Bill > H5374

This bill establishes the Rhode Island Inclusive Home Design Act, which requires certain new housing construction to include at least one floor that meets the Type C (Visitable) accessibility standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The bill applies to various types of residential dwellings, including single-family homes, townhouses, multi-level units, ground-floor units in multi-unit buildings, and units accessible by elevator, particularly those receiving federal, state, or local financial assistance. Developers must ensure their housing plans comply with these accessibility standards, which are designed to make homes more easily navigable for people with mobility challenges. The bill provides mechanisms for enforcement, including the ability for aggrieved parties to file civil actions up to 20 years after construction, potential financial penalties for non-compliance, and the possibility of waivers in cases of undue burden. The building code standards committee will oversee implementation, with the ability to review and approve architectural plans and grant waivers under specific circumstances. The law aims to make housing more universally accessible by requiring design features that allow easier entry and movement for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility, without substantially increasing construction costs.

Housing and Urban Affairs

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