Title
Amending The Philadelphia Code by enacting a new Chapter 17-1200 entitled "VisitAbility" by requiring newly constructed single and multi-family dwellings to be constructed according to established designed principles; all under certain terms and conditions.
Body
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. A new Chapter 17-1200 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "VisitAbility" is hereby enacted, to read as follows:
CHAPTER 17-1200. VISITABILITY.
§17-1201. Legislative Findings.
The City Council of the City of Philadelphia finds:
(1) VisitAbility is a design criterion that affords all persons basic access to residential buildings. The VisitAbility standard is lower than full accessibility. Therefore, VisitAbility is not the same as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the National Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 compliant accessibility. ADA compliant dwellings will automatically be VisitAble; however, VisitAble dwellings are not necessarily ADA compliant;
(2) Designing as many units as possible to be VisitAble allows people with disabilities the opportunity to visit as many neighbors as possible;
(3) Constructing units to be VisitAble includes the creation of a zero step entrance; wider doors and passageways within the dwelling and locating at least one bathroom or powder room on the visitable entry floor.
§17-1202. Definitions.
"Financial assistance from the City" means:
a) a building contract or similar contractual agreement involving a City-funded program or fund, including but not limited to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation, the Philadelphia Housing Authority, or a similar program;
b) a real estate purchase, lease, or donation by the City or its agents;
c) a preferential tax treatment, bond assistance, mortgage assistance, or similar financial advantages from the City or its agents;
d) disbursement of fed...
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