DSA IR 11B-9: Accessibility Requirements for Solar Photovoltaic Systems at School Sites

Background: When PV systems are proposed for installation at public school sites, the project documentation is first reviewed from a scoping perspective to determine the required accessibility features and then to verify that the technical information for any required features are included within the project scope.

For PV systems at existing school facilities, the key question is whether or not their installation is an alteration which could trigger accessibility upgrades to related “Path of Travel” elements. Attachment B – Code References provides the definitions of “Alteration” from both the 2010 and 2013 editions of the California Building Code (CBC) and the provisons of 2013 CBC Chapter 11B Section 11B-202.4 Path of Travel Requirements in Alterations, Additions and Structural Repairs.