Common use of Design Standards Clause in Contracts

Design Standards. (1) Physical structures must be designed, constructed, and equipped so as to improve or harmonize with the neighborhoods they occupy, meet contemporary standards of modest comfort and livability, and be attractive and marketable to the people they are intended to serve. (2) Building design should strive to encourage in the residents a proprietary sense, whether or not homeownership is intended or contemplated. (3) New construction must comply with the accessibility standards of the Fair Housing Act, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968. The Grantee is also encouraged to read the policy statement and Final Report of the HUD Review of Model Building Codes that identifies the variances between the design and construction requirements of the Fair Housing Act and several model building codes. (4) The Grantee is encouraged to use PATH technologies in the construction and delivery of replacement housing. PATH (Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing) is a voluntary initiative that seeks to accelerate the creation and widespread use of advanced technologies to radically improve the quality, durability, environmental performance, energy efficiency, and affordability of our Nation's housing. (5) The Grantee is encouraged to incorporate the principles of Universal Design when developing housing and community facilities. The intent of Universal Design is to make housing units and community facilities more usable by as many people as possible, regardless of age and ability, at little or no extra cost. Examples include designing wider doorways, installing levers instead of doorknobs, and putting bathtub/shower grab bars in all units.