Editorial: Legalize Single-Staircase Buildings in California

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.”