City of Sacramento
Law and Legislation Committee Report
915 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
File ID: 2025-01272 6/24/2025
An Ordinance Amending Various Sections of Chapter 15.154 of the Sacramento City Code Relating to Universal Design for Residential Dwellings (LR24-005) File ID: 2025-01272
Location: Citywide
Recommendation: 1) Review an Ordinance amending various sections of Chapter 15.154 of the Sacramento City Code, relating to Universal Design (Accessibility Standards) for Residential Dwellings; and 2) pass a Motion forwarding the Ordinance to City Council for consideration.
Contact: Greta Soos, AICP, Senior Planner, (916) 808-2027, [email protected]; Remi Mendoza, Principal Planner, (916) 808-5003, [email protected]; Department of Community Development
Presenter: Greta Soos, AICP, Senior Planner, (916) 808-2027, [email protected], Department of Community Development
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-Existing Ordinance Summary
3-Summary of Proposed Amendments
4-Outreach Summary
5-Ordinance (Redline)
6-Ordinance (Clean)
Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: The Universal Design Ordinance was adopted on February 16, 2010, and is intended to encourage the development of new homes with accessible features to accommodate people with disabilities and older adult populations. On August 17, 2021, City Council adopted the 2021-2029 Housing Element, which sets forth citywide policies and programs to address the housing needs of all households in Sacramento. Housing Element Implementation Program H20. Universal Design Ordinance directs the City to review and update the Universal Design Ordinance to provide clarification on how and when the ordinance is applied and to increase awareness of the City’s Universal Design Ordinance. This report provides an overview of the City’s existing Universal Design Ordinance, a summary of the outreach conducted to date, and proposes amendments to the ordinance in accordance with Housing Element Program H20.
File ID: 2025-01272 6/24/2025
Staff brought this item forward to the City’s Planning and Design Commission on January 16, 2025 and the City’s Disabilities Advisory Commission on March 5, 2025 for review and discussion. A summary of the comments received by these bodies along with staff responses is provided in the Commission/Committee Action section of the report.
Following the adoption of amendments to the Universal Design Ordinance, staff will be conducting community outreach to builders, non-profits, service providers, and other organizations to increase awareness of the ordinance to potential homebuyers.
Policy Considerations: An update to the City’s Universal Design Ordinance is consistent with the following adopted 2021-2029 Housing Element policies and implementation programs:
H-8.1 Universal Design in New Housing. The City shall strive to achieve universal design in new residential housing units to provide housing for people with disabilities and allow older adults to age in place.
Program H20. Universal Design Ordinance The City shall review and update the Universal Design Ordinance to provide clarification on how and when the ordinance is applied. The City shall partner with AARP and Resources for Independent Living to increase awareness of the City’s Universal Design Ordinance.
· Implements which Policy(ies): H-8.1
· Timeframe: 2023
· Responsible Department or Agency: Community Development · Objective: Increase awareness of the Universal Design Ordinance.
Economic Impacts: The Universal Design Ordinance requires home builders of single family and duplex homes to offer universal design features, as specified in the ordinance, which may be installed at the buyer’s expense.
Environmental Considerations: This report is an administrative activity that does not result in a direct or indirect physical change to the environment. Therefore, this action is exempt from environmental review under CEQA per the CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5).
Sustainability: A sustainable City includes housing options for all, including people with disabilities and older adult populations. This ordinance helps to create new homes that meet the needs of these populations, thereby creating more housing choices.
Commission/Committee Action:
Planning and Design Commission Comments (January 16, 2025)
File ID: 2025-01272 6/24/2025
· Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the ordinance · Commissioners expressed support for the ordinance and outreach to increase awareness of the ordinance
Disabilities Advisory Commission Comments (March 5, 2025) · Commissioners expressed the desire for a public information campaign and to conduct outreach to more than just AARP and Resources for Independent Living. Suggested organizations included:
§ HandsOn Sacramento: The Regional Center for Volunteerism § Developmental Disability Service Organization
§ Alta California Regional Center
§ Best Buddies Group
§ Sacramento Association of Realtors
o Staff response
: Staff has noted these organizations for future outreach and has already been in contact with the Alta California Regional Center. Proposed outreach methods may include but are not limited to: presentations and brochure distribution at existing meetings and events sponsored by the above organizations, postcard mailings, radio advertisements, and email campaigns.
· Commissioners requested that the feature options be made physically visible to buyers and be equally represented and accessible as other advertised home features are. Commissioners requested that the features specifically be built in at least one model home. o Staff response: The Ordinance currently requires that brochures identifying these universal design features be made available to all buyers, and that if model homes are used, they must include placards on the walls illustrating the features or be designed to accommodate the features. The proposed ordinance amendments add additional text stating that “if model homes are not available to be viewed in person by the public, the universal design features identified in this chapter must be prominently displayed in sales offices and marketing materials.” Proposed ordinance modifications do not include a requirement for a model home to have all features constructed, as not all buyers may wish to purchase all universal design features that are listed in the ordinance.
· Commissioners requested that staff consider lowering the threshold number of units that the requirements apply to.
o Staff response: The proposed ordinance amendments include an amendment to the threshold number of units from 20 to 10 units.
Rationale for Recommendation: The proposed ordinance amendments are in alignment with Housing Element policies and programs and will provide greater clarity to builders and staff in implementation of the ordinance.
Financial Considerations: Not applicable.
File ID: 2025-01272 6/24/2025
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): Not applicable.
1 Attachment 2-Existing Ordinance Summary
Chapter 15.154
UNIVERSAL DESIGN (ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS) FOR RESIDENTIAL
DWELLINGS
Existing Ordinance Summary
Universal Design is design for the whole population, for people with or without disabilities. This ordinance helps to create homes that anyone can visit or live in.
The ordinance applies to new residential developments of 20 units or more that consist of one- or two-unit dwellings in the Standard Single Family (R-1) Zone and the Alternative Single Family (R-1A) Zone.
The ordinance applies to at least one model in the development. o A buyer could select any of the Universal Design options listed in this ordinance – developer will be required to provide those options at the buyer’s expense.
If model homes are used, at least one model home must have the features built in or at least needs to show illustrations of those options on placards.
Developments can have one or more of the mandatory options be exempted if:
o There are topographic and or other site constraints (including site size); or o Compliance with a request would cause an unreasonable delay (at the determination of the Building Official) in construction or resulting in un- reimbursable costs to the builder.
Key Features Required To Be Offered
Accessible primary and secondary entries
Accessible exterior and interior routes
Accessible bathroom on route from primary entry
Accessible kitchen on primary entry level
Accessible common use room on primary entry level
Accessible bedroom on the primary entry level
Accessible routes to miscellaneous areas or facilities (i.e. patio or yard, laundry room, or storage area)
Conduit for the future wiring of assistive technologies in all exterior walls. Outlets at the bottom and top of any stairs to facilitate the use of a chair lift General components
o Rocker light switches and controls
o Flooring
o Raised outlets
o Doors and openings for rooms
View the full ordinance here:
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/sacramentoca/latest/sacramento_ca/0-0-0-32832
Attachment 3-Summary of Proposed Amendments
Summary of Proposed Amendments to Universal Design Ordinance The following list summarizes proposed revisions to Chapter 15.154 Universal Design (Accessibility Standards) for Residential Dwellings:
1. Clarifications to definitions under section 15.154.030 are proposed, including a definition of “development phase” to ensure that all development projects subject to the ordinance requirements adequately meet the intent of the ordinance by offering at least one model in each marketed phase of the project.
2. Amendments are proposed to the scope and application section 15.154.040 as follows:
a. The threshold number of units to which the ordinance requirements apply is proposed to be reduced from 20 units to 15 units.
b. The reference to R-1 and R-1A zones is proposed to be removed due to current work underway to modify various zoning districts in the City’s Planning and Development Code for consistency with the 2040 General Plan.
c. Additional language is proposed to ensure that residential development projects that include multiple development phases adequately meet the intent of the ordinance by offering at least one model in each marketed phase of the project.
3. Amendments are proposed that streamline exemption language in section
15.154.060.
4. Amendments are proposed to exempt housing development projects that are subject to CBC Chapter 11A or 11B, which have more universal design and accessibility requirements.
5. Amendments are proposed to only require universal design standards for powder room/bathroom facilities if a powder room/bathroom is offered on the primary entry level.
6. Amendments are proposed to only require universal design standards for common use rooms on the primary entry level if a common use room exists.
Attachment 4-Outreach Summary
Outreach Timeline
Homebuilder Outreach Survey (August 2024)
AARP Sacramento Chapter – Individual Meeting (August 2024) Resources for Independent Living – Individual Meeting (October 2024) City of Sacramento Housing Policy Working Group Meeting (November 2024) Commissions:
o Planning and Design Commission (January 2025)
o Disabilities Advisory Commission (March 2024)
Alta California Regional Center (March 2025)
Outreach Summary
Home Builder Outreach Survey (August 2024)
City of Sacramento staff reached out to home builders who have pulled master plan permits within the last ten years, with targeted outreach to builders who pulled 30 or more permits. Four of the nine major builders responded in addition to other respondents. Responses are summarized below:
1. Are you aware of any homes in subdivisions you have worked on that have been constructed with Universal Design features as outlined in the Ordinance? If so, how many?
Only one buyer has requested the offered Universal Design Features as required by the ordinance. All other respondents said no.
2. Has your organization ever run into questions or complications regarding the scope and application of the Ordinance? If so, please elaborate. Generally, no major questions or complications were identified. Only suggestions related to applicability were made.
3. Do you believe the City’s Universal Design Ordinance provides a benefit to your home sales?
Mixed responses, with more responses saying no.
4. How is your organization, as a home builder, meeting the needs of an aging population?
Most builders cite complying with the California Residential Code Aging in Place requirements, but some are finding success in building active adult communities and ADUs/JADUs.
5. Is there anything the City could do to improve the current ordinance purpose and intent based on your organization’s experiences?
Most builders suggested that the ordinance did not add much value beyond the requirements of the building code. Builders suggest that they are meeting the intent of the ordinance in other ways such as creating Attachment 4-Outreach Summary
communities entirely marketed towards older adults which are easier to implement than trying to fit these requirements into existing standard market rate developments
AARP Sacramento Chapter – Individual Meeting (August 2024) Not previously familiar with the Ordinance
Hosts HomeFit guides and workshops for home retrofits Would like to stay engaged in this project and help get the word out about the ordinance
Resources for Independent Living – Individual Meeting (October 2024) Supportive of ordinance
Unsurprised by lack of requests for universal design features Believes there is a lack of education around the issue Wants to partner to get the word out
City of Sacramento Housing Policy Working Group Meeting (November 2024) Suggestion for City personnel to be more focused on enforcement of ordinance requirements
Interest in finding non-profits or funding partners to aid in cost of purchasing features
Suggestion to review City of Davis Universal Access Ordinance and consider adopting something similar: https://ecode360.com/44637563#44637564 Planning and Design Commission (January 2025)
Several clarifying questions were asked
Support was voiced for the ordinance and to increase awareness of the ordinance
Disabilities Advisory Commission (March 2025)
Many suggestions were made regarding organizations to conduct outreach with to raise awareness of the ordinance, which included:
o Alta California Regional Center
o HandsOn Sacramento: The Regional Center for Volunteerism o Developmental Disability Service Organization
o Best Buddies Group
o Sacramento Association of Realtors
Suggestions were made regarding potential outreach methods, which included:
o Going to events where the above organizations sponsor events Attachment 4-Outreach Summary
o City billboards
o Online media
o Giving materials to home builders to distribute to home buyers Support was voiced for the ordinance
Additional comments on the current ordinance included:
o Would like for caregivers to be addressed
o There should be equal access/representation as other features being offered
o Look at a lower number instead of 20 unit minimum
o Do not appreciate them not requiring to be building the model features o Additional cost to build features is bad - I do not pay additional money for an ADA room at a hotel
o Require things to be built that are easier to implement o Requiring in a model to physically build the features will show families things they may not know that they need
Alta California Regional Center (March 2025)
o Generally expressed support for ordinance and willingness to partner on outreach efforts, potentially including funding of certain outreach methods o Shared additional work on affordable housing partnership opportunities
1 ORDINANCE NO.
Adopted by the Sacramento City Council
Date Adopted
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 15.154 OF THE SACRAMENTO
CITY CODE, RELATING TO UNIVERSAL DESIGN (ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS) FOR RESIDENTIAL
DWELLINGS
BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SACRAMENTO:
SECTION 1.
Section 15.154.020 of the Sacramento City Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
15.154.020 Findings.
Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code section 17959, the city council finds that:
A. As many as 11twenty-three (23) %percent of city residents have one or more disabilities and 40% of city residents are age 65 or older, as noted in the city’s of Sacramento housing element. Individuals with mobility difficulties may require special accommodations to their homes to allow for continued independent living. This chapter is reasonably necessary to serve this population as well as those anticipating a disability by enhancing opportunities for the full life cycle use of housing without regard to the physical abilities or disabilities of a home's occupants or guests. This is done in order to accommodate a wide range of individual preferences and functional abilities.
B. The provisions of this chapter are substantially the same as the model universal design ordinance adopted by the Sstate of California Department of Housing and Community Development and are not less restrictive than the requirements of the California Building Standards Code as adopted by this title.
SECTION 2.
A. Section 15.154.030 of the Sacramento City Code is hereby amended as follows:
1. A definition of “CBC Chapter 11B” is hereby added to section 15.154.030 of the Sacramento City Code to read as follows:
"CBC Chapter 11B" means Chapter 11B of the California Building Code (located in Part 2, Title 24, California Code of Regulations), or its successor provisions. 2 2. A definition of “development phase” is hereby added to section 15.154.030 of the Sacramento City Code to read as follows:
“Development phase” means a distinct and separately marketed group of dwelling units in a residential development project such as a phase, series, village, or section.
B. Except as amended by subsection A above, all provisions of section 15.154.030 remain unchanged and in full effect.
SECTION 3.
Section 15.154.040 of the Sacramento City Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
15.154.040 Scope and application.
A. This chapter shall appliesy to the new construction of residential dwellings in a residential development projects totaling twenty (1520) or more dwelling units in the standard single-family (R-1) zone and single-family alternative (R-1A) zone.
B. If the residential development project includes more than one model or type of residential dwelling unit, then only one of the models or dwelling unit types is shall be subject to the requirements of this chapter.
C. If the residential development project includes multiple development phases, at least one model meeting the requirements of this chapter shall be offered for each development phase.
SECTION 4.
A. Section 15.154.050 of the Sacramento City Code is hereby amended as follows:
1. Subsection A is hereby amended to read as follows:
A. The seller of residential dwellings that are subject to this chapter shall prepare and provide to all prospective purchasers a brochure that identifies and describes the universal design features to be made available under this chapter and the dwelling units within the residential development project that are subject to the requirements of this chapter. Additionally, the seller shall provide to prospective purchasers a postage-paid, pre-addressed comment card that prospective purchasers may use to evaluate the effectiveness of this chapter and their experience with the seller. The comment cards shall be available in each brochure, at the model homes offering the universal design features, and at all sales offices associated with the development. The comment cards shall substantially comply with the city’s a form comment card as set forth on the city’s websiteapproved by the building official and shall be addressed to the appropriate city staff designated by the building official.
3 2. Subsection B is hereby amended to read as follows:
B. If models homes are available to be viewed in person by the public and are used in the marketing of residential dwellings that are subject to this chapter, at least one of the models homes shall be designed constructed to accommodate the universal design features identified in this chapter or, which model shall include placards on the walls illustrating the features listed in this chapter. If model homes are not available to be viewed in person by the public, the universal design features identified in this chapter must be prominently displayed in sales offices and marketing materials.
B. Except as amended by subsection A above, all provisions of section 15.154.050 remain unchanged and in full effect.
SECTION 5.
Section 15.154.060 of the Sacramento City Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
15.154.060 Exemptions.
A. A seller may apply to the building official for an exemption from one or more of the universal design features required to be offered under this chapter. Requests for exemptions must be in writing and must be submitted with the building permit application as part of the building permit application process.The building official shall establish policies and procedures that provide for building official review of requests for exemptions under this section. The policies and procedures shall require the building official to provide a written decision within ten (10) calendar days of the filing of a completed request for the exemption. A copy of the decision shall be delivered to the seller personally or sent to him or her by certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested. Requests for exemptions shall be submitted on a form prescribed by the building official.
B. The building official shall approve a request for an exemption of a universal design feature required by this chapter if the building official finds either one or both of the following:
1. That the seller has demonstrated that compliance with the requirement to offer and install a universal design feature under this chapter would create an undue hardship due to topographical conditions of the site, lot size, and/or other site constraints, and that equivalent facilitation is not available; or
2. That the seller has demonstrated that compliance with a request to install universal design features under this chapter would result in an unreasonable delay in construction or would result in non-reimbursable costs to the seller.
4 C. A residential development project subject to the requirements in CBC Chapter 11A or CBC Chapter 11B is exempt from the requirements of this chapter.
D. Any person aggrieved by the building official's decision under this section may appeal the decision to the construction code advisory and appeals boardbuilding and fire code advisory and appeals board, the mechanical and plumbing code advisory and appeals board, or the electrical code advisory and appeals board, as determined by the building official. The appeal shall be filed, processed, and heard in the manner described in Cchapter 2.48 for appeals to the construction code building and fire code advisory and appeals board., Chapter 2.49 for appeals to the mechanical and plumbing code advisory and appeals board, or Chapter 2.50 for appeals to the electrical code advisory and appeals board The proceedings on the appeal before the appeals board shall be de novo. The decision of the appeals board shall be final.
SECTION 6.
Section 15.154.090 of the Sacramento City Code is hereby amended as follows:
15.154.090 Universal design features-Standards-Primary floor powder room or /bathroom entry and facilities.
If a bathroom or powder room is offered on the primary entry level, tThe following options for the accessible bathroom or powder room on the route from the primary entry shall be offered and, if accepted, installed at the request and cost of the purchaser, unless an exemption of this universal design feature is granted under Section
15.154.060:
A. A t least one powder room or bathroom, at the option of the purchaser, on the primary entry level that complies with the requirements of CBC Chapter 11A.
B. Clear space in the bathroom or powder room that is either:
1. Consistent with the requirements of CBC Chapter 11A; or
2. Outside of the swing of the door and either a forty-eight (48) inch diameter circle, forty-eight (48) inches by sixty (60) inches, or a sixty (60) inch diameter circle, at the option of the purchaser.
C. A bathtub or shower meeting the requirements of ANSI A117.1.
D. Either of the following:
1. Grab bar reinforcement consistent with CBC Chapter 11A; or
5 2. Grab bars installed in a manner consistent with CBC Chapter 11A for the toilet, shower or /bath, or lavatory, or any combination thereof, at the option of the purchaser.
E. Faucets and handles not requiring tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist and consistent with the requirements of CBC Chapter 11A.
F. A lavatory (sink) installed consistent with CBC Chapter 11A.
G. A toilet installed consistent with CBC Chapter 11A.
H. Removable cabinets under the lavatory (sink).
I. Where mirrors and towel fixtures are provided in the accessible bathroom or powder room, installation consistent with the requirements of CBC Chapter 11A.
SECTION 7.
Section 15.154.110 of the Sacramento City Code is hereby amended as follows:
15.154.110 Universal design features-Standards-Common use room.
The following options for a the common use room on the primary entry level shall be offered and, if accepted, installed at the request and cost of the purchaser, unless an exemption of this universal design feature is granted under sSection 15.154.060:
A. If there is a At least one common use room, such as a dining room or living room, it must be made available on anthe accessible route. Sunken or raised areas not exceeding fifty (50)%s percent of the area of the room's floor space areshall be permitted as an option toof the purchaser in a common use room on the accessible route when an accessible route connects a usable portion of the common use room to the accessible bathroom or powder room and the accessible exterior entry door.
B. No sunken areas in a common use room on an accessible route.
C. Standards related to access to and flatness of any other common use room on the primary entry level.
Adopted by the City of Sacramento City Council on by the following vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstain:
6 Absent:
______________________
MAYOR
Attest:
______________________
City Clerk
Passed for Publication:
Published:
Effective:
1 ORDINANCE NO.
Adopted by the Sacramento City Council
Date Adopted
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 15.154 OF THE SACRAMENTO
CITY CODE, RELATING TO UNIVERSAL DESIGN (ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS) FOR RESIDENTIAL
DWELLINGS
BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SACRAMENTO:
SECTION 1.
Section 15.154.020 of the Sacramento City Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
15.154.020 Findings.
Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code section 17959, the city council finds that:
A. As many as 11% of city residents have one or more disabilities and 40% of city residents are age 65 or older, as noted in the city’s housing element. Individuals with mobility difficulties may require special accommodations to their homes to allow for continued independent living. This chapter is reasonably necessary to serve this population as well as those anticipating a disability by enhancing opportunities for the full life cycle use of housing without regard to the physical abilities or disabilities of a home's occupants or guests. This is done in order to accommodate a wide range of individual preferences and functional abilities.
B. The provisions of this chapter are substantially the same as the model universal design ordinance adopted by the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development and are not less restrictive than the requirements of the California Building Standards Code as adopted by this title.
SECTION 2.
A. Section 15.154.030 of the Sacramento City Code is hereby amended as follows:
1. A definition of “CBC Chapter 11B” is hereby added to section 15.154.030 of the Sacramento City Code to read as follows:
"CBC Chapter 11B" means Chapter 11B of the California Building Code (located in Part 2, Title 24, California Code of Regulations), or its successor provisions. 2 2. A definition of “development phase” is hereby added to section 15.154.030 of the Sacramento City Code to read as follows:
“Development phase” means a distinct and separately marketed group of dwelling units in a residential development project such as a phase, series, village, or section.
B. Except as amended by subsection A above, all provisions of section 15.154.030 remain unchanged and in full effect.
SECTION 3.
Section 15.154.040 of the Sacramento City Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
15.154.040 Scope and application.
A. This chapter applies to the new construction of residential dwellings in a residential development project totaling 15 or more dwelling units.
B. If the residential development project includes more than one model or type of residential dwelling unit, then only one of the models or dwelling unit types is subject to the requirements of this chapter.
C. If the residential development project includes multiple development phases, at least one model meeting the requirements of this chapter shall be offered for each development phase.
SECTION 4.
A. Section 15.154.050 of the Sacramento City Code is hereby amended as follows:
1. Subsection A is hereby amended to read as follows:
A. The seller of residential dwellings that are subject to this chapter shall prepare and provide to all prospective purchasers a brochure that identifies and describes the universal design features to be made available under this chapter and the dwelling units within the residential development project that are subject to the requirements of this chapter. Additionally, the seller shall provide to prospective purchasers a postage-paid, pre-addressed comment card that prospective purchasers may use to evaluate the effectiveness of this chapter and their experience with the seller. The comment cards shall be available in each brochure, at the model homes offering the universal design features, and at all sales offices associated with the development. The comment cards shall substantially comply with the city’s form comment card as set forth on the city’s website.
2. Subsection B is hereby amended to read as follows:
3 B. If model homes are available to be viewed in person by the public and are used in the marketing of residential dwellings that are subject to this chapter, at least one of the model homes shall be constructed to accommodate the universal design features identified in this chapter or shall include placards on the walls illustrating the features listed in this chapter. If model homes are not available to be viewed in person by the public, the universal design features identified in this chapter must be prominently displayed in sales offices and marketing materials.
B. Except as amended by subsection A above, all provisions of section 15.154.050 remain unchanged and in full effect.
SECTION 5.
Section 15.154.060 of the Sacramento City Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
15.154.060 Exemptions.
A. A seller may apply to the building official for an exemption from one or more of the universal design features required to be offered under this chapter. Requests for exemptions must be in writing and must be submitted with the building permit application as part of the building permit application process.
B. The building official shall approve a request for an exemption of a universal design feature required by this chapter if the building official finds either one or both of the following:
1. That the seller has demonstrated that compliance with the requirement to offer and install a universal design feature under this chapter would create an undue hardship due to topographical conditions of the site, lot size, or other site constraints, and equivalent facilitation is not available; or
2. That the seller has demonstrated that compliance with a request to install universal design features under this chapter would result in an unreasonable delay in construction or would result in non-reimbursable costs to the seller.
C. A residential development project subject to the requirements in CBC Chapter 11A or CBC Chapter 11B is exempt from the requirements of this chapter.
D. Any person aggrieved by the building official's decision under this section may appeal the decision to the construction code advisory and appeals board. The appeal shall be filed, processed, and heard in the manner described in chapter 2.48 for appeals to the construction code advisory and appeals board.
SECTION 6.
4 Section 15.154.090 of the Sacramento City Code is hereby amended as follows:
15.154.090 Universal design features-Standards-Primary floor powder room or bathroom entry and facilities.
If a bathroom or powder room is offered on the primary entry level, the following options for the accessible bathroom or powder room on the route from the primary entry shall be offered and, if accepted, installed at the request and cost of the purchaser, unless an exemption of this universal design feature is granted under Section
15.154.060:
A. A powder room or bathroom, at the option of the purchaser, that complies with the requirements of CBC Chapter 11A.
B. Clear space in the bathroom or powder room that is either:
1. Consistent with the requirements of CBC Chapter 11A; or
2. Outside of the swing of the door and either a 48 inch diameter circle, 48 inches by 60 inches, or a 60 inch diameter circle, at the option of the purchaser.
C. A bathtub or shower meeting the requirements of ANSI A117.1.
D. Either of the following:
1. Grab bar reinforcement consistent with CBC Chapter 11A; or
2. Grab bars installed in a manner consistent with CBC Chapter 11A for the toilet, shower or bath, or lavatory, or any combination thereof, at the option of the purchaser.
E. Faucets and handles not requiring tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist and consistent with the requirements of CBC Chapter 11A.
F. A lavatory (sink) installed consistent with CBC Chapter 11A.
G. A toilet installed consistent with CBC Chapter 11A.
H. Removable cabinets under the lavatory (sink).
I. Where mirrors and towel fixtures are provided in the accessible bathroom or powder room, installation consistent with the requirements of CBC Chapter 11A.
SECTION 7.
5 Section 15.154.110 of the Sacramento City Code is hereby amended as follows:
15.154.110 Universal design features-Standards-Common use room.
The following options for a common use room on the primary entry level shall be offered and, if accepted, installed at the request and cost of the purchaser, unless an exemption of this universal design feature is granted under section 15.154.060:
A. If there is a common use room, such as a dining room or living room, it must be made available on an accessible route. Sunken or raised areas not exceeding 50%s of the area of the room's floor space are permitted as an option to the purchaser in a common use room on the accessible route when an accessible route connects a usable portion of the common use room to the accessible bathroom or powder room and the accessible exterior entry door.
B. No sunken areas in a common use room on an accessible route.
C. Standards related to access to and flatness of any other common use room on the primary entry level.
Adopted by the City of Sacramento City Council on by the following vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstain:
Absent:
______________________
MAYOR
Attest:
______________________
City Clerk
Passed for Publication:
Published:
Effective: