Special Provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act for Historic Properties

What are the Special Provisions for Historic Properties?

Per Section 4.1.7, the Ohio Historic Preservation Office will review proposed alterations to an historic property that would be required for full compliance with ADA. If we determine that full compliance would threaten or destroy the significance of the property, the alternative minimum requirements may be used. The alternative minimum requirements allow for more flexibility when providing access to the historic property. In short, they are:

• One accessible route must be provided from a site access point to an accessible entrance. Using a ramp with a 1:6 slope (rather than the usual 1:12 slope) is permissible for a run of up to two feet.
  
  
• One accessible entrance must be provided. If it is not possible to make the public entrance accessible, then an alternative, unlocked entrance is acceptable.
  
  
• If toilets are provided, only one toilet must be accessible and it may be unisex.
  
  
• Public spaces on the level of the accessible entrance must be accessible, and other public levels should be accessible whenever practical.
  Displays and written information should be located where a seated person can see them.

For the very limited number of historic buildings that cannot be made accessible using the alternative minimum requirements, alternative means of access may be used, such as using audio/visual materials to show inaccessible areas, assigning persons to guide individuals through inaccessible areas, or adopting other innovative methods. An example is a train signal tower video shown in a railroad museum.

How Do I Request a Review?

If you would like to request a review and evaluation of proposed alterations, please provide the following information in writing to the Ohio Historic Preservation Office at the address below:

• A statement regarding the property's status as a "qualified property" for purposes of the ADA. (That is, is the property listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or designated as a historic property by State or local law?)
  
  
• Photographs of the property (interior and exterior), showing all exterior elevations and all areas to be affected by accessibility alterations.
  
  
• Drawings or sketches (plans and elevations) showing the alterations (interior and exterior) that would be necessary for full compliance with ADA. Please key the photographs to the plans.