Bill > SB1576

This bill updates accessibility standards for housing in Oregon by amending existing laws. It clarifies the purpose of accessibility laws to ensure buildings and dwellings are usable by people with disabilities, aligning with federal acts like the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act, and allows for stricter state standards. The bill redefines "accessible" housing to include compliance with federal guidelines from the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and expands the definition of "contiguous units" to include tax lots separated by a public road. For new rental housing that receives government subsidies (referred to as "subsidized development"), the bill mandates specific "visitable" features, meaning features that allow individuals with mobility impairments, including wheelchair users, to approach, enter, and use the dwelling. These features include stepless exterior routes to entrances with sufficient clearance, accessible routes within the unit to common living spaces and powder rooms, and reinforced powder room walls for potential handrail installation. Additionally, for developments with shared community rooms or 20 or more contiguous units, at least one accessible powder room must be available for all tenants and guests. The amendments to these laws will become effective on January 1, 2027, with state agencies authorized to take necessary preparatory actions before that date.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/SB1576