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BACKGROUND In the FY 2021/22 - FY 2022/23 Work Plan, the City Council included an action: to amend the City's Code and Development Standards to enhance minimum ADA accessibility requirements; the description of the project is to "ensure a higher level of accessibility standards, such as roll-in showers, universal design elements, for new apartment construction." The item was given an "A" Priority, meaning substantial progress or completion of the effort during Fiscal Year 2021/22. The intent of this work plan item is to ensure, as new residential development occurs, opportunities are provided for persons of all ages and abilities to access and enjoy housing suitable for their needs. Accessibility and Universal Design In the context of this agenda item, it is useful to define some key terms related to accessibility: Accessibility, as defined in the California Building Code is, "the combination of various elements in a building, facility, site, or area, or portion thereof which allows access, circulation and the full use of the building and facilities by persons with disabilities in compliance with this code." Accessibility is also used, somewhat more broadly, to mean services and facilities designed and/or modified to be able to be used by persons of all abilities. Universal Design is a design principle whereby products, components and the physical environment is made more usable by as many people as possible, including at various levels of ability, at little or no extra cost. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Disabled access requirements, as they apply to the built environment, are often referred to as "ADA" (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements. The ADA is a federal law, enacted in 1990, that prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, transportation, and all public and private places open to the general public. The ADA specifies minimum design standards for non-residential and for public and common use areas in residential construction, in particular through the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. While the California Building Code (CBC) reflects these ADA Standards, local agencies enforce the CBC, but do not have jurisdiction over federal ADA law nor do they have discretion to modify its requirements. California Building Code California's Building Standards Code is found in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR). Title 24 encompasses 13 separate parts including the California Building Code (CBC), Electrical Code, Mechanical Code, Green Building Code, etc. CBC Chapter 11B is written in conformity with the federal ADA. With the exception of certain building occupancies subject to state agency enforcement, such as schools and hospitals, the CBC must be enforced by local governments for all construction. Page 2 of 7