Updated federal ADA Standards take effect
Accessible building standards for school construction projects will be changing soon with the upcoming compliance date deadline for the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010 Standards). Understanding and incorporating these standards when applicable into the design and construction of your projects will be an important step in providing accessible school facilities and reducing liability exposure.
*) The federal 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design become mandated requirements on March 15, 2012.
*) Some of these new federal standards surpass those in the CA Title 24 CBC and will be considered the “most stringent” standard.
*) DSA only considers state accessibility requirements, not federal standards, when reviewing school construction projects for access.
*) DSA Bulletin 11-07 from August 2011 states that the property owner, architect or engineer are responsible for reviewing construction projects for compliance with federal standards. The bulletin clarifies that the school district and its contractors must independently review projects for consistency with the 2010 ADA Standards outside of the DSA review process.
*) Districts are urged to review the new standards, incorporate federal elements as applicable to provide “most stringent” standard in construction projects; require district-hired architects, design professionals and contractors to contractually ensure inclusion of all applicable accessibility standards; and to implement specific and independent ADA plan check reviews of construction plans prior to initial plan check submission with DSA.
For more information, visit the recently updated Americans with Disability Act web page.
