ADA Compliance Design and Consultation
We can provide a review of existing and new buildings and parking areas for compliance with the access and exit requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) codes and the California Building Code (CBC). Design of ADA and CBC access and exiting compliance features can either be incorporated into an overall design and structural engineering package for your project, or performed as a separate design element. Based on new statutes and codes, ADA compliance review is typically required for all commercial and public works projects, whether new or remodeling work. Many of the new codes apply to existing work when modifications are performed.
Services include compliance review, then listing out the required features, or in the case of existing work and remodeling, listing the deficiencies of existing features. This can be performed in-house, or through one of the specialized professionals we are associated with, depending on the specific requirements for your project. Construction drawings are then produced, to bring the facility into compliance with the issues determined in the study.
Two main areas affected by the ADA codes are the building or facility exterior, which are the areas outside the building, running from the building or structure to the "public way", or area where the property joins the street or sidewalk, and interior areas. Exterior areas include parking, handicap parking, van accessible areas, accessible "paths" from parking to the walkways, walkway ramps, and signs and required markings. Interior areas include entrances, ramps, hallways, restrooms, doors, stairways, and useable facilities such as counters, bars, dining areas, drinking fountains, and other features required to be accessible for use by handicapped persons.
Interior work is also required to be coordinated with CBC building exit requirement. Exit requirements are based on the building size, location on the property, occupancy category, number of persons expected to occupy the building, and type of construction. The review of your project for meeting these requirements is generally incorporated into the ADA compliance review, as many of the requirements are similar and affect similar building features.
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