Alex Horowitz

States and cities are loosening building code requirements to reduce construction costs and increase affordable housing, including allowing single-stairway apartment buildings and rolling back fire safety standards. Critics warn these changes could compromise safety, as existing codes were shaped by past tragedies to prevent harm.

States are relaxing building codes to reduce housing costs, including allowing single-stairway apartment buildings and reducing fire safety standards. Critics warn these changes could compromise safety, as existing codes are based on historical tragedies. Idaho, Colorado, and Texas have enacted laws permitting single-stairway buildings under specific conditions.

States and cities are relaxing building and fire codes to reduce construction costs and increase affordable housing, including allowing single-stairway apartment buildings. Critics, such as safety experts and planning professionals, warn these changes could compromise occupant safety by removing established protections. Recent legislative actions in Idaho, Colorado, and Texas exemplify this trend, with laws permitting single-stairway buildings under specific conditions.

States and cities are relaxing building codes to reduce construction costs and increase affordable housing, including allowing single-stairway apartment buildings and rolling back fire safety standards. Critics warn these changes could compromise safety, as existing rules were developed to prevent harm from past tragedies.

States and cities are relaxing building codes to reduce construction costs and increase affordable housing, including allowing single-stairway apartment buildings and rolling back fire safety standards. Critics warn these changes could compromise safety, while organizations like The Pew Charitable Trusts advocate for reforms. Idaho, Colorado, and Texas have recently enacted laws permitting single-stairway buildings under specific conditions.

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.

States and cities are relaxing building codes to reduce construction costs and increase affordable housing, including allowing single-stairway apartment buildings and rolling back fire safety standards. Safety experts warn these changes could increase risks for occupants, while organizations like The Pew Charitable Trusts advocate for reforms. Legislative efforts in multiple states and proposed updates to national codes aim to expand single-stairway building allowances.