Local Law 34 of 2018 was signed into law on January 9, 2018. The law adds a new accessibility requirement to Chapter 11 of the 2014 NYC Building Code, which will go into effect on July 7, 2018.
The new section is intended to make diaper changing stations accessible for everyone, including men, in public toilet rooms associated with certain building occupancy classifications. The added section is as follows:
1109.2.4 Diaper changing accommodations. In assembly group A occupancies and mercantile group M occupancies on each floor level containing a public toilet room, both male and female occupants shall have access to at least one safe, sanitary and convenient diaper changing station, deck, table or similar amenity, which shall comply with Section 603.5 (Diaper Changing Tables) of ICC A117.1.
AC §28-101.4.3 requires all buildings, even prior code buildings, to comply with 2014 standards regarding accessibility. Existing buildings will be required to comply with the new requirement if such a building/space is being altered and accessibility is required.
See 2014 BC 1101.3 for information on what sort of alteration triggers accessibility requirements in prior code buildings.
The new section does not have any explicit retroactive requirements, so it appears only new work and alterations related to the public toilet room or Assembly & Mercantile occupancy spaces would need to comply.
To see the full text of Local Law 34 for of 2018 click here.