Administration issues guidelines on accessible housing regs

The updated guidelines supplement previously issued directives and explain that all “buildings having four or more dwelling units built for first occupancy after March 13, 1991” are subject to the regulations, and that each unit should have at least one accessible entrance, if possible.

{mosads}“Everyone who is involved in designing and building multifamily housing must ensure that the required accessible features are present so that people with disabilities can use and enjoy their homes,” said Eric Halperin, an official in the Justice Department’s civil rights division, in a statement.

“With one of five persons in this nation having a physical disability, housing units that include the required features of accessibility are more important than ever,” added a statement from John Trasviña, HUD’s assistant secretary for fair housing and equal opportunity.

He continued, “This new guidance will assist developers in constructing housing that complies with the Fair Housing Act’s design and construction requirements from the start and avoid having to deal with costly retrofitting later.”