Architect and Contractor Toolkit

Updated Feb 24, 2010
For a basic or advanced understanding of facility accessibility, codes, technical standards and useful tools for evaluating a building's accessibility see...

ADA Accessibility Guidelines

Accessibility Checklists and 3D Drawings

Public Rights-of-Way

Transportation

International Building Code and ICC/ANSI

Accessibility in State Building Codes

Fair Housing Act – Accessibility


ADA Accessibility Guidelines

Access Board and ADA Standards

ADA Accessibility Quick Links

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ADA Standards
  • Department of Justice ADA Standards
    ADA Regulation for Title III. The Department of Justice regulation implementing title III of the ADA, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in "places of public accommodation" (businesses and non-profit agencies that serve the public) and "commercial facilities" (other businesses). The regulation includes Appendix A to Part 36 - Standards for Accessible Design establishing minimum standards for ensuring accessibility when designing and constructing a new facility or altering an existing facility.
  • Department of Transportation ADA Standards for Transportation Facilities
    Title 49: Transportation. Part 37—Transportation Services for Individuals with Disabilities (ADA). 49 CFR part 37. Appendix A to Part 37—Modifications to Standards for Accessible Transportation Facilities. The Department of Transportation, in §37.9 of this part, adopts as its regulatory standards for accessible transportation facilities the revised Americans with Disabilities Act Guidelines (ADAGG) issued by the Access Board on July 23, 2004.

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Accessibility Checklists and 3D Drawings

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Supplements to ADAAG

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Public Rights-of-Way

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Transportation

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Upcoming Guidelines

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United States Access Board

  • The Access Board is an independent Federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities. Created in 1973 to ensure access to federally funded facilities, the Board is now a leading source of information on accessible design.
    Technical Assistance – Access Board
    (800) 872-2253 (voice)
    (800) 993-2822 (TTY), weekdays 10 - 5:30 EST (Wed. 10 - 2)
    E-mail: ta@access-board.gov
    fax: (202) 272-0081

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International Building Code and ICC/ANSI A117.1 Standard

 

International Code Council (ICC) - Accessibility Resources

International Code Council (ICC)- Accessibility Community of Interest

2006 International Building Code (2006 IBC)

  • Chapter 11 of the 2006 IBC addresses accessibility and references the ICC/ANSI A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities-2003.
  • Here are the sections and topics covered Chapter 11 - Accessibility
    • Section - Topic
    • 1101 - General
    • 1102 - Definitions
    • 1103 - Scoping Requirements
    • 1104 - Accessible Route
    • 1105 - Accessible Entrances
    • 1106 - Parking and Passenger Loading Facilities
    • 1107 - Dwelling Units and Sleeping Units
    • 1108 - Special Occupancies
    • 1109 - Other Features and Facilities
    • 1110 - Signage
  • Other relevant chapters of the 2006 IBC
    • Chapter 10 - Means of Egress - Section 1007 - Accessible Means of Egress
    • Chapter 34 - Existing Structures - Section 3409 - Accessibility of Existing Structures

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ICC/ANSI A117.1 - Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities

  • A nationally recognized standard of technical requirements for making buildings accessible. The most recent edition is 2003.

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Comparison Matrix of ADA guidelines to 2006 IBC

  • Comparing accessibility standards to the International Building Code (IBC) is easier with this free reference from the International Code Council. The new 2006 IBC/ADAAG Comparison compares three accessibility resources: the 2004 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities; the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG); and the 2006 IBC, which references the ICC/ANSI A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities-2003.

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ICC Quick Contact Information

  • Phone: 888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233)

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Accessibility Requirements in State Building Codes for WA, OR, ID and AK

Note: The Northwest ADA Center makes every effort to provide current, accurate code adoption information, but in some cases jurisdictions do not notify the Northwest ADA Center of adoptions, amendments or changes to their codes.

To ensure you have accurate information, please contact the state and/or local jurisdiction directly.

  • Alaska: 2003 International Building Code
  • Washington, Oregon, and Idaho: 2006 International Building Code

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Washington

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Oregon

Oregon's code is available for free on-line viewing.
2007 Oregon Structural Specialty Code: Chapter 11 - Accessibility

  • Click on "Chapter 11 – Accessibility" in the menu on the right. Be patient, this is large 4.7MB file so it may take a view minutes to load). The files found on this site are in a read only format and are not available for printing.

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Idaho

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Alaska

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Fair Housing Act Accessibility Resources

  • Fair Housing Act - Disability Rights and Resources
    For answers to frequently asked questions on the housing rights of people with disabilities and the responsibilities of housing providers and building and design professionals under federal law.
  • Fair Housing Act – Building and Design Professionals
    For information on the physical accessibility requirements for private and federally-assisted housing and HUD Review of Model Building Codes.
  • Fair Housing Accessibility FIRST
    Fair Housing Accessibility FIRST is an initiative designed to promote compliance with the Fair Housing Act design and construction requirements. The program offers comprehensive and detailed instruction programs, useful online web resources, and a toll-free information line for technical guidance and support.
  • Fair Housing Act Design Manual (April 1998)
    First published in 1996, the Fair Housing Act Design Manual: A Manual to Assist Designers and Builders in Meeting the Accessibility Requirements of The Fair Housing Act provides clear and helpful guidance about ways to design and construct housing which complies with the Fair Housing Act.

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