The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has adopted five new safe harbors for new multifamily housing projects.
These safe harbors apply to instances where there are conflicts between applicable code and FHA requirements. Safe harbors often lag behind new codes and standards, so these updates should reduce confusion for architects and contractors.
Usually, where there is a conflict between an FHA requirement and applicable code, the most stringent requirement takes precedence. There are instances, though, where there is a conflict with neither requirement being more stringent than the other.
Safe harbors provide guidance to the design and construction industry to sort out such conflicts. A safe harbor must be applied by the entire design and construction team in order to establish that the housing project complies with FHA requirements.
To stay current with new versions of codes, HUD changed its rulemaking requirements on how and when it can adopt new safe harbors. Now, the department may propose a new safe harbor by Federal Register notice with a 30-day public comment period. This will allow HUD to more quickly adopt updated standards and prevent conflicts between FHA requirements and codes.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 19, 2018
Structural engineered wood products exempt from new EPA formaldehyde ruling
Exempt products include structural plywood, oriented strand board (OSB).
Codes and Standards | Jun 18, 2018
Seattle City Council repeals controversial new per-worker tax on large employers
Measure was aimed at raising $50 million for homeless services, affordable housing.
Codes and Standards | Jun 14, 2018
Hardscape from development makes ‘1,000-year’ flood in Maryland worse
Impermeable concrete made it easier for water to overwhelm drainage system.
Codes and Standards | Jun 13, 2018
United States Resiliency Council announces support for Calif. earthquake resiliency bill
Measure would help cities identify structures that could fail in major quake.
Codes and Standards | Jun 12, 2018
Congestion pricing for cars is effective in reducing traffic, but a difficult sell
After three years, traffic congestion declined by 30% in London.
Codes and Standards | Jun 11, 2018
First RFP requiring modular construction on New York City housing project issued
Part of Housing 2.0 modular construction initiative.
Codes and Standards | Jun 6, 2018
Buffalo, N.Y., contractor exec pleads guilty to fraud for bid rigging on $750 million contract
LPCiminelli stops functioning as GC in fallout from the case.
Codes and Standards | Jun 6, 2018
LEED should be updated to combat climate change
Hasn’t kept pace with urgency of problem, says clean energy investor.
Codes and Standards | Jun 5, 2018
Sports stadiums and arenas showcase sustainability features
Green venues save owners money, gain positive publicity.
Codes and Standards | Jun 4, 2018
L.A. must transition to cleaner energy, boost transit to reach sustainability goals
City aims to reduce GHGs 60% by 2035 and 80% by 2050.
