HB 1737 Summary

• Establishes the "Universal Design in Affordable Housing Act" requiring newly constructed or rehabilitated affordable housing units to meet specific universal design standards to be usable by people of all abilities.

• Defines affordable housing units as residential structures affordable to persons earning 115% or less of median county income while spending no more than 29% of gross annual income on housing.

• Mandates specific accessibility features including at least one no-step entry, minimum 42-inch hallway widths, 32-inch interior door openings, accessible kitchen and bathroom facilities with grab bar blocking, and accessible routes from parking and drop-off areas.

• Requires townhomes built with public funds to include one stepless entry, universal bathroom on first floor, bedroom on first floor, and space for future home elevator or stair lift installation.

• Prohibits exceptions to four basic elements: one no-step entry, minimum door and hallway widths, usable bathroom facilities, and at least one accessible bedroom on an accessible level; requires developers using public funds to obtain universal design training.