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Locally, the City of Dublin and the City of Fremont have adopted versions of the Model Universal Design Ordinance. Note that both cities mentioned have, for the most part, taken the approach of not mandating a majority of these features be constructed in a project, but instead requiring them to be offered to prospective buyers for installation at their cost. This approach reflects the fact that Universal Design upgrades will likely add to the cost of construction, and some changes, such as wider hallways or step-free entries could be challenging to accomplish depending on model home floorplans and adjacent grades. The draft resolution with proposed amendments to the PMC are included as Exhibit A to this report. Proposed Draft Universal Design Ordinance Staff has carefully reviewed the Model Ordinance, and identified accessibility features it feels would be appropriate to require in new single-family, duplex and triplex units, to create a local ordinance codified as PMC Chapter 20.75, within Title 20 — Building and Construction of the PMC. The complete Draft Ordinance is included as Exhibit A. The Ordinance would be applicable to any project of ten or more single-family, duplex or triplex units, except for custom homes, including both rental and owner-occupied units. As provided for in the Model Ordinance, the proposed Chapter 20.75 allows for reasonable exemptions from its requirements, based on hardship, site specific constraints, or in the event of reconstruction after a disaster. With respect to required accessibility features, this list of features mandatory to provide is somewhat more expansive than the requirements imposed in neighboring cities, but generally reflects relatively low-cost features that would be beneficial in improving overall accessibility. Staff does not believe their inclusion would significantly drive up the cost of construction of a unit, and would be generally desirable features, within a unit, irrespective of whether occupied by a person with a disability of not. Features required to be included are as follows: Entries and Landings: • A doorbell installed at 48-inches • An accessible primary entrance • Minimum floor or landing width at entry to accommodate a wheelchair or similar • A 34-inch opening on an accessible entry door (or otherwise consistent with CBC Chapter 11A) Accessible Routes: • Provision for an accessible route through the unit and to key rooms such as bathroom, kitchen, and living/common area room Bathrooms: • Within at least one bathroom, grab bar backing, special faucets and handles, clear- space for wheelchairs, an accessible tub or shower, sink and toilet, and specified heights for mirrors and towel bars Kitchens: • Accessible sink controls • Accessible route to the kitchen and to the stove or oven Universal Design July 27, 2022 5of8