All solutions
Legalize housing
Single-stair reform
Legalize the small, family-sized apartment buildings most of the world builds — one stair, up to six stories.
Written by YIMBY LawWhat it does
Update building codes to permit mid-sized apartment buildings — typically up to six stories — with one stairway instead of two. Dual-stair rules force inefficient double-loaded corridors that limit light, waste space, and squeeze out family-sized homes.
Why localities should pursue single-stair reform
The problem
Requiring two staircases in mid-rise buildings forces double-loaded-corridor layouts: long hallways, units on one side, limited natural light and ventilation, and wasted floor area. The rule blocks the 4–6 story 'missing middle' outright on smaller lots — and with it the larger two- and three-bedroom homes urban markets lack.
The fix
Permit single-stair buildings up to six stories under modern fire and safety standards. More homes per lot without added height, flexible floor plans that fit family-sized units, better light and cross-ventilation, and lower per-unit construction costs.
“”This reform applies only to mid-rise buildings, not skyscrapers.
YIMBY Law
Crafting the policy
What separates versions that produce homes from versions that produce headlines.
Must include
- A clear height / number-of-stories limit
- Modernized fire and safety requirements
Watch out for
- Affordability mandates
- Parking requirements
- Redundant safety measurements
Why each one matters
After it passes
What to watch so the law turns into homes.
- 1
Set a clearly defined, near-future effective date
- 2
Create a framework and timeline for updating the code as technology and safety standards evolve
- 3
Identify the enforcement mechanism
Appeals board, third-party standing, or Attorney General referral — when projects are wrongly denied
- 4
Engage the key stakeholders early
Firefighters' associations, fire marshals, and EMS
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.
6 likely allies
- Building & code official associations
- Building Design Institute of America
- Center for Building in North America
- Home builder associations
- Single Stair TX
- Strong Towns
Wins & momentum
Where it has already passed.
5wins since 2025
- 5
- 3
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.