Bill > A10844

This bill amends the real property law to establish new requirements for the "visitability" of new homes, meaning they must be designed and constructed to be accessible to persons with disabilities. Specifically, for new dwelling units that received New York state or federal financial assistance for their design or construction (excluding certain mortgage loans from SONYMA, Fannie Mae, and FHA), the ground floor must have at least one entrance accessible to people with disabilities with no steps or thresholds over half an inch, and an accessible path from the public street or driveway. Interior doors on the ground floor must provide at least a 36-inch clear opening, and environmental controls and outlets must be within a specified height range. The ground floor must also include a habitable room of at least 70 square feet with no dimension narrower than seven feet, and a bathroom with sufficient clear floor space, sinks and toilets that allow for approach by a wheelchair, and reinforced walls capable of supporting grab bars. These requirements do not apply if the site's physical characteristics make compliance unreasonable. Violations are subject to civil penalties, and enforcement can be pursued by the attorney general or any aggrieved party, who can also seek legal and equitable relief and attorney's fees. The law takes effect 180 days after becoming law and applies to construction beginning on or after that date.