A Basic Guide to Fair Housing Accessibility: Everything Architects and Builders Need to Know About the Fair Housing Act Accessibility Guidelines

The guide that takes the guesswork out of Fair Housing Act Accessibility Guidelines conformance The Federal government is stepping up its enforcement of the Fair Housing Act Accessibility Guidelines, and failure to comply with these guidelines can result in a complaint for discriminatory housing practice. A Basic Guide to Fair Housing Accessibility enables building professionals to avoid these charges with clear, concise interpretations of the Guidelines and descriptive illustrations of proper conformance. Inspired by the author’s HUD–sponsored review of nearly 400 built projects, this compact yet comprehensive guide reviews the guidelines for conformance with the seven basic design and construction requirements of the Fair Housing Amendments Act, from accessible building entrances to usable kitchens, and points out common conformance errors made by architects, builders, and developers. This practical, easy–to–follow handbook: Demystifies accessibility guidelines and reduces the risk of litigation Explains which buildings and units are covered by the law Provides a compliance checklist for multifamily housing design and construction Featuring only the facts and technical guidance needed to help ensure conformance with the Guidelines, A Basic Guide to Fair Housing Accessibility is an indispensable resource for architects, builders, contractors, site engineers, and developers who need to know that their work is in conformance with Federal guidelines.

Introduction. PART 1: "The Act" and the Guidelines. I. THE FAIR HOUSING ACT. II. OTHER FEDERAL ACCESSIBILITY LAWS. III. BUILDING CODES. IV. CROSS COVERAGE. V. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS AND REASONABLE MODIFICATIONS. VI. THE GUIDELINES. REQUIREMENT 1: ACCESSIBLE BUILDING ENTRANCE ON AN ACCESSIBLE ROUTE. REQUIREMENT 2: ACCESSIBLE AND USABLE PUBLIC AND COMMON USE AREAS. REQUIREMENT 3: USABLE DOORS. REQUIREMENT 4: ACCESSIBLE ROUTE INTO AND THROUGH THE COVERED DWELLING UNIT. REQUIREMENT 5: LIGHT SWITCHES, ELECTRICAL OUTLETS, THERMOSTATS AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS IN ACCESSIBLE LOCATIONS. REQUIREMENT 6: REINFORCED WALLS FOR GRAB BARS. REQUIREMENT 7: USABLE KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS. PART 2: Compliance Checklist. INTRODUCTION. CHECKLIST. Appendices. APPENDIX A: FINAL FAIR HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES. APPENDIX B: SUPPLEMENT TO NOTICE OF FAIR HOUSING: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE GUIDELINES. Index.

STEVEN WINTER ASSOCIATES, INC., is an architectural research firm whose expertise contributes to making buildings more energy efficient, affordable, accessible, and sustainable. The firm has offices in Norwalk, Connecticut and Washington, D.C.