On September 24, the City Council approved legislation with several changes to the pedestrian access and circulation requirements in the Land Use code, that lists when sidewalks and ADA curbs and curb ramps are required to be constructed or rebuilt. The amendments are intended to increase accessibility on sidewalks and to make other modifications and corrections to the code. The ordinance will go into effect in late October; 30 days after the Mayor signs the ordinance.
Highlights of the ordinance are:
- Adding a requirement for installing curbs, curb ramps, and accessible crossings when sidewalks are already required
- Adding a requirement in Urban Centers and Urban Villages for certain types of development projects to install or reconfigure existing sidewalks, curbs, curb ramps, and accessible crossings if they do not meet the Right-of-Way Improvements Manual requirements
These new rules support making our sidewalks equally accessible to all. Features such as curb ramps, sidewalks, detectable warnings (tactile, vibration, or sound emitting), and street crossings are components of a Citywide network of accessible sidewalks. The proposed changes would require curbs, curb ramps, and accessible crossings only when sidewalks are already required. Additionally, the curbs, curb ramps, and accessible crossings will mainly be required for lots along corner lots. When new sidewalks are being constructed this is the easiest and most affordable time for these items to be installed.
More information can be found on SDCI’s Curb Ramp webpage.
If you have comments or questions, please contact:
Eric Engmann
(206) 256-5518
eric.engmann@seattle.gov