Are some fire codes making affordable housing harder to build?
Iain Hoey
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Fire codes and housing design in multifamily buildings
The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University has announced a forthcoming event reviewing research on fire codes in multifamily housing.
According to the Joint Center, the discussion will examine how specific building code requirements, such as mandating two staircases in buildings over three storeys, may limit affordable housing design while offering limited additional fire safety benefits.
It reported that Seva Rodnyansky, research manager at The Pew Charitable Trust’s Housing Policy Initiative, will present a new report comparing fire safety by building type and construction age.
The findings highlight that multifamily buildings constructed since 2000 record the lowest fire death rates.
The event is scheduled for 3 October 2025 and will take place virtually.
Comparison of safety outcomes in single stair buildings
According to the Joint Center, the forthcoming research includes an analysis of fire death rates in buildings with single staircases compared with those with multiple staircases.
It said the study examined housing in New York City and Seattle, both of which permit single staircases in residential buildings up to six storeys tall.
The Joint Center reported that the research found no difference in fire death rates between single-stair and other residential buildings in these cities.
It added that this comparison may provide new evidence relevant to current fire code debates in the United States.
Impact on affordable housing development
The Joint Center explained that current fire code requirements can sometimes create barriers to the construction of affordable housing.
It noted that the mandate for two staircases in multifamily buildings taller than three storeys can restrict design flexibility.
The organisation added that such requirements may increase construction costs without a demonstrated improvement in fire safety outcomes.
It commented that this raises questions about balancing fire protection and housing affordability.
Role of academic and policy voices
The Joint Center stated that the event will feature contributions from academic and policy experts.
It explained that Seva Rodnyansky will lead the presentation of research findings.
The group added that Tim Love, a Lecturer in Real Estate and Urban Planning at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, will join the discussion to provide further perspective.
It indicated that the combined input aims to link data-driven evidence with planning and housing policy considerations.
Fire safety in newer multifamily construction
According to the Joint Center, the research shows clear differences in fire outcomes by building age.
It said multifamily buildings built since 2000 record the lowest rates of fire deaths.
The organisation explained that this outcome may reflect improvements in construction materials, sprinkler systems, and updated building codes over the last two decades.
It reported that the analysis suggests these newer developments offer higher fire safety performance compared with older housing stock.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
For fire and safety professionals, the Joint Center’s research offers evidence that may shape future building code debates.
The findings provide data on whether specific requirements, such as dual staircases, meaningfully reduce fire risks in modern housing.
This information can help safety authorities assess how codes interact with affordability and design flexibility.
The discussion may also support professionals in contributing to policy reforms that maintain safety while enabling housing development.
Fire codes and housing design in multifamily buildings: Summary
The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University has announced a virtual event for 3 October 2025.
The event will address fire codes in multifamily housing.
It will examine how rules such as two-staircase requirements affect design and affordability.
Seva Rodnyansky from The Pew Charitable Trust will present new research.
The research shows that multifamily housing built since 2000 has the lowest fire death rates.
The analysis found no difference in fire death rates between single-stair and other residential buildings in New York City and Seattle.
Tim Love from the Harvard Graduate School of Design will join the discussion.
The event will provide new evidence for ongoing fire code debates in the United States.