Technical requirements for the accessibility of private buildings
Summary
TAV. 00Implementing 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.
Scope of application
TAV. 01It 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).
In depth
TAV. AThree levels of spatial quality
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: the level required most often
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 recurring dimensional parameters
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 |
How a design's conformity is checked
- 01Identify the required levelEstablish whether accessibility, visitability or adaptability is needed, based on the intended use and the type of works.
- 02Check the routesReview horizontal and vertical routes: ramps, lifts, stairs, level changes and thresholds.
- 03Check the internal spacesManoeuvring spaces, clear door widths, usability of the bathroom with transfer space.
- 04Produce drawings and declarationProduce the drawings and the declaration of conformity required by Law 13/1989, attached to the building permit.
Key points
TAV. K- Three levels of quality: accessibility (highest), visitability (partial), adaptability (deferred over time).
- Manoeuvring space for wheelchair rotation: minimum diameter 1.50 m.
- Ramps: maximum 8% slope, minimum width 0.90 m, resting landings along the route.
- Doors: minimum clear width 0.80 m for the main entrance, 0.75 m for internal doors.
- Thresholds and level changes no greater than 2.5 cm; beyond that they are bridged with ramps.
- Law 13/1989 requires a design signed by a qualified professional and a declaration of conformity to the decree's parameters.
State-exam tracks that call it into play
TAV. EWhere this rule shows up in past architect qualification exams — study the rule, not just the theme.
Frequently asked questions
TAV. QWhat is the difference between accessibility, visitability and adaptability?
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.
When is visitability enough and when is full accessibility required?
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.
Does D.M. 236/1989 also apply to renovations?
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.
What is the declaration of conformity required by Law 13/1989?
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.
What is the maximum allowed slope for a ramp?
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.
Does the decree also apply to public buildings?
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.
Glossary
TAV. G- Barriera architettonica
- Physical or perceptual obstacle that limits mobility or the safe and autonomous use of spaces, in particular for people with reduced or impaired motor or sensory ability.
- Accessibilità
- Possibility of reaching the building and its units, entering them easily and using their spaces and fixtures in conditions of adequate safety and autonomy. It is the highest level of quality.
- Visitabilità
- Possibility of accessing the social spaces and at least one bathroom of a unit. It is an intermediate level, typical of new dwellings.
- Adattabilità
- Possibility of modifying the built space over time, at limited cost, to make it fully accessible to people with reduced or impaired mobility.
- Spazio di manovra
- Free area needed for wheelchair manoeuvres; a minimum diameter of 1.50 m is assumed for a full rotation.
- PEBA
- Plan for the Elimination of Architectural Barriers: the tool by which municipalities schedule, over time, the upgrading of existing public buildings and spaces.