States are changing fire codes to make housing cheaper. Some safety experts are worried.

States and cities are relaxing building code requirements to reduce construction costs and increase affordable housing, including allowing single-stairway low-rise apartment buildings. Critics warn these changes could compromise safety, as existing codes were designed to prevent harm based on past tragedies. Recent laws in Idaho, Colorado, and Texas exemplify the trend, with proposed updates to national codes and new federal legislation potentially expanding such policies.