Interesting...….. But wrong, the code does not treat Fire-retardant wood as noncombustible.
The increase in density is related to the increase in demand. As we continue to have large families, immigrant influxes, and a lower death rate, we will continue to have a need for housing. As the need for housing increases the land values shall increase. The Homeless Population density in mild weather is directly related to the weather. That is why the LA area has such a large homeless population. would you want to be homeless in Michigan or CA?
Styles are related to cost, and the fact that Designers in one regional area are designing projects across the nation. When I worked on the other side of the counter, I did work all over the world. Developers would want our CA designs.