NASCLA Accredited Commercial General ContractorGeneral RequirementsMedium
A general contractor is preparing a bid for a new municipal recreation center. The project requires strict adherence to local zoning ordinances and accessibility standards. Which federal act primarily mandates design and construction requirements for accessibility that must be incorporated into the project?
- AAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- BClean Water Act (CWA)
- CNational Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- DOccupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a comprehensive federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. It mandates accessibility requirements for public accommodations and commercial facilities, including design and construction standards to ensure access for individuals with disabilities.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The Clean Water Act regulates pollutant discharges into water bodies, unrelated to building accessibility.
- C. NEPA promotes environmental protection and assessments for federal actions, not building accessibility standards.
- D. OSHA focuses on worker safety and health, not public accessibility standards.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
A federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.
- Signed into law in 1990.
- Title III specifically covers public accommodations and commercial facilities.
- Requires accessible design and construction standards (ADA Standards for Accessible Design).
Memory trick: Building laws for everyone's access.