According to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), SB 2835 is not expected to have a fiscal impact on the State of Texas. The bill grants municipalities the authority to allow certain apartment buildings to be constructed with a single stairway, subject to specific safety and design criteria. Because the legislation does not mandate action by local governments or require any new state-level administrative functions or expenditures, it imposes no new direct costs on state agencies.

At the local level, the bill is likewise anticipated to have no significant fiscal implication. While municipalities that choose to adopt the single-stairway allowance may need to update local ordinances or review building plans in accordance with the bill’s provisions, these activities fall within the routine scope of municipal regulatory and permitting processes. As such, any administrative burden or compliance oversight related to this authority is expected to be absorbable within existing local government resources.

In sum, SB 2835 provides permissive—not mandatory—authority to municipalities and does not trigger any new spending obligations at either the state or local level. Therefore, its fiscal impact is effectively neutral.

SB 2835 is a deregulatory housing reform measure that empowers Texas cities to authorize the use of single-stairway designs in certain mid-rise apartment buildings—up to six stories and four units per floor—if they meet a clearly defined set of fire safety and design standards. This bill directly addresses rigid building code requirements imposed by the International Building Code (IBC), which currently mandates two stairways for most apartment buildings over three stories. By removing this statewide restriction, SB 2835 allows municipalities to approve a proven housing typology already used safely in many international cities.

The legislation is fully permissive: it does not require any action by cities, nor does it impose mandates on developers or taxpayers. There is no fiscal impact to the state and no significant cost to local governments. For builders, the bill opens the door to more efficient, cost-effective development options that can support a broader range of housing types, particularly in constrained urban areas or infill lots. Single-stair buildings enable greater design flexibility, improve floor plan efficiency, and reduce construction costs—all without compromising essential safety standards.

While the bill includes detailed fire safety conditions (e.g., sprinklers, fire-resistant construction, emergency egress standards), it fundamentally represents a shift away from top-down regulation and toward expanded market freedom in housing design. For stakeholders who prioritize limited government, reduced regulatory burdens, and increased housing supply, SB 2835 offers a practical step forward.

In summary, SB 2835 deserves a YES vote as a pro-housing, pro-market reform that lessens unnecessary regulation while preserving local authority and public safety through defined building standards. Texas Policy Research recommends that lawmakers vote YES on SB 2835.

• Individual Liberty: The bill enhances individual liberty by allowing more freedom in how people design and use their private property. By removing restrictive mandates that require two stairways in certain apartment buildings, it allows property owners and builders to pursue more efficient, livable, and cost-effective housing solutions. For renters and residents, it may also expand access to more diverse and affordable housing choices, especially in dense or high-cost areas.
• Personal Responsibility: SB 2835 aligns with the principle that individuals and businesses should be trusted to make responsible decisions when given the opportunity. It allows builders to opt into a single-stairway design only if they meet strict safety criteria. It shifts responsibility for safe and efficient housing design back toward professionals and property owners, rather than one-size-fits-all rules imposed from above.
• Free Enterprise: This bill is a clear win for free enterprise. It removes a significant regulatory obstacle in the building code that limits flexibility, raises costs, and restricts the housing market. By letting builders innovate and pursue more efficient design models—already common and successful in other countries—SB 2835 fosters competition, reduces artificial barriers to entry, and encourages more housing development, especially on small or irregular lots.
• Private Property Rights: SB 2835 expands the range of lawful design and use options available to property owners. Rather than being locked into outdated stairwell regulations, owners can work with local officials to pursue building designs that best meet the needs of their land and market. It’s a meaningful affirmation of the right to use one’s property in a way that is both safe and economically viable.
• Limited Government: The bill reflects limited government by eliminating a blanket, centralized rule and replacing it with local discretion. It does not mandate action but gives municipalities the option to adopt more flexible standards. It avoids creating new agencies, taxes, or enforcement burdens and relies instead on existing permitting structures. This is regulation rollback in action, consistent with the idea that government should stay in its lane and avoid unnecessary interference in private-sector decisions.

• HB 5148 (Similar To)