525 R.I. Code R. 525-RICR-10-00-2.12

Current through December 3, 2024

Section 525-RICR-10-00-2.12 - New Construction and Alteration, or Renovation of State and State Funded Facilities

A. To ensure program and employment access and use by individuals with disabilities is incorporated at the earliest stages into the site plans and building plans:

1. The Commission's staff shall participate in developing the design of all construction, renovation and alteration projects on behalf of or for the use of a state governmental body or public agency.

2. The Commission's staff shall be consulted:

a. Prior to the initial development of site plans and building plans to ensure that both access to and use of the facilities in the most economic manner possible; and

b. Through any and all revisions of the site plan and building plan to actual completion of the project.

B. A state agency may apply to the Commission's staff for a waiver of the provisions of this section. The agency must demonstrate that the proposed design, construction, or alternation does not materially affect accessibility to or usability of the facility. The Commission's staff may only issue a waiver if the alteration work is:

1. Limited solely to electrical, mechanical, or plumbing systems and / or

2. Does not materially affect accessibility to or usability of the facility under accessibility for people with disabilities standards.

3. At the end of twenty (20) business days the waiver is automatically be granted, unless the Commission's staff has:

a. Requested further information, or

b. Denied the waiver request.

C. General renovations or alternations - Whenever a state agency develops plans for the renovation or alternation of the interior layout of a facility (including employee work areas or customer service areas), or expansion of an existing facility, the state agency shall incorporate the removal of all existing environmental and communication barriers to program and employment opportunities throughout that facility, into the funding and construction plans for the facility.

D. New Construction - Whenever a state agency develops plans for the new construction of a facility; the renovation or alternation of the interior layout of the facility (including employee work areas or customer service areas); or expansion of an existing facility, the state agency shall submit its design to the State Building Commission for review to ensure compliance with the State Building Code, including the accessibility for people with disabilities standard.

E. State Funded Facility Construction, Renovations, or Alterations - The Commission and the state agency funding construction, renovation, or alterations to non-state entity facilities, shall establish cooperative agreements regarding the monitoring of accessibility compliance during the development of site plans and building plans through the actual completion of the project(s)."

525 R.I. Code R. 525-RICR-10-00-2.12