Point-Access Housing Guidelines Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 6345

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Housing and Community Development

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-12-01: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Last Updated

2026-06-11T23:26:31Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Point-Access Housing Guidelines Act of 2025 aims to promote safer and more affordable multi-family housing by directing the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to create voluntary federal guidelines for "point-access block buildings." These are residential structures up to five stories tall with a single internal stairway serving all units, designed to simplify construction while maintaining safety standards. The goal is to help increase housing supply in high-cost areas without overriding local rules.

Key Provisions

• Timeline and Scope: HUD must issue guidelines within 18 months of the bill's enactment. These will include model code language (suggested rules for adoption), best practices, and technical advice to assist states, territories, Tribal nations, and local governments in permitting point-access block buildings.
• Development Considerations: Guidelines must address:
• Fire safety, such as requirements for sprinklers, smoke detectors, ventilation, and escape routes.
• Construction costs and how they affect housing affordability, including potential to build more units in expensive areas.
• Adaptability for different needs, like family sizes, unit layouts, and accessibility features (e.g., ramps or wider doors for people with disabilities).
• Lessons from places that have tested or adopted similar "single-stair" rules, including U.S. states, cities, and international examples.
• Input from research groups focused on building design and code updates.
• Consultations with experts like developers, architects, fire safety officials, economists, housing agencies, and leaders from areas with pilot programs.
• Options for safety through added features, like enhanced alarms or materials that resist fire.
• Coordination and Support: HUD must work with the International Code Council (a group that develops widely used building standards) to encourage adding these building types to the International Building Code (a common U.S. model code).
• Grants for Pilots: HUD can provide competitive grants to test projects that evaluate the safety, practicality, or cost benefits of these buildings.
• Limitations: The guidelines cannot override or replace state or local building codes.
• Definitions:
• Point-access block building: A multi-family residential building (classified as Group R-2 under the International Building Code, typically for apartments) up to five stories with one internal stairway for access and exit.
• Eligible entities for grants: Governments (state, local, Tribal), public housing agencies, nonprofits, private developers, construction firms, design/engineering experts, universities, or partnerships among them.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill does not amend or repeal current laws but introduces new federal guidance for building types not explicitly covered in many existing codes. It builds on the International Building Code by promoting single-stair designs, which are often restricted under traditional two-stair requirements for taller buildings. The non-preemptive nature ensures it supplements rather than alters state and local authority over building regulations.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: HUD will gain responsibilities for guideline development, expert consultations, and optional grant administration, potentially increasing its role in housing innovation without mandating enforcement.
• Citizens: Could lead to more affordable rental or ownership options in urban areas by reducing construction costs (e.g., eliminating a second stairway), helping address housing shortages. However, benefits depend on local adoption, and safety concerns must be balanced.
• International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though referencing global standards may encourage alignment with international building practices, indirectly supporting U.S. influence in global housing policy discussions.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal Level: HUD and the International Code Council.
• State, Local, and Tribal Governments: Primary users of the guidelines for updating their permitting processes.
• Housing and Construction Sector: Developers, architects, builders, and engineering firms, who may benefit from streamlined designs and pilot funding.
• Safety and Oversight Officials: Fire marshals and housing authorities, involved in consultations to ensure safety.
• Communities and Residents: Low- and middle-income families in high-cost areas, potentially gaining access to more housing; nonprofits and researchers focused on affordability and code reform.
• Economists and Experts: Those studying housing supply and costs, providing input during development.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Reinforces federalism by explicitly avoiding preemption of state/local codes, respecting the 10th Amendment (which reserves powers to states). Guidelines are advisory, reducing risks of legal challenges over federal overreach.
• Constitutional: No direct conflicts, as it promotes voluntary cooperation rather than mandates, aligning with Congress's commerce clause authority over interstate economic issues like housing.
• Political: Could spark bipartisan support for housing affordability but face opposition from safety advocates concerned about single-stair risks. It highlights tensions between innovation (e.g., cost savings) and regulation, potentially influencing future debates on national building standards amid ongoing housing crises.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50], Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-6]

Recent Actions

• 2025-12-01: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
• 2025-12-01: Introduced in House
• 2025-12-01: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Point-Access Housing Guidelines Act of 2025 — issued 2025-12-01 — PDF (4 pages)