States and cities mandate “visitability” in new homes
A growing number of state and local governments are requiring builders to include features in new homes that improve their “visitability” by people of all ages, according to a report from the Washington-based AARP. Atlanta, Tucson, Ariz., and San Antonio, Texas, are among the cities mandating the inclusion of ground-level entries, wider halls, roomy half-baths and other design features that remove barriers to accessibility.
The need for visitability is driven by aging baby boomers who are determined to live in their homes as they get older, according to AARP. “Most boomers are in their peak home-buying years,” said Elinor Ginzler, AARP Senior Vice President for Livable Communities, in a statement. “Visitability can make it possible for them to enjoy their new home with family and friends now and with company later as they get older.”
Atlanta was the first city to incorporate visitability requirements in its building code in 1992. Now, 11 states and 24 communities have similar requirements. More information is available at
http://www.aarp.org/community/AARPMA/journals/quotVisitabilityquot__the/642511.
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