South Carolina builders, architects, and design professionals: a significant accessibility code change is coming.
The 2026 ANSI A117.1, Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities standard establishes requirements intended to make buildings and facilities accessible and usable by people with disabilities, including requirements related to accessible routes, entrances, clearances, maneuvering space, and other accessibility features.
The new standard will be published on September 8, 2026, and under South Carolina law, it becomes effective immediately upon publication.
A new chapter for healthier, high-performance homes is coming.
Permit applications received on or after September 8 must comply with the 2026 ANSI A117.1 requirements. Inspections for those permits will also be conducted under the updated standards.
While the changes will primarily impact multifamily and commercial projects, they could affect current designs, plan reviews, and permitting timelines.
Now is the time to review your upcoming projects and make sure your team is prepared.
Need help identifying potential accessibility compliance issues before they cause delays? ARCXIS can help review your plans and support your team through the permitting and inspection process.
Contact David Sammons today: dsammons@arcxis.com.