Accessibility for Persons with Reduced Mobility in 2026

Accessibility for Persons with Reduced Mobility in 2026

Accessibility for PRM (persons with reduced mobility) is a mandatory component of the design, construction, and reconstruction of buildings in Ukraine. In 2026, barrier-free accessibility requirements have been significantly strengthened and are subject to control at the stages of obtaining urban planning conditions, undergoing project expertise, and commissioning the facility for operation.

Accessibility matters are governed by the Law of Ukraine “On Regulation of Urban Development Activities”, the Law of Ukraine “On Architectural Activities”, as well as DBN B.2.2-40:2018 “Inclusiveness of Buildings and Structures”, and other state building regulations.

Who Qualifies as PRM

Persons with reduced mobility include:

• persons with disabilities;

• elderly persons;

• pregnant women;

• parents with strollers;

• persons with temporary injuries;

• service members recovering from injuries.

Ensuring accessibility is not a recommendation; it is a binding statutory requirement.

Key DBN Accessibility Requirements

1. Unobstructed access to the building

The design must provide, as a minimum:

• ramps with a compliant gradient (slope);

• lifts/elevators or lifting platforms;

• barrier-free entrances without thresholds;

• adequate clear width of door openings.

2. Accessibility of internal spaces

The project documentation must provide for:

• sanitary facilities adapted for PRM;

• accessible corridors and evacuation routes;

• tactile wayfinding elements;

• high-contrast marking of stairways.

3. Parking for persons with disabilities

For public and commercial facilities, designated parking spaces must be allocated in accordance with the applicable standards.

When Accessibility Is Verified

Compliance with PRM requirements is controlled:

• during preparation of the design documentation;

• during the construction/project expertise review;

• at the stage of commissioning the facility for operation.

Where the requirements are not met, a refusal to issue the commissioning readiness certificate may be issued.

Prior to project implementation, it is advisable to conduct an “Analysis of Design Documentation” (gbu.kyiv.ua) to verify compliance with DBN requirements.

Specifics by Facility Type

Residential buildings

• accessible entrance to the building/entrance lobby;

• an elevator in multi-storey buildings;

• barrier-free access to the adjacent territory.

Public buildings

• a full package of barrier-free solutions;

• adapted reception and cashier/service zones;

• information signage in Braille.

Commercial real estate

Non-compliance may constitute grounds for fines, inspections, or legal disputes.

Liability for Non-Compliance

In 2026, violations of accessibility requirements may result in:

• refusal to commission the facility for operation;

• administrative fines;

• court claims;

• the need for costly retrofitting.

In the case of reconstruction or a change of functional designation, the requirements related to “Reconstruction of Real Estate Facilities” should also be taken into account.

Typical Developer Mistakes

1. A ramp is included formally, without meeting the prescribed compliant gradient.

2. Lack of adapted sanitary facilities.

3. Insufficient clear width of door openings.

4. Failure to address the needs of persons with visual impairments.

Such violations are often identified at the final stage, which delays commissioning of the facility for operation.

Practical Case

During preparation of a business center for commissioning, the expertise review identified that the sanitary facilities did not comply with PRM requirements. The design was amended, and the premises were reconfigured and adapted accordingly.

After the comments were remedied, the facility successfully obtained the readiness certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is accessibility mandatory for small shops?

Yes, if the facility is open to visitors.

Is accessibility required during reconstruction?

Yes, where reconstruction changes the technical and economic indicators or the functional designation.

Is accessibility assessed for a private house?

For individual residential construction, the requirements are less stringent; however, they may apply depending on the project scope and parameters.

Conclusions

Accessibility for PRM in 2026 is a mandatory element of modern construction and reconstruction. Failure to comply with DBN requirements creates legal and financial risks for the developer.

The company GlobalBud Ukraine provides a comprehensive audit of design documentation, develops barrier-free solutions, and supports the project during the expertise review and commissioning stages. We deliver turnkey services for individuals and legal entities, including international companies, ensuring full compliance with applicable law.

Contact GlobalBud Ukraine to ensure regulatory compliance of your facility’s accessibility and to mitigate risks during inspections and commissioning.