ND-v2009 NPDc11: Visitability and universal design 1 point

Credit language

Requirements

Option 1. Projects with dwelling units

For each new project dwelling unit of the following residential building types, design to the applicable requirements specified: Single dwelling unit buildings. Design a minimum of 20% of the dwelling units (and not less than one) in accordance with ICC/ANSI A117.1, Type C, Visitable Unit, each of which has an open-space plan for primary functions (an area for cooking, eating, and social gathering), as well as a sleeping area and a full bathroom. Multiunit building with two or three dwelling units. Design a minimum of 20% of the dwelling units (and not less than one) in accordance with ICC/ANSI A117.1, Type C, Visitable Unit, each of which has a kitchen, dining area, living area, full bathroom, and bedroom on the accessible level. If a project has both attached and detached single dwelling unit buildings, the requirements apply to each type separately. Similarly, if a project has both 2- and 3- dwelling unit buildings, the requirements apply to each type. Multiunit buildings with four or more dwelling units. This category includes mixed-use buildings with dwelling units. Design a minimum of 20% of the dwelling units (and not less than one) to incorporate the universal design requirements stated below, or comply with Option 2. Choose at least one of the following three strategies for universal design:

• Throughout the home, include at least five of the following universal design features to facilitate universal function, access, and user ability:
  • Easy-to-grip lever door handles.
  • Easy-to-grip cabinet and drawer loop handles.
  • Easy-to-grip locking mechanisms on doors and windows.
  • Easy-to-grip single-lever faucet handles.
  • Easy-touch rocker or hands-free switches.
  • Motion-detector lighting at entrance, in hallways and stairwells, and in closets, and motion-detector light switches in garages, utility spaces, and basements.
  • Large, high-contrast print for controls, signals, and the house or unit numbers.
  • A built-in shelf, bench, or table with knee space below, located outside the entry door with weather protection overhead, such as porch or stoop with roof, awning, or other overhead covering.
  • A minimum 32-inch (800 millimeters) clear door opening width for all doorways.
  • Tread at the entrance, on stairs, and other areas where slipping is common, with color contrast difference between stair treads and risers.
  • Interior floor surfaces (e.g., low-pile carpets, hard-surface flooring) that provide easy passage for a wheelchair or walker, with color contrast between floor surfaces and trim. No carpet is permitted in a kitchen, bathroom, or other wet areas of the dwelling unit.

OR

• On the main floor of the home (or on another floor, if an elevator or stair lift is provided), provide a kitchen with hard-surface flooring, plumbing with single-lever controls, a 5-foot (1.5 meters) turning radius, and at least four of the following universal design features to facilitate universal function, access, and user-ability:
  • Variable-height (28- to 42-inch or 700 millimeters to 1100 millimeters) or adjustable work surfaces, such as countertops, sinks, and/or cooktops.
  • Clear knee space under sink and cooktops (this requirement can be met by installing removable base cabinets or fold-back or self-storing doors), cooktops and ranges with front or side-mounted controls, and wall-mounted ovens at a height to accommodate a seated adult.
  • A toe kick area at the base of lower cabinets with a minimum height of 9 inches (230 millimeters), and full-extension drawers and shelves in at least half (by volume) of the cabinets.
  • Contrasting color treatment between countertops, front edges, and floor.
  • Adjustable-height shelves in wall cabinets.
  • Glare-free task lighting to illuminate work areas without too much reflectivity.

OR On the main floor of the building (or on another floor, if an elevator or stair lift is provided), include all of the following:

• In at least one accessible bedroom,
  • Size the room to accommodate a twin bed with a 5-foot (1.5 meters) turning radius around the bed.
  • Install a clothes closet with a 32-inch (800 millimeters) clear opening with adjustable-height closet rods and shelves.
• In at least one full bathroom on the same floor as the bedroom,
  • Provide adequate maneuvering space with a 30-by-48-inch (750 by 1200 millimeters) clear floor space at each fixture.
  • Center the toilet 18 inches (450 millimeters) from any side wall, cabinet, or tub, and allow a 3-foot (900 millimeters) clear space in front.
  • Install broad blocking in walls around toilet, tub, and/or shower for future placement and relocation of grab bars.
  • Provide knee space under the lavatory (this requirement may be met by installing removable base cabinets or fold-back or self-storing doors).
  • Install a long mirror whose bottom is no more than 36 inches above the finished floor and whose top is at least 72 inches (1800 millimeters) high.

In addition, all bathrooms must have hard-surface flooring, all plumbing fixtures must have single-lever controls, and tubs or showers must have hand-held shower heads.

OR

Option 2. Projects with noncompliant public rights-of-way or accessible travel routes

For projects with only nonresidential components, or residential components that are not within the scope of Option 1, but have public rights-of-way or other publicly accessible travel routes within the project that are not in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (for private sector and local and state government facilities) or the Architectural Barriers Act (for federally funded facilities), design, construct, and/or retrofit 100% of the rights-of-way and/or travel routes in accordance with the ADA-ABA Accessibility Guidelines, as applicable. See all forum discussions about this credit »