Commission extends deadline for accessibility compliance under ABE program to allow more outreach

The Building Inspection Commission voted unanimously on Feb. 13 to extend deadlines tied to the ABE accessibility program for existing public-accommodation buildings, after a presentation from DBI Senior Building Inspector Tom Fessler.

Fessler told the commission the ABE program covers roughly 11,000 properties and DBI had received around 4,600 of the expected filings, leaving approximately 6,500 outstanding. He asked for an extension to Sept. 1, 2020 so DBI could continue outreach and process applications without immediately escalating 6,500 properties to code-enforcement notices.

Asked when notices of violation would begin, Fessler said DBI—s final compliance date would be Sept. 1, 2021; if properties remained noncompliant after outreach and notices, DBI would enter code-enforcement procedures. "There's no fine associated with that [initial ordinance]," Fessler said, but noted that after notices the department could track time and assess monthly monitoring fees while properties move toward compliance. He also pointed commissioners to assistance available through the Office of Small Business to help small businesses pay for architects or power-door operators.

After discussion, a motion to extend the ABE deadlines as presented was made, seconded and approved by roll call. Commissioners asked DBI to continue outreach and to refine tracking of remaining properties before imposing enforcement measures.

The commission did not change the enforcement framework at the meeting; it extended the deadline to allow additional outreach and intake processing and requested continued reporting on remaining properties.