Point access block (single-stair) buildings are ubiquitous across the globe, except for North America. Building codes are the big reason why. Debate in recent years has centered on relegalizing them in the United States and Canada, but because the issue is so esoteric, there is still reticence among many to allow them. Uytae Lee of About Here explains why point access blocks are a worthy policy discussion, especially for urban housing. Lee also dives into how stringent building laws came to North America unlike abroad and how many modern regulations have mooted much of the safety concerns around point access blocks.
Stephen is a professional urban planner in Puget Sound with a passion for sustainable, livable, and diverse cities. He is especially interested in how policies, regulations, and programs can promote positive outcomes for communities. With stints in great cities like Bellingham and Cork, Stephen currently lives in Seattle. He primarily covers land use and transportation issues and has been with The Urbanist since 2014.