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Universal Design
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Livable, marketable environments for everyone, regardless of ability, age or size
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Designed to promote independent living
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Also known as “life-span design”, “inclusive design”, or “trans-generational design”
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San Antonio Universal Housing Design Ordinance
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COSA: U.D. Ordinance No. 95641 effective April 2002.
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Applies ONLY TO NEW CONSTRUCTION of single family homes, duplexes, and triplexes.
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Applies only to new construction projects receiving financial assistance from COSA or the State of Texas.
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Why Universal Design
In San Antonio?
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Existing Universal Design Policy
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Texas Senate Bill 623 requires Universal Design in single-family homes receiving federal and state funds administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
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The Fair Housing Act (1988 Amendments) requires Universal Design elements in all newly constructed multi-family housing of four or more units.
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We All Benefit From Universal Design
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- Seniors
- People with temporary and permanent disabilities
- Extended Families
- Visitors
- Delivery & maintenance personnel
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Design Feature Cost
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New Construction: $371- $670 |
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Design Feature Cost
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Later Modification for Necessary Access:
$2000.00 (ATF)
- $3,350- $3,840 (SA Ramps)$5,402 (COSA Rental Rehab Office)
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Universal Design Housing Ordinance Features
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- Entrances with no steps
- Wider doorways (2’ 8”)
- Reinforced grab bars
- Lever door handles
- Lever controls on kitchen and lavatory faucets
- Light switches and electrical receptacles within reachable height
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Applies To These Funding Sources:
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- Contractual agreements involving a City of San Antonio funded program or fund, including the San Antonio Housing Trust Fund or similar programs.
- Real estate purchase, lease, fee waiver, tax phase-in, tax abatement, TIF/TIRZ or donation by the City of San Antonio or its agents.
- Disbursement of federal or state construction funds, for example but not limited to FEMA, ESG, HOPWA CDBG or HOME.
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Design and Construction Requirements
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- At least one entrance door at least 36" wide on an accessible path of travel served by a no-step entrance with a beveled threshold of 1/2 inch or less.
- 2'8" doors throughout the house except for closets of 15 square feet or less.
- All hallways at least 36" wide, level with ramped or beveled changes at each door threshold.
- Lever handles on all hardware to open/close doors and operate plumbing fixtures.
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Design and Construction Requirements
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- All Bathroom walls reinforced around toilet and shower/tub for future installation of grab bars or provision of pre-manufactured tub/shower surround certified to meet ADA requirements to bear a 250-pound load.
- All electrical panels, breaker boxes, light switches or thermostats mounted no higher than 48" above the floor.
- All electrical plugs or other receptacles installed at least 15" from the floor and exterior electrical panels installed between 18" and 42" above the ground and on an accessible route.
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Granting a Waiver
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- Director of Development Services may grant modification or a waiver only for compliance with exterior path of travel if:
The lot rises or falls so steeply that a maximum 1:12 slope cannot be achieved without extensive grading, and no driveway will be constructed on the lot; and no vehicular access to the back of the house is available.
- Denials may be appealed to the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals.
- Noncompliance will be addressed by Development Services Department following existing policies.
- There are no waivers for interior Universal Design requirements.
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Implementation
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- A copy of the ordinance will be attached to City of San Antonio contracts funding housing projects as described under “Applicability.”
- Architects and builders for such projects are required to stamp or write “Universal Design” on plans and identify elements that comply with the ordinance.
- Plan checking, construction inspection and enforcement is accomplished by the Development Services Department in accordance with existing procedures.
- City fiscal impact is negligible because staff will use existing department organizations and processes.
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Universal Design Ordinance Implementation Task Force
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- City Attorney’s Office
- Development Services Department, City of San Antonio
- Disability Access Office, City of San Antonio, Department of Public Works
- Enterprise Foundation
- Greater San Antonio Builders Association
- Housing and Community Development Department
- Neighborhood Action Department, City of San Antonio
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REINFORCED
WALLS DIAGRAM
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Contact
us at 311.
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