Code of Massachusetts Regulations 521 CMR - Architectural Access Board
Here’s an enhanced overview of 521 CMR – Architectural Access Board (AAB), featuring the full scope, key chapters, variance process, and recent updates.
🏛️ General Structure & Purpose
521 CMR 1.00 – 4.00 (Administration & Definitions):
1.00 covers authority, adoption under M.G.L. c. 22 § 13A (casetext.com, sec.state.ma.us).
2.00 defines purpose and scope, mandating that buildings and facilities be accessible, functional, and safe for those with disabilities (mass.gov).
4.00 details the variance process, allowing deviations where compliance is impractical; includes application procedures and precedents (mass.gov).
🏢 521 CMR 5.00 – 47.00: Technical Accessibility Standards
These sections specify accessible design requirements across multiple building types and elements:
5.00–10.00 (Part B): Covers retail establishments, transient lodging, multi‑family dwellings, schools, medical facilities, places of assembly, detention centers, etc. (sec.state.ma.us).
10.00–17.00 (Part C): Deals with exterior features—accessible routes, curb cuts, parking, and passenger loading zones.
Part D: Regulates interior elements—ramps, doors, stairs, elevators, floors, restrooms, kitchens, seating, ATMs, signage, alarms.
Part E: Covers dwelling units—bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms—with “Type A/B” and “Accessible Dwelling” classifications. (sec.state.ma.us, mass.gov).
⚖️ Variance & Enforcement
Owners can apply for variances under 521 CMR 4.1 when compliance isn’t feasible. The AAB issues formal decisions, and past ones can be reviewed for guidance (mass.gov).
Local building inspectors enforce 521 CMR, with appeals and complaints handled by the AAB (mass.gov).
🔄 Recent Updates
A comprehensive rewrite of 521 CMR was proposed in February 2018, aligning the code more closely with ADA standards, revising chapters on doors, signage, ramps, family restrooms, ATMs, etc. (mass.gov).
AAB has been working through monthly subcommittee meetings since 2023 to align CMR with ADA and adopt updated standards .
📌 How to Access 521 CMR
The State Bookstore offers the full code (521 CMR 1.00–47.00), covering administrative through technical standards (sec.state.ma.us).
Each section (e.g., 2.00 for scope, 11.00 for commercial buildings) is available as a PDF from Trial Court Law Libraries (mass.gov).
The Massachusetts Office on Disability provides supplementary guidance, training, and oversight enforcement (mass.gov).
✅ At-a-Glance: 521 CMR Highlights
Section
Description
1 & 2
Authority, purpose, definitions
4
Variance process
5–10 (B)
Building types—access specs
10–17 (C)
Exterior elements—routes, parking
Part D
Interior fixtures—doors, restrooms
Part E
Dwelling units—bathrooms, kitchens
Enforcement
Via local building inspectors; appeals to AAB
Updates
ADA alignment, tech standards revision underway
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