Fair housing requirements

[bwcarter]

The National Fair Housing Act states that switches and enviromental controls be mounted at certain measurements off the floor. What classifies as enviromental controls? The act is not clear on this point.

 

[iwire]

IMO 'environmental controls' is very broad.

Heating, cooling, sound and video, controls for powered shades (window and projection) etc.

If it is a control in place for use by anyone than it should probably conform with ADA requirements.

 

[bwcarter]

Fair Housing Requirements

Fair Housing Requirements

Would circuit breakers also be considered an enviromental control device?

 

[celtic]

The National Fair Housing Act states that switches and enviromental controls be mounted at certain measurements off the floor.

Actually, the FHA does not require them to be at a certain measurement, but rather:

...in accessible locations....

"Accessible" is a broad statement and includes behind locked doors, locked covers and the like.

What classifies as enviromental controls?

As the FHA does not define "enviromental controls", it could be almost anything....from circuit breakers to t-stats to photocells and light fixtures.
Based on the wording of the act:

light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats, and other environmental controls in accessible locations;

I am of the opinion that "environmental controls" is indeed a very vague term, but seems to encompass all electrical devices that an occupant would normally use.
(above quotes from http://www.fairhousinglaw.org/fair_housing_laws/ ~ 804(f)(3)(C)(iii)(II) )

The act is not clear on this point.

Then you'll need clarification in order to comply.

First thing I would do is contact my local HUD office ~ http://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm