Mastodawn

"This week, the state’s Board of Housing and Community Development advanced a proposal to allow single stairways in four-story buildings, setting it up for potential adoption in the next state code requirements." #Virginia #BuildingCodeReform #SingleStair #housing #design #PointAccessBlocks https://virginiamercury.com/2026/05/15/virginia-inches-closer-to-allowing-single-stairwell-multi-unit-buildings/

Virginia inches closer to allowing single-stairwell multi-unit buildings • Virginia Mercury

Virginia leaders are in the process of updating the state’s building codes, which mandate requirements for future construction, and are exploring an idea that some lawmakers and advocates say could unlock housing development on vacant or underutilized lots.

Virginia Mercury

@[email protected]Apr 28

I honestly still can't say I'm fully sold on the case for single stair egress for mid-rise apartment buildings even if I get the pros and cons. I always feel like these posts and articles are only partially convincing, IDK.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tom-jaleski-8659491a_single-egress-stair-single-failure-point-share-7454533289052254208-5fJZ

#Architecture #SingleStair

Lyle Solla-Yates Apr 1

https://archive.is/2026.03.31-235740/https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2026/03/31/single-stair-bill-dc-council-nadeau.html “The D.C. Council on Tuesday unanimously advanced legislation that paves the way for a building code amendment allowing a single entrance, exit and stairway for multifamily residences up to six stories.” #DMV #housing #design #SingleStair

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Lyle Solla-Yates Mar 18

8. We had a line about support for single stair building code reform which was not acted on in the legislature, but two related submissions are being considered in the 2027 Virginia building code update. I expect four stories to pass and five and six have a chance. #SingleStair #MissingMiddle #housing

Bryn Davidson - Lanefab Mar 4

@nytimes.com covers #singlestair with @[email protected] and @[email protected] and co www.nytimes.com/2026/03/04/b...

To Cut Housing Costs, Some Sta...

To Cut Housing Costs, Some States Are Easing Fire Safety Rules

Last year, six states eliminated a fire-safety code requiring apartment buildings taller than three stories to have at least two staircases. More states are exploring the move.

The New York Times

Lyle Solla-Yates Dec 21

I'm happy to see Congress considering national standards for safer and more affordable family housing. We local government people are doing our best to cobble this together but I agree that national action to support us makes sense. https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6345/text/ih #housing #USPolitics #SingleStair #BuildingCode #FireSafety #inflation

Lyle Solla-Yates Dec 13

Very interested in this project. As we change building code to allow safer and more affordable family homes in more urban areas, we are finding that the old zoning does not make as much sense. #zoning #BuildingCode #design #SingleStair #housing https://bsky.app/profile/lanefab.com/post/3m7jcaexii22y

Bryn Davidson - Lanefab (@lanefab.com)

Working to come up with a reasonably simple rule set for single-stair infill buildings.

Bluesky Social

Lyle Solla-Yates Dec 11

https://vancouver.ca/news-calendar/new-vancouver-building-rules-dec-2025.aspx “Modernizing our building rules is about making practical, forward-thinking changes that protect people and support more housing options” #Vancouver #housing #design #BuildingCode #SingleStair #FireSafety

New Vancouver building rules aim to improve safety and housing supply

Vancouver approves new space-saving stair designs and Abandoned and Vacated Buildings By-law.

Lyle Solla-Yates Nov 1, 2025

https://web.archive.org/web/20251101111115/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/personal-finance/household-finances/article-livable-apartments-condos-rentals-rulebook-housing/ Wonderful visual intro to the kind of smart, walkable family apartments I expect to be permitted in Virginia building code in 2027 #housing #BuildingCode #SingleStair #design

The era of the shoebox condo is over. How Canada can start building livable apartments

Canada needs livable apartments to help fix the housing crisis. To do that, it must change the rulebook for both condos and rentals

The Globe and Mail

Lyle Solla-Yates Oct 4, 2025

I’m not aware of any reporting but single stair residential to the fourth story with safety improvements (my proposal) is proceeding for consideration for adoption with a consensus recommendation. This is the best possible outcome for success. I can’t guarantee anything but there is a very good chance that Virginia will be permitting this building type again in the 2027 code update, where zoning allows it and an adequate water supply exists. #Virginia #housing #BuildingCode #SingleStair