Leasing License Practice Exam

What code did HUD use to establish occupancy standards before the keating memo?

1. B.O.C.A. code

2. International Building Code

3. Local zoning laws

4. Federal Apartment Guidelines

The correct answer is: B.O.C.A. code

The correct answer is the B.O.C.A. code, which stands for the Building Officials and Code Administrators International code. This code was employed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to set occupancy standards prior to the issuance of the Keating memo. The B.O.C.A. code includes guidelines that address safety and space requirements for residential units, which play a critical role in determining the number of occupants allowed in a dwelling based on factors like square footage and bedroom count. While the International Building Code might also address building and occupancy issues, it was not the specific code utilized by HUD before the Keating memo. Local zoning laws can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another and deal primarily with land use regulations rather than federal occupancy standards. The Federal Apartment Guidelines may have relevance to residential regulations as well but do not serve as the basis for occupancy standards established by HUD prior to the Keating memo. Thus, using the B.O.C.A. code reflects the historical standard applied by HUD in this context.