San Diego, November 23, 2025
San Diego is considering a reform to allow mid-rise apartments to be built with a single stairwell. This change aims to reduce construction costs by 6% to 13% and improve affordable housing options. Proponents believe modern designs can ensure safety while addressing urban housing shortages. City Councilmember Kent Lee advocates for the reform, which aligns with statewide efforts to modernize building codes and support housing development.
San Diego Explores ‘Single-Stair Reform’ to Enhance Housing Development
San Diego is actively considering a significant modification to its building codes aimed at bolstering the construction of mid-rise apartment buildings within the city. The proposed ‘single-stair reform’ would permit the construction of buildings up to six stories tall with only a single stairwell, potentially facilitating a notable increase in affordable housing options.
Proposed Changes and Their Anticipated Impact
The primary objective of the reform is to modernize existing building codes by allowing mid-rise apartment buildings to adopt the single-stair design, a strategy already utilized in cities like Seattle and New York. This change is projected to reduce construction expenditures by 6% to 13%, making multifamily housing developments more feasible in urban areas where land is both limited and expensive. Additionally, single-stair configurations are particularly suited to smaller, irregularly shaped lots often found along commercial corridors or near transit routes, which are typically unsuitable for traditional dual-stair designs. This approach aligns with broader efforts to enhance housing supply and affordability in San Diego.
Safety Considerations and Community Support
Proponents of the reform assert that contemporary single-stair buildings can be just as safe as their dual-stair counterparts, attributing this to advancements in fire prevention and suppression technologies. Studies indicate that the incidence of fire-related fatalities in buildings with a single stairwell does not exceed rates seen in other building types. Modern single-stair structures commonly incorporate essential safety features, including sprinklers, enclosed stairways, self-closing doors, and fire-rated walls. Public sentiment towards the extension of apartment buildings—particularly in proximity to jobs and commercial areas—has been notably favorable, with single-stair legislation emerging as an integral component of housing solutions in various other cities.
Local Legislative Movements
In San Diego, City Councilmember Kent Lee is actively advocating for the single-stair reform, underscoring its potential to produce more family-oriented apartments that benefit from improved natural light and ventilation. The San Diego City Council has taken steps to include single-stair reform within its legislative agenda, empowering city lobbyists to champion this policy alteration in Sacramento. This initiative mirrors a statewide trend, as multiple cities across California, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, contemplate similar reforms to mitigate housing shortages and enhance affordability.
Broader Context and Nationwide Trends
The single-stair reform is part of a wider movement across the nation aimed at updating building codes and amplifying housing supply. Since 2022, 19 states along with Washington, D.C., have introduced legislation to study or permit the construction of single-stairway buildings, with seven states passing bipartisan measures in 2025 alone. These reforms are strategically designed to render housing development more practical and affordable, especially in urban landscapes where land is a premium.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the ‘single-stair reform’?
The ‘single-stair reform’ is a proposed change to building codes that would allow mid-rise apartment buildings up to six stories tall to be constructed with a single stairwell, instead of the traditional two stairwells. This change aims to reduce construction costs and make housing development more feasible in urban areas.
How could this reform impact housing in San Diego?
Implementing the single-stair reform in San Diego could lead to a significant increase in the construction of affordable, family-sized apartments. By reducing construction costs and allowing for more flexible building designs, this reform could help address the city’s housing shortage and improve affordability.
Is the single-stair reform safe?
Advocates argue that modern single-stair buildings are as safe as dual-stair buildings, citing the effectiveness of contemporary fire prevention and suppression technologies. Research indicates that the rate of death from fire in single-stair buildings is no higher than in other types of buildings.
Which other cities are considering similar reforms?
Several cities in California, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, are considering similar single-stair reforms to address housing shortages and affordability. These efforts are part of a broader trend to modernize building codes and increase housing supply nationwide.
What is the status of the single-stair reform in San Diego?
San Diego’s City Council has added single-stair reform to its legislative platform, allowing city lobbyists to advocate for this policy change in Sacramento. This move reflects the city’s commitment to exploring innovative solutions to its housing challenges.
Key Features of the Single-Stair Reform
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Building Height | Allows mid-rise apartment buildings up to six stories tall with a single stairwell. |
| Construction Cost Reduction | Reduces construction costs by 6% to 13%, making housing development more feasible in urban areas. |
| Safety Standards | Equipped with modern safety features such as sprinklers, enclosed stairways, self-closing doors, and fire-rated walls. |
| Urban Compatibility | Suitable for small, irregular lots in urban areas, facilitating housing development in dense neighborhoods. |
| Legislative Support | Supported by recent bipartisan legislation in multiple states, including California, to modernize building codes and increase housing supply. |
Conclusion
As San Diego continues to confront a pressing housing shortage, the potential introduction of the ‘single-stair reform’ could serve as a pivotal step in enabling construction of more affordable living spaces. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles and fostering innovative building practices, local entrepreneurs can thrive alongside evolving legislative frameworks aimed at bolstering community development. Residents are encouraged to support local initiatives and stay informed about ongoing changes in San Diego’s housing landscape and broader economic future.
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
