---
title: "When must a business remove architectural barriers under the ADA? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR (www.ecfr.gov) sources."
canonical: https://www.m-i-n-d.ai/minds/ada-accessibility/ada-barrier-removal-requirements
jurisdiction: "US Federal"
last_verified: 2026-08-27
license: CC BY 4.0 — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
attribution: "Source: MIND (m-i-n-d.ai)"
---

# When must a business remove architectural barriers under the ADA? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR (www.ecfr.gov) sources.

Under 28 CFR § 36.304, a public accommodation must remove architectural barriers in existing facilities, including communication barriers that are structural in nature, where such removal is readily achievable—that is, easily accomplishable and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense. The obligation prioritizes access from public sidewalks and parking, then access to goods and services, then restrooms, and finally any other necessary measures.

## Details / How it works

A public accommodation is required to remove architectural barriers in existing facilities where doing so is readily achievable. Examples include installing ramps, widening doorways, repositioning shelves and furniture, installing grab bars, adding accessible parking, and removing high-pile carpeting. Barriers must be removed in a specified order of priorities: (1) access from public sidewalks, parking, or public transportation; (2) access to areas where goods and services are made available; (3) access to restrooms; and (4) any other measures needed to provide access to the public accommodation's goods, services, and facilities.

## Standards and safe harbor

| Trigger | Applicable standard |
| --- | --- |
| Elements altered on or after March 15, 2012 | 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design |
| Unaltered elements that comply with 1991 Standards (before March 15, 2012) | 1991 Standards (safe harbor) |
| Unaltered elements not complying with 1991 Standards | Must be modified to the extent readily achievable |
| Existing pools, wading pools, and spas built before March 15, 2012 | Accessible entry required to extent readily achievable by January 31, 2013 |
| Noncomplying new construction or alterations | Also subject to § 36.406(a)(5) |

## Exceptions & edge cases

If full compliance with the alterations requirements would not be readily achievable, the public accommodation may take other readily achievable measures (such as a steeper ramp or a narrower doorway), provided no measure poses a significant risk to health or safety. Portable ramps are permitted only when a permanent ramp is not readily achievable and must incorporate safety features such as nonslip surfaces and railings. Rearrangement of temporary or movable structures is not readily achievable if it results in a significant loss of selling or serving space. The rule does not apply to rolling stock and other conveyances covered by § 36.310, or to certain individually owned guest rooms in lodging facilities.

## Sources

- [1] U.S. Government Publishing Office / Department of Justice — 28 CFR 36.304 — Removal of architectural barriers in existing facilities · https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-28/section-36.304 · as of 2026-08-27
- [2] U.S. Government Publishing Office / Department of Justice — 28 CFR 36.104 — Definitions under the ADA Title III regulation · https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-28/section-36.104 · as of 2026-08-27