The One Front Door Act of 2025 aims to amend the building code in the District of Columbia to permit multifamily residential buildings up to six stories to have a single entrance/egress stairway. This change is intended to modernize the existing code, which currently mandates two stairwells, a requirement rooted in outdated fire safety regulations. The bill highlights advancements in building materials and firefighting technology that have made single-stair buildings safer and more feasible. It also notes that many major cities, including Seattle, Honolulu, and New York, have successfully implemented similar reforms, which could help reduce construction costs and increase the availability of larger living units.

The act mandates that the Construction Codes Coordinating Board develop rules within two years to facilitate this change, taking into account factors such as fire department response times and best practices from other jurisdictions. The proposed modifications aim to enhance the economic viability of housing production, particularly in smaller lots and infill developments, while ensuring public health and safety. The bill reflects a broader trend in various states and cities to adapt building codes to contemporary needs and practices.