Bill > S00656

This bill establishes new accessibility requirements for certain new residential construction in New York State, specifically focusing on making homes more visitable and usable for people with disabilities. The law applies to dwelling units (including single-family homes, ground floor townhouse units, and ground floor units in buildings with three or fewer units) that receive state or federal financial assistance, with some specific loan types excluded. The bill mandates that such homes must have an accessible entrance without steps or high thresholds, connected to a public street or driveway via a gently sloped, unobstructed path; interior doors on the ground level must have at least a 36-inch wide opening; environmental controls and outlets must be placed at accessible heights; and the ground floor must include at least one habitable room of a minimum size and a bathroom with specific accessibility features, including reinforced walls capable of supporting grab bars. If developers fail to comply, they can be fined between $50 and $500 per day of violation, with enforcement possible by the attorney general or aggrieved parties who can seek legal relief and potentially recover attorney's fees. The law will take effect 180 days after becoming law and will apply to new construction started after that date, with an exemption for sites where compliance would be unreasonable due to physical characteristics.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S656