Permitting & Codes · Engineering Glossary
Accessibility in buildings refers to design requirements that ensure people with disabilities can approach, enter, and use facilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the IBC Accessibility chapter establish minimum standards for accessible routes, ramps, parking, restrooms, doors, counters, and signage.
The ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and IBC Chapter 11 set dimensional requirements for accessible paths of travel, door widths (minimum 32 inches clear), ramp slopes (1:12 maximum), restroom fixture clearances, parking stall dimensions, and reach ranges for controls and equipment. New construction must be fully accessible; alterations must improve accessibility in the altered area and may trigger path-of-travel requirements connecting the altered area to accessible building entrances and facilities. In California, the California Building Code Chapter 11B adds additional state-specific accessibility requirements beyond the ADA. A change of occupancy or major renovation often requires a full accessibility assessment. Apex Grid's engineers design and review accessible routes and facilities as part of permit engineering, TI, and existing-building engineering scopes.
Apex Grid Engineering maintains this glossary as a resource for architects, contractors, developers, and property owners who encounter unfamiliar engineering terminology on their projects.
View All Engineering TermsApex Grid's licensed PEs provide permitting & codes services across multiple jurisdictions — with fast quote turnaround and permit-ready documents.
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