Single-Staircase Reform Proposed in California

Why It Matters

If enacted, the reform could lower construction expenses and accelerate mid‑rise housing delivery, but it also raises safety debates that could shape future building‑code reforms nationwide.

Key Takeaways

• Bill would permit single‑staircase buildings up to six stories.
• Current California law requires two staircases above three stories.
• Pew study estimates up to 13% construction cost savings.
• Fire marshal recommends single staircases only up to four stories.
• Other states and cities already adopted similar single‑staircase reforms.

Pulse Analysis

California’s housing crisis has spurred lawmakers to revisit long‑standing building codes. The proposed bill would amend Department of Housing and Community Development standards, allowing developers to construct six‑story multifamily projects with just one stairwell. This shift aligns state policy with cities like New York and Seattle, where single‑staircase designs are already legal, and follows Culver City’s pioneering local ordinance. By reducing the need for a second core, developers can save on structural steel, fire‑proofing, and floor‑to‑floor height, potentially lowering overall project costs by double‑digit percentages.

Economic analyses from the Pew Charitable Trusts suggest that single‑staircase reforms could shave up to 13% off construction budgets, translating into thousands of additional housing units over the next decade. Lower costs improve the financial viability of mid‑rise projects, encouraging private investment in markets where land prices and permitting delays have stalled supply. The reform also promises faster permitting timelines, as fewer structural components simplify plan reviews. As other states adopt comparable measures, California could regain competitiveness in the national housing pipeline, attracting developers who might otherwise target more permissive jurisdictions.

Safety remains the central counterpoint. The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s report underscores that while modern sprinkler systems, smoke detection, and passive fire‑control technologies mitigate risk, they do not fully replace the redundancy offered by two independent stairways. The marshal recommends limiting single‑staircase designs to four stories, a more conservative threshold than the bill’s six‑story proposal. Balancing cost efficiencies with fire‑fighter access will likely shape legislative negotiations, with potential compromises such as mandatory fire‑suppression upgrades or enhanced egress signage. The outcome will set a precedent for how California reconciles affordable‑housing imperatives with rigorous safety standards.