Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice

The County of Lexington, as recipients of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program funds, is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to conduct an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI).  The AI is a review of public and private policies and practices to promote fair housing choice and to address any impediments to fair housing discovered through this review. The Lexington County Community Development staff is currently conducting an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice within its jurisdiction, and will take appropriate actions to overcome the effects of any impediments identified through this Analysis and maintain records reflecting the Analysis and related actions.  To review the current Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing, click on the link below:

Analysis of Impediments

What is the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice?

Analysis of Impediments (AI) is a review of impediments or barriers that affect the rights of fair housing choice. It covers public and private policies, practices, and procedures affecting housing choice. Impediments to fair housing choice are defined as any actions, omissions, or decisions that restrict, or have the effect of restricting, the availability of housing choices, based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. The AI serves as the basis for fair housing planning, provides essential information to policy makers, administrative staff, housing providers, lenders, and fair housing advocates, and assists in building public support for fair housing efforts. Conducting an analysis of impediments is a required component of certification and involves the following:

An extensive review of the County’s laws, regulations, and administrative policies, procedures, and practices; An assessment of how those laws affect the location, availability, and accessibility of housing; An evaluation of conditions, both public and private, affecting fair housing choice for all protected classes; and An assessment of the availability of affordable, accessible housing in a range of unit sizes.

According to HUD, impediments to fair housing choice are:

Any actions, omissions, or decisions taken because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin that restrict housing choices or the availability of housing choices. Any actions, omissions, or decisions that have the effect of restricting housing choices or availability of housing choices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin.

The scope of this Analysis will be to identify any existing impediments as defined above within the County so that every effort can be made to address them.