How does the ADA interact with state and local building codes?

How does the ADA interact with state and local building codes?

• A. Building codes override ADA.
• B. The ADA only applies to new buildings.
• C. The ADA sets federal accessibility requirements; building codes may complement or differ; facilities must comply with both where applicable.
• D. The ADA does not set building code requirements.

Answer: (C)

The main concept here is how federal accessibility rules work with local and state construction rules. The ADA sets federal minimum accessibility requirements for places of public accommodation and commercial facilities, using the ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Building codes are state or local regulations about how buildings are designed and constructed and they can either add to accessibility requirements or differ from the federal provisions. Because of that, facilities must comply with both when they apply. In practice, you follow the ADA baseline and also follow the local building code. If a local code is more stringent, you meet the stricter standard; if it’s less stringent, you still must meet the ADA requirements. When codes and the ADA align, there’s no conflict—the facility is accessible once both sets of requirements are met.

The main concept here is how federal accessibility rules work with local and state construction rules. The ADA sets federal minimum accessibility requirements for places of public accommodation and commercial facilities, using the ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Building codes are state or local regulations about how buildings are designed and constructed and they can either add to accessibility requirements or differ from the federal provisions. Because of that, facilities must comply with both when they apply. In practice, you follow the ADA baseline and also follow the local building code. If a local code is more stringent, you meet the stricter standard; if it’s less stringent, you still must meet the ADA requirements. When codes and the ADA align, there’s no conflict—the facility is accessible once both sets of requirements are met.