Council Studies Cheaper Tiny Apartments | Texas News

Texas News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 24, 2026 · 1m

Austin City Council is studying a bold new idea: letting tiny apartment complexes with up to four units dodge expensive building codes by using single-family home standards. The goal? Slash construction costs and boost affordable housing. Council Member Krista Laine pushed for it after a homeless family project blew its budget due to strict rules — but not everyone’s on board. Council Member Marc Duchen warned it could weaken fire safety, since residential sprinklers are designed for escape, not fire suppression. The final decision? Still pending — city staff will report back with…