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Housing department details voluntary '802 Homes' catalog, warns mandates without funding could deter developers
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Summary
Commissioner Alex Farrell described '802 Homes,' a voluntary catalog of schematic designs meant to promote accessible, cost‑efficient housing. He said the pilot is administratively funded, that the catalog will include selectable accessibility options, and that mandates without LIAC or other funding could reduce developer participation.
Alex Farrell, commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development, told the committee that 802 Homes is an administratively created, voluntary catalog of about 10 schematic designs intended to serve a range of sites and policy goals.
"This was not legislatively initiated," Farrell said, explaining the administration used discretionary budget resources to assemble the catalog and is seeking external expertise and engagement through an AARP grant application. He said the catalog will identify design goals (age‑in‑place, workforce housing, starter home), site types and whether units are intended for sale or rent.
Farrell emphasized the voluntary nature of the effort. He said requiring universal‑design elements across every catalog plan would amount to a new mandate and could make projects less attractive to developers unless funding or incentives were provided. "We can layer on all the requirements we want in a pilot project, but then what authority or what leverage or what means do I have to impose any of these... on any pilot project?" he asked, saying funding or commensurate support would be necessary to require specific changes.
Farrell said the department has applied to AARP for a grant that would support engagement and design expertise and that the first catalog will include multiple templates (including two or three single‑family‑style designs) with optional accessibility modifications. He suggested the committee consider a study or clearer shared definition of "universal design" before adding prescriptive statutory language.
The commissioner also noted that the department will test designs through demonstration projects and community engagement; he recommended flexibility so that different designs can satisfy different local needs rather than imposing a blanket standard.
The committee asked Farrell to follow up with more detail on how the catalog will present optional accessibility features, the AARP grant timeline and whether demonstration sites will be tied to state funding.
