Access Design Standards
The City of Calgary is committed to removing barriers that might prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in employment and all City programs and services. The Access Design Standards are The City’s standards for designing accessible buildings. These standards enhance accessibility by mandating design measures that exceed the Alberta Building Code requirements.
When are the standards required?
Does my location have to be accessible?
Codes dealing with accessibility, or accessible design, exist to allow proper and safe access to buildings and facilities for all people regardless of physical, sensory, or developmental disabilities. Reasonable access to facilities is required to ensure that everyone has the same opportunities to be active, independent and safe within the community.
The rules for accessibility design are found in section 3.8 of the NBC-2023 AE. To help explain this material the Alberta Safety Codes Council has produced the Accessible Design Guide to help explain the accessibility requirements of the code.
Access Design Standard - is required to be applied only on City of Calgary owned / operated facilities. Please speak with the project manager for the City-owned project you are working on for details.
If you need clarification on specific accessibility requirements or exceptions please contact us at the Planning Services Center. You can reach us by phone at 403-268-5311 or online at Calgary.ca/livechat.
What if the physical layout of the building makes it difficult to provide accessible access to facilities?
Contact Alberta Municipal Affairs to see if they will consider a relaxation for your situation. Complete the application for relaxation of required facilities for the disabled.
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Planning Services Centre
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:15 p.m
We are changing our business hours to 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (MT) on Nov. 12, 2024.
Live chat: calgary.ca/livechat
Call: 403-268-5311
Web: Planning Services Centre
Development approvals review team
Find development approvals review team staff to contact about specific applications.