March 1, 2026 Newsletter
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NC’s Single-Stair Reform Would Lead the Nation
SINGLE STAIR NORTH CAROLINA, JULIE POWERS, & BRENNA BELCHER
North Carolina’s cities are expanding, yet most new housing today remains clustered at two extremes: very low-density subdivisions or large multifamily apartment towers. Neighborhoods do not have a way to add smaller, mid-scale buildings that would fit comfortably within existing blocks. This missing segment limits infill development, reduces feasible housing sites, and restricts architectural and urban design options.
Other American cities have begun filling this gap by reforming their building codes to allow single-stair multifamily buildings above three stories. These policies enable mid-rise buildings on smaller lots while applying clear safety measures, including sprinkler systems, two-hour stair enclosures, strict distance limits from unit doors to exits, and reduced floor areas.
This article compares the various technical requirements adopted by jurisdictions across the country and evaluates how NC Senate Bill 492 would place North Carolina within this national trend. The objective is to provide a structured view of what works, what varies, and how these lessons can inform a safe and functional approach for the state. To continue reading this story, click here.
For similar stories related to housing and urban policy, check out SingleStairNC and CityBuilder.
Call for Proposals!
Small Homes. Big Impact.
Submit Your ADU for the 2026 ADU Sustainability Tour!
CITYBUILDER, WakeUP Wake County, and RaleighForward are seeking completed (or substantially completed) Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Tiny Homes to feature in the 2026 ADU Sustainability Tour, a citywide open-house event celebrating thoughtfully designed, energy-efficient, and context-sensitive small-scale housing built after Raleigh’s 2020 text change. The tour date will be Saturday June 6th, with a rain date of June 20th.
We’re looking for a diverse range of ADU types: detached, attached, garage conversions, and internal units, which demonstrate high-quality design and successful navigation of Raleigh’s permitting process.
Are you a homeowner, designer, or builder with a project to share?
Selected participants will receive:
Coordinated promotion across partner networks
Event logistics support
Inclusion in printed and digital tour materials
Recognition as a local leader in small-scale housing innovation
Please apply by March 10, 2026.
To submit, complete the application form and upload photos, a brief project description, and basic project details.
Help us show how small homes can make a big impact!
Articles of interest this week:
Maryland’s Rent Control Catastrophe is a Stark Warning for Massachusetts.
Gentrification and development around NC State: solutions and causes.
Feds provide conditional support for high-speed passenger rail north of Raleigh.
The NC Zoning Law No One Saw Coming. And a related article showing the impacts of the zoning “reform:” Lawsuit from Family Fare Operator Puts Durham Rezoning in Limbo.
From the Data Department:
The City of Raleigh maintains Missing Middle Metrics on their website with data covering the past five years. You can access it here.
Raleigh City Council’s next meeting is Wednesday, March 4, 2026, because of the primary election on Tuesday.
Council cancelled the evening session, so there is not much on the agenda. However, here is one item of interest:
Staff is seeking Council approval to rezone city-owned property. Rezoning of the city-owned properties located at 0 and 5508 Western Boulevard and 5507 and 5511 Hillsborough St totaling +/- 3.57 acres is warranted. The rezoning will enable the City to redevelop the site for affordable housing.
Other items of interest: