Virginia Lawmakers Propose Building Code Reforms
Proposed code changes seek to boost housing supply by allowing single-stair access in residential buildings.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Apartments
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Virginia lawmakers recently submitted recommendations to revise state building codes, aiming to address a housing shortage by allowing single-stairway access for smaller buildings. The proposals are part of a broader effort to increase density and affordability throughout the state.
Why it matters
A 2021 state study revealed a shortage of at least 200,000 housing units in Virginia. Lawmakers argue that current requirements hinder development on narrow lots and that modernizing these codes could help ease affordability issues.
Virginia officials are reviewing proposals to permit single-stairwell designs for buildings up to six stories and 24 units. The state updates its building code every 3 years to account for new construction needs and safety standards.
The players
Department of Housing and Community Development
This state agency is responsible for overseeing and considering proposed revisions to Virginia building regulations.
The details
The recommendations include allowing scissor stairs in taller structures, revising elevator dimensions, and shifting middle-density housing into residential codes. The state also considers expanding the use of third-party building inspectors to streamline the development process.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: Lawmakers submitted formal recommendations to state housing officials.
December 2026: The Department of Housing and Community Development will review the proposals.
2012-2024: Fire-related death data was collected in New York and Seattle for single-stair buildings.
Culture Shift
The proposed building code reforms follow a wider movement toward reevaluating density requirements and land use policy. By adjusting these standards, Virginia aligns with cities like New York and Seattle that already utilize single-stairwell designs to support urban residential growth.
If adopted, these code revisions could accelerate the construction of multi-family housing units across the state. Residents may eventually see an increase in the availability of new, smaller residential developments designed to meet local housing demand.
The takeaway
Revising building codes can provide a viable path to increasing housing density in areas with limited space. Lawmakers suggest that adapting these safety regulations is a critical step to addressing long-term housing shortages.
Further reading
For more on market trends, visit the Virginia Apartments section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Virginia Mercury.
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