VHDA recognizes the need to create accessible housing that is usable by all people to the greatest extent possible while maintaining aesthetics and affordability.  Universal Design has emerged as a set of design features that enhance the usability and marketability of such units.  VHDA provides specific incentives for developers wishing to use these features to create accessible spaces that serve the needs of people with disabilities and an aging population.

Please refer to the Tax Credit Manual for details on how to obtain amenity points for Universal Design.

Architects 

VHDA offers a Universal Design seminar twice a year.  Design professionals attending the seminar will be added to VHDA’s Universal Design Certificate Holder List.  In order to qualify for Universal Design amenity points based upon the Qualified Allocation Plan for Virginia’s Low Income Housing Tax Credits, design professionals must be current certificate holders and their projects are required to meet the VHDA Universal Design Guidelines from the application year. Click HERE for the Tax Credit Allocation Event calendar which will indicate future UD Seminar dates.  You may registration online for the event.  Certificate holders who last completed a VHDA Universal Design Seminar prior to January 1, 2013 must re-attend in order to remain current.