2006 International Building Code meets FHA accessibility requirements

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently recognized the 2006 International Building Code (IBC) and the 2003 ICC/ANSI A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities as safe harbors in compliance with the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) accessibility requirements.

Architects, developers, builders and others who use the 2006 IBC to design and construct multi-family housing, and code officials who enforce it, can be confident they are in compliance with the FHA.

“HUD staff actively participated in the code development process for both the 2006 IBC and the 2003 ICC/ANSI A117.1,” said International Code Council CEO Rick Weiland. “The Code Council appreciates HUD’s involvement, as well as the other key players who participated in the process, because having the 2006 IBC receive safe harbor status benefits everyone.”

When jurisdictions adopt the 2006 IBC with its safe harbor status, they help ensure the availability of accessible housing in their communities. People with disabilities have greater opportunities to find an affordable place to live. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 50 million Americans have a disability. At least 11 million use a cane, crutch, walker or wheelchair. As people age, their likelihood of becoming disabled increases. Seventy-two percent of people over the age of 80 have a disability.

For more information on accessibility and the IBC, visit iccsafe.org/safety/accessibility/.

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes developed by the International Code Council