Universal accessibility

Intent

Enable the widest spectrum of people, regardless of age or ability, to more easily participate in their community life by increasing the proportion of areas that are usable by people of diverse abilities.

Requirements

For projects with residential components:

For each residential unit type developed, design 20% (and not less than one) of each type to comply with the accessible design provisions of the Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Rehabilitation Act), as applicable. Separate residential unit types include: singlefamily, duplex, triplex, multi-unit row or townhouses, and mixed-use buildings that include residential units. (Compliance for multi-family buildings of four or more units is already a regulatory requirement.).

All paths of travel between residential units and other buildings within the project shall comply with the accessible design provisions of the FHAA and Rehabilitation Act, as applicable;

AND

For projects with common-use or recreational facilities constructed as part of the project:

• For any residential areas, apply the accessible design provisions of the FHAA and the Rehabilitation Act to facilities and rights-of-way; and
• For any non-residential areas, apply the accessible design provisions of the American Disabilities Act (ADA) to facilities and rights-of-way.

Projects that include only non-residential components and public right-of-ways will not be able to achieve this credit, since they are already required by law to comply with applicable accessibility regulations. However, if non-residential projects include any common-use or recreational facilities not covered by accessibility regulations, they will be able to achieve the credit.

Regarding residential accessibility design provisions, an accessible entrance can be located at the front, side or back of the residential unit, which may sometimes be determined by the topography of the site.