The movement to legalize single-stair multi-story buildings is gathering momentum, with the typology offering a more efficient, flexible, and healthy way to build housing.

According to Julian Frost, writing in Greater Greater Washington, “The movement for single-stair reform may be reaching a critical mass of momentum and support in the US.”
Frost assesses the bills proposed in the D.C. region and how they might advance in 2025. In Frost’s view, “Single-stair reform would make small-lot infill development more feasible, and allow for generous, flexible, and well-ventilated apartment layouts.”
However, many global cities safely use single-stair buildings, which save space and make different layouts possible. “The legalization of six-story single-stair buildings would bring into play small infill lots that are currently infeasible to develop due to the geometrical constraints of the double-egress rule.” Single-stair buildings make it possible to give apartments windows on both sides of a unit, improving the health and mental well-being of residents.
The typology isn’t entirely absent in the United States, Frost notes, pointing out examples in Seattle and Brooklyn. But most U.S. building codes have called for multiple stairwells in taller multifamily buildings for decades, citing safety concerns. Now, bills to legalize single-stair buildings are being introduced at both local and state levels in dozens of jurisdictions including Maryland.
FULL STORY: How single-stair apartment reforms could advance across the region this year

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

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.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.

Houston Mayor Promises Dedicated Austin Street Bike Lane After Public Backlash
Although the one-way bike lane won’t be protected by physical barriers, the proposal is an improvement over the mayor’s initial plan to only include sharrows on the Austin Street project.
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