky.

Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship

In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.

7 hours ago - The Conversation