Covered multifamily dwellings: at least one building entrance on an accessible route

Description

Covered multifamily dwellings must have at least one building entrance on an accessible route, unless it is impractical to do so because of terrain or unusual characteristics of the site. The accessible route extends from public ways, vehicular ways, and adjacent buildings to the building entrance.

Why this exists

Foundational FHA requirement — without an accessible route to the entrance, no other accessibility provision matters. Single-family designs aspiring to visitability should apply the same standard.

Categories

Applies to

• When:
  • aspires to visitability / universal design

Source

Solver enforcement

Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.

Related directives

• Universal-design wider doorways · HUD UD §3.2
• Universal design features encouraged for residential accessibility under Section R320.3 · Virginia USBC 2021 Amendment 33 (IRC R320.3)
• Public and common use areas must be readily accessible to and usable by people with disabilities · HUD FHA Design Manual Requirement 2 (Chapter Two)
• All doors must provide a clear opening of at least 32 inches when open 90 degrees · HUD FHA Design Manual Requirement 3 (Chapter Three)
• Accessible route into and through the dwelling unit must be at least 36 inches wide · HUD FHA Design Manual Requirement 4 (Chapter Four)