California Regulators Publish 'Single Stair' Report, Raise Concerns

Proposed changes to building codes could allow mid-rise apartments with just one staircase, but fire officials have reservations.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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California's Office of the State Fire Marshal has published a long-awaited report on whether the state should legalize mid-rise apartment buildings with a single staircase, rather than the current requirement of at least two. While pro-housing advocates argue that single-stair buildings are common in much of the world and would make urban development more affordable, the report takes a skeptical view, noting that redundant staircases are important for safety. The report recommends limiting single-stair buildings to four stories and imposing additional safety rules, rather than allowing the six-story standard seen in some other cities.

Why it matters

This report is the latest development in an ongoing debate between pro-housing groups and fire safety officials over building codes that require multiple staircases in mid-rise apartment buildings. Relaxing these rules could make urban development more affordable, but fire officials argue that redundant exit routes are crucial for resident safety, especially in the event of unforeseen emergencies.

The details

The report, published by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, evaluates the potential impacts of allowing single-stair apartment buildings in California. It finds that a second staircase can account for 7.5% to 12% of total construction costs for mid-rise projects. While modern safety features like sprinklers and smoke detectors can mitigate some risks, the report states that they 'do not fully substitute for the redundancy of two independent stairways.' If the state does move forward with single-stair reforms, the report recommends limiting buildings to four stories, rather than the six-story standard seen in some other cities.

  • The report was published on March 2, 2026, two months past a statutory deadline set by a 2023 state law.
  • Last month, Assemblymember Alex Lee introduced a bill aimed at allowing 'housing buildings with 4 or more stories to have a single stair entry and exit.'

The players

Office of the State Fire Marshal

California's top fire safety regulator, which published the report on single-stair apartment buildings.

Alex Lee

A Democratic Assemblymember who introduced a bill last month to allow single-stair apartment buildings up to four stories.

Bubba Fish

A Culver City councilmember who spearheaded that city's single-stair ordinance last year.

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What they’re saying

“As to be expected from this group, the four story max is ridiculous. Even with that modestly relaxed requirement, California's building code would remain out of step with much of the world.”

— Bubba Fish, Culver City Councilmember (Text message)

“Stairway requirements can have a profound effect on what does and does not get built in our neighborhoods. With the development of modern fire mitigation measures, it is critical that we re-evaluate our building codes and unlock previously undevelopable properties to build more housing.”

— Alex Lee, California Assemblymember (Written statement)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This report highlights the ongoing tension between fire safety regulations and the push for more affordable urban housing. While pro-housing advocates argue that single-stair buildings are common elsewhere and could unlock new development, fire officials remain concerned that redundant exit routes are crucial for resident safety, especially in the event of emergencies.