13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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 Americans with Disabilities Act (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 FY 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. At the April 19, 2022, City Council meeting, the City Council directed staff to draft and bring forward for consideration a Universal Design Ordinance for single-family, duplex and/or triplex units, including recommendations on mandatory versus voluntary features to be included; develop and implement a Universal Design Checklist, which through a condition of approval would require developers of single-family projects of 10 or more units to provide a list of universal accessibility features available; and update the current condition of approval for multi-family residential development over 15 units. PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION The Planning Commission reviewed the proposed amendments to the Pleasanton Municipal Code (PMC) at the July 27, 2022 Planning Commission meeting and provided a favorable recommendation to the City Council, with amendments as discussed in this report. See Attachment 2 - Planning Commission Agenda Report (without attachments) and Draft Excerpt Minutes for the July 27, 2022, Planning Commission meeting. DISCUSSION The following section outlines the key elements of the proposed draft amendment that have been tailored to the unique concerns and considerations of the City. The amendments would be contained in a new Chapter 20.75 of the PMC. Proposed Draft Universal Design Ordinance Staff reviewed the Model Universal Design Ordinance developed by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) after adoption of AB 2787 in 2002. Local jurisdictions may adopt a local ordinance that is in substantial conformance and/or substantially similar to the Model Ordinance and it may only be applied to single-family, duplex or tri-plex units, with the exception of custom-built homes. The Model Ordinance also offers the option to apply either a mandate to install universal design features by the developer (i.e., built in conjunction with a project), or as a mandate to offer features to prospective owners to include in a new unit and installed at the purchaser's request. Per Council direction, staff developed a local ordinance and identified accessibility features to require (i.e., mandate developers to install) in new single-family, duplex and Page 2 of 7