HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 03/09/2004 - DISCUSSION REGARDING REVISIONS TO THE PRACTICAL HO DATE: March 9, 2004 STUDY SESSION ITEM
STAFF: Felix Lee FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Staff is seeking direction on revising Council Resolution 2002-098, adopted unanimously on
October 15, 2002. This resolution currently supports the Commission on Disability in its efforts
through the voluntary program,"Practical Housing for All"(PHA),that was intended to encourage
home builders to include an option package of cost-effective features included during construction
that make a home more usable and practical for visitors of all ages and abilities.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. Does Council wish to revise Resolution 2002-098,covering new single-family homes and other
housing not currently covered with respect to required accessible features by local, state, or
federal regulations, to be more inclusive by adding provisions and built-in design features
primarily intended for residents in addition to the current language, which is now intended
primarily for visitors of all ages and abilities?
2. Does Council wish the City to continue to support the concept of prioritized development review
and permit processing;associated funding related to homebuilder/buyer awareness and outreach
and for certification and recognition awards to builders that construct PHA-eligible housing?
3. Does Council wish the City to provide additional incentives beyond those enumerated in the
current resolution and any attendant funding?
BACKGROUND AND CURRENT STATUS:
PHA Milestones
• Program Revisions — It has become clear that the program should become more inclusive to
address residents' needs and not be aimed primarily at visitors. New basic main-floor features
included are:
➢ A wheelchair-usable kitchen (currently not included).
➢ A wheelchair-usable full bathroom(currently,no bathing facilities specified—only lavatory
and toilet).
➢ A wheelchair-usable main floor room that can qualify as a bedroom(currently bedroom not
provided).
➢ Minimum hallway width of 42 inches (currently, 36 inches minimum).
• Public Outreach — A Builder's Guide and general information brochure was published and
distributed to various groups including the local chapter of the AARP and the Larimer County
Office on Aging. These documents are to be updated and placed on the Commission on
Disability web site after Council's decision on the proposed revised resolution.Letters soliciting
PHA homes in the annual 2004 Fort Collins Parade of Homes were sent to past participating
builders. Members of the PHA team have presented to various groups including Home Builders
Association of Northern Colorado.
March 9, 2004 Page 2
• City's Hard Costs — CPES has funded approximately $2,500 to date for contract design and
printing the brochure and the builder's guide.
Current Status and Related Issues
1) No builders to date have participated in or taken advantage of the "incentives". Most
builders indicated willingness to offer the features upon request.
2) A builder award and certification program has been neither developed nor resourced.
3) The proposed City Plan Update includes a new housing policy to be considered by City
Council in the near future as follows:
"Policy HSG-1.6 Basic Access. Housing units,including single family and multiple-housing
units should be constructed with practical features that provide basic access and functionality
for people of all ages and widely varying mobility and ambulatory- related abilities." (The
Planning and Zoning Board voted 6-1 to delete this proposed amendment.)
4) Colorado state law (CRS Title 9-5-101 et seq., Standards for Accessible Housing) was
revised, adding new standards that now apply to attached one-family(townhouses) and
to adjacent detached one-family dwellings with less than 36 inches of"unobstructed
space" between units, as well as a new definition of "projects" that now encompass
individually deeded lots containing a total of 7 or more units and which lots are
developed as part of a planned development. These and other changes have effectively
increased the number of required accessible dwelling units that are being built after April
2003.
5) The COD is interested in expanding the PHA program to include Larimer County and
beyond.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Council Resolution 2002-098 adopted October 15, 2002
B. Draft Revised Resolution
C. PHA Builder's Guide
D. PHA brochure
E. Letter to "Parade of Homes" builders 2004
F. City Plan Update proposed new housing policy HSG-1.6 Basic Access
G. PHA Power Point presentation—Mark Beck, COD chair
H. CRS Title 9-5-101 et seq., Standards for Accessible Housing (excerpts)
I. Fort Collins Chapter of AARP resolution.
RESOLUTION 2002-098
• OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
SUPPORTING THE EFFORT TO ENCOURAGE THE CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSING
WITH FEATURES THAT PROVIDE BASIC ACCESS AND FUNCTIONALITY
TO ALL OCCUPANTS AND VISITORS
WHEREAS, no federal, State of Colorado, or City of Fort Collins regulations or programs
presently exist that encourage orrequire individual single-family houses,multiple-story townhouses,
multiple-housing unit buildings containing less than four housing units, and other multiple-housing
unit buildings located on properties that contain less than a total of eight housing units, to be
constructed with practical features that provide basic access and functionality for people of all ages
and widely varying mobility and ambulatory-related abilities; and
WHEREAS, many people of all ages and widely varying mobility and ambulatory-related
abilities are discouraged from visiting family and friends because of fundamental design barriers that
prohibit or make access to and functionality within most housing impractical to many; and
WHEREAS,there is a very limited number of residences available for purchase or rent with
features that provide basic access and functionality to people of all ages and widely varying mobility
and ambulatory-related abilities; and
WHEREAS, the proportion of the general population with special mobility needs who
continue to remain active is increasing due to medical and technological advances; and
WHEREAS, at some point in life, many people incur an extended temporary or permanent
condition that results in physical limitations or special needs related to mobility or to performing
basic daily life tasks; and
WHEREAS, increasingly more people are facing or will face loss of independence and
having to leave their homes for institutional or assisted care living facilities, becoming more
dependant on social and public services because most homes do not provide basic access and
functionality features for people of all ages and widely varying mobility and ambulatory-related
abilities; and
WHEREAS, the cost of installing basic access and functionality features for people of all
ages and widely varying mobility and ambulatory-related abilities during the construction process
is significantly lower than the cost of installing those same features after construction; and
WHEREAS, the Commission on Disability has several functions as prescribed in Section
2-153 of the City Code, including the following:
"To form special committees including non-commission consultants or specialists
to address issues affecting the well-being of individuals with disabilities"
"To recommend to the city design requirements that ensure accessibility"
•
• "To serve as advocates among city departments, private businesses and the
community on behalf of individuals with disabilities"; and
WHEREAS,the Commission on Disability formed a special committee with representatives
of the Commission on Disability, the Home Builders Association of Northern Colorado, private
consulting business, and City staff to investigate the concept of a voluntary program designed to
encourage construction of housing units that are not otherwise regulated by federal, State of
Colorado, or City of Fort Collins regulations with respect to accessibility features, to be built with
basic access and functionality for all residents and visitors; and
WHEREAS,the Commission's special committee is proposing a program entitled"Practical
Housing for All(PHA)",the purpose of which is: (a)to create awareness among designers,builders.
and the community at large of the need for providing basic access and functionality features for
people of all ages and widely varying mobility and ambulatory-related abilities; and(b)to encourage
those fundamental elements being included on the first or main floor of new housing units that are
not otherwise regulated by federal, State of Colorado, or City of Fort Collins with respect to
accessibility features; and
WHEREAS,the City Council believes it is in the interest of all citizens of and visitors to Fort
Collins, that the City encourage the construction of more housing with practical functional features
that offers residents and visitors alike, regardless of individual mobility and ambulatory abilities,
the fundamental freedom to enter and use a home.
• NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the Council supports the purpose of PHA and efforts to encourage the
voluntary inclusion of the minimum basic practical features as described herein which foster
independence and enable people of all ages and widely varying mobility and ambulatory-related
abilities to function in the residential environment. Accordingly,the Council supports promotional
efforts such as homebuilder and buyer awareness outreach, prioritized development review and
permit processing consideration,and certification and recognition awards to builders that voluntarily
construct PHA-eligible housing, including new housing units that are not otherwise regulated by
federal, State of Colorado, or City of Fort Collins with respect to accessibility features.
Section 2. For the purposes of this resolution, PHA-eligible housing shall be considered to
be housing which incorporates the following minimum basic access and functionality features in the
main or first floor:
I. A wheelchair-accessible exterior route, including any ramp in such route not
exceeding a slope of I in 12, to a ramped or no-step accessible entrance and
entry door having a minimum clear opening width of 32 inches.
2. A minimum of standard, 32-inch wide, interior passage doors.
•
3. A minimum 36-inch wide wheelchair-accessible route maintained throughout
• the first or main floor except as otherwise provided at doorways.
4. Bathrooms and toilet rooms on the main or first floor constructed according
to the following:
(a) At least one such room containing no less than a lavatory and a water
closet is provided.
(b) Built-in structural reinforcement in walls for future installation of
assist bars.
(c) A minimum clear floor space is provided around the water closet that
inscribes a rectangle 56 inches measured perpendicular from the wall
behind the water closet by 48 inches measured from a point 18 inches
from the center line of the water closet on the side designated for the
future installation of the assist bar, with such clear floor space
unobstructed by walls or fixtures except for the overlapping area
occupied by a lavatory projecting from the wall that is located behind
the water closet.
(d) A 'DO-inch by 48-inch clear floor space beyond the arc of the door
swing is provided where the access door to such rooms opens inward.
• 5. Electrical switches,outlets,thermostats,and service panels are located within
15 and 48 inches above the floor.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held this 15th day of October,
A.D. 2002.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
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Commission on Disability
•
�r ii iQ ii n Hi"
City of Fort Collins YraetiJ Yiou_srng for All HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION of Northern Colorodo
Mr. Kelly Peecher
Richmond American Homes
11409 Business Park Cr, #200
Longmont CO 80504
December 17,2003
Dear Mr.Kelly Peecher
Congratulations to Richmond American Homes for having a home featured on a recent
Northern Colorado Parade of Homes Tour.
On behalf of Practical Housing for All (PHA), the City of Fort Collins and Home Builders
Association of Northern Colorado, we would like to invite you to participate in next year's
Parade of Homes with a show home that includes the five PHA features_
• The five PHA features are demonstrated in the Builder's Guide enclosed herewith. Home
builders and home buyers stand to gain tremendously by building accessible and barrier-free
homes that eliminate the need for retrofits or adaptations as a person ages or has special
physical needs. If you wish to participate or for further information, please contact any of the
people below.
Mark Beck, Chair of the Commission on Disabilities and Practical Housing for All:
970-416-9956 or practicalhousing@earthlink.net
Dana McBride, HBANC Board Member:
970-493-0268 or dmhmcbride@comcast.net
Felix Lee, Director, Building and Zoning, City of Fort Collins:
970-416-2337 or FLEE@fcgov.com
Thank you.
Sincerely,
& CA"
Mark Beck Dana McBride Felix Lee
•
300 LaPorte Avenue • P.O.Box 580 • Fort Collins,CO 80522-0580 • (970)221-6790 • FAX(970)221-6329
Housing policies are intended to produce positive outcomes for. housing prices,
availability and choice; availability of housing for low-income households; and
neighborhood stability.
PRINCIPLE HSG-1: A variety of housing types and densities will be
available throughout the urban area for all income levels.
Policy HSG-1.1 Land Use Patterns. The City will encourage a variety of housing
types and densities, including mixed-used developments, that are well-served by public
transportation and close to employment centers, services, and amenities. in particular,
the City will promote the siting of higher density housing near public transportation,
shopping, and in designated neighborhoods and districts.
Policy HSG-1.2 Housing Supply. The City will encourage public and private, for-
profit and non-profit sectors to take actions to develop and maintain an adequate
supply of single- and multiple-family housing, including mobile homes and
manufactured housing, that is proportionately balanced to the wages of our labor force.
Policy HSG-1.3 Accessory Housing Units. The City will recognize accessory housing
units as a viable form of additional, and possibly affordable housing, and will develop
special permit procedures, criteria, and restrictions governing their existence that are
designed to facilitate their development while protecting existing residential
neighborhood character.
Policy HSG-1.4 Land for Residential Development. The City will permit residential ,
development in all neighborhoods and districts in order to max+rni a the potential land
available for development of housing and thereby positively influence housing
affordability.
Policy HSG=1.5 Special Needs Housing. The housing needs of all special
populations within the community should be met. Residential-care facilities, shelters,
group homes, elderly housing, and low-income housing should be dispersed
throughout the Fort Collins urban area and the region.
1JeV') Policy HSG 1 6 Basic Access Housing units including single family and multiple-
PpI* housing units should be constructed with practical features that provide basic access
i„ and functionality for people of all ages and widely varying mobility and ambulatory—
V relates.
(sty elan 1'rincipies ana eoacies ,-'" Principles and Policies: Community wide
septem er, 2003 ,�/ 115
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COLORADO REVISED STATUTES
• ARTICLE 5
STANDARDS FOR ACCESSIBLE HOUSING
9-5-101. Definitions.
As used in this article, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Accessibility point" means a unit of value exchanged for different levels of accessible
dwelling types to satisfy the requirements for dwelling accessibility contained in this article.
(2) "Accessible route" means an interior or exterior circulation path that complies with the
provisions contained in "ANSI A117.1-1998".
(3) "ANSI A117.1-1998" means the 1998 version of the "American National Standard for
Buildings and Facilities Providing Accessibility and Usability for Physically Handicapped People",
promulgated by the American national standards institute.
(4) "Detached residence" means a one- or two-family residence that is separated from adjacent
dwellings by an unobstructed physical space. A one- or two-family residence that is separated from
an adjacent dwelling by a physical space of less than three feet shall not be considered a detached
residence.
(5) "Ground story level" means the lowest story in a dwelling unit containing habitable rooms or
• areas with an accessible entrance located on an accessible route that contains living, sleeping,
cooking, bathing, and toilet facilities. For the purposes of this article, a basement shall not be
considered the ground story level if the finished basement floor is located more than four feet below
the exterior finished grade determined at any point along the exposed periphery of the dwelling unit.
(6) "Project" means the total number of parcels and buildings in a development planned or
constructed by the same developer, builder, or entity on one site or contiguous sites, and also
includes all parcels and structures that are parts of the same planned development application or
agreement. The separation of contiguous individual buildings, units, lots, tracts, or parcels of land
by a property line or by a public or private road shall not create a separate project.
(7) "Property" means the site, parcels of land, plats, lots, tracts, individual dwelling units,
existing and proposed structures, and the built environment.
(8) "Residential dwelling unit" means any portion of a building that contains living facilities,
including a room or rooms in a facility that have shared cooking, bathing, toilet, or laundry facilities
such as dormitories, shelters, assisted living facilities, and boarding homes. "Residential dwelling
unit" also means facilities that include provisions for sleeping, cooking, bathing, and toilet facilities
for one or more persons and are used for extended stays, such as time-shares and extended-stay
motels. "Residential dwelling unit" does not mean a guest room in a motel or hotel.
(9) "Technically infeasible", in reference to a proposed alteration to a building or facility, means
• that the proposed alteration is not implemented because:
(a) An existing structural condition or conditions make such alteration labor- or cost-prohibitive;
(b) The building or facility is in strict compliance with minimum accessibility requirements for
new construction and, due to existing physical or site constraints, such alteration would negatively
impact such compliance.
• (10) "Type A dwelling unit" means a dwelling unit designed in accordance with the provisions
of ANSI A117.1-1998, section 1002.
(11) "Type A multistory dwelling unit" means a multiple story dwelling unit with a ground story
level designed in accordance with the provisions of ANSI Al17.1-1998, section 1002, and, if
provided, accessible laundry facilities on the ground story level.
(12) "Type B dwelling unit" means a dwelling unit with a ground floor level designed in
accordance with the provisions of ANSI Al 17.1-1998, section 1003. :
(13) "Type B multistory dwelling unit" means a multiple-story dwelling unit with a ground story
level that is designed in accordance with the provisions of ANSI Al17.1-1998, section 1003, and, if
provided, accessible laundry facilities on the ground story level.
(14) "Type B visitable ground floor" means a multiple-story dwelling unit with an accessible
entrance and toilet facility designed in accordance with the provisions of ANSI A117.1-1998,
section 1003.
(15) "Undue hardship" means a substantial and unusual hardship that is the direct result of
unique physical site conditions such as topography or geology, or that is the direct result of other
unique or special conditions encountered on a property, but that are not typically encountered in the
• jurisdiction in which such property is located. Constraints, complications, or difficulties that may
arise by complying with these statutory standards for accessibility but that do not constitute an
undue hardship shall not serve to justify the granting of an exception or variance.
Source: L. 2003: Entire article amended with relocations, p. 1415, § 1, effective April 29.
Editor's note: Section 4 of chapter 198, Session Laws of Colorado 2003, provides that the act amending
this section applies to projects proposed or constructed on or after April 29, 2003.
9-5-102. Disabilities covered - purpose.
(1) This article is intended to provide accessibility standards for residential projects designed to
serve persons with nonambulatory disabilities, semiambulatory disabilities, sight disabilities,
hearing disabilities, disabilities of incoordination, and aging.
(2) Design criteria. Design criteria shall comply with the 1998 version of the "American
National Standard for Buildings and Facilities Providing Accessibility and Usability for Physically
Handicapped People", promulgated by the American national standard institute, commonly cited as
"ANSI Al17.1-1998".
Source: L. 2003: Entire article amended with relocations, p. 1418, § 1, effective April 29.
Editor's note: (1) This section was formerly numbered as 9-5-103 and 9-5-104, and the former section
• 9-5-102 was relocated to section 9-5-103.
(2) Section 4 of chapter 198, Session Laws of Colorado 2003, provides that the act amending this
section applies to projects proposed or constructed on or after April 29, 2003.
2
9-5-103. Applicability of standards - enforcement.
(1) The standards and specifications set forth in this article shall apply to all buildings and
• facilities used for housing that are constructed in whole or in part by the use of state, county, or
municipal funds or the funds of any political subdivision of the state or that are constructed with
private funds. All such buildings and facilities to be constructed from plans on which architectural
drawings are started after July 1, 1975, from any one of these funds or any combination thereof
shall conform to each of the standards and specifications prescribed in this article. The
governmental unit responsible for the enforcement of this article shall grant exceptions to or modify
any particular standard or specification when it is determined that it is impractical and would create
an undue hardship. Any such exception or modification of the provisions of this article shall be
made in writing as a matter of public record. These standards and specifications shall be adhered to
in those buildings and facilities that are constructed or proposed on or after April 29, 2003. This
article shall apply to permanent buildings.
(2) The jurisdiction with responsibility for enforcement of this article pursuant to section 9-5-
104 shall designate a board of appeals to hear and resolve appeals of orders, decisions, or
determinations made by the enforcing agency regarding the application and interpretation of this
article.
(3) Any building or facility that would have been subject to the provisions of this article but was
under construction prior to July 1, 1976, shall comply with the following:
(a) If the walls or defining boundaries of an element or space are altered, then the altered
element or space shall comply with the applicable provisions of section 9-5-105, unless such
• alteration is technically infeasible. If full compliance with this article is technically infeasible,
compliance shall be implemented up to the point of technical infeasibility. No alteration shall be
undertaken that negatively impacts accessibility of a building or facility pursuant to ANSI A117.1-
1998. This paragraph (a) shall not be construed to require the moving of any existing walls not
otherwise planned to be moved.
(b) Any additions to a building or facility shall be treated as new construction for the purposes
of enforcement of this article.
(4) The general assembly finds and declares that the standards and specifications set forth in this
article are of statewide concern. Nothing in this article shall prohibit any municipality or other
governmental subdivision from making and enforcing standards and specifications that are more
stringent, and thus provide greater accessibility, than those set forth in this article.
Source: L. 2003: Entire article amended with relocations,p. 1418, § 1, effective April 29.
Editor's note: (1) This section was formerly numbered as 9-5-102, and the former section 9-5-103 was
relocated to section 9-5-102.
(2) Section 4 of chapter 198, Session Laws of Colorado 2003, provides that the act amending this
section applies to projects proposed or constructed on or after April 29, 2003.
ANNOTATION
• Am. Jur.2d. See 13 Am. Jur.2d, Buildings, § 19.
3
C.J.S. See 20 C.J.S., Counties, § 145; 64 C.J.S., Municipal Corporations, § 1541; 81A C.J.S., States, §
147.
• 9-5-104. Responsibility for enforcing standards.
(1) The responsibility for enforcement of this article is as follows:
(a) For factory-built housing as defined in section 24-32-703 (3), C.R.S., the division of housing
created in section 24-32-704, C.R.S.;
(b) In a political subdivision that does not have a local building code, the division of housing
created in section 24-32-704, C.R.S.;
(c) For all other housing or in a political subdivision that has adopted a building code, by the
building department, or its equivalent, of the political subdivision having jurisdiction.
Source: L. 2003: Entire article amended with relocations, p. 1419, § 1, effective April 29.
Editor's note: (1) This section was formerly numbered as 9-5-110, and the former section 9-5-104 was
relocated to section 9-5-102.
(2) Section 4 of chapter 198, Session Laws of Colorado 2003, provides that the act amending this
section applies to projects proposed or constructed on or after April 29, 2003.
9-5-105. Exemptions for certain privately funded projects.
(1) Accessible dwelling units shall be provided as required in this article; except that this article
• does not apply to privately funded projects for the construction of a detached residence or
residences or to other types of residential property containing less than seven residential units.
For the purpose of determining the number of accessibility points required pursuant to
subsection (2) of this section, the accessible dwelling unit types shall have the following point
values:
Accessible dwelling unit type: Accessibility point value per dwelling unit:
Type A dwelling unit 6
Type A multistory dwelling unit 5
Type B dwelling unit 4
Type B multistory dwelling unit 3
Type B visitable ground floor 1
(2) Residential projects. (a) A project shall be assigned accessibility points based on the
number of units contained within the project as follows:
Number of units within the project: Accessibility points Required:
0-6 0
7-14 6
• 15-28 12
29-42 18
4
43-57 24
58-71 30
• 72-85 36
86-99 42
100-114 48
115-128 54
129-142 60
143-157 66
158-171 72
172-185 78
186-199 84
etc. +6 additional points every14 units or fraction thereof
(b) A project shall include enough accessible dwelling units to achieve at least the specified
• number of accessibility points required pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection (2). A project
may use any combination of accessible dwelling unit types to comply with this section.
Source: L. 2003: Entire article amended with relocations, p. 1420, § 1, effective April 29.
Editor's note: (1) This section was formerly numbered as 9-5-111.
(2) Section 4 of chapter 198, Session Laws of Colorado 2003, provides that the act amending this
section applies to projects proposed or constructed on or after April 29, 2003.
9-5-106. Implementation plan.
The builder of any project regulated by this article shall create an implementation plan that
guarantees the timely and evenly phased delivery of the required number of accessible units. Such
plan shall clearly specify the number and type of units required and the order in which they are to be
completed. Such implementation plan shall be subject to approval by the entity with enforcement
authority in such project's jurisdiction. The implementation plan shall not be approved if more than
thirty percent of the project is intended to be completed without providing a portion of accessible
units required by section 9-5-105; except that, if an undue hardship can be demonstrated, or other
guarantees provided are deemed sufficient, the jurisdiction having responsibility for enforcement
may grant exceptions to this requirement. The implementation plan shall be approved by the
governmental unit responsible for enforcement before a building permit is issued.
• Source: L. 2003: Entire article amended with relocations, p. 1421, § 1, effective April 29.
Editor's note: Section 4 of chapter 198, Session Laws of Colorado 2003, provides that the act amending
this section applies to projects proposed or constructed on or after April 29, 2003.
5
RESOLUTION
• FORT COLLINS CHAPTER 759 OF AARP
WHEREAS, the existence of people with disabilities constitutes a major
social issue that deserves attention and respect; and
WHEREAS, the national AARP has recognized in its Public Policy Book
that "The incidence of disability increases with age" and has recognized that
federal laws have been passed to protect people of all ages who have physical or
mental disabilities (Policy Book 2003, at 13-12); and
WHEREAS, people with disabilities have special needs in housing, not
only in the place where they reside but also in homes that they may visit or
temporarily reside, such as living with other family members or visiting with
friends or relatives; and
WHEREAS, public housing is now required in most cases to provide
accommodation for persons with disabilities as recognized and supported by the
• national AARP (Policy Book, at 9-42 to 9-47), but such accommodations are not
2 being required in private housing; and
WHEREAS, the expense of providing accommodations for mobility
disabilities in private housing is greatly reduced when the original structure is
being constructed, as compared to the much greater expense of re-designing and
re-building housing to make such accommodations; and
WHEREAS, the Fort Collins Chapter #759 of AARP has considered its
support of proposals to build such accommodations and plans into new housing:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Fort Collins Chapter #759 of
AARP supports the proposals to plan for, and to build, accommodations for
persons with disabilities into new housing, specifically as proposed in the plans
entitled "Practical Housing for All", and encourages builders, architects,
contractors, planners, and all persons engaged in the construction of new homes
to follow the 5 guides: (1) no step entries, (2) first floor kitchen, bathroom and a
• bedroom, (3) maneuvering space in hallways, (4) clear openings for doorways,
and (5) reachable plugs and switches.