521CMR-Mass.Gov.docVIP

Achieving Access and Function in Affordable Housing in Massachusetts Part Two: State Federal Code Comparison Kessler McGuinness Associates, LLC with Technical Assistance Collaborative funding from Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission Fall 2006 COMPARISON OF REQUIREMENTS 521 CMR, The Rules and Regulations of the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board, generally require equal or greater access than either the FHA or UFAS or HUD’s regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. There are, however, some exceptions. If a developer used 521 CMR as well as those FHA or UFAS standards that exceed 521 CMR a project will meet all minimum accessible design standards for accessible housing in Massachusetts. This chapter presents selected sections of the multiple family requirements of 521 CMR, and integrates FHA and UFAS requirements when these federal standards require more accessibility than 521 CMR. Where FHA or UFAS are the same as 521 CMR or require less accessibility than 521 CMR, they are not included. The comparison includes portions of the sections from 521 CMR that contain requirements for accessible multi-family housing. 5 Definitions 9 Multiple Dwellings 10 Public and Common Use Areas 42 Group 1 Bathrooms 43 Group 1 Kitchens 44 Group 2 Bathrooms 47 Group 2 Kitchens How to Read this Comparison Where a section of 521 CMR is followed by a ( ( ), that section requires the most accessibility. Where a section of 521 CMR is not followed by a ( ( ), it is followed by requirements of FHA (() and/or UFAS (() that require more accessibility than 521 CMR. The symbol ( indicates an FHA reference. The symbol ( indicates a UFAS reference. In addition to regulatory comparisons, there are underlined notes indicating accessible design features that CBH prefers in the projects or units it is funding. The CBH preferences include elements that increase a development’s “visitability” and “usability” by people with disabilities. Together thes