States are changing fire codes to make housing cheaper. Some safety experts are worried.

By: Robbie Sequeira

Outlets: Stateline

Published: June 22, 2026

Words: 1,989

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 1 day ago

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States and cities are loosening building code requirements in an effort to lower construction costs and boost affordable housing.

Some of these changes include allowing low-rise apartment buildings to have just one stairway, reducing how often building codes are updated and rolling back specific electrical or fire safety standards.

But critics have raised safety concerns, noting that existing rules were shaped by past tragedies and aim to prevent future harm.

For example, having only one …

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