America’s quilt work of states whose governors and lawmakers are bucking for housing policy change to break through supply constraints at the root of the nation’s affordability crisis now counts Massachusetts among them.
With a focus on prohibitively constrictive building codes and zoning ordinances, Gov. Maura Healey has adopted an approach officials in other states and cities have taken before pulling the legislative trigger — study the matter for a year or more before drafting a reform policy agenda.
Healey has issued an executive order that creates a technical advisory group that will conduct the study. The order seeks ways to let taller single-stair buildings proceed safely while expanding the state’s housing options.
The group has a growing range of research studies and policy models from other jurisdictions to consider. Minnesota recently completed a yearlong study that examined single-stair construction in taller buildings. The state is now considering making the change for buildings up to six stories.
Colorado, Texas, Montana and New Hampshire enacted new legislation. Los Angeles and Nashville are among the cities that made the switch.
Like other states and cities that have studied the change, Healey’s order calls for the study group to include fire safety officials, architects, housing advocates and developers.
“By bringing together technical expertise and stakeholder perspectives, this commission moves the Commonwealth one step closer to unlocking new, safe, and rea
