Opinion ID: 2974575
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: HUD Guidelines

Text: Finally, Defendant WKB also says that the district court committed error in failing to allow them to demonstrate compliance with the Fair Housing Act by means other than those set forth by the applicable HUD guidelines. Once again, the Court rejects Defendant’s argument. In its brief, the Defendant correctly notes that neither the language of the Fair Housing Act itself nor applicable federal regulations provide specific design and construction standards. The Defendant incorrectly alleges, however, that the district court impermissibly treated the relevant HUD guidelines as controlling authority. In addressing whether the housing units complied with the Fair Housing Act, the district court explicitly stated that “the Guidelines, though relevant and highly significant, are not decisive. The real question is whether the units . . . are reasonably accessible and useable for most handicapped persons.” Although the district court did note that “Defendants undoubtedly face a heavy burden of demonstrating accessability” in instances where a construction feature does not comply with the HUD guidelines, the touchstone of the district courts compliance analysis was clearly the Act itself. Accordingly, we find that Defendant WKB had ample opportunity to demonstrate compliance with the Fair Housing Act by means other than those set forth by the 6 The Court does not address the operation of the statute of limitations in Fair Housing Act cases alleging disability discrimination in the rental of newly constructed multi-family dwellings. -23- No. 05-5862 Fair Housing Council, et al. v. Village of Olde St. Andrews, et al. applicable HUD guideline and simply failed to do so. Moreover, the Supreme Court has held that HUD’s interpretation of the FHA is entitled to deference. See Meyer v. Holley, 537 U.S. 280, 287-88 (2003); Trafficante v. Metropolitan Life Ins. Co., 409 U.S. 205, 210 (1972). As such, we again reject Defendant WKB’s argument and affirm the district court.