Sacramento residents can register for a free webinar on Sept. 17 to learn about accessible housing options, home repair programs and resources that support independent living and aging in place.
The City of Sacramento, AARP California and Rebuilding Together Sacramento will host “Creating Homes for Every Stage of Life: Sacramento Universal Design, HomeFit and Home Repair Resources” from 5–6 p.m.
“Accessibility features can make a home easier to use as a person’s needs change,” said Greta Soos, a senior planner with the City’s Community Development Department. “This webinar will help residents understand the options and resources available when purchasing a new home or making improvements to their current home.”
Participants will learn about:
- Accessible options offered to buyers of qualifying new homes under Sacramento’s Universal Design Ordinance.
- AARP HomeFit workshops and resources that help residents plan for changing needs.
- Home repair and accessibility assistance offered by Rebuilding Together Sacramento, including eligibility requirements and how to apply.
The webinar is open to Sacramento residents. Register for the webinar online.
What is universal design?
Universal design refers to features that make a home more accessible and easier to use for people of different ages and abilities. These features can also allow a home to be adapted as a resident’s needs change.
The Sacramento City Council adopted the Universal Design Ordinance in 2010 to expand accessible housing options for people with disabilities and older adults. The Council approved amendments to the ordinance in 2025.
The ordinance requires builders of qualifying single-family homes and duplexes to offer universal design options to buyers in at least one model during each phase of development.
These features may include no-step entrances, wider doorways and hallways, accessible bedrooms and bathrooms, reinforced bathroom walls for grab bars, lever-style door handles and rocker-style light switches.
People considering purchasing a new home in Sacramento can ask their builder or sales representative about available universal design options. Adding these features during construction can make a home more comfortable, adaptable and accessible over time.
More information is available on the City’s Universal Design Ordinance webpage.
