Building Renovations Won’t Guarantee New Elevators: Government Confirms Key Exemptions

While new regulations aim to improve accessibility in residential buildings by 2026, the government has confirmed that developers may still be granted exemptions from installing elevators in technically challenging or historic structures.

New Accessibility Mandates

Proposed technical regulations aim to make buildings more accessible to seniors and individuals with limited mobility. The requirements will extend to public utility buildings and collective housing with at least two stories, and residential apartment buildings with three or more floors.

These rules apply not only to new developments but also to expansions, reconstructions, and changes in the use of existing buildings. This shift raises questions about whether every renovated block will effectively be required to install an elevator.

The Escape Clause for Historic and Restricted Sites

The government confirms that the existing Building Law allows for “justified exemptions” from technical requirements. This mechanism remains available for cases where structural limitations, narrow stairwells, or historic preservation status make the installation of an elevator impossible or invasive.

This does not grant a blanket waiver for all old buildings. Each case must be evaluated based on the specific construction constraints, technical conditions, and the potential for alternative solutions.

The Burden of Proof and Procedural Hurdles

Financial cost alone is not a sufficient reason to bypass the installation of an elevator. Investors must follow a formal procedure under Article 9 of the Building Law, submitting a detailed justification to the relevant architectural and construction authority.

Authorities will only grant an exemption if it does not compromise safety, fire protection, or sanitary requirements. As a result, two similar buildings may face different outcomes based on their specific structural layout and site conditions.

Impact on Residents and Future Renovations

The tension between building accessibility and structural feasibility remains significant. For elderly residents and parents of small children, the failure to install an elevator in a renovated building can continue to limit their independence and quality of life.

As the final version of the regulations and transitional periods are developed, it remains unclear how many buildings will ultimately be affected. The construction of an elevator is often the most complex and expensive component of a renovation, and overly rigid mandates could potentially stall some modernization projects, while overly broad exemptions could leave many residents still relying on stairs.