S
an Francisco's building code may be on the verge of a change that could encourage more housing development. Supervisor Aaron Peskin has asked city officials to consider allowing apartment buildings up to six stories to have only one stairway, rather than the current requirement of two. This would make it easier and cheaper for developers to build, potentially leading to an increase in new residential units.

    The current code requires buildings over three stories to have a double-loaded corridor design, which can be inefficient and costly. However, allowing single-stair buildings could provide cost savings and improved safety, according to Kathrin Moore of the San Francisco Planning Commission. Seattle has already adopted this approach, and Peskin believes San Francisco can do the same without needing state law changes.

    Peskin's resolution is supported by Mayor London Breed and aims to unlock tens of thousands of new residential units that are currently stuck in "density purgatory." By adopting single-stair building code equivalencies, the city could sensibly grow its housing stock.