A. The city of Murrieta finds that the California Department of Housing and Community Development have determined that the provisions of the model universal design ordinance from which this chapter is derived are consistent with the requirements of California Health and Safety Code Section 17959. The city of Murrieta finds that this chapter is substantially the same as the model ordinance issued by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
B. To the extent that the provisions of this chapter are inconsistent with the provisions of the city of Murrieta ordinances adopting the California Building Standards Code, adopted pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Sections 17922 and 18928, the provisions of this chapter shall supersede those ordinances, except as otherwise provided by law. This chapter shall not apply to any residential dwelling unit subject to and in compliance with Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.
C. The city of Murrieta finds that the regulations imposed by this chapter are reasonably necessary in this jurisdiction because:
1. According to the 2000 Census data, there were five thousand two hundred thirty-eight (5,238) residents or twelve-point nine percent (12.9%) of Murrieta's population classified on disability status. The 2000 Census data also has five thousand sixty- three (5,063) residents or eleven-point four percent (11.4%) of Murrieta's population at age sixty-five (65) and older.
2. According to a 2000 AARP survey, more than ninety percent (90%) of persons age sixty-five (65) and older would prefer to stay in their current residence as long as possible. One key method to promote continuing independence in the home is to build and incorporate a number of architecturally friendly design features into new homes as they are built.
3. Universal design, as defined by the National Endowment for the Arts, goes beyond the mere provision of special features for various segments of the population. Instead, universal design emphasizes a creative approach that is more inclusive – one that asks at the outset of the design process how a product, graphic communication, building, or landscape can be made both aesthetically pleasing and functional for the greatest number of users. Designs resulting from this approach are more likely to serve a wider array of people: individuals who have temporary disabilities, people who have permanent disabilities, and everyone whose abilities change with age.
(Ord. 370 § 1 (part), 2006)