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Texas Disability Law - Building Accessibility
Texas Law
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Requires submission and approval of building plans and site
inspections of:
- Government-funded buildings constructed or renovated after January 1, 1970;
- State-leased buildings after January 1, 1972;
- Privately-funded public accommodations built or renovated after January 1, 1992 (includes buildings such as hotels/motels, restaurants, theaters, auditoriums, shopping centers, sales/rental establishments, transportation terminals, museums, parks, schools, day-care centers, and gyms); and
- Privately-funded commercial buildings built or renovated after September 1, 1993.
- Does not apply to buildings owned, leased or operated by the federal government. Such buildings are subject to the federal Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, which requires federal buildings to be accessible.
- Requires architects, interior designers, landscape architects, or engineers to submit plans for new construction or substantial renovation totaling $50,000 or more to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) not later than the fifth day after the professional issues the plans.
- Requires building owners who are not utilizing such professionals for construction or substantial alteration to submit plans at least 30 days within the date the construction or modification begins.
- Provides that a local governmental entity cannot issue a building construction permit without proof that the building owner has filed a plan with TDLR.
Texas Legal Citation
Texas Architectural Barriers Act:
Texas Government Code: Chapter 469
Architectural Barriers Regulations:
Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 68
Contact
Texas Department of
Licensing and Regulation, Architectural Barriers Section
(877) 278-0999; TDLR Main: (512) 463-3211
architectural.barriers@license.state.tx.us
Technical
Assistance: techinfo.ab@license.state.tx.us
For More Information
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Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
"Architectural Barriers" brochure -
Texas
Accessibility Standards
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Online
Architectural Barriers Database
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Common Errors and Omissions
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Report
Violations Online
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Access for All Decal
- "Religious Organizations and Disability Laws"
Relevant Federal Laws
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Americans with Disabilities Act:
U.S. Department of Justice
(800) 514-0301; (800) 514-0383 (TTY)
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Architectural Barriers Act:
U.S. Access Board
(800) 872-2253; (800) 993-2822 (TTY)
Internal Revenue
Code, Tax Incentives:
800-514-0301 (Voice) or 800-514-0383 (TTY)
Local Ordinances
Local OrdinancesMany local municipalities have adopted model building codes and/or local ordinances, which may address accessibility standards. Call your mayor's office for more information.