Disability Advocates Concerned New Building Codes Could Be Vague, Lead To Lawsuits

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Disability advocates are upset with proposed changes to California's building codes they say would roll back the rights of people in wheelchairs.

The State Building Standards Commission on Tuesday will consider rewriting disability access rules for public buildings, streets and sidewalks and buildings open to the public.

The state architect says it will help clarify accessibility regulations for businesses, and meet or exceed current Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

But disability advocates say some changes are vague and will lead to lawsuits.

"California has set kinda the gold standard for the nation and to take steps backwards, it's the wrong thing to do," Russell Rawlings said.

One issue is whether or not electric vehicle charging stations should have dedicated disabled parking.

The state architect is also concerned that expensive disability access rules are jeopardizing efforts to make buildings more earthquake safe, saying, "Needed seismic mitigation projects are not proceeding due to the disproportionate costs."

The protesters say they will fight any construction code changes that make it more difficult to safely get to their destinations.

The meeting is at 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday at 400 R St. Approved building changes won't take effect until Jan. 1.