Mission

The City of San Diego continuously develops and implements policies, programs, and activities to achieve its commitment to making San Diego accessible to all individuals. The Engineering and Capital Projects’ goal is to ensure that its Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs) are designed in accordance with the access laws. The department s Access Law Design Compliance Section of the Architectural Engineering Division reviews the department's CIPs compliance with the access laws via the citywide plan check process.

• Accessibility Review Process
• Curb Ramps
• Community Input on CIP Design
• Citywide Coordination on Accessibility
• Relevant Documents on Accessibility
• Contact Information

Community Input on CIP Design

Some of the department's CIPs are presented to design advisory subcommittees that represent the City's disabled community for review and recommendations. These subcommittees were formed by the Citizen's Review Committee (CRC).

• Subcommittee for Removal of Access Barriers (SCRAB) – The subcommittee’s purpose is to evaluate and prioritize removal of access barriers in the public right-of-way, including curb ramps and audible signals. It also evaluates outdoor recreational projects such as parks, play areas, comfort stations, etc.
• Facilities Access Review (FAR) - The subcommittee's purpose is to evaluate building projects such as libraries, senior centers, recreational centers, fire stations, lifeguard stations, police stations, etc.

To schedule a design presentation with a subcommittee, please contact the City CIP Project Manager.

Citywide Coordination on Accessibility

To ensure a coordinated effort on City wide technical issues, the following committees staffed by City employees were established to develop policies and standards for accessible design and construction of city owned facilities.

• Access Law Technical Group and its sub-committees (PDF)
• Access Law Committee (PDF)
• Caucus Group (PDF)

The Access Law Design Compliance Section works closely with the other City department Access Law Coordinators, Development Services and the Streets Division of General Services on technical issues relating to accessibility design and inspection. With the assistance of some lead members of the citywide access committees, the section also provides technical training to City and other San Diego jurisdiction staff.

Relevant Documents on Accessibility

• Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA )
• Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG)
• California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 24, 2001 California Building Code
• City Access Memos, Policies, and Standards
• US Access Board’s Draft Guidelines for Accessible Public Rights-of-Way
• US Access Board’s Proposed ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines

Contact Information

Access Law Design Compliance Section
Engineering and Capital Projects Department, Project Implementation and Technical Services Division
1010 Second Avenue, Suite 1200, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 533-4207
Email: engineering@sandiego.gov

Engineering and Capital Projects