November 11, 2002
Chuches advised to check out codes on accessibility before building
___By John Hall
___Texas Baptist Communications
___Churches should consider hiring construction and design professionals when dealing with building codes and accessibility issues to avoid potential fines and violations, according to Baptist General Convention of Texas experts in the field.
___Some Texas Baptist churches have been cited recently for violating the 175-page Texas Accessibility Standard. That law gives building owners specific requirements to help people with disabilities move easily into, out of and around the premises.
___Communities adopt other standards as well that may have more strict guidelines for construction projects. These codes vary from city to city.
___Buildings that do not comply with the standards often create awkward situations for the church and attendees, said Pat Ekern, consultant for the BGCT's Church Facilities Center.
___"It's very humiliating to have someone carry you where you cannot go yourself," she said.
___All new public buildings, facilities and places of public accommodation must meet the current accessibility standard. Older buildings have to meet the code that was in place when the building was constructed. If the church alters major elements in an existing structure, the entire building must be upgraded to meet current code.
___Ekern believes Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and churches should have the same goal--easy public access to the building.
___"Churches want to be accessible," she said. "We want to bring people in to hear the word, to minister to them. Sometimes churches just need some help."
___The BGCT Church Facilities Center helps churches plan buildings and property usage to improve ministry effectiveness. The center's staff also connects churches with architects and design professionals who can help churches comply with the codes. Professionals can help churches avoid thousands of dollars in fines due to code infractions, Ekern said.
___"Using the services of a design professional is money well spent," Ekern said. "It allows the church to keep its focus on ministry."
___For more information about the Church Facilities Center, call (214) 828-5125 or visit www.bgct.org/churchfacilities.
Get printer-friendly version of this story
Send this story to a friend
News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.
Contents/ Masthead / Why We're Here / Links / Archive / E-mail us/ SUBSCRIBE!/ Signup for FirstLook