40-26-112. Housing for elderly exempted.

(a) The provisions of this chapter relating to familial status and age do not apply to housing that the secretary of housing and urban development determines is specifically designed and operated to assist elderly individuals under a federal program; the enforcing authority determines is specifically designed and operated to assist elderly individuals under a state program; is intended for, and solely occupied by, individuals sixty-two (62) years of age or older; or is intended and operated for occupancy by at least one (1) individual fifty-five (55) years of age or older for each unit as determined by enforcing authority rules. In determining whether housing qualifies as housing for elderly because it is intended and operated for occupancy by at least one (1) individual fifty-five (55) years of age or older for each unit, the enforcing authority shall adopt rules that require at least the following factors:

(i) That at least eighty percent (80%) of the units are occupied by at least one (1) individual fifty-five (55) years of age or older per unit; and

(ii) The publication of, and adherence to, policies and procedures which demonstrate an intent by the owner or manager to provide housing for individuals fifty-five (55) years of age or older.

(b) Housing may not be considered to be in violation of the requirements for housing for elderly under this section by reason of:

(i) Individuals residing in the housing as of July 1, 2015, who do not meet the age requirements of this section, provided that new occupants of the housing meet the age requirements; or

(ii) Unoccupied units, provided that the units are reserved for occupancy by individuals who meet the age requirements of this section.