These two laws seem similar on the surface. So what are the differences between ADA and LL58/87.

ADA and LL58/87 are frequently confused, but the two are distinctly different.

In 1987, New York passed Local Law 58, a landmark law mandating that residences be built to accommodate the handicapped.

The New York City Building Code prohibits apartments smaller than 400 square feet, yet you can rent apartments half that size. What gives?

Prior to 1990, a wheelchair-bound person would have been hard-pressed to access most public places. The ADA has helped.