Single-Stair Reform Is Spreading
More and more cities and states are legalizing six-story single-stair buildings. Let’s see what’s happening.
Single-Stair Buildings Are Already Common Around the World
However, Austin only allows single-stair buildings up to three stories.
But that could soon change!
Many Cities & States Have Passed Or Are Working To Pass Single-Stair Reform
And Six Floors is Emerging as the National Standard For the Height Limit.
Places That Have Passed Single-Stair Reform
ALL allow single-stair buildings up to six floors.
Seattle (1977)
Honolulu (2012)
New York City (2022)
Tennessee (2024)
Knoxville (2024)
These places have broadly adopted the same standards being proposed for Austin. See our FAQ for more information.
Places Working Toward Single-Stair Reform
Most explicitly mention six floors as the proposed height limit. None call for fewer than six floors.
Washington State
Wyoming
Austin
Nashville
San Francisco
California
Connecticut
Minnesota
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Virginia
What People Are Saying About Single-Stair Reform
Elected Officials
Council Member, City of Austin
“[Single-stair buildings give] families more space and natural light. We’re confident that these buildings will be among the safest in Austin.”
Chito Vela
California Assemblymember District 24
“[With single-stair reform], we could unlock previously undevelopable properties, and create more high density housing.”
Alex Lee
Virginia State Delegate
“This is a common approach in countries around the world and has been proven to be incredibly safe, effective, and sustainable.”
Adele McClure
Council Member, City of Nashville
“These reforms… have been successful in delivering safe, affordable, family sized units. [They also]... allow multifamily family structures to be more attractive in appearance.”
Rollin Horton
Fire Experts
Fire expert at Seattle Fire Dept*
“Single stairway buildings have been around for decades and many of these buildings provide far superior accommodation and amenity than buildings with double-loaded corridors.”
*Speaking as an individual
Mark Chubb
Fire engineer & building code consultant
“With the significant improvement in life safety over the last 50 years provided by improved construction, monitored fire alarms and residential sprinklers, we support this significant increase in the height and area of single exit buildings.”
Andrew Harmsworth