ADA and Accessibility
Since May 4, 1977 Vermont law has required that new construction, additions and alterations in public buildings be accessible to people with disabilities.
The Division of fire safety enforces the Vermont Access Rules, including the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility guidelines, for new construction and alterations to existing buildings.
The ADA guidelines generally do not apply to existing facilities except where altered. Facilities built or altered according to earlier versions of the ADA or ABA standards will not necessarily have to meet the updated version except where they are subsequently altered or renovated.
Laws & Rules
2012 Vermont Access Rules - (accepted) - (Effective April 2012)
VT Accessibility Standards Statute -- 20 VSA Chapter 174
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
Guidance on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
Previously Editions of Access Rules:
Vermont Access Rules - (Effective May 28, 2007)
1994 Americans with Disabilities Act
Design and Construction Resources
Fair Housing Act Design Manual
ADA Guide for Small Businesses
Forms & Information
Access to Buildings in Vermont history overview
Access Standards for Residential Housing (Act 88)
"Prohibitive Costly" Policy -- Adopted 7/30/01
Tax Credits and Grants
Owners of historic and non-historic buildings may be eligible for federal and state tax credits and deductions as well as federal and state grants:
Disabled Access Tax Credit
Federal 50% tax credit for expenses up to $10,250.
Contact: IRS or http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/fs-disab.html
Tax Deduction to Remove Architectural and Transportation Barriers
Federal tax deductions up to $15,000.
Contact: IRS or http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/fs-disab.html
Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credit (RITC)
Federal 20% tax credit for substantial rehabilitation of income-producing historic buildings.
Contact: Vermont Division for Historic Preservation (802) 828-3047.
Vermont Downtown Program
In designated downtowns, a 5% state tax credit that is added to the RITC (above) or a 25% tax credit for rehabilitation of older and historic buildings that cannot use the RITC.
Contact: Vermont Downtown Program, (802) 828-3042 or 5212
Community Development Block Grant Program—Accessibility Modification Grants
Federal grants up to $100,000. For access improvements to municipal buildings and libraries.
Contact: Vermont Department of Housing and Community Affairs (802) 828-5215
Cultural Facilities Grants
State grants up to $4,000 for work on cultural facilities including access improvements.
Contact: Vermont Arts Council (802) 828-3778
Additional Resource Links
NFPAs Emergency Evacuation Planning Guide for People with Disabilities
Personal Emergency Planning Checklist
