BIC adopts AB 90 to regulate destination‑based elevator controls, accessibility groups push to retain audio

The Building Inspection Commission unanimously adopted Administrative Bulletin AB 90 on March 17, directing standards for destination‑based elevator control systems and their accessibility features.

Deputy Director Laurence Cornfield told the commission the bulletin is the product of nearly two years of public meetings intended to provide guidance equivalent to California Building Code access provisions while state standards are pending. Industry participants, including representatives of the National Elevator Industry Inc. and major manufacturers, said they broadly support the bulletin as a workable model but raised a technical objection from Schindler over a requirement that hall keypads provide both braille/raised lettering and verbal (audio) announcements in certain configurations.

John Rodriguez of Schindler asked the commission to allow either verbal announcements or braille/raised lettering rather than both, saying current product cycles make voice an impractical requirement for some manufacturers in the near term (estimated product cycles of up to 24 months). Disability advocates, including Frank Welty of the California Council of the Blind and other blind‑community representatives, urged the commission to retain the audio requirement, noting that different individuals rely on different modalities for wayfinding.

Commissioners and staff explained the bulletin applies to newly installed destination‑based systems and to existing destination systems only when they undergo substantial retrofits; there is no retroactive requirement for already‑installed systems. The commission voted unanimously to adopt AB 90; staff said companies unable to meet the effective timeframe could seek case‑by‑case relief from the Access Appeals Commission.