HUD to draft point-access housing guidelines

Summary#

The Point-Access Housing Guidelines Act of 2025 would create a new federal law. It would require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to issue guidelines for point-access block buildings; the stated goal is to help States, territories, Tribes, and local governments with permitting. The bill has been introduced and referred to the House Financial Services Committee, so it is not law.

  • Within 18 months after enactment, HUD must issue model code language, best practices, and technical guidance for these buildings. The bill defines them as residential buildings of no more than five stories, with one internal stairway serving all homes.
  • In developing the guidelines, HUD must consider fire safety; construction costs and affordability; different household and accessibility needs; examples from jurisdictions and international standards; relevant research and model language; expert consultation; and alternative safety measures.
  • HUD must coordinate with the International Code Council to encourage the inclusion of provisions about these buildings in the International Building Code.
  • HUD may award competitive grants to eligible entities for pilot projects that assess or demonstrate safety, feasibility, or cost-effectiveness.
  • The bill says it does not override State or local building codes.

What it means for you#

  • State, territorial, Tribal, and local governments: HUD must provide guidance they could use in permitting. The bill does not require them to adopt it or change their building codes.
  • Housing and design organizations, public housing agencies, researchers, governments, developers, and construction firms: These groups are among those eligible to seek competitive pilot-project grants. The bill does not guarantee a grant.
  • People seeking housing: The bill does not require that any buildings be built or permitted, change existing building rules, or create a direct housing benefit. Its stated aim is to support permitting guidance.
  • HUD: The Secretary must issue the guidelines and coordinate with the International Code Council.

Money#

No publicly available information on estimated costs. The bill allows HUD to award competitive grants but gives no grant amount.

  • The bill does not specify a funding source, total grant funding, or how many grants HUD may award.
  • HUD must produce the guidelines and coordinate with the International Code Council, but the bill gives no staffing or administrative cost estimate.

What is unclear#

  • The bill does not set technical safety standards or say what model code language HUD must recommend; it requires HUD to consider listed topics when preparing the guidelines.
  • It does not set grant application rules, selection criteria, award sizes, timelines, or reporting requirements for pilot projects.
  • It does not specify how HUD’s guidelines would interact with existing federal guidance or building programs.
  • The bill sets an 18-month deadline only after enactment. It does not provide a start date if enacted or a deadline for the grant program.

Case for#

  • The bill appears intended to give local governments practical, safety-focused guidance on a building type that uses one stairway to serve all homes.
  • Considering fire safety alongside cost, accessibility, and household needs could help shape guidance that addresses more than one design concern.
  • Pilot grants may support projects that test safety, feasibility, or cost-effectiveness before governments decide whether to use the guidance.
  • The bill preserves State and local authority over building codes.

Case against#

  • The bill does not set the safety standards itself. The substance of the guidance would depend on later decisions by HUD.
  • HUD may award grants, but the bill does not provide a funding amount or explain how applications would be judged.
  • A possible trade-off is that federal guidance could encourage code changes without requiring States or localities to adopt it; the bill does not say how that guidance would affect permitting in practice.
  • The bill does not require a specific process for public input, oversight, or reporting on the guidelines or pilot projects.