While the US Department of Justice has been garnishing headlines over the last year for adoption of the new 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, the 2012 International Building Code has quietly come on the scene as The new accessibility standard. 

In many ways, the new 2012 IBC may have far more reach for making recreation facilities accessible. For the first time in the IBC history, the model code includes technical provisions for recreation facilities.  

Any entity required by the local authority to gain a building permit, have drawings reviewed, or be inspected prior to occupancy would have to follow the accessibility requirements for recreation facilities set forth in the 2012 IBC. As a result, a local building code official might also be inspecting a new golf course, sports field, fitness center, amusement park, swimming pool or playground for compliance with the accessibility requirements of the 2012 IBC.

For more information visit the National Center on Accessibility at /www.ncaonline.org/