There are amazing buildings and locations out there, some of which may have existing, non-conforming ADA conditions, avoid a Craft-Brewery unreasonable hardship. The cost to bring those requirements up to current code, can be quite expensive, and in some cases may exceed the planned construction cost necessary to make your brewery operational.
Section 1134B.2 General, explains, “When alterations, structural repairs or additions are made to existing buildings or facilities, they shall comply with all provisions of Division I…” for any modifications you make to a building, you must comply with current ADA standards and requirements .
Now that we know we must comply, Section 1134B2.1 Exceptions: 1 allows for an UNREASONABLE HARDSHIP DETERMINATION FOR COMMERCIAL ALTERATION PROJECTS, this,Los Angeles Building Department, document/form explains:
The hardship exception is confined to the area of proposed construction. That’s helpful for larger buildings with multiple tenants, their is no reason to bring your tenants space up to current ADA code standards. In choosing which accessible elements to provide, priority is given to those elements that will provide the greatest access.
When choosing your first, or growing your existing brewery, make sure you consider the cost of ADA improvements to existing non-conforming structures.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
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