New California Accessibility Construction Regulations
Published : 2013-01-28 - Updated : 2016-04-06
Author : California Department of General Services
🛈 Synopsis : Updated accessibility standards for 2013 California Building Code align existing California and federal access regulations from parking spaces and hand rails to housing.
Main Digest
The Department of General Services (DGS) Division of the State Architect has announced the adoption of updated accessibility standards for the 2013 California Building Code that - for the first time ever - align existing California and federal access regulations for everything ranging from parking spaces and hand rails to housing. The result is a single set of requirements which meet both state and federal accessibility requirements and enhance accessibility for all Californians.
The Division of the State Architect develops and maintains accessibility and historical buildings standards and codes utilized in public and private buildings throughout California. In addition, the group also has oversight responsibility for design and construction of K-12 schools and community colleges.
"Adoption of the 2013 California Building Code provides clarity and consistency for both the general public and code users such as architects, contractors and building officials," said State Architect Chet Widom.
The new regulations were developed by Division of the State Architect and integrate existing state building code provisions with those from the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design. The regulations were recently adopted by the California Building Standards Commission for the 2013 California Building Code.
"I'm proud of the Division of the State Architect's work and the fact that these clearly communicated requirements will not only increase accessibility for persons with disabilities and but also provide consistent regulations for the business community," added DGS director Fred Klass.
Forty years ago, California led the nation by enacting laws to establish accessibility standards.
Twenty years later, in 1990, the federal Americans with Disabilities Act was passed. Since that time, Californians have struggled with compliance of both state and federal access laws and standards since the two have never been completely aligned.
During the development of the 2013 state building code, more than 2,500 items from the 2010 state and federal codes were analyzed to determine which provisions provided greater accessibility. Items studied varied from parking spaces, handrails, drinking fountains, and signs, to transportation facilities, housing, and correctional facilities. Provisions for recreational facilities have also been incorporated in the 2013 state building code, including amusement rides, playgrounds, golf courses and fishing piers.
The Department of General Services acts as the business manager for the State of California.
DGS helps state government better serve the public by providing services to state agencies including procurement and acquisition solutions, real estate management, leasing and design services, environmentally friendly transportation, and architectural oversight and funding for the construction of safe schools.
Related Home Accessibility Documents
- 1: Home Accessibility: It Is Only Two Steps... : Most people buying homes do not even consider whether their home is accessible.
- 2: High Performance Homes Builds Custom House for Man with Disabilities : High Performance Homes builds custom home in Maryland for man with physical disabilities, design improves accessibility, versatility and cost of living.
- 3: Home Accessibility and Safety for Seniors : A number of accessibility and home safety tips for seniors and disabled to make a home safe and accessible.
- 4: Disabled Bathrooms and Disability Safety : A disabled bathroom has to meet the needs of all people with disabilities and offer safe transfer both on and off the toilet for wheelchair users.
- 5: Astoria 7 Hotel San Sebastian - Best Adapted Rooms for Wheelchair Users : Astoria 7 Hotel in San Sebastian opens doors to accessible tourism with one of the best adapted rooms in the world.
You're reading Disabled World. Be sure to check out our homepage for further informative disability news, reviews, exclusive stories and how-tos. You can also follow Disabled World on social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Disclaimer: Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are in no way meant to be a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified practitioner, nor should they be construed as such. Any 3rd party offering or advertising on disabled-world.com does not constitute endorsement by Disabled World. View our Advertising Policy for further information. Please report outdated or inaccurate information to us.
Cite Page: Journal: Disabled World. Language: English (U.S.). Author: California Department of General Services. Electronic Publication Date: 2013-01-28 - Revised: 2016-04-06. Title: New California Accessibility Construction Regulations, Source: <a href=https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/accessibility/homes/construction-regulations.php>New California Accessibility Construction Regulations</a>. Retrieved 2021-04-12, from https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/accessibility/homes/construction-regulations.php - Reference: DW#112-9534.