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Architectural Access Board updating 521 CMR; Danvers commission encouraged to comment on variances
Summary
MOD staff explained the Architectural Access Board (AAB) enforces 521 CMR and is working to harmonize accessibility rules across ADA, fair housing and public rights-of-way; MOD said commissions receive notice of variances/complaints and their input (including votes) is valuable to AAB proceedings.
Jeff Dougan described how the Architectural Access Board (AAB) writes and enforces the state access code (521 CMR) and said a subcommittee has been working about two years to harmonize ADA, fair housing, and public rights-of-way standards into a single code. He noted some changes will require legislation, including expanding the AAB enabling statute to cover employee spaces and closing a housing loophole that exempts certain pre-1991 renovations from accessible-unit requirements.
Jeff also explained the AAB formally notifies municipalities when a variance or complaint is filed in their community and provides a 14-day window for municipal comment; he said the board values commission input and that "even a simple vote to support or oppose a variance is valuable." MOD’s role as a partner in advising commissions and forwarding technical input was underscored.
