Austin City Council at it again!
On May 8, at its regular meeting, the Austin, Texas City Council approved a resolution that, if approved, will require ALL new single-family homes and duplexes to comply with the City's "Visitability" (not visibility) standards. What does this mean? All new homes built within the City's jurisdiction would have to provide access and other features for disabled individuals. For example, wider doors and entry ways on the first floor, wheelchair ramps, and limited height for thermostats, switches and receptacles. The rules currently in place apply only to homes built with public funds. An ordinance is being prepared by the City's law department for public hearings and possible adoption in June.
Builders are concerned about an arbitrary increase in housing construction costs. Others are concerned about (1) making an ordinance apply to all new homes when only a small percentage of homes would be needed to meet the demand, and (2) making housing in Austin less affordable than it is now..
The disabled need to be able to find properties that meet their needs. I did some research for a prospective disabled client last year and could find almost nothing in the MLS that would work. That said, it seems to me that the Council is going beyond where it prudently should go.
Jim Gilbert, REALTOR, Heart of Austin Homes
Licensed (#0536692) to sell Real Estate in the State of Texas
