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Streamline permitting
Elevator reform
Right-size America's outlier elevator codes so small apartment buildings pencil again.
Written by YIMBY LawWhat it does
Modernize building codes to permit smaller, cost-effective, flexible elevator systems in mid-rise buildings — cutting construction costs and making missing-middle housing feasible on constrained sites.
Why localities should pursue elevator reform
The problem
Elevator installation and maintenance in North America costs several times more than in peer countries — driven by larger required cab sizes, labor constraints, and standards unique to this continent. Oversized requirements eat floor area and budgets, making 4–6 story buildings hard to justify.
The fix
Permit smaller, right-sized, modern elevator systems in mid-rise buildings. Less space devoted to oversized shafts means more homes per lot without added height, lower per-unit costs, and mid-sized multifamily buildings that pencil again.
“”This reform targets mid-rise buildings only — not skyscrapers.
YIMBY Law
Crafting the policy
What separates versions that produce homes from versions that produce headlines.
Must include
- Clear limits on height, stories, or units served
- Smaller elevators in smaller buildings
- Modernized safety requirements
Watch out for
- Elevator car size as the compromise
- Redundant safety measurements
Why each one matters
After it passes
What to watch so the law turns into homes.
- 1
Set clearly defined, near-term effective dates
- 2
Create a timeline for updating the code as elevator technology evolves
- 3
Specify exactly when elevators are required, what qualifies in smaller buildings, and the compliant alternatives — vague language invites delay and denial
- 4
Answer accessibility concerns directly
Pair the reform with ground-floor accessible units or adaptable design standards
Make the case
What to say at public comment, in a letter to council, or to a neighbor.
Talking points
Say them at public comment, put them in a letter to your council, or send them to a neighbor. Copy any one.
Likely allies
The groups that tend to show up for it.
5 likely allies
- Building & code official associations
- Building Design Institute of America
- Center for Building in North America
- Elevators for All
- Home builder associations
Related primers
Bringing this to your city council?
You don't have to make the case alone. Our chapters have passed policies like this before — join one, or start one, and bring the movement with you.