CAI-NJ June 2017

ACCESSIBILITY... from page 20.

chair accommodations. Additionally, signage would be required at all acces- sible locations. The slope of the pavement in accessi- ble parking areas can also raise compli- ance issues. Re-grading large portions of existing parking areas can become expensive. Some towns require modi- fication of the slope in existing parking areas to meet the SubCode requirement

of 2% in all directions in accessible parking spaces (handicapped parking spaces). This can trigger the “excessive cost” provision of the Rehab SubCode N.J.A.C 5:23-6 (k) previously men- tioned, affording complete relief from the Barrier Free SubCode. The potential for this issue should be reviewed with the local engineering department early on to avoid delays later in the project. Local Each town in New Jersey has its own code. Usually, these codes refer to, or incorporate, the federal and state codes. More importantly for sites that have previous approvals, the commu- nity has vested rights associated with previously approved development and zoning applications. Town engineering departments do not have authority to deny the exercise of these rights without due process. Communities can request expedited council reviews of limited site plan applications in cases where administrators exceed their authority during review and permitting processes. Additional relief can be sought through the Town Administrator or Mayor. Excessive escrows or inspection fees can also be challenged. The New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law imposes limitations on the town’s ability to require these fees. Communities should prepare this process as early as possible to avoid being forced to comply due to time constraints. Proper planning really does prevent poor performance in these processes. Summary Accessibility issues in communities held in common interest are becom-

older communities might have to con- vert many parking spaces to “handi- capped only” parking in prime loca- tions close to building entrances. This typically makes residents unhappy. Another area of expected compliance issues is drop curb installation for wheel-

The Service You Deserve Taylor Management Company has been managing community associations for decades. We have been recognized

by the Community Associations Institute (CAI) as an Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC) and by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) as an Accredited Management Organization (AMO). These designations are accorded for the highest level of ethics and professional management in the industry. Leaders in Professional Community Management for Decades!

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