Last year, six states eliminated a fire-safety code requiring apartment buildings taller than three stories to have at least two staircases. More states are exploring the move.
That’s not why housing is expensive.
What a backwards way of thinking.
I read an article from a somewhat progressive source a few years ago advocating for this very change.
The essential argument was that the “2 stairwells at opposite ends of the building” requirement was a product of an earlier era when building materials were more flammable, buildings didn’t have sprinkler systems, and some other code changes. The article said that it was much cheaper to build one stairwell in the middle of a building, adjacent to the elevator bank, and modern fire safety measures ensure that it’s still safe enough.
I don’t have a strong opinion, personally, but the argument doesn’t seem completely dystopian.
Yeah, its not completely crazy for less-tall buildings where a ladder can be used for rescue if the staircase is unsafe. Some places allow single-stair where that’s possible and it might moderately reduce construction costs