Legislation allows communities to adopt standards to broaden access to multi-unit housing

State Rep. Parker Fairbairn today lead House discussion and passage of bipartisan legislation to boost Michigan’s housing inventory by allowing communities more flexibility in permitting the construction of certain multi-household buildings.

“By making adjustments to the construction code, we can empower local units of government to adopt safe and cost-effective standards for the construction of multi-family dwellings on smaller parcels and infill or gap lots, thereby helping increase housing capacity at a lower price per unit,” said Fairbairn, R-Harbor Springs. “Though not a one-size-fits-all silver bullet, this legislation represents one more tool that we can offer communities to encourage the construction of quality, attainable housing.”

Fairbairn was joined by state Rep. Stephen Wooden, D-Grand Rapids, in sponsoring House Bill 5570, which allow local governments to adopt provisions permitting the construction and rehabilitation of some multiple-unit dwellings to be constructed with a single staircase. This would be limited to buildings with four or less floors and four or less units per floor that meet specific additional safety requirements.

Because the buildings would only include one staircase, the legislation requires the buildings to meet heightened fire protection standards, to include expanded fire suppression sprinkler system specifications, increased smoke detector installation requirements, and enhanced occupant notification system standards.

The legislation passed the House with broad bipartisan support and now moves to the state Senate for further consideration.

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