Housing advocates still waiting for state-ordered stair report

California's Office of the State Fire Marshal has missed its January 1 deadline to deliver a critical report on single-staircase apartment buildings, leaving housing advocates and developers waiting for potential regulatory changes that could reshape mid-rise construction across the state.

The Legislature commissioned the study in fall 2023 to examine whether mid-rise apartments could safely operate with single staircases rather than the current dual-staircase requirements that effectively ban this building type throughout most of North America, despite its widespread use internationally.

The delayed report represents a missed opportunity for developers seeking more cost-effective construction options in California's housing crisis.

Current building codes require dual staircases for safety reasons, providing multiple escape routes during fires, but housing advocates argue these requirements significantly increase construction costs and limit design flexibility.

Single-staircase buildings could potentially allow developers to create larger, better-lit units with more family-sized apartments while reducing overall project costs.

A draft version of the report suggests the Fire Marshal's office may consider modest building code modifications, though the specifics remain unclear.

The delay continues California's reputation for slow regulatory processes, frustrating stakeholders who view single-staircase approval as a practical tool for addressing the state's housing shortage while maintaining reasonable safety standards.