mumok - Museum of Modern Art, exterior view

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Structural Accessibility

Structural accessibility is governed by the Federal Disability Equality Act (BGStG) as well as the respective regional building codes (Landesbauordnungen). OIB Guideline 4 "Safety in Use and Accessibility" defines the key technical requirements and is binding through the regional building codes.

In addition, a number of Austrian standards apply as the recognised state of the art:

  • ÖNORM B 1600 — general planning principles for accessible construction

  • ÖNORM B 1603 — specific requirements for tourism and leisure facilities

  • ÖNORM V 2102 — tactile floor guidance systems and attention fields

  • ÖNORM EN 81-70 — accessible lifts

Depending on the construction project, additional standards may apply — for example relating to signage, staircase design, or glass markings.

Further information is available on the WKO page: FAQs on Structural Accessibility

General Structural Requirements

  1. Extract from OIB Guideline 4

  • Thresholds and door stops maximum 2 cm (maximum 3 cm for sound/thermal insulation)

  • Accessible doors: minimum width 90 cm

  • Main corridors: minimum width 120 cm

  • Turning circles (manoeuvring space): minimum diameter 150 cm

  • Ramps: maximum gradient 6% (maximum 10% for conversions)

  • Handrails on both sides of ramps and staircases

  • High-contrast markings on glass doors and glass surfaces (at 90–100 cm and 150–160 cm height)

  • Tactile attention fields in front of downward-leading staircases

Further information: WKO fact sheets on Accessibility in Public Spaces, Accessible Building Entrances, and Accessible Doors

Accessible Hotel Rooms

Extract from ÖNORM B 1603

  • Minimum 1 accessible room per accommodation establishment

  • 1 additional accessible room per 15 further guest beds

  • Manoeuvring space: minimum 150 cm alongside the length of the bed

  • Operating heights 40–110 cm (wardrobes, switches, safe, minibar)

  • Visual alarm systems to be provided (light alarm clock, strobe light)

Further information: WKO fact sheet on Accessible Hotel Rooms

Accessible Toilet and Sanitary Facilities

Extract from OIB Guideline 4

  • Per toilet group (ladies/gents): minimum 1 accessible WC

  • Where only 1 ladies' and 1 gents' WC exist: minimum 1 must be accessible

  • Minimum size of accessible WC: 215 × 165 cm

  • Minimum size of combined sanitary room (WC + shower + washbasin): 5.0 m²

  • Doors opening outward and unlockable from outside

  • Manoeuvring space: minimum diameter 150 cm

  • Distance from WC pan to side wall: minimum 90 cm

  • Grab rails and support handles at WC and in shower

  • Shower: flush with floor / step-free

  • Publicly accessible WC: emergency call system required

Further information: WKO fact sheet on Accessible WC Facilities

Accessible Parking Spaces

Extract from OIB Guideline 4

  • Outdoor parking: from 6 spaces, minimum 1 accessible space; 1 additional accessible space per further 25 spaces

  • Garage parking: minimum 1 accessible space per 50 spaces (or part thereof), in accordance with the Vienna Garage Act (WGarG)

  • Width: 350 cm (230 cm parking space + 120 cm exit area)

  • Length: minimum 500 cm

  • Accessible spaces to be clearly marked (recommended: wheelchair symbol)

Lifts

Extract from OIB Guideline 4

  • Minimum cabin dimensions: 110 × 140 cm

  • Minimum door width: 90 cm

  • Manoeuvring space in front of lift: minimum diameter 150 cm

Food & Beverage

Extract from ÖNORM B 1600 / B 1603

  • Minimum 1 underpassable table or counter area (maximum height 85 cm)

  • Aisle widths between tables: minimum 90 cm

Further information: WKO fact sheet on Accessibility in Public Spaces

Listed Buildings and Structures of Cultural-Historical Significance

Extract from OIB Guideline 4

  • Exemptions are permitted

  • Accessibility must nonetheless be ensured through alternative solutions (mobile ramp, doorbell, service offering)

Possible Legal Consequences

Unlike the BaFG, the BGStG does not provide for administrative fines but for civil law compensation claims. Prior to any legal action, a mandatory conciliation procedure must be carried out through the Federal Social Office (Sozialministeriumservice). The establishment of accessibility itself cannot be enforced through legal action.