Somerset County Planning Division

"CREATING QUALITY COMMUNITIES TOGETHER"

Robert P. Bzik, AICP/PP
Director of Planning
Anthony V. McCracken, Sr., AICP/PP
 Assistant Director

20 Grove Street
P.O. Box 3000
Somerville, NJ 08876

WHAT IS UNIVERSAL DESIGN?

Universal Design vs. Traditional Housing Design 

Universal Design is a residential building approach for homes that allows people to more readily “age in place” in their homes by incorporating features  that make it easier to live in. It is achieved by the use of a combination of building design and products that can be used by people of all ages and disabilities. Universal Design has the ability to meet people’s changing needs at every stage of life -single young adults, active families, people with temporary or permanent disability and the elderly.

Universal Design Concepts   

Universal Design is basically good residential design. It is user friendly, beautiful, spacious, convenient, easy to maintain and meets a homeowners changing needs Although there are no building codes that specifically mandate Universal Design for residential homes, this can be an advantage because people can design or adapt existing homes to meet their individual and family needs. Universal design may be similar to commercial projects for such things as doorway, corridor and stairway widths, which are more generous than typical homes, and result in a living environment that is more enjoyable and easy to live in.

Is Universal Design More Marketable? 

Just as the name implies, Universal Design fits every lifestyle and is marketable to a wider range of buyers since the homes products and design features are geared toward people of all ages, sizes and disabilities. Typically, Universal Design incorporates shelving, closets and fixtures to accommodate persons of varying heights, ages and disabilities including wheelchairs, walkers and strollers. Doors are wider and walls in hallways may be equipped with railings for safety and to facilitate walking. Bathtubs and toilets also have grab bars for ease of use. There is such a broad array of products available for architects, builders and homeowners, however, that Universal Design can be made practical and beautiful for all types of housing styles and existing homes can easily be retrofitted.

Universal Design Catching On 

Counties and cities across the County are embracing Universal Design. The state of California adopted a voluntary code that cities can use. The City of Irvine, California developed a voluntary code and an education program. Prince William County, Maryland held a countywide workshop on Universal Design and developed a packet of educational material Howard County, Maryland has also created a separate zoning category to encourage Universal Design construction. Here in New Jersey, the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) amended their Substantive Rules for Round Three to require that all affordable housing units, follow Universal Design Standards . The Somerset County Planning Board held a workshop on the concept in conjunction with the Office of Aging several years ago, but the concept is definitely catching on.

Typical Universal Features:

General Features

·        Adapt lower floor for possible one level living

·        Easy garage or parking access

·        One Step or no step entry

·        Easy to open door handles instead or knobs

·        Light switches at 42” instead of 48”

·        Luminous switches in bedroom, baths and hallways

·        Non-skid flooring

·        Peep hole at low height

·        Incorporation of emergency response system or wearable

Bathroom

·        Lever faucets and anti-scald valves

·        Temperature controlled shower and tub

·        Stall with low stepping threshold and seat

·        Grab bars

·        Higher bathroom counters

·        Installation of medical response devise

Kitchen

·        Pull-out shelves and lazy susans

·        Easy to grasp cabinet pulls

·        Task Lighting

·        Cook-top with front controls

·        Side-by side refrigerator

·        Variety in kitchen counter heights

·        Gas sensor near cooking

Living Room

·        Seating at least 18” off the floor

·        Chairs with sturdy arms

Source Information:

Prince William County, Va “Universal Design Homes Web page www.pwcgov.org/ud

Howard County,Md “Age Restricted Housing and Universal Design Guidlelines”

  www.co.ho.md.us/DPZ/Regulations/dpz_regulations.htm

AARP: “Universal Design”: www.aarp.org/families/home_design/universaldesign