Accessibility Compliance

BENIFITS OF ADA COMPLIANCE

ADA compliance ensures that streets and public spaces are safe, accessible, and usable for all residents, including but not limited to: people with disabilities, parents with strollers, and the elderly.

Beyond safety and equity, compliance helps the city avoid legal risk, reduce long-term costs, and foster inclusive, connected communities.

WHEN DOES THE ADA APPLY TO STREETS WORK?

ADA Title II applies to all activities by public entities that affect access to programs, services, or activities for people with disabilities. In the context of Streets Cabinet work, this means that all construction, maintenance, repairs, and alterations in the public right-of-way.

Including sidewalks, curb ramps, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals, all of which must comply with ADA accessibility standards whenever these activities could impact pedestrian access.

WHEN IS CURB RAMP WORK TRIGGERED?

Curb ramp work is triggered whenever there is an alteration to the sidewalk, street, or pedestrian route, or is otherwise disturbed in a way that affects accessible pedestrian access.

Curb ramp work is not triggered when maintenance is performed on a sidewalk, street or pedestrian route.

KEY EXCEPTIONS

The Crosswalk Rule: Regardless of the scale of the road work, if a crosswalk alone is resurfaced, it is considered an alteration and requires compliant curb ramps at both ends.

The Ramp Rule: Work that includes cutting any part of the ramp is not maintenance. 

The Flow of Sidewalk/Roadway Rule: In some cases, striping changes may be considered alterations under a public safety rationale, even if they do not meet the threshold of an alteration

SIGNS YOUR BUILDING MAY HAVE AN AREAWAY

There may be a "hollow sidewalk" sign attached to the adjacent building, a coal hole cover, a portion of the basement toward the street is extremely leaky or if you can hear faint sounds of pedestrians or cars above. If you're a building owner and you aren't sure, check your building plans (if you have them) or contact a structural engineer to investigate.

PROS AND CONS OF HAVING AN AREAWAY

There are many pros and cons to keeping your areaway. To help visualize how maintaining your areaway may affect you, here is a quick non-exhaustive pros and cons list:

AREAWAY CLOSURES INCENTIVES PROGRAM

Interested in returning your areway to the City?

During an active capital construction project, then the City will cover the cost to backfill the areaway and replace the sidewalk. If you are interested in returning your areaway to the City, please email areaway@boston.gov to inquire about whether your property qualifies for financial relief under the areaway closure incentives program.