(a) It is the purpose of this chapter to ensure that all buildings, structures, sidewalks, curbs, and related facilities, constructed in this state by the use of state, county, or municipal funds, or the funds of any political subdivision of the state shall be accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities.

(b) The State Architect shall develop and submit proposed building standards to the California Building Standards Commission for approval and adoption pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 18935) of Part 2.5 of Division 13 of the Health and Safety Code and shall develop other regulations for making buildings, structures, sidewalks, curbs, and related facilities accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities. The regulations and building standards relating to access for persons with disabilities shall be consistent with the standards for buildings and structures that are contained in pertinent provisions of the latest edition of the selected model code, as adopted by the California Building Standards Commission, and these regulations and building standards shall contain additional requirements relating to buildings, structures, sidewalks, curbs, and other related facilities the State Architect determines are necessary to assure access and usability for persons with disabilities. In developing and revising these additional requirements, the State Architect shall consult with the Department of Rehabilitation, the League of California Cities, the California State Association of Counties, and at least one private organization representing and comprised of persons with disabilities.

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(c) In no case shall the State Architect’s regulations and building standards prescribe a lesser standard of accessibility or usability than provided by the Accessibility Guidelines prepared by the federal Access Board as adopted by the United States Department of Justice to implement the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-336).

(d) On or before December 31, 2010, the Division of the State Architect shall prepare and submit to the United States Department of Justice for certification proposed amendments to Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations that would ensure California’s building standards for disability access in commercial occupancies are consistent with the federal regulations cited in subdivision (c).

(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 549, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2009.)