ACCESSIBILITY
AND LIFE SAFETY CONSIDERATION – PUBLIC BUILDINGS
The Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that places of public accommodation
(buildings that are
open to and
used by the public) be accessible to all users. Modifications may need to be
made to a historic
building so that
it will be in compliance with current accessibility code requirements.
Modifications to
introduce or
enhance access for persons with disabilities must comply with current
provisions of 521 CMR –
The Rules
and Regulations of the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board. Buildings
listed on the National
Register
of Historic Places may be eligible for a variance if compliance is
impracticable. Owners of historic
properties open to
and used by the public must comply with prevailing codes to the fullest extent
feasible.
Plan
carefully so that the work does not threaten or destroy the historic character
of the structure, or
result in the
loss of character-defining features, while at the same time providing the
highest level of
access. While
access must be provided to the primary entrance, introduce the bulk of an
accessible entrance
ramp on a secondary elevation, if possible, or from grade at an existing walk
or
pathway to an
existing porch or primary entrance to minimize the visual impact. Make
handrails as
unobtrusive as
possible.