WHEREAS, Some persons with disabilities and their immediate families can be isolated in their homes because of barriers to persons with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, VisitAbility is a design criterion that affords persons basic access to residential buildings. The VisitAbility standard is lower than full accessibility. Therefore, this Council recognizes that VisitAbility is not the same as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) nor the National Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 that requires compliant accessibility; and
WHEREAS, This Council also recognizes that ADA compliant dwellings will automatically be VisitAble; however, VisitAble dwellings are not necessarily ADA compliant; and
WHEREAS, Constructing units to be VisitAble includes the creation of a zero step entrance; wider doors and passageways within the dwelling; locating at least one bathroom or powder room on the accessible entry floor and the ability to install grab bars within such restrooms; and
WHEREAS, The concept and provisions of VisitAbility have been adopted by the City of Philadelphia in its Consolidated Plan for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; now therefore
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Authorizes the City Council Committee on Licenses and Inspections to conduct hearings on the feasibility in the construction of new multi-family dwellings according to the principles of VisitAbility.
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