Construction and Public Facilities
Accessibility of Government Buildings and Services
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires county buildings, facilities and services to be accessible to those with disabilities. The Department of Justice has created an ADA home page to provide information and technical assistance. The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice has also identified ADA issues for local governments.
The United States Access Board, a federal agency charged with assisting accessible design, provides assistance in designing courthouses for ADA access, polling place and voting access, emergency egress, transit facilities, pedestrian issues, etc.
Legal Authority
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Publications
The ADA and City Governments: Common Problems
Resources
Building Codes
The State of Georgia has adopted certain building codes that may be enforced by county governments. O.C.G.A. §§ 8-2-1 et seq. and 36-13-1 et seq. In order to enforce building codes, the county must adopt the building codes designated by the State. The Department of Community Affairs oversees and approves any local amendments to the codes. For more information, visit DCA’s site on construction codes.
Legal Authority
O.C.G.A. § 8-2-1 et seq.
O.C.G.A. § 36-13-1 et seq.
O.C.G.A. § 36-74-1 et seq.
Publications
Code Enforcement Tools for Abandoned Properties
Resources
Construction of County Buildings
The procurement of construction (or demolition) of county buildings and facilities that cost greater than $100,000 is governed by O.C.G.A. § 36-91-1 et seq. ACCG has prepared a reference book, A Guidebook to Local Government Construction Projects, to assist county attorneys, managers, engineers and procurement professionals in hiring firms in compliance with the law. For required bid, payment and performance bonds, please see “Bond Sureties” topic of this site.
While the requirements for construction by the state differ than those for local government, it may be useful to look at the state’s construction manual, form documents and policies maintained by the Construction Division of the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission (“GSFIC”).
Legal Authority
O.C.G.A. § 36-91-1 et seq.
O.C.G.A. § 50-37-1 et seq.
Publications
A Guidebook to Local Government Construction Projects
State of Georgia’s Construction Manual
State Forms, Documents and Policies
Resources
Energy Savings Performance Contracting
Construction Division of the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission
