December 7, 2007
Board of Supervisors Revises the Affordable Housing Partnership Program Guidelines to Support Universal Design

On December 3, 2007, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a revision to the Affordable Housing Partnership Program (AHPP) guidelines incorporating a policy supporting universal and accessible design and construction of affordable housing for persons with disabilities.  The AHPP guidelines will be amended as follows:

1.  Require applicants for funding through the AHPP to meet the accessibility guidelines of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act for new construction and, wherever feasible, for substantial rehabilitation.

2.  Provide certifications from a licensed professional that (1) the accessibility guidelines are met in the plans; and (2) that the accessibility guidelines have been carried out after construction is complete.

3.  Award bonus points of between 5-10 points in its threshold analysis to applicants who provide accessibility using the concept of universal design principles exceeding those that are required in the accessibility guidelines.