Kimura Questions - Housing Flashcards
Discuss the history behind housing.
During colonial period were the start of proper housing with additions such as building ordinances. (Mandated the requirement of homes to have solid roofs made from wood boards). The New Amsterdam colony spurred the start of housing inspections, requiring chimneys to be made out of stone or brick. Littering laws were passed, requiring owners to be responsible for their own litter. * The Charleston colony began outlawing houses created from thatch or wood. Requiring homes to be made from stone of brick. (wood permitted for window frames). * Pennsylvania passed the first state law to address “homeless” people living along rivers. Made mud homes illegal in an attempt to get rid of “undesirable” people. * Boston passed the first zoning laws. Pigs were required to be rounded up and travel along approved paths. Out houses were required two be at least 12 feet from the street.
What was the problem of housing in the early days of history?
Popular germ theory (PLENCIZ) named after its creator marcus von plenciz, suggested that disease was caused by overcrowding. The lower class were often treated unfavorably do to this theory.
New immigrants looking to make it in America, were often desperate for housing. Up to 30 to 40 immigrants would live in small dwellings. Disease ran rampant in overcrowded areas such as New York (the slums). This overcrowding caused the government to build box houses called tenements (shotty workmanship, no running water and no ventilation).
In New York cities Fire Wardens were appointed to do what?
Fire wardens were often in charge to monitor and inspect housing conditions for tenements.
They enforced laws such as exterior ventilation being available for hallways or adjoining rooms. Mandatory fire escapes, good conditioned roofs, hand rails for stairways, and at least one toilet for up to 20 residents.
Diseases were to be reported to the health department. Fire wardens sucked at there job and interpreted the laws vaguely.
Who developed the model housing code?
Jacob Riis Veiller. Housing code required that building must be protected by fire, fire proof roofs (for buildings 60 feet or higher), windows in every room, privacy, running water and toilers in every apartment. Owners were to obtain permits prior to renting the unit.
Describe the purpose behind the corporate town homes.
Provided housing for shop builders during WW1. towns consisted of 9,000 homes and 1,100 apartments.
Describe the different types of federal programs where it encouraged the purchasing and owning a home.
Federal deposit insurance: strengthened banks giving people who deposit money assurance that their money was protected.
Home Owners Loan Corporation: brought up mortgages, thus decreasing the number of foreclosures and allowed people to hold their homes.
Federal Housing Administration (FHA): Government will pay the bank if an individual could not. This effectively eliminated the 50% down payment required (at the time) to buy a house. allowed for lower down payments, 30 year payoff period with no risk to the banks. The individual paid a premium for insurance. This program innovated additional programs such as the housing and urban development program.
What is the purpose of a housing program?
Improve the physical living conditions in residential areas aka sanitary, well constructed and well maintained homes. Housing problems have been linked to mental and physical health problems.
What are some limiting factors of a housing program?
- The code standards must be fair and adequate in requirements.
- Economics; the budget must be adequate to bring it up to code.
- Positive attitude must be in focus with the politicians and the public.
- Other govemment agencies must be in support of the housing code program (e.g., police and fire dept.).
- Proper training and monitoring of the inspection staff. A good enforcement section maybe required for poor housing
situations.
Describe how the codes should be specified and who does the enacting of the law?
- The definition of terms must be specific. An definition example is the way how the hot water temperature must be described such
as 110°F or higher, or not to exceed120°F. - Administrative provisions call for who is responsible for the inspection, enforcement of the codes. What methods can be used to
enforce the codes. When the inspections can take place and at what reasonable time. The provisions are based on police
powers and delegated powers of enforcement. There is also the due process clause where owners and tenants must be given
fair treatment and time to comply with the laws. - The housing code shall also call for Substantial provisions. This is where it clearly defines the core of the housing code. What is
legal and what is not. What constitutes a violation. The code should cover 3 categories:
a. States the minimum requirements for facilities, utilities and equipment required for a dwelling.
b. The maintenance of the dwelling.
c. The occupancy conditions. - If a violation is cited, then the process goes into a court and penalty session. The housing code should outline what court
cautions and the types of penalties that can be expected for a violator
What are some of the needs which a housing program must fulfill?
The American Public Health Association (APHA) has a 4 section definition:
a. Must meet adequate psychological needs.
b. Must meet adequate physiological needs.
c. Must meet adequate protection from diseases.
d. Must meet adequate protection against accidents.
