Ald. Bennett Lawson (44) questions members of DOB and CFD during a zoning committee hearing on single-stair apartment reforms on June 4, 2026. [Livestream]

Citing fire safety concerns, representatives from the city’s Department of Buildings (DOB) and Chicago Fire Department (CFD) on Thursday threw cold water on a proposal from a North Side alderman to allow some mid-size residential buildings to have just one exit stairway, creating an uphill battle for housing advocates that support it. 

Proponents plan to continue to negotiate, as they believe the ordinance will help increase the city’s housing stock, make it easier and cheaper to build, drive down rents and incentivize larger, family-sized dwellings.