When planning a building alteration project, construction professionals in the City of Stamford should be aware that building officials are taking a hard line on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

Twenty percent of a given project’s construction cost must be used to provide a handicapped-accessible route, which includes toilet facilities or drinking fountains serving the area of the building’s primary function. ADA work previously completed may not be credited against the 20% rule for a new filing.

For example, regarding toilet rooms, International Building Code Section 3409.7.9 states:

“Where it is technically infeasible to alter existing toilet and bathing facilities to be accessible, an accessible unisex toilet or bathing facility is permitted. The unisex facility shall be located on the same floor and in the same area as the existing facilities.” Also directional signage should be provided to indicate the location of the nearest accessible toilet from the existing non-accessible ones.

Depending on how many toilets are on a given floor, you might consider adding up to two single-occupant accessible toilet rooms in the same area as the others.

For more information, please contact the Milrose Consultants Connecticut office.