Press release distributed through the Justice For All Network publication Disability Potpourri:
New International Building Code eliminates requirements for disabled in existing apartments undergoing alterations
Jackson Heights, NY - The 2007 Supplement of the International
Building Code (IBC) will no longer require apartments undergoing
alterations to provide adaptability features to accommodate people
with disabilities.
Under previous editions of the IBC, an alteration to more than 20
units in an existing building would trigger a requirement for two
percent of the units to be provided with basic adaptability
features.
A proposal (G-206) submitted during the International Code
Council's (ICC) fall hearings in Orlando, Florida led to the
elimination of the IBC's requirement to provide important
adaptability features in existing apartments undergoing alterations.
Staff from the U.S. Access Board, the U.S. Department of Housing &
Urban Development (HUD) and the United Spinal Association, were
unsuccessful in a bid to have an alternative proposal requiring
minimal adaptability requirements in existing apartments revisited
during the ICC's hearings in Rochester, NY on May 24, 2007.
The National Association of Home Builders and The National Multi-
Housing Council provided testimony against the proposal asking for
minimal adaptability requirements, citing the additional costs and
space that would be necessary to comply.
Further information:
http://www.aapd.com/News/housing/070601usa.htm
Source - press release:
Contact:
Dominic Marinelli
716-828-9139
dmarinelli@unitedspinal.org