> My favorite is when people (these people, the Center for Building in North America) claim that the US's 2nd stairwell requirement is "killing affordable housi

> My favorite is when people (these people, the Center for Building in North America) claim that the US's 2nd stairwell requirement is "killing affordable housing" and then I point out that the square footage of the 2nd stairwell is not enough to add an additional bedroom. I don't think their concern is about the footprint associated with the second stairwell. I think it's that any additional building requirements not directly related to the primary purpose of housing -- whether it be a second stairwell or mandatory onsite parking -- add to the price of housing and thus decrease overall affordability.