Atlanta mandates push-button doors to boost business accessibility for all

Atlanta City Council has passed a new rule to improve accessibility for businesses. The 14th amendment requires most street-facing entrances to install push-button doors. Advocates say the change is long overdue and will benefit many residents.

The decision was welcomed by disability rights groups. Dr. Kim Gibson, executive director of disABILITY LINK, called it a necessary update. She pointed out that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed in 1990, making this requirement 26 years late.

Carden Wyckoff, a former council member and wheelchair user, shared his own struggles with inaccessible doors in the city. He described the bill as a major step toward making Atlanta more inclusive. The amendment aims to remove barriers for people with disabilities, parents with strollers, and travellers carrying luggage.

No specific deadline or quota has been set for businesses to comply. Unlike some city ordinances, this rule aligns with broader ADA standards rather than imposing local mandates. As of February 2026, Atlanta has not introduced a separate requirement for sliding doors.

The new rule will make it easier for people with mobility challenges to enter businesses. It also helps others who struggle with heavy or bulky items. City officials and advocates now expect gradual improvements in accessibility across Atlanta.