Overcoming and removing architectural barriers (private buildings)
Summary
TAV. 00The law requiring the removal of architectural barriers in private and public residential buildings. It introduces three levels of quality of the built space — accessibility, visitability and adaptability — graded by intended use, and entrusts verification to a designer's declaration of conformity. The detailed technical requirements are set by implementing decree D.M. 236/1989.
Scope of application
TAV. 01It applies to the design of new private buildings and the renovation of existing ones, and to public residential housing. It concerns designers, works directors and private clients. Public buildings and spaces are governed in parallel by Presidential Decree 503/1996; the specific technical requirements derive from D.M. 236/1989, which remains the designer's operational reference.
In depth
TAV. AA law of principle, a decree of detail
L. 13/1989 sets the objective — making the built space usable by everyone, including people with reduced or impaired motor or sensory ability — and the principles; D.M. 236/1989 translates that objective into measurable requirements. In practice the designer works on the implementing decree, but it is the law that establishes the obligation and the architecture of the system.
Accessibility, visitability, adaptability
The three levels are not synonyms but a scale. Accessibility is the highest grade: the space is usable autonomously and safely. Visitability guarantees access to social spaces and at least one toilet. Adaptability is the possibility of making the space accessible over time, with limited works and without disrupting the building. The rule assigns each building type the minimum level due.
The role of the declaration of conformity
The control mechanism is documentary and accountability-based: the designer certifies the design's conformity with the technical requirements. It is an act attached to the design that conditions the issue of the building permit, placing the responsibility for verification on the professional.
The full, up-to-date text of the law can be consulted free of charge at the official source indicated on this sheet.
Key points
TAV. K- Three graded levels: accessibility (full, autonomous use), visitability (access to social spaces and one toilet), adaptability (modifiable over time with limited works).
- The required level depends on the intended use and building type: the rule associates a minimum grade to each case.
- The design must include the designer's declaration of conformity with the technical requirements: without it the building permit cannot be issued.
- The operational technical requirements — manoeuvring spaces, lifts, ramps, doors, toilets — are dictated by implementing decree D.M. 236/1989.
- Derogations are allowed only in limited, justified cases (e.g. technical impossibility in existing or listed buildings), with equivalent alternative solutions where possible.
- The law provides supporting measures and requires condominiums not to oppose barrier-removal works without justified reason.
Frequently asked questions
TAV. QWhat is the difference between accessibility, visitability and adaptability?
They are three increasing levels. Accessibility is the full, autonomous use of the space; visitability guarantees access to social spaces and a toilet; adaptability is the possibility of making the space accessible over time with limited works.
Does the law also apply to public buildings?
L. 13/1989 and D.M. 236/1989 mainly concern private and residential building. For buildings and spaces open to the public the reference is Presidential Decree 503/1996, with similar logic.
What does the designer's declaration of conformity certify?
It certifies that the design complies with the technical requirements on barrier removal. It is a condition for issuing the building permit and directly makes the professional accountable.
Are derogations allowed in existing or listed buildings?
Yes, but in limited and justified cases, for example proven technical impossibility or protection of a listed asset; where possible, alternative solutions guaranteeing equivalent use must be provided.
Can a condominium refuse barrier-removal works?
The law favours these works and limits the possibility of opposing them without justified reason, facilitating assembly decisions for works needed for accessibility.
Where do I find the precise technical measures (slopes, widths, spaces)?
In implementing decree D.M. 236/1989, which dictates the dimensional and performance requirements. L. 13/1989 sets obligations and principles; the decree provides the operational parameters.
Glossary
TAV. G- Barriera architettonica
- Physical or perceptual obstacle that limits or prevents anyone from safely and autonomously using spaces, buildings and equipment.
- Accessibilità
- Possibility of reaching, entering and using a building's spaces and equipment in full autonomy and safety.
- Visitabilità
- Possibility of reaching the building's social spaces and at least one toilet, even if not all rooms.
- Adattabilità
- Possibility of making the space accessible at a later time, with limited technical works and no radical changes.
- Spazio di manovra
- Free area needed for the rotation and movement of a wheelchair user at doors, toilets and routes.
- Dichiarazione di conformità
- Act by which the designer certifies that the design complies with the requirements on the removal of architectural barriers.