H.R. 6345: Point-Access Housing Guidelines Act of 2025

This proposed bill, known as the Point-Access Housing Guidelines Act of 2025, aims to create federal guidelines specifically for point-access block buildings, which are residential structures of up to five stories that use a single internal stairway for access. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill would entail:

Federal Guidelines Development

The bill mandates that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development must establish these guidelines within 18 months after the bill becomes law. These guidelines will provide model code language, best practices, and technical advice to states, territories, tribes, and local governments to help them permit point-access block residential buildings.

Considerations in Guidelines

In developing these guidelines, several factors must be taken into account:

• Fire Safety: This includes ensuring adequate sprinkler coverage, smoke detection systems, proper ventilation, and efficient building egress (escape routes).
• Construction Costs: The guidelines will address the financial impact of construction on housing affordability, aiming to increase housing supply in places where costs are high.
• Consumer Needs: The guidelines will consider the varying needs of consumers, like family sizes and accessibility requirements.
• Best Practices: Examples from areas that have adopted similar codes will be examined to inform the guidelines.
• Research Input: The guidelines will be developed using findings from organizations focused on point-access design and code reforms.
• Expert Consultation: Input will be gathered from professionals including developers, architects, and fire marshals, as well as from regions that have implemented or tested single-stair reforms.
• Compliance Options: The guidelines will explore alternative compliance methods that might involve additional safety features.

Coordination with International Standards

The Secretary will also work with the International Code Council to promote the inclusion of point-access block building provisions in the International Building Code, which is a model code used throughout the United States.

Grant Provision

The bill allows the Secretary to provide competitive grants to organizations eligible to conduct pilot projects. These projects will assess, demonstrate, or validate the safety and cost-effectiveness of point-access block residential buildings.

State and Local Regulations

It is important to note that this bill does not override any existing state or local building codes. The new federal guidelines are intended to complement, rather than replace, local regulations.

Definitions

Under this bill:

• Point-access block building: Defined as a residential structure housing a group of R-2 occupancy units, where a single internal stairwell provides access to all units, and is up to five stories tall.
• Eligible entities: This term refers to a variety of organizations, including state and local governments, tribal entities, public housing agencies, nonprofit organizations, and qualified developers or research institutions.

Relevant Companies

None found