What is an alteration according to the ADA? What are the standards for alterations?
As a general rule, all alterations to a place of public accommodation or commercial facility must be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities in accordance with ADA Standards to the maximum extent possible. An alteration is any change that affects usability. It includes remodeling, renovation, rearrangements in structural parts, and changes or rearrangement of walls and full-height partitions. Normal maintenance, re-roofing, painting, wallpapering, asbestos removal, and changes to electrical and mechanical systems are not alterations, unless they affect usability. When an alteration is made to a primary function area, not only must that alteration be done in compliance with the ADA Standards, but there must also be an accessible path of travel from the altered area to the entrance. The path of travel requirement includes an accessible route to the altered area and the bathrooms, telephones, and drinking fountains serving the area. Alterations to provide an acce
