DATE: September 19, 2024
TO: Housing Policy & Resource Committee
FROM: Jeremy Lochirco, Planning Manager
SUBJECT
Title
Universal Residential Design Ordinance: Work Session to Review and Discuss Various Policies Tied to the Adoption of a Universal Residential Design Ordinance for the City of Hayward
End
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
That the Committee review the proposed policy recommendations and provide feedback and guidance, as necessary, for the development and adoption of a new Universal Design Ordinance for the City of Hayward.
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SUMMARY
As part of the 6th Cycle Housing Element (2023-2031) and consistent with adopted implementation strategies of the Hayward 2040 General Plan, the City has committed to develop and implement Universal Design Guidelines that promote accessibility for everyone regardless of age or ability. To satisfy this commitment, staff is proposing to adopt a new Universal Design Ordinance and related Checklist which would apply to all new single-family, duplex and townhome development in the City, consistent with similar approaches adopted by other jurisdictions in California and tiering off the Model Ordinance that was previously adopted and promoted by the State.
Based on the requirements of California Building Code (CBC), which details the accessibility requirements for new residential construction, the City is somewhat limited in adopting any accessibility requirements which are more stringent than the CBC. However, the City does have the opportunity to strengthen accessibility requirements as part of building design for residential development, which would be incorporated as an amendment to the City’s Municipal Code. Staff has reviewed Universal Design Ordinances from several other jurisdictions in California and is requesting feedback from the Committee on several policy options prior to drafting the Ordinance, including the following:
• Should the requirement to include Universal Design features be mandatory to install or mandatory to offer?
• Should a minimum threshold be established for projects subject to this Ordinance (i.e. projects proposing 5 or more units)?
• Should there be a minimum percentage of units in each development (i.e. 20% of the total number of units) would be required to provide Universal Design features?
• Does the Committee support exceptions for custom-built homes, financial hardships, construction delays and/or extreme site topography, which makes it difficult or impossible to construct a home incorporating Universal Design features?
• Does the Committee support the inclusion of a Visitability requirement as part of the Universal Design Guidelines?
• Should a Universal Design Checklist be required for all new single-family, duplex or triplex residential construction in the City or should the Checklist only be required for projects that meet a threshold (i.e. projects proposing 4 or more units)?
• Should the Universal Design Ordinance apply to all single-family, duplex and triplex project types in the City or should the Ordinance be limited to special target populations (such as seniors) and/or to projects that obtain public funding assistance from the City?
Following feedback from the Committee, staff will begin drafting the Universal Design Ordinance for public feedback and consideration by the City Council.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Staff Report
Attachment II Other City Comparison