Disability Access Requirements

On September 19, 2012, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law, SB 1186. The purpose is to increase disability access and compliance with construction-related accessibility requirements and to develop educational resources to assist businesses to comply with federal and state disability laws. This bill which goes into effect in 2013 will impose a $1.00 state fee on any applicant for a local business license or a renewal and is to be collected by cities. Impacted City departments are currently reviewing SB 1186 requirements. Further implementation information, including collection of the fee, will be available on our website in the near future. Under federal and state law, compliance with disability access laws is a serious and significant responsibility that applies to all California building owners and tenants with buildings open to the public. For additional information about your legal obligations and how to comply with disability access laws please click on the links below:

• The Division of the State Architect
• The Department of Rehabilitation
• The California Commission of Disability Access