Code Council Updates ICC A117.1 Accessibility Standard, Offers New Resources to Identify Changes

The International Code Council serves as the publisher and convener for the standard that makes buildings accessible to people with disabilities. The Code Council’s process has resulted in an update of this standard with essential new requirements. ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, contains technical accessibility requirements for both new and existing buildings. Released alongside the updated standard are a new guide and seminar spotlighting significant revisions.

“The Code Council is proud of its leadership role in shepherding the development of ICC A117.1 over the years. These critical updates represent a consensus approach from advocates and industry to promote a more accessible built environment,” said Code Council CEO Richard P. Weiland. The ICC A117.1-2009: Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities includes many new or revised requirements such as: clarification of requirements for dwelling units, addition of Type C dwelling unit requirements for use by jurisdictions adopting visitability ordinances for dwellings not regulated by Fair Housing, a series of revisions for restroom requirements, a new chapter for recreational facilities, and a new section addressing variable message signs.

The new companion guide and seminar addresses the critical need for professionals in the building industry to keep current in their understanding of accessibility standards. The Significant Changes to the A117.1 Accessibility Standard, 2009 Edition book and seminar analyze the most critical, frequently used requirements and provisions with a significant change in application. Each change is accompanied by a photograph, real-world example or illustration, and is followed by a summary and analysis. The book and seminar also discuss where the standard coordinates with the Americans with Disabilities Act and 2009 International Building Code (IBC), as well as where it differs and affects application.

Significant Changes to the ICC A117.1 Accessibility Standard, 2009 Edition is authored by Jay Woodward, Code Council Senior Staff Architect and the Technical Secretariat for the 2003 to 2009 development cycle of the Standard. Woodward developed the book and seminar to familiarize Code Officials, plans examiners, inspectors and designers with the many important changes in the 2009 edition of ICC A117.1 that will be applicable when using the IBC. In his role as Secretariat, Woodward served as an impartial observer to committee discussion that resulted in the changes to the standard, and has articulated in these materials why certain requirements were adopted.

For more information on ICC A117.1-2009: Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities and the Significant Changes book and seminar, please visit www.iccsafe.org/access. The ICC A117.1-2009 Standard and Significant Changes book are also available as a combo at a reduced rate.

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety, fire prevention and energy efficiency, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states choose the International Codes, building safety codes developed by the International Code Council. The International Codes also serve as the basis for construction of federal properties around the world, and as a reference for many nations outside the United States.