28 CFR Part 35 · Subpart H — Web and Mobile Accessibility
§ 35.204 Duties
Last updated June 11, 2026
What 28 CFR §35.204 requires of state and local governments.
In Plain Language
The web accessibility requirements do not apply if compliance would result in a fundamental alteration of a program or activity, or if compliance would impose undue financial or administrative burdens. These are the same defenses available in the communications context. The burden of proof falls on the public entity claiming the defense — not on the person seeking accessibility. Even when a defense applies, the entity must still provide equally effective alternate means of access.
This summary is educational, not legal advice. The official text below controls.
Official Regulatory Text — 28 CFR § 35.204
Verbatim from 28 CFR Part 35, current through June 9, 2026.
Where a public entity can demonstrate that compliance with the requirements of § 35.200 would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a service, program, or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens, compliance with § 35.200 is required to the extent that it does not result in a fundamental alteration or undue financial and administrative burdens. In those circumstances where personnel of the public entity believe that the proposed action would fundamentally alter the service, program, or activity or would result in undue financial and administrative burdens, a public entity has the burden of proving that compliance with § 35.200 would result in such alteration or burdens. The decision that compliance would result in such alteration or burdens must be made by the head of a public entity or their designee after considering all resources available for use in the funding and operation of the service, program, or activity, and must be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion. If an action would result in such an alteration or such burdens, a public entity shall take any other action that would not result in such an alteration or such burdens but would nevertheless ensure that individuals with disabilities receive the benefits or services provided by the public entity to the maximum extent possible.
What § 35.204 Means in Practice
- Web and mobile accessibility duties stop at fundamental alteration or undue financial and administrative burdens, mirroring the limits elsewhere in Title II
- The determination must be made in writing by the head of the entity or designee after considering all resources available for the program
- Even when excused, the entity must ensure individuals receive the benefits or services to the maximum extent possible
- Undue burden claims for web accessibility are hard to sustain given modern tooling costs
Common Questions
Could a small town claim undue burden for full website accessibility?
Possibly for some specific elements, but not for overall website accessibility. The entity must document the specific burden with specific financial information and consider all available resources including state and federal assistance.
What alternative must be provided when claiming undue burden?
An equally effective alternate means of providing the information or service — one that does not require significantly more effort from the user.
Does § 35.204 apply to your entity?
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Prefer to talk it through? Call the Title II Line: (608) 960-8830