ADA/ABA Americans With Disabilities Act and Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines

The purpose of this page is to provide an area for this office to communicate with you on issues addressing accessibility for the disabled. Questions asked by you regarding the most common confusions involving the Americans with Disabilities Act and Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADA-ABA) will be answered here.

Announcements

Accessibility Appeals

After consulting with the Office of Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, the Office of the State Fire Marshal may grant appeals from full accessibility on a case by case basis where a suitable equivalency is offered. The appeals indicate an exemption to the requirements to comply with state regulations and do not guarantee or attempt to circumvent compliance with federal law.

Application for appeals can be found here:
https://lasfm.louisiana.gov/

Adoption of the 2010 ADA-ABA Accessibility Guidelines

On October 1, 2011, the Office of the State Fire Marshal began reviewing under and enforcing the new 2010 ADA-ABA Accessibility Guidelines as mandated by state law.

LAC 55: V 1501 Equal Access for Disabled Individuals Rule Change – Enforcement of Fair Housing

Any multi-family housing building with 4 or more units will be required to meet the Fair Housing requirements as detailed in the Fair Housing Act Accessibility Guidelines.

These guidelines can be found on the following website.
https://www.huduser.gov/Publications/PDF/FAIRHOUSING/fairfull.pdf

The seven major requirements that the Office of State Fire Marshal will enforce are:

1. Accessible building entrance on an accessible route.
2. Accessible and usable public and common use areas.
3. Usable doors.
4. Accessible route into and through the covered unit.
5. Light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats and other environmental controls in accessible locations.
6. Reinforced walls for grab bars.
7. Usable kitchens and bathrooms.

Release Date of Updated ADA Rules

The following excerpt is from the Department of Justice ADA homepage.
https://archive.ada.gov/regs2010/factsheets/title2_factsheet.htmll

1. Effective Date. The rule will become effective six months after publication in the Federal Register. Eighteen months after publication, compliance with the 2010 Standards are required for the new constructions and alterations. In the period between the publication date and compliance date, covered entitles may choose between the 1991 Standards and the 2010 Standards. Covered entitles that should have compiled with the 1991 Standards during any new constructions or alterations of facilities or elements, but have not done so by 18 months after the date of publication of the final rule, must comply with the 2010 Standards.

Get a Copy of the ABA ADA Accessibility Guidelines

The standard can be accessed from United States Access Board website: https://www.access-board.gov.

For a free copy of the ADA/ABA Americans with Disabilities Act and Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines, referred to as the "ADA-ABA (July 23,2004 Edition)", go to this link https://www.access-board.gov/guidance.html. You can also call toll free 1-800-872-2253 or phone (TTY) 1-800-993-2822.

Significant Changes

Fire Alarm Requirements (updated 1/27/12)

215.1 In existing facilities, visible alarms shall be required when an existing fire alarm is replaced.

Residential Dwelling Units (Apartments) (updated 1/31/12)

206.5.4 In residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2 through 809.4, ALL doors and doorways providing user passage shall comply with 404. NOTE: This includes hardware, thresholds, and maneuvering clearances.

809.2.2 ALL rooms served by an accessible route shall provide a turning space complying with 304. NOTE: This includes but is not limited to walk-in closets, bathrooms, and utility rooms.=

ADA Requirement Information

Public Assistance Handout Guide