The Maryland General Assembly has introduced House Bill 489/Senate Bill 436, a pioneering bill designed to explore the potential of legalizing single-stair apartment buildings, marking a major step toward improving both fire safety and affordable housing solutions in the state. This bill directs the Maryland Labor Department to review current building codes and investigate best practices from other cities and states that have successfully implemented this reform.

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The initiative, which has been in the works for months, comes at a crucial time as Maryland faces rising housing costs and outdated safety regulations in its aging housing stock. The bill is backed by key advocates such as Senator Jeff Waldstreicher, Delegate Vaughn Stewart, Baltimoreans for People-Oriented Places (BaltPOP), and the Center for Building in North America. Their goal is to make it easier to construct smaller apartment buildings, especially in tightly packed urban areas, and to improve fire safety standards in older properties.

Currently, Maryland's building code mandates that apartment buildings must have two staircases, connected by a hallway. This requirement adds substantial costs and logistical challenges to construction projects, particularly for smaller buildings or the renovation of older properties. As a result, fewer affordable homes are being built, and the housing shortage continues to worsen.

“Over the years, the need for affordable housing has become more urgent, and these reforms could help create more housing options,” said Julian Frost, an advocate who worked on drafting the bill. “Smaller buildings with single staircases can be a practical, cost-effective solution in older neighborhoods with limited space.”

Addressing Fire Safety Concerns

The tragic fire in a Silver Spring apartment building in 2023 brought renewed attention to fire safety in Maryland, especially in older buildings that may not have the modern fire prevention features now required in new construction. The goal of the new bill is to make it easier to build or renovate homes with modern fire safety standards, such as sprinklers, while also addressing the state's critical housing needs.

“Modernizing building codes to allow single-stair buildings could make it easier to construct new buildings with up-to-date fire safety features,” said Payton Chung, another key advocate for the bill. “We need to ensure that as our state grows, we’re building safe and accessible homes for all.”

Outlook and Next Steps

If passed, the bill would require Maryland’s Labor Department to research building codes in other regions that have legalized single-stair buildings, such as parts of Portland and Canada. The department would then compile a report to be submitted to the Governor in December, outlining potential changes and best practices that could be incorporated into Maryland's building codes. This research could then lay the groundwork for legislation in 2026 that would permanently change the state’s building laws.

“We’re excited to be introducing this bill as part of a broader effort to reform the state’s approach to affordable housing and fire safety,” said Delegate Vaughn Stewart. “This is just the beginning, and we look forward to working with all stakeholders to make this a reality.”

In addition to the policy changes outlined in the bill, stakeholders hope that this reform will set a precedent for other regions in the U.S. to consider similar measures to address the challenges of urban housing and fire safety. With the backing of the community and key legislators, advocates remain hopeful that Maryland will lead the way in modernizing its building codes and creating safer, more affordable living spaces for its residents.

As the bill heads into committees in both the Maryland House and Senate, public hearings are expected to take place soon. Stay tuned for more updates on how this innovative reform could help shape Maryland’s housing future.