Fair Housing Act vs. ADA Compliant Closet Standards

Many multifamily properties that are being built, are compliant with the Fair Housing Act Guidelines set in place by HUD in 1991. These standards, are comprehensive and can often times feel overwhelming for those in charge of designing compliant floor plans. No builder wants to have to make sudden changes in floor plans once construction has begun, so it is imperative to work together when these issues arise actually, BEFORE these issues arise. As a closet manufacturer who specializes in multifamily work, we often are helping architects with these constraints in finding the best closet door for their developments.

The Type B units are typically fully in compliance with FHA according to the International Building Code guidelines in Chapter 11. Above are the 3 points that need to be addressed when agreeing with these accessibility requirements, 32" clear span and a small threshold for ease of closet use with walkers/wheelchairs.

State and government funded multifamily properties often adhere to the ADA compliant standards, which are more astringent than the FHA for closet doors. Below shows the ADA conformance for closet doors in particular for these projects being built, or rehabbed into compliance.