States are changing fire codes to make housing cheaper. Some safety experts are worried.

Several states are revising building codes to cut construction costs and increase affordable housing availability, with changes like permitting single-stair buildings and less frequent code updates. While these moves aim to make housing more accessible, safety experts express concern over potential risks to building safety. This shift highlights a broader tension between economic goals and public safety, raising questions about whether these cost-saving measures could compromise the well-being of residents.