California Supplemental (CSE) Practice Exam

Which of the following projects is exempt from accessibility provisions in the California code?

1. Privately funded condominiums of three units or less

2. Privately funded apartment buildings

3. Commercial buildings

4. All single-family homes

The correct answer is: Privately funded condominiums of three units or less

Privately funded condominiums of three units or less are exempt from certain accessibility provisions under California law. This exemption is important because California recognizes that smaller properties, particularly those that are individually owned or that consist of a limited number of residences, may not have the same level of impact on public access as larger structures like multi-family apartment buildings or commercial properties. In this context, accessibility provisions are intended to ensure that larger buildings accommodate individuals with disabilities adequately. Typically, the requirements become more stringent with the scale of the project, reflecting the higher traffic and potential need for accessibility in larger residential or commercial buildings. Since these smaller condominiums are often treated as private dwellings with less public accessibility, they are therefore exempt from the more rigorous standards that apply to larger multifamily residences or commercial spaces. This exemption aligns with the intent to encourage the development of smaller residential projects without imposing excessive regulatory burdens that could deter construction in that sector.