Subject: Exemptions, mentally handicapped
Effective Date: 9/02
Interpretation:
Sections 207.4(b), 209(m), 151, 135(d). Exemptions applying to persons with physical handicaps shall apply to persons with mental handicaps.
This supersedes a 1992 Interpretation on Section 209(m) that stated, because persons with physical handicaps had difficulty finding housing with suitable design features, there needed to be a financial incentive to build such housing, but because persons with mental handicaps did not need special design features, no such incentive is necessary.
Mental disability shall be included with physical disability in the definition of the term "disability" or "handicap" in the Planning Code, in order to bring the Code into conformance with current state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
The open space and parking reductions described in Section 135(d)(3) and Table 151 of the Code shall also be available to projects designed for and occupied by senior citizens or physically (or mentally) handicapped persons in Neighborhood Commercial Districts (pursuant to Section 207.4(b)) as well as projects in Residential Districts (pursuant to 209.1(m)).