Implementing decree of Law 13/1989: it sets the technical requirements that guarantee accessibility, adaptability and visitability in private and publicly-funded residential buildings. It defines the three levels of spatial quality and the dimensional parameters (ramps, doors, manoeuvring spaces, bathrooms, lifts) for the overcoming and removal of architectural barriers.
It applies to private buildings and to publicly-subsidised residential buildings, both new construction and renovations (including partial ones). For public buildings and spaces the equivalent technical requirements are set by Presidential Decree 503/1996. The criteria are today referenced by the Consolidated Building Act (D.P.R. 380/2001, arts. 77-82).
The decree does not impose a single standard; it grades the quality of the built space on three increasing levels. The choice depends on the intended use and on the type of works: a newly-built private dwelling must guarantee at least visitability and adaptability, while common areas and publicly-funded housing aim for full accessibility.
Visitability ensures that a person with reduced or impaired mobility can reach the social spaces — living and dining area — and at least one bathroom of the dwelling. It is the typical requirement for new homes: not the whole unit must be accessible, but the social core and one bathroom must be.
The requirements come down to a few key measurements that the designer checks systematically along the path of use, from the entrance to the internal spaces.
| Element | Reference parameter |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair rotation | Ø 1.50 m |
| Main door (clear width) | ≥ 0.80 m |
| Internal doors (clear width) | ≥ 0.75 m |
| Ramp — slope | ≤ 8% |
| Ramp — width | ≥ 0.90 m |
| Threshold / level change | ≤ 2.5 cm |
| Corridor / passage | ≥ 1.00 m |
| Lift car (accessibility) | 1.40 × 1.10 m, door ≥ 0.80 m |
Where this rule shows up in past architect qualification exams — study the rule, not just the theme.
They are three increasing levels. Accessibility is full, safe and autonomous use of spaces and fixtures. Visitability guarantees access to social spaces and at least one bathroom. Adaptability is the possibility of making the space accessible later, with limited works.
It depends on the intended use. New residential units must, as a rule, guarantee visitability and adaptability; building common areas, public housing and many premises open to the public require full accessibility instead. The designer identifies the level case by case.
Yes, including partial renovations. On existing buildings the adaptability criterion applies, and alternative solutions or reasoned exemptions are allowed when strict compliance is technically impossible, provided an equivalent level of usability is ensured.
It is the certification by which the designer attests that the design complies with the requirements of D.M. 236/1989. Without it, the building permit and the certificate of occupancy cannot be obtained: it is the main tool for enforcing the rule.
In general 8%. Steeper slopes are allowed only for short sections, according to a length-to-slope ratio, and horizontal resting landings are required along the route and at every change of direction.
For public buildings and spaces, Presidential Decree 503/1996 applies; it sets equivalent technical requirements and refers to the same criteria as D.M. 236/1989. The two measures share the same framework and dimensional parameters.