The U.S. Department of Justice??s amended Final Rule, which substantially revises and expands the regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), became effective today. The revisions set forth in the amended Final Rule potentially have far-reaching implications for convenience store owners and operators. Full compliance with the new regulations is mandatory by March 15, 2012.

Any new construction in which the last building permit is issued or certified (depending upon the jurisdiction) after March 15, 2012, or any alterations commenced after March 15, 2012, will have to comply with the 2010 standards. New construction or alterations commenced after the effective date of the rule, but before the effective date of the 2010 standards, can either conform to the old or the newer 2010 standards.

Importantly, elements in compliance with the 1991 ADAAG as of the effective date of the 2010 standards do not have to be brought up to compliance with the 2010 standards unless certain elements are altered.

For more in-depth information on ADA read the December 2010 cover story in NACS Magazine. You can also stay up to date with ADA compliance issue by visiting here.