Hayward City Council to take up accessibility by design standards for new housing

The Hayward City Council later this month will consider adopting legislation requiring smaller residential construction projects to be designed in a manner the provides for accessibility for everyone regardless of age or ability.

The new Universal Design and Visibility Standards would apply to construction of new single-family homes, duplexes and townhome developments under proposed amendments to the City's Municipal Code being recommended for adoption by the City Council on May 20.

Essentially, the requirements are intended to ensure the overall layout and design of new homes to be built in Hayward take into account accessibility without creating impeding creation of new housing.

Exemptions to the new standards would be available due to extreme financial hardship, site topography and various forms of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) construction.

For more information on proposed Universal Design and Visibility Standards, contact Hayward Planning Manager Jeremy Lochirco at (510) 583-4239 or jeremy.lochirco@hayward-ca.gov.