All historic properties providing access to the public are subject to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), but there are some exceptions.
Historic properties are defined as being listed on, or being eligible to be listed on, the National Register of Historic Places, or designated as historic properties under state or local law. Owners of such buildings must conserve the historic nature of the building and provide accessibility to those who need it.
The National Parks Service’s Preservation Brief 32 introduces and provides guidance on how to integrate accessibility within a historic property. The brief outlines key steps including the completion of an accessibility assessment to identify items that do not comply with the ADA Standards and an evaluation of options to correct non-compliant items while being sensitive to the building’s historic character.
If it is not technically infeasible to meet current ADA Standards without threatening or destroying the historic significance of a building, an owner or representative must consult with the State Historic Preservation Officer. Exceptions may be made for accessible routes, entrances, and toilet facilities under certain circumstances.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2018
Tall Mass Timber code proposals approved at Intl. Code Council public comment hearings
Proposals now go to online voting; final outcome expected in December.
Codes and Standards | Oct 25, 2018
Low-income neighborhoods could benefit most from green roofs
Those areas face the biggest risk from extreme heat.
Codes and Standards | Oct 24, 2018
Building design critical to prevent school shootings
Safety must be balanced with welcoming environment.
Codes and Standards | Oct 23, 2018
Codes in Florida Panhandle made buildings vulnerable to Hurricane Michael
Less stringent codes in northern parts of state linked to devastation.
Codes and Standards | Oct 19, 2018
Global Green Tag production certification standard will launch in U.S. at end of year
Australian program recognized by WELL, claims compliance with LE.
Codes and Standards | Oct 18, 2018
Federally-backed rebuilding of public buildings often leaves them vulnerable to future storms
FEMA dollars pay for reconstruction, but local decision-makers ignore climate change impacts.
Codes and Standards | Oct 17, 2018
Philadelphia plumbing code will now allow for more use of plastic pipes in high rises
Of the 50 largest U.S. cities, Philadelphia is one of just six that still require metal pipes.
Codes and Standards | Oct 16, 2018
New Disaster Recovery Reform Act will support adoption of updated building codes
Provides incentives for communities to modernize and enforce codes.
Codes and Standards | Oct 12, 2018
Boston ‘housing emergency’ prompts regional initiative for new residential construction
Mayors of 15 cities set goal of 185,000 new homes by 2030.
Codes and Standards | Oct 11, 2018
On-site staff key to energy benchmarking project for property management company
Manager training, data sharing are critical to meeting 20% utility cost reduction goal.