Elimination of Architectural Barriers

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Because of the frequent questions regarding project ownership, we are providing an upload help sheet for clarification.

If you have any questions, please email techinfo@tdlr.texas.gov.

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Program News and Updates

Clarification Regarding Adopted Rules

September 13, 2023

On September 1, 2023, adopted rules amending Texas Administrative Code Chapter 68 became effective. Two sections that were amended require clarification:

  • Subsection 68.40(d) references the corrective modifications response that an owner must submit to the Registered Accessibility Specialist. There is a typographical error that cites the requirements as being in section 68.53; these requirements actually are found in section 68.52. The typographical error does not invalidate any owner responsibility for responding to an inspection report on the prescribed form within 30 days of the inspection report, nor does it invalidate the requirement to correct the violations by the 270th day of the inspection report date.
  • In subsection 68.53(b), paragraphs (6), (7), and (8) identify the department-required paragraph types to be included within each transmittal letter issued by the Registered Accessibility Specialist for the applicable circumstance. The language for these paragraphs was previously located in the 2018 RAS Procedures as transmittal templates. The department had intended to provide the language in the new rules, but they were omitted. RAS Bulletin 2023-05 provides the required paragraphs.

TDLR will correct both errors in the program’s next round of rulemaking.

If you have questions, please contact techinfo@tdlr.texas.gov or TDLR customer service.

New Elimination of Architectural Barriers Forms

September 8, 2023

TDLR has posted new forms with instructions. These forms include detailed instructions on how to complete the forms. Texas Administrative Code Chapter 68.12(d) requires that TDLR forms must be completed in full to be accepted. The building or facility owner is responsible for providing a completed form using the new updates effective September 1, 2023. The Registered Accessibility Specialist is expected to reject any incomplete or expired form from the building or facility owner and can attach this posting when returning the incomplete forms to the owner. A building owner, per Texas Government Code Sec. 469.058, is responsible for any violation of the Elimination of Architectural Barriers program laws or rules and may be subject to administrative penalties for any violation.

In addition:

  • Standard Project Registration forms must be completed online through the Texas Architectural Barriers online System (TABS). Mailed standard Project Registration forms sent to TDLR will be returned starting October 1, 2023.
  • TDLR will no longer accept old versions of forms. If an old version of a form is dated or mailed to TDLR after to 9/8/23, it will be rejected by TDLR and cause delays in the processing of the required paperwork.
  • Project Registration forms and the Owner Agent Designation form must have the required CAD (county appraisal district) number. For assistance finding the CAD number you can review our help sheet.
  • The forms cannot be altered in any manner.
  • Forms must be printed or typed. Electronic signatures are acceptable, however manipulation of project or contact information on the form after an electronic signature will be considered providing misleading information.
  • False or misleading information provided when submitting registration forms or project information to the department is considered a violation of Texas Administrative Code Chapter 68.12(e).

If you have questions, please contact techinfo@tdlr.texas.gov or TDLR customer service.

Elimination of Architectural Barriers Rules Updates

September 1, 2023

Recent updates to the Texas Administrative Code (Code Chapter 68) focused on clarifying TDLR requirements, including some for building or facility owners. Please note that the Texas Register will not show you what has been revised – you should read the following highlights to be aware of changes that are effective September 1, 2023.

Some of the requirements changed locations in the Texas Code so that items directly related to each other are grouped together. There are also new requirements that you will need to familiarize yourself with as you go forward.

Updated Rules locations:

  1. General Provisions
  2. Registration Requirements; Exemptions
  3. Owner Responsibilities
  4. Construction Documents; Plan Reviews; and Inspections
  5. Advisory Committee
  6. Registered Accessibility Specialist
  7. Fees
  8. Enforcement

New Rules:

  1. Incomplete forms will not be accepted. Found in Chapter 68.12. (additional information will be provided regarding updates to TDLR forms)
  2. Clarification of the actions that can be completed by an owner’s designated agent. Found in Chapter 68.42.
  3. A representative must be present at the time of the inspection by the RAS. Found in Chapter 68.52(b).
  4. The RAS continuing education requirements have been reduced. Previously, the RAS was required to complete 8 hours of continuing education each year; now, a RAS must complete 4 hours each year and self-report them to TDLR. These 4 hours no longer must be from a TDLR approved provider. A help sheet regarding questions on RAS continuing education requirements can be found here (link provided). Found in Chapter 68.74(b).

Many of the updates are to make the rules more readable and concise. Other rules reflect necessary changes to facilitate streamlining TDLR submission requirements.

One of TDLR’s goals is to help building and facility owners and Registered Accessibility Specialists (RAS) understand the agency requirements quickly and easily. We will provide additional updates in the coming weeks. We deeply appreciate your participation in, and support for, these updates, which will allow easier document submissions.

If you have any questions, please contact us at techinfo@tdlr.texas.gov or the TDLR customer service division.

Commission Adopts Rules

August 28, 2023

The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation adopted amendments to existing rules at 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 68, Subchapter B, §68.30; Subchapter F, §68.70; and Subchapter H, §68.90 and §68.93; adopts new rules at Subchapter A, §§68.11-68.12; Subchapter B, §§68.21-68.22 and §68.31; Subchapter C, §68.40; Subchapter D, §68.53; and Subchapter F, §68.77; and adopts the repeal of existing rules at §68.31, §§68.51-68.54, §§68.73-68.74, §68.79, and §§68.100-68.101, regarding the Elimination of Architectural Barriers program, and the addition of subchapter titles to the existing chapter. The adopted rules implement changes suggested during the internal four-year rule review, incorporate department procedures for registered accessibility specialists, amend outdated rule language, and restructure the existing rules for better organization and for ease of the reader. The adopted rules also include changes to continuing education requirements to provide additional options for licensees.

The adoption justification was published in the August 25, 2023, issue of the Texas Register (48 TexReg 4642) and is available online. The updated rule chapter will be available on the Secretary of State website upon its effective date of September 1, 2023.

33rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

July 14, 2023

Wednesday, July 26, is the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which protects the rights of people with disabilities, ensuring they have equal access to accommodations, communications, and transportation.

TDLR’s Elimination of Architectural Barriers department helps Texans comply with the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS), which are the construction law counterpart of the ADA civil law. The TAS contains scoping and technical requirements for accessibility to sites, facilities, buildings, and elements by individuals with disabilities.

In advance of the anniversary, the ADA National Network, which offers information, guidance, and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act, has released an ADA33 Toolkit with links and information about the ADA including regional contacts and a timeline and history. You can access the information at ADA Anniversary | ADA National Network.

EV Charging Station Technical Memo (TM 2012-01) Withdrawn

July 12, 2023

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has withdrawn the EV Charging Station Technical Memo (TM 2012-01). TDLR will begin work with the Elimination of Architectural Barriers Advisory Committee to develop rules regarding the accessibility requirements for electrical vehicle charging stations. This will include accessibility requirements established by the department as part of Texas Administrative code Chapter 68.

Please subscribe to the Elimination of Architectural Barriers email list to receive updates regarding this issue.

On The Level - July 2023 Edition

July 7, 2023

Articles in the July 2023 edition of TDLR On The Level include:

  • Legislative Update
  • Texas Accessibility Academy Update
  • 2023 NEC Is Almost Here
  • Legislation Creates Mold Advisory Board

TABS Updates and Enhancements

August 16, 2022

TDLR is pleased to announce the following updates and upgrades to the Texas Architectural Barriers online System (TABS):

  • General updates
  • Shared updates

Download detailed information about the updates (PDF)and how to use them.

Proposed Changes to Texas Accessibility Standards

April 8, 2022

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation proposes amendments to the 2012 Texas Accessibility Standards (2012 TAS), adopted by reference at 16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 68, §68.100, regarding the Elimination of Architectural Barriers program. The proposed amendments include updates to address advances in technology since the adoption of the 2012 TAS and incorporate requirements set forth in technical memoranda.

The proposed amendments were published in the April 8, issue of the Texas Register(47 TexReg 1933). The Department will accept comments on the proposal until May 9, 2022.

The Department encourages anyone interested in the Elimination of Architectural Barriers Program to review the proposed amendments online. Comments may be submitted electronically on the Department’s website at https://ga.tdlr.texas.gov:1443/form/gcerules.

TABS Updates and Enhancements

August 30, 2021

TDLR is pleased to announce the following updates and upgrades to the Texas Architectural Barriers online System (TABS):
User Dashboard updates
Project Dashboard updates

Download detailed information about the updates and how to use them.

TDLR celebrates Texas Elimination of Architectural Barriers Act & Americans with Disabilities Act anniversaries

July 26, 2021

Agency urges qualified individuals to become a licensed Registered Accessibility Specialist

AUSTIN – Although Texas is celebrating 51 years of the Texas Elimination of Architectural Barriers Act and 31 years of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, the state lags in having enough Registered Accessibility Specialists (RAS) to review and inspect the approximately 2,000 construction projects registered per month statewide. Read the Press Release (PDF) »

Rule Change Related to Accessible Parking Signage and Markings Effective August 1

August 3, 2020

Beginning Aug. 1, 2020, a new rule relating to markings and signage required for Accessible Parking Spaces goes into effect. Rule 68.104 (Texas Administrative Code) implements House Bill 3163, passed by the 86thTexas Legislature in 2019. The Elimination of Architectural Barriers (EAB) Advisory Committee recommended adoption of the rule during its June 15, 2020 meeting, and it was adopted by the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation at their June 30, 2020, meeting.

All projects registered with TDLR on or after August 1, 2020 must comply with the rule, as well as Texas Accessibility Standards requirements related to parking spaces. Any new or alteration construction projects that begin on or after August 1, 2020 (including those that do not meet the $50,000 threshold requiring registration with TDLR), must also satisfy the rule if they include accessible parking requirements.

Rule 68.104 is available on TDLR’s Elimination of Architectural Barriers webpage.

TDLR Adopts Administrative Rules

July 27, 2020

The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation adopted amendments to the Elimination of Architectural Barriers program rules (16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 68, §68.100; new rule §68.104). The adopted rules update a reference from the “Commission” to the “Department.” The adopted rules also implement necessary changes required by House Bill 3163, 86th Legislature, Regular Session (2019), which set requirements for paved accessible parking spaces.

The adoption justification was published in the July 24, 2020, issue of the Texas Register(45 TexReg 5166). The updated rule chapter will be made available upon its effective date of August 1, 2020.

Owner or Owner Designee May Electronically Sign Proof of Inspection Form on the Day of the Inspection

April 24, 2020

To help combat the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of our Registered Accessibility Specialists (RASs), building owners and their representatives, the Department will allow the owner or owner designee that accompanied the RAS on the inspection to electronically sign the Proof of Inspection form on the day of the inspection rather than at the time and location of the inspection. To assist with this initiative, the Department has replaced the old Proof of Inspection form with a fully editable form on our website. All fields can be filled in by the RAS except for box 18, the signature of the owner or owners designee.

Start Your RAS Renewal 60 Days Prior to Expiration

February 12, 2020

You will not be able to access the TABS system after your license has expired. Begin your renewal early to avoid delays.

Please ensure your license renewal application includes all required paperwork and your required continuing education hours have been completed.

Texas Accessibility Academy

November 18, 2019

The Texas Accessibility Academy is a two-day comprehensive study of the Texas Architectural Barriers Act (TABA), program Administrative Rules and the 2012 Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS). The Academy also includes information about how TABA and TAS relate to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

The class offers 16 hours of continuing education for registered accessibility specialists (RAS) and for design professionals who may self-report continuing education credits.

Visit the Texas Accessibility Academy pagefor additional details or contact the Architectural Barriers Program at techinfo@tdlr.texas.gov.

Texas Accessibility Academy Presentations Posted

November 18, 2019

A shortened version of the Power Point presentation (in PDF format) used in teaching the Academy is available on the Academy page. The two-day class is presented in seven sections and may be printed for use during the Academy. Copies of the PowerPoint presentation will notbe available at the Academy.

TABS Legacy Upload User Guide

June 20, 2019

Because legacy uploads are within a different section of TABS, we are providing an upload user guide (PDF)on how to use this new feature (available June 24, 2019).

If you have any questions, please email techinfo@tdlr.texas.gov.

Legacy File Conversion Notification

May 22, 2019

All EABPRJ projects (Legacy projects) are converting to the Texas Architectural Barriers online System (TABS), which will eliminate paper files. The Legacy projects will keep their existing EABPRJ project numbers after conversion and must follow TABS rules and the 2018 RAS Procedures.

Legacy uploads will open to RASs in TABS June 24, 2019- To complete shares, transfers, or closure requests with EABPRJ projects after June 3, 2019, project documents must be uploaded to TABS in the Legacy upload section, which will open to Registered Accessibility Specialists (RASs) for EABPRJ projects on June 24, 2019.

Begin saving files as PDFs for TABS now- TDLR strongly recommends RASs begin saving their paper files as PDFs using TABS rules to make the conversion easier. Instructions for uploading the files to TABS will be posted on the Architectural Barriers website prior to June 24, 2019.

Last day TDLR will accept EABPRJ legacy materials is June 3, 2019- EABPRJ files ready for closure and Project Status Update (PSU) forms may be sent to TDLR postmarked no later than June 3, 2019. After this date, Legacy file materials will be returned to the sender for upload/update.

RASs may continue Legacy reviews and inspections during conversion- TDLR apologizes in advance for any inconvenience the conversion process may cause. Between June 4 and June 23, 2019, RASs may continue to review and inspect EABPRJ projects, but must retain documents for upload/update in TABS on or after June 24, 2019, when the Legacy uploads begin. On June 24, 2019, the 2018 RAS Procedures timelines and TABS rules will take effect for all EABPRJ projects uploaded/updated in TABS.

Texas Needs You To Become A Registered Accessibility Specialist

May 15, 2019

Registered Accessibility Specialists are licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to inspect commercial construction projects statewide to ensure compliance with the Texas Accessibility Standards. Learn more about becoming a Registered Accessibility Specialist (PDF)

TABS Training Videos

November 29, 2018

Training videos are now available to help familiarize you with the Texas Architectural Barriers online System (TABS):

While most of these videos primarily focus on the duties of Registered Accessibility Specialists (RASs), other TABS users can learn how to register a project or navigate within the system.

Please call 512-539-5669 or email techinfo@tdlr.texas.gov with any questions or concerns.

About the Architectural Barriers Program

The Architectural Barriers Programgoal is to ensure equal access for all Texans. We administer compliance with the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS), which are the Texas construction law counterpart to the Americans with Disabilities Act civil law. Our oversight includes providing technical assistance regarding the TAS, licensing and auditing Registered Accessibility Specialists (RAS), and providing enforcement referrals for projects that are out of compliance.

RAS are independent contractors we license to conduct plan reviews and inspections of buildings and facilities subject to TAS compliance. RAS must meet minimum required experience and coursework to earn the license and practice as a RAS. We provide educational materials, seminars, technical assistance, technical memoranda, and bulletins to help the RAS perform their duties. Further, we provide administrative support to the RAS using our Texas Architectural Barriers online System (TABS) to house project information, provide project status updates, and generate inspection notices. Our program specialists staff the TechInfo email hotlinefor RAS and the public to make compliance inquiries.

For more information, please contact TechInfo. If you are interested in a career as a RAS, please click here.

Advisory Committee Meetings

June 7, 2023

The Architectural Barriers Advisory Committee met June 7, 2023 via videoconference. The meeting was archived and is available on TDLR's YouTube channel. The agenda and staff reports are available online.