In another important decision, an amendment to a code change proposed by the US Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was passed ensuring that the International Building Code would retain its place as a “safe harbor” for compliance with HUD’s Fair Housing Amendments Act Accessibility Guidelines in its 2006 edition.

“It was important for the department to ensure that an accessible pedestrian route be provided from site arrival points to accessible building entrances unless the slope or finished ground level between accessible facilities and buildings exceed one unit vertical in 12 units horizontal or physical barriers or legal restrictions prevent the installation of an accessible route,” Director, of HUD’s Disability Rights Section, Cheryl Kent.