HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-091-07/20/2004-SUPPORTING THE EFFORT TO ENCOURAGE THE CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSING WITH FEATURES THAT PROVIDE BASIC ACCE RESOLUTION 2004-091
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, nationally and locally, housing available for purchase or rent with features
commonly referred to as `universal design' that provide basic access and functionality to residents
of all ages and widely varying mobility and ambulatory-related abilities to perform basic daily life
tasks is in short supply; and
WHEREAS, the cost of installing such universal design features during the construction of
new housing is significantly lower than the cost of installing those same features after construction;
and
WHEREAS,the Commission on Disability's universal housing design committee,composed
of representatives of the Commission on Disability, the Home Builders Association of Northern
Colorado,the home-building industry, and City staff, developed the voluntary program, "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 universal design features in housing for
residents and visitors 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 or local law with respect to
accessibility features; and
WHEREAS, the City Council first passed a resolution on October 15, 2002 supporting the
original PHA concept of `visitability', which is primarily aimed at enabling those individuals with
widely varying mobility and ambulatory-related abilities to visit homes of others that meet the initial
PHA criteria; and
WHEREAS,the Commission on Disability PHA committee is now proposing that the PHA
program be expanded by including additional universal design criteria for the benefit of all home
occupants as well as visitors; and
WHEREAS, the City has produced and distributed both a PHA builder's guide and a PHA
informational brochure containing the new criteria; and
WHEREAS,the 2004 City Plan Update includes a new policy,HSG-1.6BasicAccess,which
states that: "The City supports the `Practical Housing for All' initiative. Therefore, 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."; and
WHEREAS,in June of 2004,the"US Conference of Mayors"approved the endorsement of
the "Practical Housing for All" initiative pioneered by the Fort Collins Commission on Disability;
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 afford both residents and visitors, 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 that foster
independence and enable people of all ages and widely varying mobility and ambulatory-related
abilities to function and perform basic daily life tasks in the residential setting. Accordingly, the
Council supports promotional efforts such as homebuilder and buyer awareness outreach,prioritized
development review and permit processing, certification and recognition awards for builders that
voluntarily construct PHA-eligible housing,as well as any other companion efforts that the Council
deems appropriate by subsequent resolution.
Section 2. For the purposes of this resolution,PHA-eligible housing shall be considered
to be housing that is not otherwise regulated by federal, state or local law with respect to
accessibility, and which housing incorporates the following minimum basic access and universal
design features for persons using a wheelchair on the main or first floor of the dwelling unit:
A. Basic Access into the Dwelling Unit. A wheel-chair accessible route
provided by a code-complying ramp or other means without steps, from the
street, driveway, or garage to a level entrance into the dwelling unit.
B. Basic Main Floor Facilities. Basic resident facilities located on the main
floor including a kitchen, a room that can qualify as a bedroom, and a full
bathroom that contains no less than a lavatory,toilet,and bathtub or shower.
C. Basic Maneuvering Requirements. A minimum 36-inch wide wheel-chair
accessible route maintained throughout the first or main floor with hallways
that are a minimum of 42 inches wide and all doorways that provide a clear-
opening width of 32 inches.
D. Bathroom Access. In at least one bathroom, a clear access space to each
fixture measuring no less than 30 inches by 48 inches, which space may
overlap but not be encroached by door swing.
E. Future Assist Bar Preparation. A wheelchair-useable main-floor bathroom
constructed with built-in structural reinforcement in walls for future
installation of assist bars at the toilet and the bathtub or shower.
F. Reachable Electrical Outlets and Controls. Electrical switches, outlets,
thermostats, and service panels located within 15 and 48 inches above the
floor.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held this 20th day of July,A.D.
2004.
x
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk