Land-use reformers in the U.S. aiming to address housing shortages have focused on amending zoning codes, which have limited multifamily housing options and led to suburban sprawl. Recently, young architects and planners have highlighted the restrictive building codes mandating multiple egress routes, proposing to re-legalize single-stair apartment buildings for cost-effective and attractive multifamily housing. This design allows for more light, air, and community building compared to traditional designs mandated by regulations. Reforming both zoning and building codes is crucial for enabling innovative housing options, as seen in successful efforts in cities like New York and Seattle, with the potential for reform spreading across the country.
https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/16880-exit-strategy-the-case-for-single-stair-egress