The standards are not building codes. The responsibility for access codes belongs to the state and local government of the concerned jurisdiction. The ADA standards apply in addition to any codes that are existing; this also means if a building is able to waive certain building codes, it does not mean they are exempt from ADA standards as well. 

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The ADA is a civil rights law that issues standards regarding accessibility. Compliance with accessibility standards is enforced through investigations or complaints that are filed to Federal agencies, or litigation. This means building plans or reviews do not get submitted to be approved, but if a facility is at fault for non compliance, they will be subject to consequences. The owning and operating entities are responsible for ensuring compliance. 

How the DOJ Ensures Accessibility Standards are Enforced 

U.S. Access Board. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.access-board.gov/

United States Access Board 

Following ADA Standards In Addition to Building Codes

Codes are enforced by state or local officials through the modality of reviewing building plans or conducting inspections—the ADA does not practice these. To mitigate issues with compliance, states are allowed to submit requests for the DOJ to review if all state and local accessibility laws meet or exceed the requirements of the ADA. This is helpful to ensure that all laws and standards are met, as it may catch errors or failures. It can also be used as legal evidence in response to a challenge. 

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