The decision, made in Culver City, Los Angeles County, sparked strong controversy on the West Coast. The city agreed to change its zoning code to allow buildings up to six stories with a single staircase, which is unusual in the United States.
The measure seeks to expand housing supply and facilitate real estate development on limited land, but it has exposed tensions between local authorities, construction companies and fire departments, which warn of dangers in emergency situations.
To date, most of the country’s urban icons Requires two or more connecting stairs per hallway For buildings more than three levels high. Culver City broke that rule and made an exception, according to its supporters. It will allow you to maximize square metersReducing construction costs and creating accessible housing units.
The amendment allowed the space allocated for stairs to be reduced to only one space, which… It can restore up to 7% of the useful surface Departments, according to estimates issued after a vote Los Angeles Times.
Change is not governed randomly. The city has imposed specific conditions for those seeking to reach the new standard. Every plant The maximum area must be 4,000 square feet – Approximately 371 square meters – and max Four units per floor.
In addition, developments must meet additional requirements associated with fire prevention, a requirement that attempts to balance real estate utility with minimum safety guarantees.
Supporters of the initiative assert that the increased interior space, along with the possibility of building on smaller plots, will open opportunities for residential projects that are not viable today.
In the context of the high housing costs in California, they confirm that this measure will allow the supply Larger and more economical unitswith a direct impact on the availability of rentals and property purchases.
Behind the technical argument there is resistance from sectors dedicated to security. The fire department warned that Eliminating an escape route can make fire situations critical. If the only staircase becomes blocked, evacuation is uncertain.
They also noted that the additional security measures proposed by the city did not take into account the building’s wear and tear over time. Structural failure or a poorly maintained facility can quickly escalate any emergency.
The tension between urbanization and civil protection is not limited to Culver City. Other California cities are exploring similar resolutions. San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco They evaluated allowing single-stair constructions.
However, they were unable to approve it within the legal deadline imposed by AB 130, which has been in effect since last October. State regulations have frozen amendments to certain sections of urban codes for coming years, slowing progress in those jurisdictions.