Architectural Plans
SPH will review architectural drawings to determine the level of accessibility compliance, based on each Client's needs. Accessibility compliance is most often evaluated according to a combination of criteria found within:
- Provincial/national building codes.
- Universal Accessibility principles.
- AODA - Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
- ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act.
- CSA - Canadian Standards Association.
- Municipal accessibility guidelines.
- International best practices (e.g., codes, legislation, policies & guidelines).
- Conservation requirements (e.g., heritage buildings).
SPH strives to attain universal access solutions for all projects and we emphasize that accessibility is most cost effective when incorporated during the early planning and design phases of development projects. We can work with Clients prior to any formal preparation of architectural drawings in order to discuss accessibility design "basics" well in advance, ensuring access is included from the start.
Site Accessibility Plans
SPH will develop site accessibility plans for all types of development projects - institutional, commercial, retail, industrial, and residential. Generally, site accessibility plans can identify all major site features that provide access for persons with various disabilities, including (but not limited to):
- Level or ramped entrance locations (including automatic/power assist door locations and exterior lifts).
- Pedestrian routes, walkways and paths (including dimensions, slopes, surface materials, tactile pavers etc.).
- Vehicular circulation routes and intersections with pedestrian routes.
- Step and staircase locations (including handrail and stair nosing details).
- Curb cuts and wheelchair ramp locations (including textural features, colour contrast provisions/markings).
- Amenities (e.g., exterior accessible washrooms, seating/rest areas, street furniture, planters and interpretive display locations).
- Designated parking spaces and passenger boarding locations (including accessible public transportation options and waiting area locations).
- Directional & informational signage locations (including tactile maps).
- Lighting.
- Audible/visual pedestrian signal and signage locations.
SPH will also review existing site plans to identify barriers and access restrictions for people with disabilities. If required, we will work with our Clients to determine the most cost effective solutions to remedy barriers and where possible, provide a range of access compliance options that satisfy all project goals and objectives.
For more information on our Plan review and Site Plan Development Services, contact us at sholten@sph-planning-consulting.ca.