When Are Places of Accommodation Required to Comply with The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)?

ADA repair schedule for facilities that existed in 1990

• All existing Places of Public Accommodation were required to comply with the requirements of the 1991 Standards to the extent readily achievable by July 26, 1993.

Facilities built after March 15, 2012 and existing facilities that didn’t make repairs

• Compliance with the 2010 Standards became effective for new construction and alterations on March 15, 2012.  Places of public accommodation that were constructed or renovated after the passage of the ADA should have complied with the 1991 Standards. If they have not done so by March 15, 2012, they must comply with the 2010 Standards.

Pool and Spa Requirements

• Existing pools, wading pools, and spas built before March 15, 2012, having elements that do not comply with the supplemental requirements for entry to pools, wading pools, and spas must be modified to the extent readily achievable

Facilities that have complied with the 1991 Standards

• Existing building and site elements that comply with the requirements for  the 1991 Standards and were not altered after March 15, 2012  do not need to be modified.

The information provided in this article is based upon my review of the Americans with Disabilities Act, The 2010 Accessibility Guidelines, the Americans with Disabilities Act Title III Regulations.  And the Title III Technical Assistance Manual. It describes what I have found to be the most common issues encountered during my ADA investigations. For a more complete review of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) please refer to the law, regulations and standards referenced, herein.

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