If you or your client plan on making improvements to an existing building this year in California, we need to be aware of the required Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements that you’ll need to include. All businesses open to the public are subject to Title III of the ADA law requiring equal access and barrier removal on a constant basis. When alterations are made to an existing building in California, the work must follow the California Building Code (CBC). This code includes the guidelines established by the ADA, but also adds additional requirements for access. The elements within the scope of the alteration must completely meet the accessible requirements. One portion of the CBC addresses how to make existing buildings more accessible. Section 11B-202.4 of the CBC sets out the requirement to provide an accessible path of travel to area of the building alteration.

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