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COUNTY OF SAN MATEOInter-Departmental Correspondence |
County Manager's Office |
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DATE: |
May 8, 2003 |
BOARD MEETING DATE: |
May 13, 2003 |
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TO: |
Honorable Board of Supervisors |
FROM: |
John Maltbie, County Manager |
SUBJECT: |
County Manager's Report #9-Resolution in support of SB 1025 (Escutia), Fair housing in multilevel townhouses |
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Recommendation |
Adopt a resolution in support of SB 1025 (Escutia) regarding accessibility in newly constructed multilevel townhouses. |
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Background |
This bill would amend the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) to require that new construction of multilevel townhouses without elevators include at least one unit that has access for mobility impaired persons to the primary level floor and an accessible bathroom on that same level. |
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Discussion |
Current law requires accessibility features for all new multifamily townhouses of four or more units if the building has an elevator, and requires accessibility for all ground units in buildings without elevators. However, the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers contends some developers have found a loophole in the law by building multistory townhouses with neither elevators nor ground floor units. With neither of these features, the developers contend and the Foundation agrees, the development need not include accessible units. At least one development has opened without accessible units and several other developments are nearing completion. This bill intends to close that loophole. |
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While the Commissions on Disabilities and Aging are not aware of any instances of developers using this loophole in San Mateo County, they believe this bill will benefit San Mateo County by increasing the pool of accessible housing available for its residents who need this type of housing to live independently in the community. |
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The Commissions on Disabilities and Aging voted unanimously to recommend to the Board of Supervisors' Legislative Committee support of SB 1025. |
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The Legislative Committee has reviewed and recommends support of this bill. |
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Vision Alignment |
Support of SB 1025 (Escutia) furthers the County's commitment to offer a full range of housing choices and supports Goal #9 to ensure that housing exists for people at all income levels and for all generations. |
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Fiscal Impact |
No fiscal impact to the County. |