Title
Summary of Current Universal Design Ordinance Discussion
Body
Commission on Disability Issues
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Review/Discussion
Item 5-A
Summary of Current Universal Design Ordinance Discussion
Written by Universal Design Ordinance Workgroup, Commission on Disability Issues
Please contact Commission Chair Kenny with questions.
Discussion:
Establishing a Universal Design Ordinance in Alameda:
* Ensures that all new housing moving forward is accessible to a majority of its residents by being designed with consideration of all ages and abilities;
* Recognizes and addresses the current shortage of accessible housing; and
* Be proactive and prepared for the growing population, including those with disabilities and seniors.
WHY:
The Need for Accessible Units
Research shows that over the lifespan of a new, typical housing unit, that 25-60% of those units will house a disabled person. Additionally, 53-91% will have a disabled visitor over the course of the unit's lifetime (Smith et.al, 2008). Those numbers do not include people with temporary disabilities, such as broken leg or healing from surgery, which would greatly increase the numbers.
Furthermore, it is expected that the population of Alameda will grow 8.8% (2015-2023 Alameda Housing Element Background Report). In addition to a growing senior population, people with disabilities are now living longer and aging in larger numbers than previously experienced, resulting in overlapping categories. In 2002, it was estimated that 52% of Americans with disabilities were age 65+ (Kaup, 2009).
Current Lack of Accessible Units
Currently only 10% of multi-family buildings (of 4+ units) need to be accessible, as defined by the Fair Housing Act Guidelines according to 7 guidelines. Additionally, housing units that receive federal funding (such as those developed by Mercy Housing, BRIDGE, and other affordable developers) are required to build according...
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