The Ministry of Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine has approved Amendment No. 2 to the State Building Standards (SBS) B.2.2-40 “Inclusivity of Buildings and Structures» — the key document outlining accessibility standards for the design, construction, reconstruction, restoration, and overhaul of residential and public buildings. Experts from the “League of the Strong” public union actively contributed to the proposed changes. These updated standards aim to create an accessible environment for all, including people with disabilities. This was reported by Daria Sydorenko, Executive Director of the “League of the Strong.”
“We have been working on changes to state building codes since the summer of 2024. Our experts — Volodymyr Vysotskyi, Aliona Poberezhnyk, and Iryna Pocherniak — analyzed the current standards and developed proposals to ensure more comfortable conditions for people with limited mobility. As an association of organizations defending the rights of people with disabilities, it is crucial for us to participate in such processes. This ensures that the voices of those impacted by these changes are heard and considered,” emphasizes Daria Sydorenko.
SBS B.2.2-40 establishes general provisions for ensuring the accessibility of buildings and structures and their reasonable adaptation to meet the needs of people with limited mobility. These standards must be adhered to when designing, constructing, reconstructing, restoring, or overhauling residential and public buildings, except for individual residential houses.
Key updates to the standards
1. Flexible requirements for pedestrian paths
Previously, the required width for pedestrian paths was a constant 1.8 meters, which was often impractical. The new standards introduce flexibility, allowing narrower paths depending on the arrangement of separation “pockets” and platforms, while still ensuring accessibility.
2. Detailed standards for ramps
Requirements for the slope of open ramps, handrail dimensions and fastenings, and contrast markings for greater visibility have been clarified and expanded.
3. Improved entrance accessibility
Clear requirements for entrance doors have been introduced. Sufficient maneuvering space for wheelchairs must now be provided in front of doors. Reception desks, registration counters, cloakrooms, information points, cash registers, food counters, and sales counters must also be accessible to everyone.
4. Enhanced standards for internal handrails
New standards for the visibility and functionality of handrails on internal stairs and ramps have been added to improve safety.
5. Improved navigation for people with visual impairments
Updated standards for tactile strips, information signs, and other visual elements make navigation easier for people with visual impairments.
6. Upgraded sanitary facilities
Standards for sanitary facilities have been significantly improved, with better layouts to accommodate maneuvering by wheelchair users.
7. New appendix for functional solutions
A new appendix includes recommendations on functional solutions for safety, orientation, and information, providing practical guidance for implementation.
The amendments will take effect on the first day of the month following 90 days from their registration and publication on the Unified State Electronic System in the Field of Construction portal.
The “League of the Strong” encourages construction, reconstruction, and overhaul projects to adopt these updated standards and is ready to provide consultation for their effective.