Adapting Buildings for Persons with Disabilities

The Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property has adopted the

Rulebook on the Detailed Conditions and Manner of Adapting Buildings for Access and Movement of Persons with Reduced Mobility and Persons with Disabilities,

published in the “Official Gazette of Montenegro”, No. 041/25 of April 28, 2025. This regulation aims to improve access and the use of space for all citizens, especially for persons with disabilities and those with temporary or permanent reduced mobility.

The rulebook prescribes in detail the standards for the design and construction of public, commercial, residential, and mixed-use buildings in a way that ensures safe access, movement, stay, work, and evacuation. It also sets out precise technical requirements for accessibility elements – such as ramps, elevators, staircases, toilets, kitchens, rooms, voting and changing booths, as well as access to beaches and seating areas in halls.

For the first time, detailed conditions are introduced for the implementation of tactile surfaces, visual and audio signage, induction loops, accessible ATMs, counters and service desks, as well as orientation plans with Braille. The rulebook clearly distinguishes between the terms “persons with disabilities” and “persons with reduced mobility”, taking into account the diverse needs of users – including the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals using aids such as wheelchairs, crutches, white canes, or guide dogs.

Importantly, for every ten housing units, at least one must be planned as easily adaptable, so it can later be modified without compromising the functionality of the building.

The rulebook also mandates the labeling of accessible elements using standardized symbols, all of which are further illustrated in graphical attachments that form an integral part of the document.

Upon the entry into force of this rulebook, the previous regulation from 2013, including the amendments from 2015, ceases to apply. The new rulebook is applicable from May 6, 2025, eight days after its publication in the Official Gazette.