Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

 Plain Language Law homepage
Back to
117: Definition for sections 118 to 120
or “This part explains what a 'building' means when talking about making places easy for everyone to use.”
You could also call this:

“This law says buildings open to the public must be easy for people with disabilities to use, including getting in, parking, and using the bathroom.”

When someone wants to build a new building or change an existing one where people can visit, they need to make sure it’s easy for everyone to use, including people with disabilities. This means the building should have good ways for people with disabilities to get in and move around. It should also have parking spaces and toilets that work well for them. These things are important because people with disabilities might want to visit the building, work there, or do everyday activities inside.

This rule doesn’t just apply to some buildings - it’s for many different types. You can find a list of the kinds of buildings this applies to in Schedule 2 of the law. But remember, even if a building isn’t on that list, it might still need to follow these rules.

This text is automatically generated. It might be out of date or be missing some parts. Find out more about how we do this.

Next up: 119: Acceptable solution for requirements of persons with disabilities

or “This law explains how buildings should be made easy for everyone to use, including people with disabilities.”
Next

Part 2 Building
Code compliance certificates, certificates of acceptance, and compliance schedules: Access to buildings by persons with disabilities

118Access and facilities for persons with disabilities to and within buildings

  1. If provision is being made for the construction or alteration of any building to which members of the public are to be admitted, whether for free or on payment of a charge, reasonable and adequate provision by way of access, parking provisions, and sanitary facilities must be made for persons with disabilities who may be expected to—

  2. visit or work in that building; and
    1. carry out normal activities and processes in that building.

      1. This section applies, but is not limited, to buildings that are intended to be used for, or associated with, 1 or more of the purposes specified in Schedule 2.

      Compare