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States Remove Staircase Requirement, Lowering Costs for Apartments

3/5/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Since 2024, several U.S. states have removed the two-staircase requirement for small apartment buildings.
Proponents say one staircase reduces space for common areas, enables smaller lots, and lowers costs, with others studying the shift.
Stephen Smith, executive director of the Center for Building in North America, supports the change.
Colorado, Connecticut, and Texas have approved the change.
Washington State is set to join in July.

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Story summary

Since 2024, several U.S. states have removed the two-staircase requirement for small apartment buildings.
Proponents say one staircase reduces space for common areas, enables smaller lots, and lowers costs, with others studying the shift.
Stephen Smith, executive director of the Center for Building in North America, supports the change.
Colorado, Connecticut, and Texas have approved the change.
Washington State is set to join in July.