At the local level, Metro Council passed legislation last week that updates codes regulations to allow a multi-family building to be constructed with a single staircase. The policy applies to buildings up to six stories.
Homebuilders say the policy will significantly lower their costs, which should benefit both renters and condo buyers.
Between the lines: Advocates, such as lead sponsor Metro Councilmember Rollin Horton, say the single-stair design is cost effective and "just as, or even more safe" for residents.
Council members collaborated with the Fire Marshal's office, Codes Department and Planning Department to create the policy.
The bottom line: "This law reduces the cost of building family-sized apartments and condos that will help us meet Nashville's middle class housing needs," Horton says.