Print This Article			Print All Articles			Email the Editor

HUD Releases Draft IBC Report for Public Comment

HUD released its draft report on Friday, Aug. 6. The deadline for public comments is Sept. 7.

HUD’s safe harbor endorsement is critical to ensuring that multifamily builders and designers are able to comply with the Fair Housing Act’s accessibility requirements by meeting the IBC. The IBC is the only model building code available for state and local adoption that incorporates the federal requirements — written in language builders and designers are accustomed to — that is enforceable at the local level. Without HUD's safe harbor endorsement, builders and designers are left to fend for themselves without the benefit of any kind of inspection mechanism or compliance verification.

Under the federal Fair Housing Act, multifamily dwellings with four or more units — whether for rent or for sale — that were built for first occupancy after March 13, 1991, must meet certain design and construction requirements to make them accessible to people with disabilities. This includes all ground-floor units in buildings without elevators, all units in buildings with elevators, single-story townhouses and all indoor and outdoor common-use areas.

NAHB worked with HUD to secure the safe harbor endorsement for the 2000 edition of the IBC and is doing so again for the 2003 edition.

For more information, contact Jeff Inks at jinks@nahb.com or on 800-368-5242 x8547.

go to top