ICC Permit Technician Practice Exam

What requirement mandates general access design standards for new housing with four or more units?

1. FHA

2. HUD

3. ADA

4. USDA

The correct answer is: FHA

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) establishes general access design standards for new multifamily housing projects with four or more units. This legislation aims to promote equal housing opportunity and eliminate discrimination in housing based on disability and other protected classes. Under the FHA, specific design and construction requirements are outlined to ensure that new residential buildings are accessible to individuals with disabilities. These standards include features such as accessible entrances, accessible routes through the building, and specific requirements for usable bathrooms and kitchens in these units. The intent is to create living environments that accommodate the needs of all residents, including those with mobility impairments. In contrast, the other options, such as HUD (Housing and Urban Development), ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), and USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), cover different aspects related to housing and accessibility but do not specifically mandate general design access standards for new housing developments of this type. The HUD oversees the enforcement of the FHA but is not the originating mandate for the design standards. The ADA primarily addresses public accommodations and services, while the USDA focuses on rural housing programs. Thus, the FHA is the most relevant legislation concerning accessibility in new housing with four or more units.