Austin City Council signs off on more 'single stair' buildings
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Thursday, Austin City Council members approved a code amendment that allows more units to be built using only one central staircase. Advocates of “single stair” housing say it will create more flexibility in how smaller complexes are built, making them more affordable.
“In support of increased housing options, the Council adopted amendments allowing single-stairway designs in certain multi-family residential buildings up to five stories,” the city of Austin wrote in a news release.
The argument most frequently made against “single stair” housing — public safety. Having two stairwells allows for different access points for first responders and also creates two evacuation routes for residents.
Austin Firefighters Association President Chief Bob Nicks asked the city to be thorough in its approach to implementing the change. He also pointed to the need for additional ladder trucks at the department to reach taller buildings.
“The City of Austin does NOT have enough aerial ladder apparatus in service to support current firefighting operations, let alone taller multi-family buildings. This fact cannot be overstated, for allowing taller multi-family buildings absolutely requires an adequate fire response, which we cannot claim today,” Nicks wrote in a letter to council members.
In a work session earlier this week, budget staff said they expect to get a new ladder truck by fiscal year 2026. They said they’ve worked $2 million into the budget to staff it. They also said they expect to get a second truck by 2027.
What is single stair?
Austin City Council Member Chito Vela broke it down like this in a video on social media:
“A single stair building has only one staircase running down the middle of the building. This allows for apartments with windows on two sides, providing for better natural light and airflow. This also allows for large two and three bedroom family sized units.”
The city council is also asking for a study to understand the feasibility of allowing “single stair” buildings to reach up to six feet.
“This design option—common in other urban areas—can allow for more flexible layouts. However, it comes with specific limitations based on building size and fire safety considerations,” the city of Austin said.
