147 Issues Found in 96-Unit Affordable Housing Project
UFAS accessibility conflicts, energy code violations, and structural coordination gaps surfaced in a LIHTC-funded garden-style apartment complex—before funding deadlines.
Key Finding: UFAS Accessible Unit Count Error
Project plans showed 5 UFAS-accessible units (5.2%) but Section 504 requires minimum 5% of 96 units = 5 units, plus 2% hearing/vision = 2 additional units. Total 7 required, only 5 shown.
The Project
A 96-unit garden-style affordable housing development funded through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) with HUD Section 504 requirements. The project consisted of 8 three-story walk-up buildings with a mix of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom units serving families at 60% AMI.
InspectMind's AI review cross-checked drawings against both IBC requirements and federal accessibility standards (UFAS, Section 504)—identifying compliance gaps that could have jeopardized tax credit funding and required costly redesign.
Sample Findings
AccessibilityFederal Accessibility Issues
Section 504 requires 5% mobility-accessible units (5 units) plus 2% sensory units (2 units) for 96-unit project. Plans show only 5 total accessible units—2 units short of federal requirement.
Site plan shows accessible route at 6.5% grade for 80 feet—UFAS 4.3.7 limits running slopes to 5% maximum without handrails and level landings every 30 feet.
Accessible unit kitchen shows 42" between counters—UFAS 4.34.6.1 requires 60" minimum for wheelchair maneuvering in U-shaped kitchens.
EnergyEnergy Code Compliance
Building A elevation calculations show 28% glazing but energy model assumes 25%—IECC prescriptive compliance based on incorrect WWR input.
Wall section shows R-13 cavity insulation but specifications call for R-19 to meet Climate Zone 4 requirements. IECC Table R402.1.2 mandates R-20 or R-13+5ci.
StructuralStructural Issues
Structural details show 1/2" anchor bolts at 48" O.C. but wood wall bracing schedule requires 5/8" anchors at 32" O.C. for shear wall segments.
Floor truss bearing shown on 2x4 flat plate but truss manufacturer requires minimum 3-1/2" bearing—need 2x4 on edge or 2x6 flat.
SiteSite & Civil Issues
Site shows 150 parking spaces with 4 accessible spaces (2.6%)—ADA requires minimum 5 accessible spaces for 101-150 total spaces (3.3%).
Dumpster enclosure shown 15 feet from Building C bedroom windows—local zoning requires minimum 25 feet from residential windows.
Issue Categories
Federal Accessibility (UFAS/504)
Unit counts, accessible routes, kitchen/bath clearances
Energy Code Compliance
Insulation values, window ratios, HVAC efficiency
Structural Coordination
Anchors, bearing conditions, shear wall requirements
Site Development
Accessible parking, routes, grading, setbacks
Unit Design
Room dimensions, fixture clearances, storage requirements
Fair Housing
Adaptable features, accessible common areas, routes
Why These Issues Matter
Tax Credit Risk
LIHTC projects must demonstrate Section 504 compliance to receive tax credits. UFAS violations discovered during investor due diligence can delay or kill funding.
Funding Deadline Pressure
Affordable housing projects have strict funding deadlines. Redesign for accessibility violations can push projects past credit allocation windows.
"The UFAS findings were exactly what we needed to catch before investor due diligence. We were 2 accessible units short of federal requirements—that would have been a major problem at closing. The energy code conflicts also would have come up at permit review."
— Project Manager, Affordable Housing Developer