Pittsburgh City Council is considering legislation that would eliminate zoning fees for businesses that make their buildings more accessible to the handicapped.
Richard Meritzer, Pittsburgh's Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator, told council members Wednesday that the idea is to give business owners who would not normally consider renovations incentive to eliminate steps so disabled people can more easily enter their establishments. The plan would eliminate a $25 fee for filing a zoning request with the city and a $150 public works fee in cases where a ramp would encroach on a city sidewalk.
The city has enlisted architects willing to offer business owners renovation plans at minimal or no cost and will assist owners in securing grants to pay for the work, Meritzer said. The incentives would be available only to businesses that cater exclusively to the public, such as restaurants.
The ADA requires businesses to follow guidelines when renovating old buildings or constructing new ones. Meritzer said the city would not lose revenue by eliminating the fees, because the plan targets only businesses that wouldn't otherwise consider renovations.
He said the plan, which originated in Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's office, is part of a citywide effort to make Pittsburgh more accessible.
Council agreed to schedule a public hearing on the proposal.
