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

States are rethinking building codes to make constructing affordable housing more feasible by cutting costs, which includes less stringent requirements for stairways and electrical safety. While this could significantly boost the availability of budget-friendly homes, safety experts are concerned about potential risks to residents' well-being. The debate highlights a crucial tension between economic necessity and public safety, raising questions about how best to balance these competing priorities in urban planning.