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PLUM requests code update to allow single‑stair, six‑story buildings for denser housing
Summary
The PLUM Committee asked City departments to produce building-code modifications to allow single-exit (single‑stair) buildings up to six stories, instructing Planning and Building Safety to consult the Fire Department and return proposals within 90 days.
The Planning and Land Use Management Committee voted to ask city departments to draft modifications to the Los Angeles Building Code that would allow single‑exit (single‑stair) residential buildings up to six stories, and to return recommended code language and related materials for committee review. The committee approved the motion on a 4-0 vote after a brief discussion and with direction to include the Fire Department as a consulting reviewer.
Councilmember Paul Krekorian’s staff described potential cost savings and livability benefits, citing a report that single‑stair designs can reduce development costs and enable larger family-sized units with more light and ventilation. Supporters in the public record — including Abundant Housing LA and YIMBY groups — urged approval, arguing single‑stair allowances would unlock infill parcels and increase housing production.
Labor and building-safety advocates urged caution. The Sheet Metal Workers and the Los Angeles County Building Trades asked the committee to defer changes that could reduce fire-safety margins until a required state study on single-exit stairways under Assembly Bill 835 is completed; they said safety questions remain and urged additional review.
The committee’s action instructs the Department of Building and Safety, in consultation with the Fire Department and Planning Department and with input from livability advocates, to prepare code modifications and related materials for committee consideration within the timeframe specified in the motion. The committee did not adopt final code language; it approved direction for staff work and review.
