A pair of bills in the Michigan Senate would permit multifamily buildings up to six stories to be constructed with a single stairway, advancing as a standalone reform while a comprehensive bipartisan housing package languishes in the legislature. Governor Gretchen Whitmer's "build, baby, build" agenda has faced resistance, but the single-stair proposal appears to have gained momentum outside the broader effort.
The legislation targets a specific barrier to denser development: current code often requires two stairwells in buildings above a certain height, increasing costs and limiting floor plans. Proponents argue that allowing a single stair, as is common in many other countries, could unlock more affordable housing options in urban areas. The bills have not yet been scheduled for a full Senate vote.
Michigan joins a growing number of states exploring single-stair reforms, including California and Washington, as a way to lower construction costs and speed up approvals. The move comes amid a nationwide housing shortage that has pushed policymakers to revisit longstanding building codes. Detractors, however, raise safety concerns about single egress in taller structures.
The broader housing package, which includes zoning changes and funding for affordable units, remains stuck amid partisan disagreements. With the single-stair bill progressing separately, it may serve as a test case for incremental rather than comprehensive reform. The outcome could influence similar debates in other statehouses watching Michigan's experiment.