Chattanooga, TN, July 25, 2025
News Summary
The Chattanooga City Council has approved a new ordinance permitting multifamily buildings with a single staircase, fostering affordable housing. The ordinance supports ‘missing middle’ housing and allows buildings up to five stories with up to four units per floor. With safety measures like sprinkler systems in each unit and pressurized stairways, this initiative aims to enhance housing accessibility while addressing fire safety concerns. Similar ordinances have been adopted in other Tennessee municipalities.
Chattanooga City Council Votes to Implement Single-Stair Ordinance for Multifamily Buildings
Chattanooga City Council has approved a new ordinance that permits the construction of multifamily buildings with only one staircase, a significant departure from the traditional requirement for two. This decision follows the enactment of a state law that allows exceptions to the International Building Code, aiming to promote more affordable housing options in the area.
The ordinance, introduced by Council Chair Jenny Hill in June, is designed to facilitate the growth of what is referred to as “missing middle” housing. This term typically describes denser, smaller housing units, such as small apartment buildings or cottage-style houses, that can seamlessly integrate into existing single-family neighborhoods and enhance overall housing density.
Under the new regulation, developers can now construct up to five-story buildings featuring a single staircase, allowing for a maximum of four units per floor. Although the state law makes provisions for six-story buildings with a single stairway, Chattanooga officials opted for a five-story limit addressing fire safety concerns raised by the local Fire Department.
Safety remains a priority, as each unit within these multifamily buildings is required to have sprinkler systems installed. This follows a prior ordinance that relaxed sprinkling requirements for smaller multiunit buildings. However, the installation of such systems could result in costs of up to $30,000 per unit for developers, which could mitigate the anticipated reduction in building costs stemming from the elimination of the second stairway.
Constructing buildings with just one stairway allows for the inclusion of additional windows, potentially resulting in more bedrooms per unit. This feature is integral to the ordinance’s viability as a means of increasing the accessibility and affordability of housing in Chattanooga.
Other cities in Tennessee have already adopted similar single-stair ordinances. As of now, around 30 municipalities, including Jackson, Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville, have embraced this approach since the state law was enacted in 2024. Proponents of single-stair buildings believe it serves as a vital tool for addressing housing affordability, despite reservations from some architects regarding safety implications.
Historically, single-stair buildings have been allowed in cities like Seattle since the 1970s, while many nations, such as Switzerland, have adopted such codes successfully, witnessing low rates of fire-related fatalities. Chattanooga’s ordinance, similar to others, mandates that stairways be pressurized to prevent smoke from entering during fire emergencies, and it stipulates that no unit’s entrance can exceed 20 feet from the stairway, thereby maintaining critical safety standards for evacuation.
This ordinance is part of a broader strategy within Chattanooga to lower regulatory barriers and encourage gradual infill development, particularly in urban areas like downtown. The council emphasizes that the single-stair design does not compromise exit safety, addressing public concerns regarding this innovative design choice.
Increased usable space within buildings, as highlighted by the Housing Finance Director Hanneke van Deursen, is another advantage of the new design, as fewer stairways enhance the proportion of leasable area. This initiative represents a crucial step in Chattanooga’s efforts to expand housing options and create more diverse residential communities through regulatory adjustments.
FAQ
What is the new ordinance passed by the Chattanooga City Council?
The ordinance allows the construction of multifamily buildings with only one staircase instead of the traditional two, aiming to enhance affordable housing options in Chattanooga.
How many stories can these new buildings be?
Developers can construct up to five stories with one stairway according to the new ordinance.
What are the safety measures associated with single-stair multifamily buildings?
Each unit in these buildings is required to have sprinkler systems, and the stairway must be pressurized to prevent smoke entry during fires. Additionally, no unit’s entrance can exceed 20 feet from the stairway.
What financial implications does the new ordinance have on developers?
While the elimination of a second staircase may lower some building costs, the required installation of sprinklers could lead to expenses of up to $30,000 per unit.
Key Features of the Single-Stair Ordinance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Floors | Five stories |
| Stairway Requirement | One staircase |
| Sprinkler Requirement | Mandatory installation in each unit |
| Maximum Units Per Floor | Four units |
| Distance from Stairway | No unit door can exceed 20 feet from the stairway |
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Additional Resources
- Chattanooga Times Free Press
- Wikipedia: Building Code
- Chattanooga Times Free Press – Single Stair Ordinance Impact
- Google Search: Affordable Housing Tennessee
- Chattanooga Times Free Press – Sprinkler Systems Requirement
- Google Scholar: Single Stair Buildings Fire Safety
- Chattanooga Times Free Press – Addressing Housing Affordability
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
- Chattanooga Times Free Press – Urban Development Strategy
- Google News: Chattanooga Housing Market
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