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Phoenix adopts 2024 building code amendments requiring inclusive home design features
Summary
Phoenix adopted the 2024 Building and Construction Code on June 13 with an amendment requiring inclusive home‑design elements such as step‑free entrances and wider doorways for new residential construction.
The Phoenix City Council on June 13 adopted the city’s 2024 Phoenix Building and Construction Code, including a revised inclusive home design amendment developed by the Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues and the Planning and Development Department. The motion to adopt the 2024 code with the amendment passed unanimously.
The inclusive home design amendment requires modest universal design features in new residential construction to improve accessibility for people of all ages and abilities. Advocates and speakers — including Nicole Anderson (chair of the Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues), Daryl (a community advocate with a disability), representatives from AARP, First Place Arizona and other disability‑focused organizations — urged adoption, saying small changes at the construction stage are cost‑effective and allow people to age in place.
Industry representatives, including Schindler Elevator and the National Elevator Industry, spoke in favor of working with city staff and supported the withdrawal of a specific proposed amendment to the elevator code (Section 2.7.5.1); they said they would continue to consult with staff on code implementation. Public testimony included technical support and personal stories; many speakers said the measures had decades of advocacy behind them.
Councilmember Stark, who led the code committee process, said the committee balanced affordability and building concerns with accessibility goals. She thanked the disability commissions, home builders and staff for collaborative amendments that aim to make newly built homes more livable for families, older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers.
Implementation: The city will incorporate the code amendments into the municipal code and the new Phoenix construction code on file with the city clerk; staff will coordinate implementation timing, permit review processes and industry education. Councilmembers and advocates said the move is expected to reduce future retrofit costs and expand accessible housing stock across Phoenix.
Vote: The council adopted the 2024 building code with amendments by unanimous roll call (9–0).
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