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 | May 20, 2021
Solar panel trade group issues guidelines to rid use of components built with forced labor
Growing concern that PV industry is dependent on work camps in China.
Codes and Standards | May 19, 2021
Smart electric panels can aid transition to renewable energy
Allow customers better control of circuits; utilities can better manage demand.
Codes and Standards | May 18, 2021
Cross-laminated timber performs better than expected in shear test
Tests conducted in support of new criteria for design of CLT diaphragm.
Codes and Standards | May 17, 2021
Latest Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices criticized for not considering bikes, pedestrians
More than a dozen advocacy groups want feds to start over.
Codes and Standards | May 13, 2021
LEED-certified federal buildings don’t use less energy than average
May be due to trade-offs on how score is developed.
Codes and Standards | May 12, 2021
White paper examines how to reduce pathogen transmission in ventilation
Pressure barriers and airflow distribution can be effective in existing buildings.
Codes and Standards | May 11, 2021
Pressure builds on White House to rein in cost of lumber
Spike in prices has added nearly $36,000 to price of average new home.
Codes and Standards | May 11, 2021
Residential codes should be upgraded to protect from cooking pollutants
Report examines ventilation standards, calls for increased public awareness of issue.
Codes and Standards | May 6, 2021
Blue roofs can provide relief to overwhelmed stormwater systems
Benefits most evident in industrial commercial areas.
Codes and Standards | May 5, 2021
Majority of schools took steps to improve air quality during pandemic
Districts still have unmet needs, face high costs and outdated building infrastructure.