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2013 California Standards for Accessible Design Pocket Guide

2013 California Standards for Accessible Design Pocket Guide

INTRODUCTION

Intent

This Pocket Guide is intended as a resource for understanding accessibility requirements in California that are essentially architectural, including related communication elements.  Its primary focus is 2013 California Building Code (2013 CBC) Chapter 11B - Accessibility to Public Accommodations, Commercial Buildings and Public Housing, but it includes and compares requirements of Americans with Disabilities Act Title II (Standards for State and Local Government Facilities), Title III (Standards for Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities) and the 2004 Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, collectively known as the "2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design" (2010 ADAS).

This Pocket Guide includes Advisories from the State of California Division of the State Architect - Access Compliance (DSA-AC), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and U.S. Access Board.  Extensive use has been made by Evan Terry Associates (ETA) of "Editor's Notes" for clarification, and of hyperlinks for internal cross-referencing and access to external materials and information.  Lastly, it includes references to 2010 California Building Code (2010 CBC) and 1991 Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (1991 ADAAG) requirements that may represent "Safe Harbors" for existing elements -- see subsequent discussion.

This Pocket Guide does not attempt to cover housing accessibility requirements comprehensively.  It includes 2013 CBC Chapter 11A - Housing Accessibility requirements only to the extent that these have been adopted by DSA-AC for applicability to Public Housing.  Requirements of the Fair Housing Act are not included.

This Pocket Guide does not include requirements from ADA Title I (Employment), Title IV (Telecommunications), or Title V (Miscellaneous Provisions), or requirements that differ from 2010 ADAS incorporated into the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS).  It also does not address accessibility provisions that are non-architectural, such as policies and procedures, employee training, public transportation vehicles, auxiliary aids and services, publications or websites.

Background

A new edition of the California Building Code is issued every three years, based on the International Building Code (IBC) dated the previous year, liberally modified.  When the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010 ADAS) were adopted by DOJ on September 15, 2010, these became the initial basis for the accessibility requirements of 2013 CBC Chapter 11B, including the organization and numbering of the requirements.  Generally speaking, the 2010 ADAS counterpart to a 2013 CBC requirement for public accommodations and commercial facilities can be found by deleting the "11B-" prefix to obtain the ADAS reference number, although there are numerous exceptions.

In converting the Federal Standards for application in California, DSA-AC was operating under a legislative mandate not to sacrifice any of the provisions of earlier editions of CBC that afford a higher level of accessibility for individuals with disabilities than those of the ADAS.  Therefore, with very few exceptions, where the 2013 CBC accessibility requirements differ from 2010 ADAS, they are either more inclusive (i.e., scoping that applies more broadly), or more stringent.

While the accessibility scoping and technical requirements of 2013 CBC and 2010 ADAS appear very similar, the former is a Building Code, and the latter is a Civil Rights Law.  Significant implications of this fundamental difference include:

a)         Enforcement.  A Building Code is enforced by governmental authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), who are empowered to interpret and/or modify its requirements.  Their enforcement is exercised through a permitting and certification process that usually includes reviews of the documents needed for construction, and inspections of the work performed during construction and at completion.  This process is imperfect.  Building Officials, regardless of how conscientious, knowledgeable and hard-working, cannot be expected to find and correct every Building Code shortcoming any more than traffic enforcement can be expected to issue a citation to every driver who exceeds the speed limit.  Making the job more difficult, Building Code requirements must be written to cover every conceivable situation, and often are not as definitive as a speed limit.  Interpretation and judgment are inescapable, and these may differ from one AHJ to another.

There is no comparable mechanism for enforcing ADA requirements.  They are enforced solely through the legal system.  Risk management is the responsibility of the architects, engineers, interior designers, landscape architects, contractors, subcontractors, vendors, product manufacturers, building owners and managers, service personnel, and others who are involved in the creation and maintenance of the built environment.  There is no governmental review or enforcement unless and until a lawsuit is filed.

b)         Applicability.  In theory, a Building Code remains applicable throughout the life and operation of a building or other element of the built environment -- see also subsequent discussions about changes and Safe Harbors.  In practice, the Building Code requirements become applicable only when an addition or alteration is executed that requires a permit, because that is when the enforcement mechanisms described above are activated.  There are exceptions, mostly health- and safety-related, such as Fire Marshal inspections, OSHA inspections for workplace safety, Department of Public Health inspections of food service operations, and JCAHO inspections of healthcare facilities.  As a rule, the Building Code requirements that are applicable are the ones that were in effect when the project was permitted.  A building owner is expected to maintain compliance with that edition, but is not expected to perform alterations to become compliant with later editions when issued.  S/he is also not compelled to discover and correct conditions that were noncompliant at the time of construction, but were undetected.  These existing nonconforming conditions are entitled to remain until a permitted alteration or addition, or an occupancy change, causes the current Building Code to take effect.

As a Civil Rights Law, the ADA is applicable perpetually.  It imposes the ongoing responsibility for owners of public accommodations to remove existing barriers for individuals with disabilities to the extent that it is readily achievable to do so, and it imposes the constant responsibility for governmental entities to make their programs and services available to, and usable by, individuals with disabilities.  The implied responsibility to discover and correct noncompliant conditions, whether or not an alteration, addition, or change of occupancy is planned, exceeds the responsibility imposed by the Building Code.  See also discussion of Safe Harbors.

c)         Changes.  As stated above, the Building Code is republished every three years.  In the interim, errata and/or supplements are issued at least once per year.  In other words, change is constant.  Since many building projects require more than one year to complete, it is not unusual for the pertinent Building Code requirements to change during construction.  In some cases, the permitting process can also require multiple years.  The requirements applicable to a specific project are those that were in effect when the permit application was made (except for errata, which can be applicable retroactively), but it can be extremely difficult to identify those after completion.  If a Drawing Cover Sheet lists 2013 California Building Code as one of the Applicable Codes, one still must ask, "Which version?".  This Pocket Guide is based on the initial publication of 2013 CBC, with Errata issued retroactive to January 1, 2014, and the Supplement dated July 1, 2015.

The ADA undergoes significant formal changes infrequently.  The Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) issued in 1991 were supplemented in 1994, but were not rewritten by the U.S. Access Board until 2004.  The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) adopted by reference the revised ADAAG as regulatory standards effective November 29, 2006, and added or modified four sections. These sections are included in this Pocket Guide within ETA Editor’s Notes.  DOJ adopted the revised ADAAG on September 15, 2010 -- see also the discussion of Safe Harbors.  Evan Terry Associates has developed a detailed (line-by-line) reverse sortable analysis to show how the 2010 ADA Standards compare to the 1991 ADA Standards. It is available at http://www.adastandardscomparison.com/ as a free download for all interested parties, in MS Excel spreadsheet format. The Access Board has less detailed comparisons of its 2004 Guidelines with the 2010 ADA Standards and with the IBC 2003 and 2006 Standards and the NFPA 5000 Standard at http://www.Access-Board.gov/Guidelines-and-Standards/Buildings-and-Sites/About-the-ADA-Standards/Background/IBC-Comparison.  It bears mentioning that the application and interpretations of the ADA are also affected by technical assistance, advisories and opinions issued by DOJ, DOT, and the Access Board, as well as precedent-setting legal cases.  See also the list of upcoming revisions to the ADA Standards at the end of this Introduction.

These implications of the fundamental difference between a Building Code and a Civil Rights Law are enumerated to emphasize that an element of the built environment that is subject to accessibility requirements must comply with both.  If a Building Official or other AHJ does not enforce a particular accessibility requirement of the Building Code, or enforces it to a lesser degree than required by the ADA, the ADA requirement remains in effect, and must be met, despite the fact that no one is reviewing or approving the condition for ADA compliance.  ETA has incorporated Editor's Notes at certain locations in this Pocket Guide to reemphasize this point, including the Special Conditions Appeals, Equivalent Facilitation and Path of Travel Requirements.

Safe Harbors

When DOJ adopted the 2004 ADAAG in 2010, it recognized that many business owners and governmental entities had already invested considerable time, effort and money to achieve compliance with 1991 ADAAG, and saw fit to include a Safe Harbor provision in the 2010 ADAS, as follows (yellow highlights added by ETA):

[ADA Title III] Appendix to §36.304(d) _|for Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities;  similar for Title II, State and Local Government Facilities|_

Compliance Dates and Applicable Standards for Barrier Removal and Safe Harbor

Date

Requirement

Applicable Standards

Before March 15, 2012

Elements that do not comply with the requirements for those elements in the 1991 Standards must be modified to the extent readily achievable.

Note: Noncomplying newly constructed and altered elements may also be subject to the requirements of § 36.406(a)(5).

1991 Standards or 2010 Standards.

On or after March 15, 2012

Elements that do not comply with the requirements for those elements in the 1991 Standards or that do not comply with the supplemental requirements (i.e., elements for which there are neither technical nor scoping specifications in the 1991 Standards), must be modified to the extent readily achievable. There is an exception for existing pools, wading pools, and spas built before March 15, 2012 [See § 36.304(g)(5)]
Note: Noncomplying newly constructed and altered elements may also be subject to the requirements of § 36.406(a)(5).

2010 Standards.

On or after January 31, 2013

For existing pools, wading pools, and spas built before March 15, 2012, elements that do not comply with the supplemental requirements for entry to pools, wading pools, and spas must be modified to the extent readily achievable [See § 36.304(g)(5)]

Sections 242 and 1009 of the 2010 Standards.

Elements not altered after March 15, 2012

Elements that comply with the requirements for those elements in the 1991 Standards do not need to be modified

Safe Harbor.

As indicated in the title of this table, the Safe Harbor provision applies only to barrier removals, not to new construction.  New construction must comply with 2010 ADAS, as of March 15, 2012.

The term "Safe Harbor" does not appear in 2013 CBC, but a similar provision is included in Exception 2 at Section 11B-202.4, excerpted here:

11B-202.4 Path of travel requirements in alterations, additions and structural repairs.  When alterations or additions are made to existing buildings or facilities, an accessible path of travel to the specific area of alteration or addition shall be provided. The primary accessible path of travel shall include:

1.      A primary entrance to the building or facility,

2.      Toilet and bathing facilities serving the area,

3.      Drinking fountains serving the area,

4.      Public telephones serving the area, and

5.      Signs.

Exceptions:

1.      …

2.      If the following elements of a path of travel have been constructed or altered in compliance with the accessibility requirements of the immediately preceding edition of the California Building Code, it shall not be required to retrofit such elements to reflect the incremental changes in this code solely because of an alteration to an area served by those elements of the path of travel:

1.      A primary entrance to the building or facility,

2.      Toilet and bathing facilities serving the area,

3.      Drinking fountains serving the area,

4.      Public telephones serving the area, and

5.      Signs.

3-10.         …

The scope of this "Safe Harbor" provision is far more limited than that of 2010 ADAS, and it is important to note that, if the wording is unchanged when the 2016 CBC becomes applicable, "the immediately preceding edition of the California Building Code" will refer to 2013 CBC, updated from 2010 CBC.  This could have an extremely significant impact at accessible water closets, because the side clearance requirement from an adjacent lavatory was increased by approximately 7 inches from the 2010 CBC to the 2013 CBC, and Item 2 of 11B-202.4 above specifies that toilet and bathing facilities are included in the path of travel requirements to remove existing barriers (also included under ADA, but this condition is Safe Harbored, if compliant with 1991 ADAAG).

For consistency and clarity, ETA has chosen to use the term "Safe Harbor" in this Pocket Guide to refer to items that may qualify for 2013 CBC Section 11B-202.4, Exception 2.  We have identified more than three dozen of these, included the relevant requirements from 2010 CBC at the end of the book, and provided hyperlinks from the 2013 CBC requirement to the applicable "Safe Harbor" prescription, as well as a hyperlink to return easily to the original requirement.  These are identifiable in the text as follows[S.H. Section or Subsection Number;  additional comment or qualification, as deemed beneficial].

As there are currently still some uncertainties about how to interpret and apply the Safe Harbor provisions, ETA has set up a dedicated website at http://www.adasafeharbor.com/ to provide additional information on the topic.  You may also register online at http://www.etapocketguides.com/ to be notified when you can purchase updated versions of this Pocket Guide at a discount that will include additional clarifications of the Safe Harbor provisions as they become available.

Conventions used in this Pocket Guide

Font Convention Meaning

Black Text

Used for text taken from CBC.

Black Text, Italicized

Used by CBC to identify departures from IBC and/or 2010 ADAS.

Black Text, Underlined

Used at proposed CBC revisions by DSA-AC and/or HCD to identify text that has been added to the original wording.

Green Text

Used for text taken from ADA, prefaced by [2010 ADAS], [ADA Title II], [ADA Title III], [ADA Titles II & III] or [1991 ADAAG] to narrow the source.

Dark Red Text

Used for Editor's insertions or comments.  Where these insertions occur within text taken from CBC or ADA, bookends are included, in this format:  _|Editor's Insertion|_.

Dark Red Text within double-outlined Box

Used for explanatory or cautionary ETA Editor's NotesWhen text taken from CBC or ADA is included in these boxes, the aforementioned text color/style conventions are used.

Blue Text, Underlined

Used for hyperlinks.  In the Table of Contents and Index of Figures, the underlines are omitted, for improved readability.

Black Text within single-outlined Box with light turquoise shading

Used for DSA Advisories.

‡‡

Used at CBC Figures to signify those that illustrate requirements more stringent than 2010 ADAS.

Green Text within single-outlined Box with light tan shading

Used for ADA Advisories, either from the U.S. Access Board or the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

Used for Safe Harbor hyperlinks.

Updates and Other Pocket Guides

Evan Terry Associates will continue to revise and update this Pocket Guide as new technical assistance is released and interpretations are provided by governmental agencies.

We are currently finishing Pocket Guides for the ABA Standards as adopted by GSA, and other versions covering selected state access standards.  You may visit our website at http://www.etapocketguides.com/ where additional information is available about these publications.

If you would like to be notified when new Pocket Guides become available, when changes are made to this Pocket Guide or when new Standards are adopted by DOJ and other federal agencies as ADA, ABA, and/or Rehab Act design standards, you can register to receive email notices of those by visiting us at http://www.accessupdates.com/, emailing us at ETA@EvanTerry.com, or contacting us at (205) 972-9101 (voice), (205) 972-9112 (TTY) or (205) 972-9110 (fax).

For additional current information on ADA and other access compliance requirements, please visit our website at http://www.NewADAAG.com.

For ADA survey and compliance tools that will simplify your field measurement process and plan reviews, http://www.adasurveytools.com/ has a growing collection of templates and tools you can download for free or buy on plastic stock.

Upcoming Revisions to ADA Standards

Although these topics are out of the scope of this Pocket Guide, the following additions and updates to the ADA standards are worth watching for. More information on each of these can be found on the Access Board’s website and on Corada.

1. Public Rights-of-Way

Public Rights-of-Way Guidelines are still under study by the Access Board, DOJ and DOT. From the Board’s website:

“Sidewalks, street crossings, and other elements in the public right-of-way can pose challenges to accessibility. The Board’s ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines focus mainly on facilities on sites. While they address certain features common to public sidewalks, such as curb ramps, further guidance is necessary to address conditions and constraints unique to public rights-of-way.

“The Board is developing new guidelines for public rights-of-way that will address various issues, including access for blind pedestrians at street crossings, wheelchair access to on-street parking, and various constraints posed by space limitations, roadway design practices, slope, and terrain. The new guidelines will cover pedestrian access to sidewalks and streets, including crosswalks, curb ramps, street furnishings, pedestrian signals, parking, and other components of public rights-of-way. The Board’s aim in developing these guidelines is to ensure that access for persons with disabilities is provided wherever a pedestrian way is newly built or altered, and that the same degree of convenience, connection, and safety afforded the public generally is available to pedestrians with disabilities. Once these guidelines are adopted by the Department of Justice, they will become enforceable standards under title II of the ADA.”

Until they are adopted, an excellent publication, Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access Part II of II: Best Practices Design Guide, has been published by the Board and the Federal Highway Administration and can be downloaded for free at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/publications/sidewalk2/index.cfm.   

2. Shared Use Paths

From the Board’s website:

“Shared use paths provide a means of off-road transportation and recreation for various users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, skaters, and others, including people with disabilities. In its rulemaking on public rights-of-way and on trails and other outdoor developed areas, comments from the public urged the Board to address access to shared use paths since they are distinct from sidewalks and trails. Shared use paths, unlike most sidewalks, are physically separated from streets by an open space or barrier. They also differ from trails because they are designed not just for recreation purposes but for transportation as well.

“In response, the Board is supplementing its rulemaking on public rights-of-way to also cover shared use paths.  The proposed rights-of-way guidelines, which address access to sidewalks, streets, and other pedestrian facilities, provide requirements for pedestrian access routes, including specifications for route width, grade, cross slope, surfaces, and other features. The Board proposes to apply these and other relevant requirements to shared use paths as well. This supplementary rulemaking also would add provisions tailored to shared use paths into the rights-of-way guidelines.”

In February 2013 The Board released for public comment proposed requirements for accessible shared use paths used by pedestrians, bicyclists, and others for transportation or recreation. More information can be found on the Access Board’s website at http://www.Access-Board.gov/Guidelines-and-Standards/Streets-Sidewalks

 

3. Emergency Transportable Housing

From the Board’s website:

“The Board has issued guidelines for temporary housing provided by the government in emergencies and natural disasters. Emergency transportable housing units, which are designed and manufactured for transport over roadways, have a smaller footprint than other types of housing and pose unique accessibility challenges. Access to such housing was found to be problematic in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. The new guidelines supplement the Board's ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines by adding provisions and exceptions that specifically address emergency transportable housing. The Board developed these guidelines according to recommendations from an advisory panel it organized, the Emergency Transportable Housing Advisory Committee, which included representation from disability groups, industry and code groups, and government agencies...  The final rule was effective June 6, 2014. Compliance is not required by entities subject to the ADA until DOJ updates its accessibility standards to be consistent with the final rule.  Compliance is not required by entities subject to the ABA until HUD updates its accessibility standards to be consistent with the final rule.”

More information can be found on the Access Board’s website at https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/buildings-and-sites/emergency-transportable-housing.

4. Passenger Vessels

In June of 2013, the Board released for public comment guidelines for access to ferries, cruise ships, excursion boats, and other passenger vessels under the ADA. Once finalized, these guidelines will supplement the Board’s ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles and the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities.  The Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation will use the guidelines to set mandatory standards. More information can be found on the Access Board’s website at https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/transportation/passenger-vessels/about.

5. Medical Diagnostic Equipment

On January 9, 2017, new accessibility standards were published in the Federal Register for medical diagnostic equipment. From the Board’s website:

“The Board has issued accessibility standards for medical diagnostic equipment under section 510 of the Rehabilitation Act. These standards provide design criteria for examination tables and chairs, including those used for dental or optical exams and procedures, weight scales, radiological equipment, mammography equipment and other equipment used for diagnostic purposes by health professionals. The standards address equipment that requires transfer from wheelchairs and other mobility aids and include requirements for transfer surfaces, support rails, armrests, compatibility with lift devices, and other features. Equipment that accommodates mobility devices without transfer is also covered.

As issued by the Board, the standards are not mandatory on health care providers or equipment manufacturers. The U.S. Department of Justice may adopt them as mandatory requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Other federal agencies may implement them as well under the Rehabilitation Act which requires access to federally funded programs and services.”

AFor the most up-to-date information regarding effective date, visit the Access Board’s website at https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/health-care/about-this-rulemaking/final-standards/text-of-the-proposed-standards-9

6. Classroom Acoustics

The Board is undertaking rulemaking to address acoustics in classrooms by referencing a voluntary consensus standard developed by the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) with support from the Board. Accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the “ANSI/ASA S12.60-2010 American National Standard Acoustical Performance Criteria, Design Requirements, and Guidelines for Schools (Parts 1 and 2)” sets specific criteria for maximum background noise and reverberation time in classrooms. Consistent with long-standing recommendations for good practice in educational settings, the standard set specific criteria for maximum background noise (35 decibels) and reverberation time (0.6 to 0.7 seconds) for unoccupied classrooms. Once these guidelines are adopted by the Department of Justice, they will become enforceable standards under the ADA.  More information may be found on the Access Board’s website at https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/buildings-and-sites/classroom-acoustics.

7. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Standards and Guidelines

From the Board’s website:

“On January 18, 2017, the Access Board published a final rule that jointly updates requirements for information and communication technology covered by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 255 of the Communication Act. The Section 508 Standards apply to electronic and information technology procured by the federal government, including computer hardware and software, websites, multimedia such as video, phone systems, and copiers. The Section 255 Guidelines address access to telecommunications products and services, and apply to manufacturers of telecommunication equipment.

The final rule jointly updates and reorganizes the Section 508 standards and Section 255 guidelines in response to market trends and innovations, such as the convergence of technologies. The refresh also harmonizes these requirements with other guidelines and standards both in the U.S. and abroad, including standards issued by the European Commission and with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), a globally recognized voluntary consensus standard for web content and ICT.”

For more information on communications topics and up-to-date information on the effective dates, visit the Board’s web site at https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule

Although these standards and guidelines do not apply directly under the ADA, when followed, they provide strong evidence that private and public entities are meeting applicable portions of their effective communication requirements under the ADA.

8. Transportation Vehicles

On December 14, 2016, the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buses and Vans was published in the Federal Register. The final rule became effective on January 13, 2017. From the Board’s website:

“The Access Board has issued a final rule updating sections of its accessibility guidelines for transportation vehicles covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The rule revises provisions in the guidelines that apply to buses and vans to enhance accessibility and to address industry trends and improvements in design and technology. The guidelines, which the Board originally published in 1991, apply to new or remanufactured vehicles (they also include provisions for rail vehicles that the Board will update separately)… The Board’s vehicle guidelines serve as the basis for mandatory standards issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT) under the ADA. Compliance with the updated requirements for buses and vans will become mandatory once specified by DOT in a future update of its ADA standards.”

More information can be found on the Access Board’s website at https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/transportation/vehicles/about-adaag-for-transportation-vehicles.

9. Outdoor Developed Areas

From the Board’s website:

“Achieving accessibility in outdoor environments has long been a source of inquiry due to challenges and constraints posed by terrain, the degree of development, construction practices and materials, and other factors.

The Board has issued requirements that are now part of the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Standards and apply to national parks and other outdoor areas developed by the federal government. They do not apply to outdoor areas developed with federal grants or loans. A guide that explains these requirements also is available.

The new provisions address access to trails, picnic and camping areas, viewing areas, beach access routes and other components of outdoor developed areas on federal sites when newly built or altered. They also provide exceptions for situations where terrain and other factors make compliance impracticable. The new requirements are located in sections F201.4, F216.3, F244 to F248, and 1011 to 1019 of the ABA Standards.

The Board intends to develop guidelines for non-federal outdoor sites covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and areas developed with federal grants and loans covered by the ABA through a subsequent rulemaking.” 

Until the final ADA guidelines are published, following these guidelines should provide strong evidence that public entities are meeting their program access requirements under the ADA.

More information can be found on the Access Board’s website at https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/recreation-facilities/outdoor-developed-areas

10. Prescription Drug Container Labels

From the Board’s website:

“The Board has led the development of advisory guidance on making prescription drug container labels accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired or who are elderly. This initiative was authorized by the “Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act" which President Obama signed into law in July 2012.  A provision of the act (section 904) directs the Board to convene a working group to develop best practices for making information on prescription drug container labels accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired.

Shortly after the law was enacted, the Board formed the Working Group on Accessible Prescription Drug Container Labels, an 18-member stakeholder panel comprised of representatives from advocacy organizations and industry. The working group explored various access alternatives, including braille, large print labels, and auditory technologies such as “talking bottles” and radio frequency identification tags. In July 2013, it submitted to the Board its best practice recommendations for pharmacies on providing independent access to prescription drug container labels.  These recommendations are advisory only, not mandatory, and will not have the force of guidelines or standards.

The law directs the National Council on Disability (NCD) to conduct an informational and educational campaign in cooperation with the stakeholder working group to inform the public, including people with disabilities and pharmacists, of the best practices. In June 2016, NCD issued a brochure on the best practices recommended by the Board's working group.  The law also calls upon the Comptroller General to conduct a review to assess the extent to which pharmacies are implementing the best practices and to determine whether barriers to prescription drug labels remain.”

More information can be found on the Access Board’s website at https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/health-care/about-prescription-drug-container-labels

Research Projects

The Board sponsors and coordinates research for use in developing accessibility guidelines and providing technical assistance to the public. The Board’s research program is focused on the study of accessibility relating to architecture and design, communication, and transportation. A number of research projects have been completed by the Access Board, and others are underway or planned. More information about these projects can be found on the Access Board’s website at http://www.Access-Board.gov/Research.

The results of those projects will be incorporated into future editions of the pocket guide only when they are integrated into the guidelines and then published as Final Rules by DOJ and other adopting agencies.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

Intent

Background

Safe Harbors

[ADA Title III] Appendix to §36.304(d) _|for Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities; similar for Title II, State and Local Government Facilities|_

Conventions used in this Pocket Guide

Updates and Other Pocket Guides

Upcoming Revisions to ADA Standards

1. Public Rights-of-Way

2. Outdoor Environments

3. Emergency Transportable Housing

4. Passenger Vessels

5. Diagnostic Medical Equipment

6. Classroom Acoustics

7. Communications Standards and Technologies

8. Transportation Vehicles

Research Projects

2013 CALIFORNIA STANDARDS FOR ACCESSIBLE DESIGN

CHAPTER 1 SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

DIVISION I: CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION

SECTION 1.1 GENERAL

SECTION 1.2 BUILDING STANDARDS COMMISSION

SECTION 1.9 DIVISION OF THE STATE ARCHITECT

DIVISION II: SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

SECTION 101 GENERAL

SECTION 104 DUTIES AND POWERS OF BUILDING OFFICIAL

SECTION 111 CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY

CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS

SECTION 201 GENERAL

SECTION 202 DEFINITIONS

CHAPTER 3 USE AND OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION

CHAPTER 4 SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON USE AND OCCUPANCY

SECTION 406 MOTOR-VEHICLE-RELATED OCCUPANCIES

SECTION 412 AIRCRAFT-RELATED OCCUPANCIES

SECTION 419 LIVE/WORK UNITS

CHAPTER 9 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

SECTION 907 FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION SYSTEMS

CHAPTER 10 MEANS OF EGRESS

SECTION 1002 DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1003 GENERAL MEANS OF EGRESS

SECTION 1007 ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS

SECTION 1008 DOORS, GATES AND TURNSTILES

SECTION 1009 STAIRWAYS

SECTION 1010 RAMPS

SECTION 1011 EXIT SIGNS

SECTION 1012 HANDRAILS

SECTION 1013 GUARDS

SECTION 1017 AISLES

SECTION 1022 INTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAYS AND RAMPS

CHAPTER 11A HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY

DIVISION IV – DWELLING UNIT FEATURES

SECTION 1128A COVERED DWELLING UNITS

SECTION 1129A

SECTION 1130A ACCESSIBLE ROUTE WITHIN COVERED MULTIFAMILY DWELLING UNITS

SECTION 1131A CHANGES IN LEVEL ON ACCESSIBLE ROUTES

SECTION 1132A DOORS

SECTION 1133A KITCHENS

SECTION 1134A BATHING AND TOILET FACILITIES

SECTION 1135A LAUNDRY ROOMS

SECTION 1136A ELECTRICAL RECEPTACLE, SWITCH AND CONTROL HEIGHTS

DIVISION VI – SITE IMPRACTICALITY TESTS

SECTION 1150A SITE IMPRACTICALITY TESTS

CHAPTER 11B ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

DIVISION 1: APPLICATION AND ADMINISTRATION

11B-101 Purpose

11B-102 Dimensions for adults and children.

11B-103 Equivalent facilitation

11B-104 Conventions

11B-105 Referenced standards.

11B-106 Definitions

11B-107 Special conditions appeals action.

11B-108 Maintenance of accessible features. 

DIVISION 2: SCOPING REQUIREMENTS

11B-201 Application

11B-202 Existing buildings and facilities

11B-203 General exceptions

11B-204 Protruding objects

11B-205 Operable parts

11B-206 Accessible routes

11B-207 Accessible means of egress

11B-208 Parking spaces

11B-209 Passenger loading zones and bus stops

11B-210 Stairways

11B-211 Drinking fountains

11B-212 Kitchens, kitchenettes, wet bars and sinks

11B-213 Toilet facilities and bathing facilities

11B-214 Washing machines and clothes dryers

11B-215 Fire alarm systems and carbon monoxide alarm systems

11B-216 Signs

11B-217 Telephones

11B-218 Transportation facilities

11B-219 Assistive listening systems

11B-220 Automatic teller machines, fare machines and point-of-sale devices.

11B-221 Assembly areas

11B-222 Dressing, fitting, and locker rooms

11B-223 Medical care and long-term care facilities 

11B-224 Transient lodging guest rooms, housing at a place of education and social service center establishments

11B-225 Storage

11B-226 Dining surfaces and work surfaces

11B-227 Sales and service

11B-228 Depositories, vending machines, change machines, mail boxes, and fuel dispensers

11B-229 Windows

11B-230 Two-way communication systems

11B-231 Judicial facilities

11B-232 Detention facilities and correctional facilities

11B-233 Residential facilities

11B-234 Amusement rides

11B-235 Recreational boating facilities

11B-236 Exercise machines and equipment

11B-237 Fishing piers and platforms

11B-238 Golf facilities

11B-239 Miniature golf facilities

11B-240 Play areas

11B-241 Saunas and steam rooms

11B-242 Swimming pools, wading pools, and spas

11B-243 Shooting facilities with firing positions

11B-244 Religious facilities

11B-245 Commercial facilities located in private residences

11B-246 Outdoor developed areas

11B-247 Detectable warnings and detectable directional texture

DIVISION 3: BUILDING BLOCKS

11B-301 General

11B-302 Floor or ground surfaces 

11B-303 Changes in level

11B-304 Turning space

11B-305 Clear floor or ground space

11B-306 Knee and toe clearance

11B-307 Protruding objects

11B-308 Reach ranges

11B-309 Operable parts

DIVISION 4: ACCESSIBLE ROUTES

11B-401 General

11B-402 Accessible routes

11B-403 Walking surfaces

11B-404 Doors, doorways, and gates

11B-405 Ramps

11B-406 Curb ramps, blended transitions and islands

11B-407 Elevators

11B-408 Limited-use/limited-application elevators

11B-409 Private residence elevators

11B-410 Platform lifts

11B-411 Destination-oriented elevators

DIVISION 5: GENERAL SITE AND BUILDING ELEMENTS

11B-501 General

11B-502 Parking spaces

11B-503 Passenger drop-off and loading zones

11B-504 Stairways

11B-505 Handrails

DIVISION 6: PLUMBING ELEMENTS AND FACILITIES

11B-601 General

11B-602 Drinking fountains

11B-603 Toilet and bathing rooms

11B-604 Water closets and toilet compartments

11B-605 Urinals

11B-606 Lavatories and sinks

11B-607 Bathtubs 

11B-608 Shower compartments

11B-609 Grab bars

11B-610 Seats

11B-611 Washing machines and clothes dryers

11B-612 Saunas and steam rooms

DIVISION 7: COMMUNICATION ELEMENTS AND FEATURES

11B-701 General

11B-702 Fire alarm systems

11B-703 Signs

11B-704 Telephones

11B-705 Detectable warnings and detectable directional texture

11B-706 Assistive listening systems

11B-707 Automatic teller machines, fare machines and point-of-sale devices

11B-708 Two-way communication systems

DIVISION 8: SPECIAL ROOMS, SPACES, AND ELEMENTS

11B-801 General

11B-802 Wheelchair spaces, companion seats, and designated aisle seats and semi-ambulant seats

11B-803 Dressing, fitting, and locker rooms

11B-804 Kitchens, kitchenettes, and wet bars

11B-805 Medical care and long-term care facilities

11B-806 Transient lodging guest rooms

11B-807 Holding cells and housing cells

11B-808 Courtrooms

11B-809 Residential dwelling units

11B-810 Transportation facilities

11B-811 Storage

DIVISION 9: BUILT-IN ELEMENTS

11B-901 General

11B-902 Dining surfaces and work surfaces

11B-903 Benches

11B-904 Check-out aisles and sales and service counters

DIVISION 10: RECREATION FACILITIES

11B-1001 General

11B-1002 Amusement rides

11B-1003 Recreational boating facilities

11B-1004 Exercise machines and equipment

11B-1005 Fishing piers and platforms

11B-1006 Golf facilities

11B-1007 Miniature golf facilities

11B-1008 Play areas 

11B-1009 Swimming pools, wading pools, and spas

11B-1010 Shooting facilities with firing positions

CHAPTER 16 STRUCTURAL DESIGN

SECTION 1607 LIVE LOADS

CHAPTER 16A STRUCTURAL DESIGN

SECTION 1607A LIVE LOADS

CHAPTER 30 ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS

SECTION 3001 GENERAL

CHAPTER 31 SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION

SECTION 3104 PEDESTRIAN WALKWAYS AND TUNNELS

CHAPTER 31B [DPH] PUBLIC POOLS

SECTION 3101B SCOPE

CHAPTER 33 SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION

SECTION 3306 PROTECTION OF PEDESTRIANS

CHAPTER 34 EXISTING STRUCTURES

SECTION 3401 GENERAL

SECTION 3409 HISTORIC BUILDINGS

CHAPTER 35 REFERENCED STANDARDS

SAFE HARBORS APPENDIX

Safe Harbor for Subsection 11B-206.2.1

Safe Harbor for Subsection 11B-206.4.10

Safe Harbor for Subsection 11B-208.2.4

Safe Harbor for Subsection 11B-209.2.1

Safe Harbor for Subsection 11B-213.3.1

Safe Harbor for Section 11B-217.3

Safe Harbor for Section 11B-217.4

Safe Harbor for Section 11B-217.4.7

Safe Harbor for Section 11B-304.2

Safe Harbor for Section 11B-305.2

Safe Harbor for Subsection 11B-308.3.1

Safe Harbor for Subsection 11B-308.3.2

Safe Harbor for Subsection 11B-403.5.3

Safe Harbor for Subsection 11B-404.2.4

Safe Harbor for Subsection 11B-404.2.7

Safe Harbor for Subsection 11B-404.2.8.1

Safe Harbor for Section 11B-404.3

Safe Harbor for Subsection 11B-405.7.4

Safe Harbor for Subsection 11B-406.5.3

Safe Harbor for Section 11B-503.1

Safe Harbor for Section 11B-602.5

Safe Harbor for Section 11B-602.6

Safe Harbor for Section 11B-602.7

Safe Harbor for Section 11B-603.4

Safe Harbor for Section 11B-604.2

Safe Harbor for Subsection 11B-604.3.1

Safe Harbor for Section 11B-604.7

Safe Harbor for Subsection 11B-604.8.2.2

Safe Harbor for Section 11B-607.6

Safe Harbor for Section 11B-608.6

Safe Harbor for Section 11B-610.2

Safe Harbor for Subsection 11B-610.3.1

Safe Harbor for Subsection 11B-610.3.2

Safe Harbor for Subsection 11B-703.2.5

Safe Harbor for Subsection 11B-703.2.6

Safe Harbor for Subsection 11B-703.3.1

Safe Harbor for Subsection 11B-703.3.2

Safe Harbor for Subsection 11B-703.4.1

Safe Harbor for Subsection 11B-703.4.2

Safe Harbor for Section 11B-704.3

CHAPTER 1 SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

ETA Editor's Note

This Pocket Guide contains only the excerpts from California Building Code Chapter 1 that are adopted by Division of the State Architect - Access Compliance (DSA-AC).  To see the entire Chapter, consult California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 - 2013 California Building Code (2013 CBC), available for purchase from International Code Council (http://www.iccsafe.org/).

DIVISION I: CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION

SECTION 1.1 GENERAL

1.1.1 Title.  These regulations shall be known as the California Building Code, may be cited as such and will be referred to herein as “this code.” The California Building Code is Part 2 of twelve parts of the official compilation and publication of the adoption, amendment and repeal of building regulations to the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code. This part incorporates by adoption the 2012 International Building Code of the International Code Council with necessary California amendments.

DSA icon
Advisory 1.1.1 Title.  The 2013 triennial edition of California Code of Regulations, Title 24 consists of 12 parts:

•   Part 1    – California Building Standards Administrative Code

•   Part 2    – California Building Code

•   Part 2.5 – California Residential Code

•   Part 3    – California Electrical Code

•   Part 4    – California Mechanical Code

•   Part 5    – California Plumbing Code

•   Part 6    – California Energy Code

•   Part 8    – California Historical Building Code

•   Part 9    – California Fire Code

•   Part 10  – California Existing Building Code

•   Part 11  – California Green Building Standards Code

•   Part 12  – California Referenced Standards Code End Division of the State Architect comment.

1.1.2 Purpose.  The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, access to persons with disabilities, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation and energy conservation; safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment; and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

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Advisory 1.1.2 Purpose.  CA H&S Code §19955 et al. requires public accommodations and facilities constructed in this state with private funds to adhere to the accessibility provisions of Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 4450) of Division 5 of Title 1 of the Government Code.  Under CA H&S Code §19958, city and county building departments have the responsibility to enforce the statutory requirements of CA H&S Code §19955 et al. and CA Gov. Code §4450 et al.

CA Gov. Code §4450(a) requires buildings and facilities constructed in this state by the use of state, county, or municipal funds, or the funds of any political subdivision of the state shall conform to the building standards published in the California Building Standards Code relating to access for persons with disabilities and the other regulations adopted pursuant to Section 4450.  CA Gov. Code §4453 vests enforcement authority to the Director of the Department of General Services (generally delegated to the Division of the State Architect) where state funds are utilized for any project or where funds of counties, municipalities, or other political subdivisions are utilized for the construction of elementary, secondary, or community college projects.  Additionally, CA Gov. Code §4453 vests enforcement authority to the governing bodies thereof where funds of counties, municipalities, or other political subdivisions are utilized except as otherwise provided above. End Division of the State Architect comment.

1.1.3 Scope.  The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures throughout the State of California.

DSA icon
Advisory 1.1.3 Scope.  The California Building Code (CBC) accessibility provisions are applicable to new construction projects as well as alterations (as defined) of existing buildings and facilities.  In alteration projects, these provisions apply to the area of new work, and include the path of travel requirements found in Section 11B-202.4. End Division of the State Architect comment.

1.1.3.1 Nonstate-regulated buildings, structures, and applications.  Except as modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 1.1.8, the following standards in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Parts 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11 shall apply to all occupancies and applications not regulated by a state agency.

1.1.3.2 State-regulated buildings, structures, and applications.  The model code, state amendments to the model code, and/or state amendments where there are no relevant model code provisions shall apply to the following buildings, structures, and applications regulated by state agencies as specified in Sections 1.2 through 1.14, except where modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 1.1.8. When adopted by a state agency, the provisions of this code shall be enforced by the appropriate enforcing agency, but only to the extent of authority granted to such agency by the state legislature.

Note:  See Preface to distinguish the model code provisions from the California provisions.

1. State-owned buildings, including buildings constructed by the Trustees of the California State University, and to the extent permitted by California laws, buildings designed and constructed by the Regents of the University of California, and regulated by the Building Standards Commission. See Section 1.2 for additional scope provisions.

2. Local detention facilities regulated by the Corrections Standards Authority. See Section 1.3 for additional scope provisions.

3. Barbering, cosmetology or electrolysis establishments, acupuncture offices, pharmacies, veterinary facilities, and structural pest control locations regulated by the Department of Consumer Affairs. See Section 1.4 for additional scope provisions.

4. Energy efficiency standards regulated by the California Energy Commission. See Section 1.5 for additional scope provisions.

5. Dairies and places of meat inspection regulated by the Department of Food and Agriculture. See Section 1.6 for additional scope provisions.

6. Organized camps, laboratory animal quarters, public swimming pools, radiation protection, commissaries serving mobile food preparation vehicles and wild animal quarantine facilities regulated by the Department of Public Health. See Section 1.7 for additional scope provisions.

7. Hotels, motels, lodging houses, apartment houses, dwellings, dormitories, condominiums, shelters for homeless persons, congregate residences, employee housing, factory-built housing and other types of dwellings containing sleeping accommodations with or without common toilets or cooking facilities. See Section 1.8.2.1.1 for additional scope provisions.

8. Accommodations for persons with disabilities in buildings containing newly constructed covered multifamily dwellings, new common use spaces serving existing covered multifamily dwellings, additions to existing buildings where the addition alone meets the definition of "COVERED MULTIFAMILY DWELLING," and common-use spaces serving covered multifamily dwellings, which are regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development. See Section 1.8.2.1.2 for additional scope provisions.

9. Permanent buildings and permanent accessory buildings or structures constructed within mobile-home parks and special occupancy parks regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development. See Section 1.8.2.1.3 for additional scope provisions.

10. Accommodations for persons with disabilities regulated by the Division of the State Architect. See Section 1.9.1 for additional scope provisions.

11. Public elementary and secondary schools, community college buildings and state-owned or state-leased essential service buildings regulated by the Division of the State Architect. See Section 1.9.2 for additional scope provisions.

12. Qualified historical buildings and structures and their associated sites regulated by the State Historical Building Safety Board with the Division of the State Architect. See Section 1.9.3 for additional scope provisions.

13. General acute care hospitals, acute psychiatric hospitals, skilled nursing and/or intermediate care facilities, clinics licensed by the Department of Public Health and correctional treatment centers regulated by the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. See Section 1.10 for additional scope provisions.

14. Applications regulated by the Office of State Fire Marshal include but are not limited to the following in accordance with Section 1.11.

14.1. Buildings or structures used or intended for use as an:

1. Asylum, jail.

2. Mental hospital, hospital, home for the elderly, children’s nursery, children’s home or institution, school or any similar occupancy of any capacity.

3. Theater, dancehall, skating rink, auditorium, assembly hall, meeting hall, nightclub, fair building or similar place of assemblage where 50 or more persons may gather together in a building, room or structure for the purpose of amusement, entertainment, instruction, deliberation, worship, drinking or dining, awaiting transportation, or education.

4. Small family day-care homes, large family day-care homes, residential facilities and residential facilities for the elderly, residential care facilities.

5. State institutions or other state-owned or state-occupied buildings

6. High rise structures.

7. Motion picture production studios.

8. Organized camps.

9. Residential structures

14.2. Tents, awnings or other fabric enclosures used in connection with any occupancy.

14.3. Fire alarm devices, equipment and systems in connection with any occupancy.

14.4. Hazardous materials, flammable and combustible liquids

14.5. Public school automatic fire detection, alarm, and sprinkler systems.

14.6. Wildland-urban interface fire areas.

15. Public libraries constructed and renovated using funds from the California Library Construction and Renovation Bond Act of 1988 and regulated by the State Librarian. See Section 1.12 for additional scope provisions.

16. Graywater systems regulated by the Department of Water Resources. See Section 1.13 for additional scope provisions.

17. For applications listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect – Access Compliance, outdoor environments and uses shall be classified according to accessibility uses described in Chapter 11B.

18. Marine Oil Terminals regulated by the California State Lands Commission. See Section 1.14 for additional scope provisions.

1.1.4 Appendices.  Provisions contained in the appendices of this code shall not apply unless specifically adopted by a state agency or adopted by a local enforcing agency in compliance with Health and Safety Code Section 18901 et. seq. for Building Standards Law, Health and Safety Code Section 17950 for State Housing Law and Health and Safety Code Section 13869.7 for Fire Protection Districts. See Section 1.1.8 of this code.

1.1.5 Referenced codes.  The codes, standards and publications adopted and set forth in this code, including other codes, standards and publications referred to therein are, by title and date of publication, hereby adopted as standard reference documents of this code. When this code does not specifically cover any subject related to building design and construction, recognized architectural or engineering practices shall be employed. The National Fire Codes, standards, and the Fire Protection Handbook of the National Fire Protection Association are permitted to be used as authoritative guides in determining recognized fire prevention engineering practices

1.1.6 Nonbuilding standards, orders and regulations.  Requirements contained in the California Building Code, or in any other referenced standard, code or document, which are not building standards as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 18909, shall not be construed as part of the provisions of this code. For nonbuilding standards, orders, and regulations, see other titles of the California Code of Regulations

1.1.7 Order of precedence and use.

1.1.7.1 Differences.  In the event of any differences between these building standards and the standard reference documents, the text of these building standards shall govern.

1.1.7.2 Specific provisions.  Where a specific provision varies from a general provision, the specific provision shall apply.

1.1.7.3 Conflicts.  When the requirements of this code conflict with the requirements of any other part of the California Building Standards Code, Title 24, the most restrictive requirements shall prevail.

1.1.8 City, county or city and county amendments, additions or deletions.  The provisions of this code do not limit the authority of city, county, or city and county governments to establish more restrictive and reasonably necessary differences to the provisions contained in this code pursuant to complying with Section 1.1.8.1. The effective date of amendments, additions or deletions to this code by a city, county, or city and county filed pursuant to Section 1.1.8.1 shall be the date filed. However, in no case shall the amendments, additions or deletions to this code be effective any sooner than the effective date of this code.

Local modifications shall comply with Health and Safety Code Section 18941.5 for Building Standards Law, Health and Safety Code Section 17958 for State Housing Law or Health and Safety Code Section 13869.7 for Fire Protection Districts

1.1.8.1 Findings and filings.

1. The city, county, or city and county shall make express findings for each amendment, addition or deletion based upon climatic, topographical or geological conditions.

Exception:  Hazardous building ordinances and programs mitigating unreinforced masonry buildings.

2. The city, county, or city and county shall file the amendments, additions or deletions expressly marked and identified as to the applicable findings. Cities, counties, cities and counties, and fire departments shall file the amendments, additions or deletions, and the findings with the California Building Standards Commission at 2525 Natomas Park Drive, Suite 130, Sacramento, CA 95833.

3. Findings prepared by fire protection districts shall be ratified by the local city, county, or city and county and filed with the California Department of Housing and Community Development, Division of Codes and Standards, 2020 West El Camino Ave., Suite 250, Sacramento, CA. 95833.

1.1.9 Effective date of this code.  Only those standards approved by the California Building Standards Commission that are effective at the time an application for building permit is submitted shall apply to the plans and specifications for, and to the construction performed under, that permit. For the effective dates of the provisions contained in this code, see the History Note page of this code

1.1.10 Availability of codes.  At least one complete copy each of Titles 8, 19, 20, 24, and 25 with all revisions shall be maintained in the office of the building official responsible for the administration and enforcement of this code. Each state department concerned and each city, county or city and county shall have an up-to-date copy of the code available for public inspection, See Health and Safety Code Section 18942(d)(1) and (2).

1.1.11 Format.  This part fundamentally adopts the International Building Code by reference on a chapter-by-chapter basis. When a specific chapter of the International Building Code is not printed in the code and is marked “Reserved”, such chapter of the International Building Code is not adopted as a portion of this code. When a specific chapter of the International Building Code is marked “Not adopted by the State of California” but appears in the code, it may be available for adoption by local ordinance.

Note:  Matrix Adoption Tables at the front of each chapter may aid the code user in determining which chapter or sections within a chapter are applicable to buildings under the authority of a specific state agency, but they are not to be considered regulatory.

1.1.12 Validity.  If any chapter, section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this code is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, contrary to statute, exceeding the authority of the state as stipulated by statutes or otherwise inoperative, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this code.

ETA Editor's Note

Sections from California Building Code Chapter 1 not adopted by Division of the State Architect - Access Compliance (DSA-AC) omitted. To see the entire Chapter, consult California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 - 2013 California Building Code (2013 CBC), available for purchase from International Code Council (http://www.iccsafe.org).

SECTION 1.2 BUILDING STANDARDS COMMISSION

1.2.2 Alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment.  The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall be approved where the building official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety.

ETA Editor's Note

DSA-AC has adopted Section 104.11 as follows, effective July 1, 2015:

DIVISION II – SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

SECTION 104

DUTIES AND POWERS OF BUILDING OFFICIAL

104.11 Alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall be approved where the building official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety.

SECTION 1.9 DIVISION OF THE STATE ARCHITECT

1.9.1 Division of the State Architect ─ Access Compliance.

General.  The purpose of this code is to ensure that barrier-free design is incorporated in all buildings, facilities, site work and other improvements to which this code applies in compliance with state law to ensure that these improvements are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities. Additions, alterations and structural repairs in all buildings and facilities shall comply with these provisions for new buildings, except as otherwise provided and specified herein.

The provisions of these regulations shall apply to any portable buildings leased or owned by a school district, and shall also apply to temporary and emergency buildings and facilities. Temporary buildings and facilities are not of permanent construction but are extensively used or are essential for public use for a period of time. Examples of temporary buildings or facilities covered include, but are not limited to: reviewing stands, temporary classrooms, bleacher areas, exhibit areas, temporary banking facilities, temporary health screening services, or temporary safe pedestrian passageways around a construction site.

DSA icon
Advisory 1.9.1 General.  Temporary facilities and emergency construction are both required to comply with the CBC regulations for accessibility. See CA Gov. Code §4451(e).

In addition, to incorporate standards at least as restrictive as those required by the federal government for barrier-free design under (1) Title III (Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities), Subpart D (New Construction and Alteration)  (see 28 C.F.R., Part 36), and (2) Title II (Public Entities), Section 35.151 (New Construction and Alterations) (see 28 C.F.R., Part 35) both from the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 2004 Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, as adopted by the US Department of Justice (see 36 C.F.R. Part 1191, Appendices B and D), and  (3) under the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988. Some of these regulations may be more stringent than state law in order to meet the federal requirement.

1.9.1.1 Application.  See Government Code commencing with Section 4450.

Publicly funded buildings, structures, sidewalks, curbs and related facilities shall be accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities as follows:

DSA icon
Advisory 1.9.1.1 Application.  Not only does publicly funded mean state funds, but it also means county funds, municipal funds or the funds of any political subdivision of the state.  When public funds are provided by other sources and transferred to a state, county, municipality or other political subdivision of the state, the entity that collects and controls the distribution of the public funds becomes the funding source, and subject to the requirements of this section.

1.9.1.1.1  All buildings, structures, sidewalks, curbs and related facilities constructed in the state by the use of state, county or municipal funds, or the funds of any political subdivision of the state

1.9.1.1.2  All buildings, structures and facilities that are leased, rented, contracted, sublet or hired by any municipal, county, or state division of government, or by a special district.

DSA icon
Advisory 1.9.1.1.2.  Leases per se, unless alterations occur, do not directly “trigger” construction code requirements. The lessee of public accommodations should be aware that readily achievable barrier removal is an ongoing obligation under the ADA and may require physical alterations to the building or facility in compliance with the accessibility provisions in the building code. For public entities, leasing should be focused on selecting accessible sites, buildings and facilities. The Department of General Services requires newly leased facilities, and lease renewals, to be accessible by first surveying the facility for code compliance and then making necessary corrections where public programs are provided and in employee common-use areas, restrooms, break rooms, parking, etc.

1.9.1.1.3  All publicly funded buildings used for congregate residences or for one- or two-family dwelling unit purposes shall conform to the provisions applicable to living accommodations.

1.9.1.1.4  All existing publicly funded buildings and facilities when alterations, structural repairs or additions are made to such buildings or facilities. For detailed requirements on existing buildings, see Chapter 11B, Division 2, Section 11B-202.

1.9.1.1.5  With respect to buildings, structures, sidewalks, curbs and related facilities not requiring a building permit, building standards published in the California Building Standards Code relating to access for persons with disabilities and other regulations adopted pursuant to Government Code Section 4450, and in effect at the time construction is commenced, shall be applicable.

DSA icon
Advisory 1.9.1.1.5.  Some construction such as parking lot resurfacing, re-striping parking stalls, sidewalk repair and cabinet installations do not always require building permits. In such cases, the code in place on the date of any construction would be the effective code for such work.

1.9.1.2  Application. See Health and Safety Code commencing with Section 19952.

All privately funded public accommodations, as defined and commercial facilities, as defined, shall be accessible to persons with disabilities as follows:

Exception:  Certain types of privately funded multistory buildings do not require installation of an elevator to provide access above and below the first floor. See Chapter 11B

1.9.1.2.1  Any building, structure, facility, complex or improved area, or portions thereof, which are used by the general public.

DSA icon
Advisory 1.9.1.2.1.  The term "used by the general public" is frequently misinterpreted to mean only facilities which are publicly owned. However, the term actually means facilities made available to the public, and often includes privately owned buildings and facilities.

1.9.1.2.2  Any sanitary facilities which are made available for the public, clients or employees in such accommodations or facilities.

1.9.1.2.3  Any curb or sidewalk intended for public use that is constructed in this state with private funds.

1.9.1.2.4  All existing privately funded public accommodations when alterations, structural repairs or additions are made to such public accommodations as set forth under Chapter 11B.

1.9.1.3 ApplicationPublic housing and private housing available for public use. See Government Code Sections 4450 and 12955.1(c).

1.9.1.4 Enforcing agency.

DSA icon
Advisory 1.9.1.4 Enforcing agency.  State and local enforcement levels of government could have overlapping jurisdiction under Title 24. For accessibility, in State-funded tenant improvements to State-leased facilities, the local jurisdiction must be aware of DGS’ jurisdictional authority and DSA’s jurisdictional approvals necessary for State-funded construction. See commentary, Section 1.9.1.4.1.◼

1.9.1.4.1  The director of the Department of General Services where state funds are utilized for any project or where funds of counties, municipalities or other political subdivisions are utilized for the construction of elementary, secondary or community college projects.

DSA icon
Advisory 1.9.1.4.1.  CA Gov. Code §4453(a) vests enforcement authority to the Director of the Department of General Services (generally delegated to the Division of the State Architect) where state funds are utilized for any project or where funds of counties, municipalities, or other political subdivisions are utilized for the construction of elementary, secondary, or community college projects.◼

1.9.1.4.2  The governing bodies where funds of counties, municipalities or other political subdivisions are utilized except as otherwise provided above.

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Advisory 1.9.1.4.2.  CA Gov. Code §4453(b) vests enforcement authority to the governing bodies thereof when funds of counties, municipalities or other political subdivisions are utilized. ◼

1.9.1.4.3  The building department of every city, county, or city and county within the territorial area of its city, county, or city and county, where private funds are utilized. “Building department” means the department, bureau or officer charged with the enforcement of laws or ordinances regulating the erection or construction, or both the erection and construction, of buildings

1.9.1.5  Special conditions for persons with disabilities requiring appeals action ratification. Whenever reference is made in these regulations to this section, the findings and determinations required to be rendered by the local enforcing agency shall be subject to ratification through an appeals process.

DSA icon
Advisory 1.9.1.5 Special conditions for persons with disabilities requiring appeals action ratification. California statutes and the California Building Standards Commission regulations allow Equivalent Facilitation for public accommodations or facilities built with private funds whenever a determination of Unreasonable Hardship is granted by the local enforcing agency or building department.  (Reference CA H&S C. §19957)

When buildings and facilities are constructed with state, county or municipal funds, or the funds of any political subdivision of the state, administrative authorities may grant exceptions from the literal requirements of the building standards only when it is clearly evident that equivalent facilitation and protection that meets or exceeds the requirements under federal law are secured.  (Reference CA Gov. C. §4451(f))

California Health and Safety Code §19957.5 provides that every city, county, or city and county may appoint a local appeals board to hear written appeals regarding the action taken by the building department.◼

ETA Editor's Note

A successful appeal does not warrant ADA compliance. Appeals Boards, Local Building Officials or other Authorities Having Jurisdiction have no authority to certify ADA compliance, and consistently state that they do not review for it. Due diligence is advised whenever an appeal is made in lieu of strict compliance with stated scoping and/or technical requirements.

1.9.1.6 Authority cited.  Government Code Section 4450.

1.9.1.7 Reference cited.  Government Code Sections 4450 through 4461 and 12955.1(c) and Health and Safety Code Sections 18949.1, 19952 through 19959.

1.9.1.8 Adopting agency identification.  The provision of this code applicable to buildings identified in this Subsection 1.9.1 will be identified in the Matrix Adoption Tables under the acronym DSA-AC.

ETA Editor's Note

Sections from California Building Code Chapter 1 not adopted by Division of the State Architect - Access Compliance (DSA-AC) omitted.  To see the entire Chapter, consult California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 - 2013 California Building Code (2013 CBC), available for purchase from International Code Council (http://www.iccsafe.org/).

DIVISION II: SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

Note:  Sections adopted or amended by state agencies are specifically indicated by an agency banner or indicated in the Matrix Adoption Table.

PART 1—SCOPE AND APPLICATION

SECTION 101 GENERAL

[A] 101.1 Title.  These regulations shall be known as the Building Code of [NAME OF JURISDICTION], hereinafter referred to as “this code.”

[A] 101.2 Scope.  The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.

Exception:  Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the California Residential Code.

[A] 101.2.1 Appendices.  Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted.

[A] 101.3 Intent.  The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

[A] 101.4 Referenced codes.  The other codes listed in Sections 101.4.1 through 101.4.6 and referenced elsewhere in this code shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference.

[A] 101.4.1 Gas.  The provisions of the California Mechanical Code shall apply to the installation of gas piping from the point of delivery, gas appliances and related accessories as covered in this code. These requirements apply to gas piping systems extending from the point of delivery to the inlet connections of appliances and the installation and operation of residential and commercial gas appliances and related accessories.

[A] 101.4.2 Mechanical.  The provisions of the California Mechanical Code shall apply to the installation, alterations, repairs and replacement of mechanical systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and/or appurtenances, including ventilating, heating, cooling, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, incinerators and other energy-related systems.

[A] 101.4.3 Plumbing.  The provisions of the California Plumbing Code shall apply to the installation, alteration, repair and replacement of plumbing systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances, and where connected to a water or sewage system and all aspects of a medical gas system. The provisions of the International Private Sewage Disposal Code shall apply to private sewage disposal systems.

[A] 101.4.4 Property maintenance.  The provisions of the International Property Maintenance Code shall apply to existing structures and premises; equipment and facilities; light, ventilation, space heating, sanitation, life and fire safety hazards; responsibilities of owners, operators and occupants; and occupancy of existing premises and structures.

[A] 101.4.5 Fire prevention.  The provisions of the California Fire Code shall apply to matters affecting or relating to structures, processes and premises from the hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices; from conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises; and from the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire suppression, automatic sprinkler systems and alarm systems or fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occupancy or operation.

ETA Editor's Note

Sections from California Building Code Chapter 1 not adopted by Division of the State Architect - Access Compliance (DSA-AC) omitted.  To see the entire Chapter, consult California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 - 2013 California Building Code (2013 CBC), available for purchase from International Code Council (http://www.iccsafe.org/).

SECTION 104 DUTIES AND POWERS OF BUILDING OFFICIAL

ETA Editor's Note

DSA-AC has adopted Section 104.11 as follows, effective July 1, 2015:

[A] 104.11 Alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment.  The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall be approved where the building official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety.

SECTION 111 CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY

[A] 111.2 Certificate issued.  After the building official inspects the building or structure and finds no violations of the provisions of this code or other laws that are enforced by the department of building safety, the building official shall issue a certificate of occupancy that contains the following:

1. The building permit number.

2. The address of the structure.

3. The name and address of the owner.

4. A description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued.

5. A statement that the described portion of the structure has been inspected for compliance with the requirements of this code for the occupancy and division of occupancy and the use for which the proposed occupancy is classified.

6. The name of the building official.

7. The edition of the code under which the permit was issued.

8. The use and occupancy, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3.

9. The type of construction as defined in Chapter 6.

10. The design occupant load.

11. If an automatic sprinkler system is provided, whether the sprinkler system is required.

12. Any special stipulations and conditions of the building permit.

ETA Editor's Note

Remainder of California Building Code Chapter 1, not adopted by Division of the State Architect - Access Compliance (DSA-AC), omitted.  To see the entire Chapter, consult California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 - 2013 California Building Code (2013 CBC), available for purchase from International Code Council (http://www.iccsafe.org/).

CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS

ETA Editor's Note

Sections from California Building Code Chapter 2 not adopted by Division of the State Architect - Access Compliance (DSA-AC) omitted.  To see the entire Chapter, consult California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 - 2013 California Building Code (2013 CBC), available for purchase from International Code Council (http://www.iccsafe.org/).

With selected exceptions (see ETA Editor's Note at 11B-106.5 for a full list), where terms defined either in 2013 CBC, 2010 ADAS and/or ADA Titles II or III are used in this Pocket Guide, hyperlinks are provided to their definitions in Section 202. Where ADA definitions for specific terms differ notably from CBC, the ADA definition is inserted below the CBC definition and identified by green text (for color-capable devices) and headed by [2010 ADAS], [ADA Title II], [ADA Title III] or [ADA Titles II & III]. Where ADA defines terms that are either not used or not defined by CBC, those terms and definitions are inserted alphabetically in this Section, and hyperlinks are provided throughout this Pocket Guide. Where no ADA definition is provided, either the ADA definition coincides with the CBC definition, or ADA does not define the term.

Both CBC and ADA recognize terms defined in referenced standards as having the meaning specified in those standards unless otherwise stated. No hyperlinks are provided in this Pocket Guide for those terms. See 11B-106.2.

Both CBC and ADA rely upon definitions in collegiate dictionaries (unspecified) for the meaning of undefined terms, in the sense that the context implies. See 11B-106.3.

SECTION 201 GENERAL

201.1 Scope.  Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this code, have the meanings shown in this chapter.

201.2 Interchangeability.  Words used in the present tense include the future; words stated in the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter; the singular number includes the plural and the plural, the singular.

SECTION 202 DEFINITIONS

[ADA Titles II & III] 1991 Standards.  35.104 & §36.104] Requirements set forth in the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, originally published on July 26, 1991, and republished as Appendix D to this part.

[ADA Titles II & III]  2004 ADAAG.  35.104 & §36.104] The requirements set forth in appendices B and D to 36 CFR part 1191 (2009).

[ADA Title II] 2010 Standards.

[ADA Title II]  2010 Standards.  35.104] The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, which consist of the 2004 ADAAG and the requirements contained in §35.151.

[ADA Title III] 2010 Standards.  36.104] The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, which consist of the 2004 ADAAG and the requirements contained in subpart D of this part.

ACCESS AISLE. [DSA-AC]  An accessible pedestrian space adjacent to or between parking spaces that provides clearances in compliance with this code.

ACCESSIBILITY. [DSA-AC & HCD 1-AC]  Accessibility is the combination of various elements in a building, facility, site, or area, or portion thereof which allows access, circulation and the full use of the building and facilities by persons with disabilities in compliance with this code. 

ACCESSIBILITY FUNCTION BUTTON[DSA-AC] A button on an elevator  hall call console  in a  destination-oriented elevator  system that when pressed will activate a series of visual and verbal prompts and announcements providing instruction regarding hall call console operation and direction to an assigned elevator.

ACCESSIBLE. [DSA-AC & HCD 1-AC]  A site, building, facility, or portion thereof that is approachable and usable by persons with disabilities in compliance with this code.

ACCESSIBLE ELEMENT. [DSA-AC]  An element specified by the regulations adopted by the Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance.

DSA icon
Advisory Definition of ACCESSIBLE ELEMENT.  An ACCESSIBLE ELEMENT can include a room, area, route, feature or device which provides accessibility for persons with disabilities.◼

ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS.  A continuous and unobstructed way of egress travel from any accessible point in a building or facility to a public way.

[2010 ADAS] Accessible Means of Egress.  A continuous and unobstructed way of egress travel from any point in a building or facility that provides an accessible route to an area of refuge, a horizontal exit, or a public way.

ACCESSIBLE ROUTE. [DSA-AC & HCD 1-AC]  A continuous unobstructed path connecting accessible elements and spaces of an accessible site, building or facility that can be negotiated by a person with a disability using a wheelchair, and that is also safe for and usable by persons with other disabilities. Interior accessible routes may include corridors, hallways, floors, ramps, elevators and lifts. Exterior accessible routes may include parking access aisles, curb ramps, crosswalks at vehicular ways, walks, ramps and lifts.

ACCESSIBLE SPACE. [DSA-AC]  A space that complies with the accessibility provisions of this code.

ADAPTABLE. [DSA-AC]  Capable of being readily modified and made accessible.

DSA icon
Advisory Definition of ADAPTABLE.  This term means that elements can be modified or adjusted to accommodate the needs of a specific user.  As part of the initial design and construction, for example, structural backing would be provided for the later installation of grab bars, base cabinets under kitchen sinks would be removable without the use of specialized tools or specialized knowledge, or countertops would be repositionable.◼

[A] ADDITION. [DSA-AC]  An expansion, extension, or increase in the gross floor area or height of a building or facility.

ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY. [DSA-AC]  A governmental agency that adopts or enforces regulations and guidelines for the design, construction, or alteration of buildings and facilities.

AISLE. [DSA-AC]  A circulation path between objects such as seats, tables, merchandise, equipment, displays, shelves, desks, etc., that provides clearances in in compliance with this code.

[A] ALTERATION. [DSA-AC]  A change, addition or modification in construction, change in occupancy or use, or structural repair to an existing building or facility. Alterations include, but are not limited to, remodeling, renovation, rehabilitation, reconstruction, historic restoration, resurfacing of circulation paths or vehicular ways, changes or rearrangement of the structural parts or elements, and changes or rearrangement in the plan configuration of walls and full-height partitions. Normal maintenance, reroofing, painting or wallpapering, or changes to mechanical and electrical systems are not alterations unless they affect the usability of the building or facility.

ETA Editor's Note

ADA Title III [§36.402(b)(1)] also excludes asbestos removal from the definition of Alteration, unless it affects the usability of the building or facility.

[ADA Title IIIAlterations to an Area Containing a Primary Function.  36.403(c)]. (See “Primary Function.”)

AMUSEMENT ATTRACTION. [DSA-AC]  Any facility, or portion of a facility, located within an amusement park or theme park which provides amusement without the use of an amusement device. Amusement attractions include, but are not limited to, fun houses, barrels, and other attractions without seats.

AMUSEMENT RIDE. [DSA-AC]  A system that moves persons through a fixed course within a defined area for the purpose of amusement.

AMUSEMENT RIDE SEAT. [DSA-AC]  A seat that is built-in or mechanically fastened to an amusement ride intended to be occupied by one or more passengers.

ANSI. [DSA-AC]  The American National Standards Institute.

[A] APPROVED. [DSA-AC]  “Approved” means meeting the approval of the enforcing agency, except as otherwise provided by law, when used in connection with any system, material, type of construction, fixture or appliance as the result of investigations and tests conducted by the agency, or by reason of accepted principles or tests by national authorities or technical, health, or scientific organizations or agencies.

APPROVED TESTING AGENCY. [HCD 1 & HCD 2 & DSA-AC]  Any agency, which is determined by the enforcing agency, except as otherwise provided by law, to have adequate personnel and expertise to carry out the testing of systems, materials, type of construction, fixtures or appliances.

AREA OF REFUGE.  An area where persons unable to use stairways can remain temporarily to await instructions or assistance during emergency evacuation.

AREA OF SPORT ACTIVITY. [DSA-AC]  That portion of a room or space where the play or practice of a sport occurs.

ASSEMBLY AREA. [DSA-AC]  A building or facility, or portion thereof, used for the purpose of entertainment, educational or civic gatherings, or similar purposes. For the purposes of these requirements, assembly areas include, but are not limited to, classrooms, lecture halls, courtrooms, public meeting rooms, public hearing rooms, legislative chambers, motion picture houses, auditoria, theaters, playhouses, dinner theaters, concert halls, centers for the performing arts, amphitheaters, arenas, stadiums, grandstands, or convention centers.

DSA icon
Advisory Definition of ASSEMBLY AREA.  The application of the accessibility provisions of this code is based upon the use of the space rather than the occupancy classification. For example, an assembly area may or may not be a Group A Occupancy. A large conference room in a Group B Occupancy or a multi-purpose area in a Group E Occupancy may be an assembly area.◼

ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEM (ALS). [DSA-AC]  An amplification system utilizing transmitters, receivers, and coupling devices to bypass the acoustical space between a sound source and a listener by means of induction loop, radio frequency, infrared, or direct-wired equipment.

AUTOMATIC DOOR.  A door equipped with a power operated mechanism and controls that open and close the door automatically upon receipt of a momentary actuating signal. The switch that begins the automatic cycle may be a photoelectric device, floor mat or manual switch.

AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINE (ATM). [DSA-AC]  Any electronic information processing device which accepts or dispenses cash in connection with a credit, deposit, or convenience account. The term does not include devices used solely to facilitate check guarantees or check authorizations, or which are used in connection with the acceptance or dispensing of cash on a person-to-person basis, such as by a store cashier.

BATHROOM.  For the purposes of Chapter 11A and 11B, a room which includes a water closet (toilet), a lavatory, and a bathtub and/or a shower. It does not include single-fixture facilities or those with only a water closet and lavatory. It does include a compartmented bathroom. A compartmented bathroom is one in which the fixtures are distributed among interconnected rooms. A compartmented bathroom is considered a single unit and is subject to the requirements of Chapters 11A and 11B.

BLENDED TRANSITION. [DSA-AC]  A raised pedestrian street crossing, depressed corner, or similar connection between the pedestrian access route at the level of the sidewalk and the level of the pedestrian street crossing that has a grade of 5 percent or less.

BOARDING PIER. [DSA-AC]  A portion of a pier where a boat is temporarily secured for the purpose of embarking or disembarking.

BOAT LAUNCH RAMP. [DSA-AC]  A sloped surface designed for launching and retrieving trailered boats and other water craft to and from a body of water.

BOAT SLIP. [DSA-AC]  That portion of a pier, main pier, finger pier, or float where a boat is moored for the purpose of berthing, embarking, or disembarking.

[A] BUILDING.  Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.

DSA icon
Advisory Definition of BUILDING.  The accessibility standards generally apply to buildings and facilities. Parking lots, play areas, patios, constructed trails, man-made outdoor areas are often not considered to be buildings.  Rather, these elements are generally considered to be facilities. See the definition of FACILITY.

[A] BUILDING OFFICIAL.  The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this code, or a duly authorized representative

CARRIAGE UNIT. [HCD 1-AC]  A dwelling unit with living space on one or more floors immediately above a Group U, private garage or garages. The footprint of the garage or garages is used as the footprint for the remaining floor or floors of the units above and the garage level contains no habitable space.

Note:  Dwelling units located over a common garage shall not be considered carriage units.

CATCH POOL. [DSA-AC]  A pool or designated section of a pool used as a terminus for water slide flumes.

CCR. [DSA-AC]  The California Code of Regulations.

CHARACTERS.  Letters, numbers, punctuation marks and typographic symbols.

CHILDREN’S USE. [DSA-AC]  Describes spaces and elements specifically designed for use primarily by people 12 years old and younger.

CIRCULATION PATH. [DSA-AC]  An exterior or interior way of passage provided for pedestrian travel, including but not limited to, walks, hallways, courtyards, elevators, platform lifts, ramps, stairways, and landings.

DSA icon
Advisory Definition of CIRCULATION PATH.  A CIRCULATION PATH is a pedestrian route provided within a building, facility or site and may or may not (in the case of stairs) include an accessible route of travel. Whenever the accessible route diverges from the regular circulation path signage may be required to identify the departure from the regular route if not obvious.◼

CLEAR. [DSA-AC]  Unobstructed.

CLEAR FLOOR SPACE. [DSA-AC]  The minimum unobstructed floor or ground space required to accommodate a single, stationary wheelchair and occupant.

CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEPHONE. [DSA-AC]  A telephone with a dedicated line such as a house phone, courtesy phone or phone that must be used to gain entry to a facility.

[ADA Title III] Commerce.  36.104] Travel, trade, traffic, commerce, transportation, or communication –

(1)    Among the several States;

(2)    Between any foreign country or any territory or possession and any State; or

(3)    Between points in the same State but through another State or foreign country.

COMMERCIAL FACILITIES. [DSA-AC]  Facilities whose operations will affect commerce and are intended for non-residential use by a private entity.  Commercial facilities shall not include (1) facilities that are covered or expressly exempted from coverage under the Fair Housing Act of 1968, as amended (42 U.S.C. 3601 - 3631); (2) aircraft; or (3) railroad locomotives, railroad freight cars, railroad cabooses, commuter or intercity passenger rail cars (including coaches, dining cars, sleeping cars, lounge cars and food service cars), any other railroad cars described in Section 242 of the Americans With Disabilities Act or covered under Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act, or railroad rights-of-way. For purposes of this definition, "rail" and "railroad" have the meaning given the term "railroad" in Section 202(e) of the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 (45 U.S.C. 431(e)).

[ADA Title III] Commercial Facilities.  [§36.104] Facilities –

(1)    Whose operations will affect commerce;

(2)    That are intended for nonresidential use by a private entity; and

(3)    That are not –

(i)      Facilities that are covered or expressly exempted from coverage under the Fair Housing Act of 1968, as amended (42 U.S.C. 3601 - 3631);

(ii)     Aircraft; or

(iii)    Railroad locomotives, railroad freight cars, railroad cabooses, commuter or intercity passenger rail cars (including coaches, dining cars, sleeping cars, lounge cars, and food service cars), any other railroad cars described in section 242 of the Act or covered under title II of the Act, or railroad rights-of-way. For purposes of this definition, "rail" and "railroad" have the meaning given the term "railroad" in section 202(e) of the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 (45 U.S.C. 431(e)).

COMMON USE.  Interior or exterior circulation paths, rooms, spaces or elements that are not for public use and are made available for the shared use of two or more people.

DSA icon
Advisory Definition of COMMON USE.  Employees, tenants or staff and their guests may jointly utilize common use areas where the public is not permitted general access. An example of a common use area would be a  laundry room or community room within a homeless shelter. Examples of common use areas within an office building may include a break room, employee lounge, employee exercise facility or employee locker room.◼

COMPLY WITH. [DSA-AC]  Comply with means to meet one or more provisions of this code.

CROSS SLOPE.  The slope that is perpendicular to the direction of travel.

CURB CUT.  An interruption of a curb at a pedestrian way, which separates surfaces that are substantially at the same elevation.

CURB RAMP.  A sloping pedestrian way, intended for pedestrian traffic, which provides access between a walk or sidewalk and a surface located above or below an adjacent curb face.

[2010 ADAS] Curb Ramp.  A short ramp cutting through a curb or built up to it.

DESIGNATED PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION[DSA-AC] Transportation provided by a  public entity  (other than public school transportation) by bus, rail, or other conveyance (other than transportation by aircraft or intercity or commuter rail transportation) that provides the general public with general or special service, including charter service, on a regular and continuing basis.

DESTINATION-ORIENTED ELEVATOR. [DSA-AC] Destination-oriented elevators are operated by the user selecting a destination floor at a  hall call console  located at or near an elevator landing. The destination-oriented elevator system then assigns an elevator car which transports the user to the selected destination floor.  Destination-oriented elevators do not provide floor selection within elevator cars.

DETECTABLE WARNING.  A standardized surface feature built in or applied to walking surfaces or other elements to warn of hazards on a circulation path.

DSA icon
Advisory Definition of DETECTABLE WARNING.  Curbs can be used by pedestrians with vision impairments to detect the boundary between a sidewalk and a vehicular way. Curb ramps remove the needed cues for persons with visual impairments; detectable warnings have been developed as a replacement cue and warning to indicate the presence of a vehicular way.◼

DIRECTIONAL SIGN. [DSA-AC, HCD 1 & HCD 2].  A publicly displayed notice which indicates by use of words or symbols a recommended direction or route of travel.

DISABILITY. [DSA-AC]  Disability is (1) a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual, (2) a record of such an impairment, or (3) being regarded as having such an impairment.

DSA icon
Advisory Definition of DISABILITY.  This is the definition of disability used and defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.◼

[ADA Titles II & III] Disability.  [§35.104 & §36.104] With respect to an individual, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual; a record of such an impairment; or being regarded as having such an Impairment.

(1)    The phrase physical or mental impairment means—

(i)      Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive; genitourinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine;

(ii)     Any mental or psychological disorder such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities.

(iii)    The phrase physical or mental impairment includes, but is not limited to, such contagious and noncontagious diseases and conditions as orthopedic, visual, speech and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, mental retardation, emotional illness, specific learning disabilities, HIV disease (whether symptomatic or asymptomatic), tuberculosis, drug addiction, and alcoholism;

(iv) The phrase physical or mental impairment does not include homosexuality or bisexuality.

(2)    The phrase major life activities means functions such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.

(3)    The phrase has a record of such an impairment means has a history of, or has been misclassified as having, a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

(4)    The phrase is regarded as having an impairment means—

(i)      Has a physical or mental impairment that does not substantially limit major life activities but that is treated by a _|Title II: public/ Title III: private|_ entity as constituting such a limitation;

(ii)     Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities only as a result of the attitudes of others toward such impairment; or

(iii)    Has none of the impairments defined in paragraph (1) of this definition but is treated by a _|Title II: public/ Title III: private|_ entity as having such an impairment.

(5)    The term disability does not include—

(i)      Transvestism, transsexualism, pedophilia, exhibitionism, voyeurism, gender identity disorders not resulting from physical impairments, or other sexual behavior disorders;

(ii)     Compulsive gambling, kleptomania, or pyromania; or

(iii)     Psychoactive substance use disorders resulting from current illegal use of drugs.

DORMITORY.  A space in a building where group sleeping accommodations are provided in one room, or in a series of closely associated rooms, for persons not members of the same family group, under joint occupancy and single management, as in college dormitories or fraternity houses.

ELEMENT. [DSA-AC]  An architectural or mechanical component of a building, facility, space or site.

ELEVATED PLAY COMPONENT. [DSA-AC]  A play component that is approached above or below grade and that is part of a composite play structure consisting of two or more play components attached or functionally linked to create an integrated unit providing more than one play activity.

ELEVATOR, PASSENGER. [DSA-AC]  An elevator used primarily to carry passengers.

EMPLOYEE WORK AREA.  All or any portion of a space used only by employees and only for work. Corridors, toilet rooms, kitchenettes and break rooms are not employee work areas.

ENFORCING AGENCY. [DSA-AC, HCD 1 & HCD 2]  Enforcing Agency is the designated department or agency as specified by statute or regulation.

ENTRANCE.  Any access point to a building or portion of a building or facility used for the purpose of entering. An entrance includes the approach walk, the vertical access leading to the entrance platform, the entrance platform itself, vestibule if provided, the entry door or gate, and the hardware of the entry door or gate.

EQUIVALENT FACILITATION.  The use of designs, products, or technologies as alternatives to those prescribed, resulting in substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability.

Note: In determining equivalent facilitation, consideration shall be given to means that provide for the maximum independence of persons with disabilities while presenting the least risk of harm, injury or other hazard to such persons or others.

EXISTING BUILDING OR FACILITY. [DSA-AC]  A facility in existence on any given date, without regard to whether the facility may also be considered newly constructed or altered under this code.

EXIT.  That portion of a means of egress system between the exit access and the exit discharge or public way. Exit components include exterior exit doors at the level of exit discharge, interior exit stairways, interior exit ramps, exit passageways, exterior exit stairways and exterior exit ramps and horizontal exits.

FACILITY. [DSA-AC]  All or any portion of buildings, structures, site improvements, elements, and pedestrian routes or vehicular ways located on a site.

FUNCTIONAL AREA. [DSA-AC]  A room, space or area intended or designated for a group of related activities or processes.

GANGWAY. [DSA-AC]  A variable-sloped pedestrian walkway that links a fixed structure or land with a floating structure. Gangways that connect to vessels are not addressed by this code.

GOLF CAR PASSAGE. [DSA-AC]  A continuous passage on which a motorized golf car can operate.

GRAB BAR. [DSA-AC & HCD 1-AC]  A bar for the purpose of being grasped by the hand for support.

DSA icon
Advisory Definition of GRAB BAR.  A grab bar may also provide support for a user transferring from a wheelchair onto a bench, seat or plumbing fixture. ◼

GRADE (Adjacent Ground Elevation). [DSA-AC & HCD 1-AC] The lowest point of elevation of the finished surface of the ground, paving or sidewalk within the area between the building and the property line or, when the property line is more than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the building, between the building and a line 5 feet (1524 mm) from the building. See Health and Safety Code Section 19955.3(d).

GRADE BREAK.  [DSA-AC]  The line where two surface planes with different slopes meet.

GROUND FLOOR.  The floor of a building with a building entrance on an accessible route. A building may have one or more ground floors.

GROUND LEVEL PLAY COMPONENT. [DSA-AC]  A play component that is approached and exited at the ground level.

GUARD [DSA-AC , HCD 1 & HCD 2] OR GUARDRAIL.  A building component or a system of building components located at or near the open sides of elevated walking surfaces that minimizes the possibility of a fall from the walking surface to a lower level.

HALL CALL CONSOLE. [DSA-AC] An elevator call user interface exclusive to a  destination-oriented elevator  system that requires the user to select a destination floor prior to entering the elevator car.

HANDRAIL.  A horizontal or sloping rail intended for grasping by the hand for guidance or support.

HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. [DSA-AC]  See “Professional Office of a Health Care Provider.”

HISTORIC BUILDINGS. [DSA-AC]  See “Qualified historical building or property,” C.C.R., Title 24, Part 8.

HOUSING AT A PLACE OF EDUCATION.  Housing operated by or on behalf of an elementary, secondary, undergraduate, or postgraduate school, or other place of education, including dormitories, suites, apartments, or other places of residence.

IF, IF . . . THEN. [DSA-AC]  The terms “if” and “if … then” denotes a specification that applies only when the conditions described are present.

INTERNATIONAL SYMBOL OF ACCESSIBILITY.  The symbol adopted by Rehabilitation International’s 11th World Congress for the purpose of indicating that buildings and facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities.

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Advisory Definition of INTERNATIONAL SYMBOL OF ACCESSIBILITY.  This is also known as the “ISA.” It is a graphic representation of the profile view of a wheelchair with occupant. See Chapter 11B, Figure 11B-703.7.2.1. ◼

KEY STATION. [DSA-AC]  Certain rapid and light rail stations, and commuter rail stations, as defined under criteria established by the Department of Transportation in 49 CFR 37.47 and 49 CFR 37.51, respectively.

KICK PLATE.  An abrasion-resistant plate affixed to the bottom portion of a door to prevent a trap condition and protect its surface.

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Advisory Definition of KICK PLATE.  Although kick plates are not necessarily required by the code, they are often applied to areas of doors required to have a smooth surface and be free of abrupt surface changes. This provides a person in a wheelchair the option of opening a door by pushing with their feet or allows the front foot plates of a wheelchair to glide smoothly along the lower face of the door as a wheelchair user proceeds through a door. ◼

KITCHEN OR KITCHENETTE. [DSA-AC]  A room, space or area with equipment for the preparation and cooking of food.

LAVATORY.  A fixed bowl or basin with running water and drainpipe, as in a toilet or bathing facility, for washing or bathing purposes. (As differentiated from the definition of “Sink”.)

MAIL BOXES. [DSA-AC]  Receptacles for the receipt of documents, packages or other deliverable matter. Mail boxes include, but are not limited to, post office boxes and receptacles provided by commercial mail-receiving agencies, apartment facilities or schools.

MARKED CROSSING.  A crosswalk or other identified path intended for pedestrian use in crossing a vehicular way.

MAY. [DSA-AC]  May denotes an option or alternative.

[ADA Title III] Maximum Extent Feasible. 36.402(c)] The phrase "to the maximum extent feasible," as used in this section, applies to the occasional case where the nature of an existing facility makes it virtually impossible to comply fully with applicable accessibility standards through a planned alteration. In these circumstances, the alteration shall provide the maximum physical accessibility feasible. Any altered features of the facility that can be made accessible shall be made accessible. If providing accessibility in conformance with this section to individuals with certain disabilities (e.g., those who use wheelchairs) would not be feasible, the facility shall be made accessible to persons with other types of disabilities (e.g., those who use crutches, those who have impaired vision or hearing, or those who have other impairments).

MEANS OF EGRESS.  A continuous and unobstructed path of vertical and horizontal egress travel from any occupied portion of a building or structure to a public way. A means of egress consists of three separate and distinct parts: the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge.

MEZZANINE.  [DSA-AC]  An intermediate level or levels between the floor and ceiling of any story with an aggregate floor area of not more than one-third of the area of the room or space in which the level or levels are located. Mezzanines have sufficient elevation that space for human occupancy can be provided on the floor below.

MULTI-BEDROOM HOUSING UNIT. [DSA-AC]  A housing unit, intended for use by students at a place of education, with a kitchen and/or toilet and bathing rooms within the unit, such as an apartment, or dormitory. Multi-bedroom housing units are separate from one another and from common use spaces within a building.

NFPA.  [DSA-AC]  The National Fire Protection Association.

NOSING.  The leading edge of treads of stairs and of landings at the top of stairway flights.

OCCUPANT LOAD.  The number of persons for which the means of egress of a building or portion thereof is designed.

OCCUPIABLE SPACE.  A room or enclosed space designed for human occupancy in which individuals congregate for amusement, educational or similar purposes or in which occupants are engaged at labor, and which is equipped with means of egress and light and ventilation facilities meeting the requirements of this code.

OPEN RISER.  The space between two adjacent stair treads not closed by a riser.

OPERABLE PART.  A component of an element used to insert or withdraw objects, or to activate, deactivate, or adjust the element.

PASSENGER ELEVATOR. [DSA-AC]  See “Elevator, passenger”.

PATH OF TRAVEL. [DSA-AC]  An identifiable accessible route within an existing site, building or facility by means of which a particular area may be approached, entered and exited, and which connects a particular area with an exterior approach (including sidewalks, streets, and parking areas), an entrance to the facility, and other parts of the facility. When alterations, structural repairs or additions are made to existing buildings or facilities, the term “path of travel” also includes the toilet and bathing facilities, telephones, drinking fountains and signs serving the area of work.

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Advisory Definition of PATH OF TRAVEL.  The term PATH OF TRAVEL applies only to alterations, structural repairs or additions to existing buildings or facilities. Path of travel elements may be subject to upgrade as part of the alteration to an existing building if they do not conform to current accessibility requirements. ◼

[ADA Titles II & III] Path of Travel.  35.151(b)(4)(ii) & §36.403(e)]

(1)    A "path of travel" includes a continuous, unobstructed way of pedestrian passage by means of which the altered area may be approached, entered, and exited, and which connects the altered area with an exterior approach (including sidewalks, streets, and parking areas), an entrance to the facility, and other parts of the facility.

(2)      An accessible path of travel may consist of walks and sidewalks, curb ramps and other interior or exterior pedestrian ramps; clear floor paths through lobbies, corridors, rooms, and other improved areas; parking access aisles; elevators and lifts; or a combination of these elements.

(3)    For the purposes of this part, the term "path of travel" also includes the restrooms, telephones, and drinking fountains serving the altered area.

PEDESTRIAN.  An individual who moves in walking areas with or without the use of walking assistive devices such as crutches, leg braces, wheelchairs, white cane, service animal, etc.

PEDESTRIAN WAY.  A route by which a pedestrian may pass.

PERMANENT. [DSA-AC]  Facilities which, are intended to be used for periods longer than those designated in this code under the definition of “Temporary.”

[A] PERMIT. An official document or certificate issued by the authority having jurisdiction which authorizes performance of a specified activity.

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Advisory Definition of PERMIT.  In State-funded construction, a letter following plan review which approves the plans and allows the release of funds is equivalent to a "permit.” ◼

PICTOGRAM. [DSA-AC]  A pictorial symbol that represents activities, facilities, or concepts.

PLACE OF PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION.  A facility operated by a private entity whose operations affect commerce and fall within at least one of the following categories:

(1)    Place of lodging, except for an establishment located within a facility that contains not more than five rooms for rent or hire and that actually is occupied by the proprietor of the establishment as the residence of the proprietor. For purposes of this code, a facility is a "place of lodging" if it is

(i)     An inn, hotel, or motel; or

(ii)    A facility that

(A)   Provides guest rooms for sleeping for stays that primarily are short-term in nature (generally 30 days or less) where the occupant does not have the right to return to a specific room or unit after the conclusion of his or her stay; and

(B)   Provides guest rooms under conditions and with amenities similar to a hotel, motel, or inn, including the following:

(1)    On- or off-site management and reservations service;

(2)    Rooms available on a walk-up or call-in basis;

(3)    Availability of housekeeping or linen service; and

(4)    Acceptance of reservations for a guest room type without guaranteeing a particular unit or room until check-in, and without a prior lease or security deposit.

(2)    A restaurant, bar, or other establishment serving food or drink;

(3)    A motion picture house, theater, concert hall, stadium, or other place of exhibition or entertainment;

(4)    An auditorium, convention center, lecture hall, or other place of public gathering;

(5)    A bakery, grocery store, clothing store, hardware store, shopping center, or other sales or rental establishment;

(6)    A laundromat, dry-cleaner, bank, barber shop, beauty shop, travel service, shoe repair service, funeral parlor, gas station, office of an accountant or lawyer, pharmacy, insurance office, professional office of a health care provider, hospital, or other service establishment;

(7)    A terminal, depot, or other station used for specified public transportation;

(8)    A museum, library, gallery, or other place of public display or collection;

(9)    A park, zoo, amusement park, or other place of recreation;

(10) A nursery, elementary, secondary, undergraduate, or postgraduate private school, or other place of education;

(11)  A day care center, senior citizen center, homeless shelter, food bank, adoption agency, or other social service center establishment;

(12)  A gymnasium, health spa, bowling alley, golf course, or other place of exercise or recreation;

(13)  A religious facility;

(14)  An office building; and

(15)  A public curb or sidewalk.

PLATFORM.  A raised area within a building used for worship, the presentation of music, plays or other entertainment; the head table for special guests; the raised area for lecturers and speakers; boxing and wrestling rings; theater-in-the-round stages; and similar purposes wherein there are no overhead hanging curtains, drops, scenery or stage effects other than lighting and sound. A temporary platform is one installed for not more than 30 days.

PLATFORM (WHEELCHAIR) LIFT.  A hoisting and lowering mechanism equipped with a car or platform or support that serves two landings of a building or structure and is designed to carry a passenger or passengers and (or) luggage or other material a vertical distance as may be allowed

PLAY AREA. [DSA-AC]  A portion of a site containing play components designed and constructed for children.

PLAY COMPONENT. [DSA-AC]  An element intended to generate specific opportunities for play, socialization, or learning. Play components are manufactured or natural; and are stand-alone or part of a composite play structure.

POINT-OF-SALE DEVICE.  [DSA-AC]  A device used for the purchase of a good or service where a personal identification number (PIN), zip code or signature is required.

POWDER ROOM.  A room containing a water closet (toilet) and a lavatory, and which is not defined as a bathroom.

POWER-ASSISTED DOOR. [DSA-AC]  A door used for human passage with a mechanism that helps to open the door, or relieves the opening resistance of a door, upon the activation of a switch or a continued force applied to the door itself.

[ADA Titles II & III] Primary Function.  35.151(b)(4)(i) & §36.403(b)]

A major activity for which the facility is intended. Areas that contain a primary function include, but are not limited to, _|ADA Title III: the customer services lobby of a bank, |_ the dining area of a cafeteria, the meeting rooms in a conference center, as well as offices and other work areas in which the activities of the _|ADA Title II: public entity/ ADA Title III: public accommodation or other private entity|_ using the facility are carried out. Mechanical rooms, boiler rooms, supply storage rooms, employee lounges or locker rooms, janitorial closets, entrances, corridors, _|ADA Title III: and restrooms|_ are not areas containing a primary function. _|ADA Title II: Restrooms are not areas containing a primary function unless the provision of restrooms is a primary purpose of the area, e.g., in highway rest stops. |_

PRIVATE BUILDING OR FACILITY. [DSA-AC]  A place of public accommodation or a commercial building or facility subject to Chapter 1, Section 1.9.1.2.

[2010 ADAS] Private Building or Facility.  A place of public accommodation or a commercial building or facility subject to title III of the ADA and 28 CFR part 36 or a transportation building or facility subject to title III of the ADA and 49 CFR 37.45.

[ADA Title IIIPrivate Entity.  [§36.104] A person or entity other than a public entity.

PROFESSIONAL OFFICE OF A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. [DSA-AC]  See Chapter 11B. A location where a person or entity, regulated by the State to provide professional services related to the physical or mental health of an individual, makes such services available to the public. The facility housing the professional office of a health care provider only includes floor levels housing at least one health care provider, or any floor level designed or intended for use by at least one health care provider.

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Advisory Definition of PROFESSIONAL OFFICE OF A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.  The term PROFESSIONAL OFFICE OF A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER applies to the offices of doctors, psychologists, dentists, radiologists, and others certified or licensed by the State to provide physical or mental health care. ◼

PUBLIC BUILDING OR FACILITY. [DSA-AC]  A building or facility or portion of a building or facility designed, constructed, or altered by, on behalf of, or for the use of a public entity subject to Chapter 1, Section 1.9.1.1.

[2010 ADAS] Public Building or Facility.  A building or facility or portion of a building or facility designed, constructed, or altered by, on behalf of, or for the use of a public entity subject to title II of the ADA and 28 CFR part 35 or to title II of the ADA and 49 CFR 37.41 or 37.43.

PUBLIC ENTITY.  Any State or local government; any department, agency, special-purpose district, or other instrumentality of a State or local government.

[ADA Title III] Public Entity.  36.104]

(1)    Any State or local government;

(2)    Any department, agency, special purpose district, or other instrumentality of a State or States or local government; and

(3)    The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, and any commuter authority (as defined in section 103(8) of the Rail Passenger Service Act). (45 U.S.C. 541)

PUBLIC ENTRANCE.  An entrance that is not a service entrance or a restricted entrance.

PUBLIC HOUSING. [DSA-AC] Housing facilities owned, operated or constructed by, for or on behalf of a public entity including but not limited to the following:

  1. Publically owned and/or operated one- or two- family dwelling units or congregate residences;
  2. Publically owned and/or operated buildings or complexes with three or more residential dwellings units;
  3. Reserved.
  4. Publically owned and/or operated homeless shelters, group homes and similar social service establishments;
  5. Publically owned and/or operated transient lodging, such as hotels, motels, hostels and other facilities providing accommodations of a short term nature of not more than 30 days duration;
  6. Housing at a place of education owned or operated by a public entity, such as housing on or serving a public school, public college or public university campus;
  7. Privately owned housing made available for public use as housing.

PUBLIC USE. [DSA-AC]  Interior or exterior rooms, spaces, or elements that are made available to the public. Public use may be provided at a building or facility that is privately or publicly owned. Private interior or exterior rooms, spaces, or elements associated with a residential dwelling unit provided by a public housing program or in a public housing facility are not public use areas and shall not be required to be made available to the public. In the context of public housing, public use is the provision of housing programs by, for or on behalf of a public entity.

PUBLIC-USE AREAS.  Interior or exterior rooms or spaces of a building that are made available to the general public and does not include common use areas. Public use areas may be provided at a building that is privately or publicly owned.

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Advisory Definition of PUBLIC-USE AREAS.  Examples of public use areas may include a hotel lobby, movie theater, concert hall, public restroom, sales floor of a retail store, or dining room within a restaurant. ◼

[A] PUBLIC WAY.  A street, alley or other parcel of land open to the outside air leading to a street, that has been deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated to the public for public use and which has a clear width and height of not less than 10 feet (3048 mm).

QUALIFIED HISTORIC BUILDING OR FACILITY. [DSA-AC]  A building or facility that is listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, or designated as historic under an appropriate State or local law. See C.C.R. Title 24, Part 8.

RAMP. A walking surface that has a running slope steeper than one unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-percent slope).

[ADA Title IIIReadily achievable. [§36.104] Easily accomplishable and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense. In determining whether an action is readily achievable factors to be considered include --

(1)    The nature and cost of the action needed under this part;

(2)    The overall financial resources of the site or sites involved in the action; the number of persons employed at the site; the effect on expenses and resources; legitimate safety requirements that are necessary for safe operation, including crime prevention measures; or the impact otherwise of the action upon the operation of the site;

(3)    The geographic separateness, and the administrative or fiscal relationship of the site or sites in question to any parent corporation or entity;

(4)    If applicable, the overall financial resources of any parent corporation or entity; the overall size of the parent corporation or entity with respect to the number of its employees; the number, type, and location of its facilities; and

(5)    If applicable, the type of operation or operations of any parent corporation or entity, including the composition, structure, and functions of the workforce of the parent corporation or entity.

REASONABLE PORTION. [DSA-AC]  That segment of a building, facility, area, space or condition, which would normally be necessary if the activity therein is to be accessible by persons with disabilities.

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Advisory Definition of REASONABLE PORTION.  The term is intended to mean that the building or facility provides equitable opportunities, advantages, and ease of use for people with disabilities as is otherwise being made available to the general public. It is not intended to mean reasonable from a cost point of view. ◼

RECOMMEND. [DSA-AC, HCD 1 & HCD 2]  Does not require mandatory acceptance, but identifies a suggested action that shall be considered for the purpose of providing a greater degree of accessibility to persons with disabilities.

REMODELING. [DSA-AC]  See “Alteration.”

[A] REPAIR.  The reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building for the purpose of its maintenance.

RESIDENTIAL DWELLING UNIT. [DSA-AC]  A unit intended to be used as a residence that is primarily long-term in nature. Residential dwelling units do not include transient lodging, inpatient medical care, licensed long-term care, and detention or correctional facilities.

RESTRICTED ENTRANCE.  An entrance that is made available for common use on a controlled basis but not public use, and that is not a service entrance.

RISER. The upright part between two adjacent stairs treads.

RUNNING SLOPE. The slope that is parallel to the direction of travel. (As differentiated from the definition of “Cross Slope”.)

SELF-SERVICE STORAGE. [DSA-AC]  Building or facility designed and used for the purpose of renting or leasing individual storage spaces to customers for the purpose of storing and removing personal property on a self-service basis.

SERVICE ENTRANCE.  An entrance intended primarily for delivery of goods or services.

SHALL. [DSA-AC]  Denotes a mandatory specification or requirement.

SHOPPING CENTER (OR SHOPPING MALL). [DSA-AC]  One or more sales or rental establishments or stores. A shopping center may include a series of buildings on a common site, connected by a common pedestrian access route on, above or below the ground floor, that is either under common ownership or common control or developed either as one project or as a series of related projects. For the purposes of this section, “shopping center” or “shopping mall” includes a covered mall building.

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Advisory Definition of SHOPPING CENTER (or SHOPPING MALL).  The California definition for SHOPPING CENTER is quite different from the federal definition.  Federal ADA Regulations defines a shopping center or shopping mall as a building housing five or more sales or rental establishments.  However, California accessibility provisions define a shopping center as only one or more sales or rental establishments or stores. ◼

[ADA Title III] Shopping center or shopping mall.  [§36.401(d)(1)(ii)]

(A)   A building housing five or more sales or rental establishments; or

(B)   A series of buildings on a common site, either under common ownership or common control or developed either as one project or as a series of related projects, housing five or more sales or rental establishments. For purposes of this section, places of public accommodation of the types listed in paragraph (5) of the definition of "place of public accommodation'' in section § 36.104 are considered sales or rental establishments. The facility housing a "shopping center or shopping mall'' only includes floor levels housing at least one sales or rental establishment, or any floor level designed or intended for use by at least one sales or rental establishment.

SHOULD. [DSA-AC]  Denotes an advisory specification or recommendation.

SIDEWALK. [DSA-AC]  A surfaced pedestrian way contiguous to a street used by the public. (As differentiated from the definition of “Walk”.)

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Advisory Definition of SIDEWALK.  There is an important distinction between SIDEWALK and WALK and they are treated differently under the CBC.  As noted in this definition, a sidewalk is contiguous to a street while a walk is not. ◼

SIGNAGE. [DSA-AC]  Displayed verbal, symbolic, tactile, and/or pictorial information.

SINK.  A fixed bowl or basin with running water and drainpipe, as in a kitchen or laundry, for washing dishes, clothing, etc. (As differentiated from the definition of “Lavatory”.)

SITE.  A parcel of land bounded by a lot line or a designated portion of a public right-of-way.

SLEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS.  Rooms intended and designed for sleeping.

SOFT CONTAINED PLAY STRUCTURE. [DSA-AC]  A play structure made up of one or more play components where the user enters a fully enclosed play environment that utilizes pliable materials, such as plastic, netting, or fabric.

SPACE. A definable area, such as a room, toilet room, hall, assembly area, entrance, storage room, alcove, courtyard, or lobby.

SPECIFIED PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. [DSA-AC]  Transportation by bus, rail or any other conveyance (other than by aircraft) provided by a private entity to the general public with general or special service (including charter service) on a regular and continuing basis.

STAGE.  A space within a building utilized for entertainment or presentations, which includes overhead hanging curtains, drops, scenery or stage effects other than lighting and sound.

STAIR. A change in elevation, consisting of one or more risers.

STAIRWAY.  One or more flights of stairs, either exterior or interior, with the necessary landings and platforms connecting them, to form a continuous and uninterrupted passage from one level to another.

[ADA Titles II & III] State.  35.104 & §36.104] Each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

STORY. That portion of a building or facility designed for human occupancy included between the upper surface of a floor and upper surface of the floor or roof next above. A story containing one or more mezzanines has more than one floor level. If the finished floor level directly above a basement or unused under-floor space is more than six feet (1829 mm) above grade for more than 50 percent of the total perimeter or is more than 12 feet (3658 mm) above grade at any point, the basement or unused under-floor space shall be considered as a story.

[2010 ADAS] Story.  That portion of a building or facility designed for human occupancy included between the upper surface of a floor and upper surface of the floor or roof next above. A story containing one or more mezzanines has more than one floor level.

STRUCTURAL FRAME. [DSA-AC]  The columns and the girders, beams, and trusses having direct connections to the columns and all other members that are essential to the stability of the building or facility as a whole.

[A] STRUCTURE.  That which is built or constructed.

TACTILE.  An object that can be perceived using the sense of touch.

TACTILE SIGN.  A sign containing raised characters and/or symbols and accompanying Braille.

TECHNICALLY INFEASIBLE.  An alteration of a building or a facility that has little likelihood of being accomplished because the existing structural conditions require the removal or alteration of a load-bearing member that is an essential part of the structural frame, or because other existing physical or site constraints prohibit modification or addition of elements, spaces, or features which are in full and strict compliance with the minimum requirements for new construction and which are necessary to provide accessibility.

TEEING GROUND. [DSA-AC]  In golf, the starting place for the hole to be played.

TEMPORARY. [DSA-AC]  Buildings and facilities intended for use at one location for not more than one year and seats intended for use at one location for not more than 90 days.

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Advisory Definition of TEMPORARY.  Temporary buildings and facilities must be accessible to the same degree as permanent facilities per CA Gov. Code §4451(e). ◼

TEXT TELEPHONE.  Machinery or equipment that employs interactive text-based communications through the transmission of coded signals across the standard telephone network. Text telephones can include, for example, devices known as TTYs (teletypewriters) or computers.

TRANSFER DEVICE. [DSA-AC]  Equipment designed to facilitate the transfer of a person from a wheelchair or other mobility aid to and from an amusement ride seat.

TRANSIENT LODGING.  A building or facility containing one or more guest room(s) for sleeping that provides accommodations that are primarily short-term in nature (generally 30 days or less). Transient lodging does not include residential dwelling units intended to be used as a residence, inpatient medical care facilities, licensed long-term care facilities, detention or correctional facilities, or private buildings or facilities that contain no more than five rooms for rent or hire and that are actually occupied by the proprietor as the residence of such proprietor.

[DSA-AC]  See also the definition of Place of Public Accommodation.

TRANSIT BOARDING PLATFORM. [DSA-AC]  A horizontal, generally level surface, whether raised above, recessed below or level with a transit rail, from which persons embark/disembark a fixed rail vehicle.

TRANSITION PLATE. [DSA-AC]  A sloping pedestrian walking surface located at the end(s) of a gangway.

TREAD. The horizontal part of a step.

TTY.  An abbreviation for teletypewriter. Machinery that employs interactive text-based communication through the transmission of coded signals across the telephone network. TTYs may include, for example, devices known as TDDs (telecommunication display devices or telecommunication devices for deaf persons) or computers with special modems. TTYs are also called text telephones.

UNREASONABLE HARDSHIP.  When the enforcing agency finds that compliance with the building standard would make the specific work of the project affected by the building standard infeasible, based on an overall evaluation of the following factors:

  1. The cost of providing access.

  2. The cost of all construction contemplated.

  3. The impact of proposed improvements on financial feasibility of the project.

  4. The nature of the accessibility which would be gained or lost.

  5. The nature of the use of the facility under construction and its availability to persons with disabilities.

    The details of any finding of unreasonable hardship shall be recorded and entered in the files of the enforcing agency.

USE ZONE. [DSA-AC]  The ground level area beneath and immediately adjacent to a play structure or play equipment that is designated by ASTM F 1487 for unrestricted circulation around the play equipment and where it is predicted that a user would land when falling from or exiting the play equipment.

VALUATION THRESHOLD. [DSA-AC]  An annually adjusted, dollar-amount figure used in part to determine the extent of required path of travel upgrades. The baseline valuation threshold of $50,000 is based on the January 1981, “ENR US20 Cities” Average Construction Cost Index (CCI) of 3372.02 as published in Engineering News Record, McGraw Hill Publishing Company. The current valuation threshold is determined by multiplying the baseline valuation threshold by a ratio of the current year’s January CCI to the baseline January 1981 CCI.

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Advisory Definition of VALUATION THRESHOLD.  The valuation threshold is adjusted each year in January using the Engineering News Record 20 Cities Construction Cost Index.  Valuation thresholds for the current year and recent years dating back to 2000 are available on the Division of the State Architect web site at: http://www.dgs.ca.gov/dsa/Programs/progAccess/threshold.aspx. ◼

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2016 Valuation Threshold for Alterations, Structural Repairs or Additions to Existing Buildings

In accordance with the 2013 California Building Code Chapter 2 definition of valuation threshold, the 2016 valuation threshold is $150,244.00 and will be updated again in January 2017.

The annual valuation threshold is based on the January 1981 threshold of $50,000.00 as adjusted using the ENR 20 Cities Construction Cost Index, and as published by Engineering News-Record, McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, for January of each year.

Valuation threshold for recent years:

Year ENR Construction
Cost Index (Jan.):
Valuation
Threshold
     
2016 10132.55 $ 150,244.00
2015 9971.96 $ 147,863.00
2014 9664.45 $ 143,303.00
2013 9437.27 $ 139,934.00
2012 9175.94 $ 136,060.00
2011 8938.30 $ 132,536.28
2010 8660.08 $ 128,410.86
2009 8549.06 $ 126,764.66
2008 8090.06 $ 119,958.65
2007 7879.58 $ 116,837.68
2006 7660.29 $ 113,586.07
2005 7297.24 $ 108,202.79
2004 6824.90 $ 101,198.98
2003 6580.54 $ 97,575.63
2002 6461.81 $ 95,815.11
2001 6280.85 $ 93,131.86
2000 6130.36 $ 90,900.40

For more information: http://www.dgs.ca.gov/dsa/Programs/progAccess/threshold.aspx

ETA Editor's Note

Calculating the Valuation Threshold

• McGraw-Hill US20 Cities construction cost index for January of the current year

• Divided by 3372.02 (US20 Cities index for January of 1981) = X

• X times $50,000 = CA valuation threshold

ENR 1982-2015 - CA Valuation Threshold

 

JAN US20

CBC Threshold

1977

2494

n/a

1978

2672

n/a

1979

2872

n/a

1980

3132

n/a

1981

3372

$50,000.00

1982

3704

$54,923.00

1983

3960

$58,719.--

1984

4109

$60,928.--

1985

4145

$61,462.--

1986

4218

$62,544.--

1987

4354

$64,561.--

1988

4470

$66,281.--

1989

4580

$67,912.--

1990

4680

$69,395.--

1991

4777

$70,833.--

1992

4888

$72,479.--

1993

5071

$75,193.--

1994

5336

$79,122.--

1995

5443

$80,709.--

1996

5523

$81,895.--

1997

5765

$85,483.--

1998

5852

$86,773.--

1999

6000

$88,968.--

2000

6130

$90,900.40

2001

6281

$93,131.86

2002

6462

$95,815.11

2003

6580

$97,575.63

2004

6824

$101,198.98

2005

7297

$108,202.79

2006

7660

$113,586.07

2007

7879.58

$116,837.68

2008

8090.06

$119.958.66

2009

8549.06

$126,764.67

2010

8660.08

$128,410.90

2011

8938.30

$132,536.28

2012

9175.94

$136,059.99

2013

9437.27

$139,934.96

2014

9664.45

$143,303.00

2015

9971.96

$147,863.00

                                                                                          

Calculated and provided by

Jonathan Adler

Access Compliance Services

www.accesscomplianceservices.net

 

VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGNS (VMS). [DSA-AC] Electronic signs that have a message with the capacity to change by means of scrolling, streaming, or paging across a background.

VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGN (VMS) CHARACTERS[DSA-AC] Characters of an electronic sign are composed of pixels in an array. High resolution VMS characters have vertical pixel counts of 16 rows or greater. Low resolution VMS characters have vertical pixel counts of 7 to 15 rows.

VEHICULAR WAY.  A route provided for vehicular traffic, such as in a street, driveway, or parking facility.

WALK. [DSA-AC]  An exterior prepared surface for pedestrian use, including pedestrian areas such as plazas and courts. (As differentiated from the definition of “Sidewalk”.)

DSA icon
Advisory Definition of WALK.  There is an important distinction between SIDEWALK and WALK and they are treated differently under the CBC.  A sidewalk is contiguous to a street while a walk is not. ◼

WET BAR. [DSA-AC]  An area or space with a counter equipped with a sink and running water but without cooking facilities.

WHEELCHAIR.  A chair mounted on wheels to be propelled by its occupant manually or with the aid of electric power, of a size and configuration conforming to the recognized standard models of the trade.]

[ADA Titles II & III] Wheelchair.  [§35.104 & §36.104] A manually-operated or power-driven device designed primarily for use by an individual with a mobility disability for the main purpose of indoor or of both indoor and outdoor locomotion. This definition does not apply to Federal wilderness areas; wheelchairs in such areas are defined in section 508(c)(2) of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. 12207(c)(2).

WHEELCHAIR SPACE.  A space for a single wheelchair and its occupant.

ETA Editor's Note

In conjunction with the added Exception at Section 11B-504.2, DSA-AC has adopted the following definition for Winder in Chapter 2, effective July 1, 2015:

WINDERA tread with nonparallel edges.

[F] WORKSTATION. [DSA-AC]  An area defined by equipment and/or work surfaces intended for use by employees only, and generally for one or a small number of employees at a time. Examples include ticket booths; the employee side of grocery store check stands; the bartender area behind a bar; the employee side of snack bars, sales counters and public counters; guardhouses; toll booths; kiosk vending stands; lifeguard stations; maintenance equipment closets; counter and equipment areas in restaurant kitchens; file rooms; storage areas; etc.

WORK AREA EQUIPMENT. [DSA-AC]  Any machine, instrument, engine, motor, pump, conveyor, or other apparatus used to perform work. As used in this document, this term shall apply only to equipment that is permanently installed or built-in in employee work areas. Work area equipment does not include passenger elevators and other accessible means of vertical transportation.

 CHAPTER 3 USE AND OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION

ETA Editor's Note

California Building Code Chapter 3 - Use and Occupancy Classification, not adopted by Division of the State Architect - Access Compliance (DSA-AC), omitted.  To see Chapter 3, consult California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 - 2013 California Building Code (2013 CBC), available for purchase from International Code Council (http://www.iccsafe.org).

CHAPTER 4 SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON USE AND OCCUPANCY

ETA Editor's Note

Sections from California Building Code Chapter 4 not adopted by Division of the State Architect - Access Compliance (DSA-AC) omitted.  To see the entire Chapter, consult California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 - 2013 California Building Code (2013 CBC), available for purchase from International Code Council (http://www.iccsafe.org/).

SECTION 406 MOTOR-VEHICLE-RELATED OCCUPANCIES

406.4 Public parking garages.  …

406.4.1 Clear height.  The clear height of each floor level in vehicle and pedestrian traffic areas shall be not less than 7 feet (2134 mm).

DSA icon
Advisory 406.4.1 Clear height.  While the minimum height is required to be 7'-0" by this section, greater vertical clearance is required at van-accessible parking spaces, standard accessible parking spaces, the vehicular routes to these spaces, and passenger drop-off and loading zones.  Refer to Chapters 11A and 11B for requirements in these areas. ◼

SECTION 412 AIRCRAFT-RELATED OCCUPANCIES

412.3 Airport traffic control towers.  …

412.3.5 Accessibility. [DSA-AC]  In air traffic control towers, an accessible route shall not be required to serve the cab and the equipment areas on the floor immediately below the cab.

SECTION 419 LIVE/WORK UNITS

419.7 Accessibility.  Accessibility shall be designed in accordance with Chapter 11A and/or 11B, when applicable for the function served.

CHAPTERS 5 THROUGH 8 

ETA Editor's Note

California Building Code Chapters 5 through 8, not adopted by Division of the State Architect - Access Compliance (DSA-AC), omitted.  To see Chapters 5 through 8, consult California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 - 2013 California Building Code (2013 CBC), available for purchase from International Code Council (http://www.iccsafe.org/).

CHAPTER 9 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

ETA Editor's Note

Sections from California Building Code Chapter 9 not adopted by Division of the State Architect - Access Compliance (DSA-AC) omitted.  To see the entire Chapter, consult California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 - 2013 California Building Code (2013 CBC), available for purchase from International Code Council (http://www.iccsafe.org/).

SECTION 907 FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION SYSTEMS

ETA Editor's Note

Sections from California Building Code Chapter 9 not adopted by Division of the State Architect - Access Compliance (DSA-AC) omitted.  To see the entire Chapter, consult California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 - 2013 California Building Code (2013 CBC), available for purchase from International Code Council (http://www.iccsafe.org/

[F] 907.4 Initiating devices.  ...

[F] 907.4.2 Manual fire alarm boxes.  ...

[F] 907.4.2.2 Height.  The height of the manual fire alarm boxes shall be a minimum of 42 inches (1067 mm) and a maximum of 48 inches (1219 mm) measured vertically, from the floor level to the activating handle or lever of the box. Manual fire alarm boxes shall also comply with Section 11B-309.4.

Exception: [DSA-AC]  In existing buildings there is no requirement to retroactively relocate existing manual fire alarm boxes to a minimum of 42 inches (1067 mm) and a maximum of 48 inches (1219 mm) from the floor level to the highest point of the activated handle or lever of the box. Manual fire alarm boxes shall also comply with 11B-309.4.

DSA icon
Advisory 907.4.2.2 Height.  CBC Section 11B-309.4 requires controls and operating mechanisms to be operable with one hand without tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist (must be operable by persons with limited manual dexterity). The maximum effort to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 pounds-force. ◼

[F] 907.5 Occupant notification systems.  ...

[F] 907.5.2 Alarm notification appliances.  ...

[F] 907.5.2.3 Visible alarms. Visible alarm notification appliances shall be provided in accordance with Sections 907.5.2.3.1 through 907.5.2.3.5.

Exceptions:

1.     In other than Group I-2 and I-2.1, visible alarm notification appliances are not required in alterations, except where an existing fire alarm system is upgraded or replaced, or a new fire alarm system is installed.

2.     Visible alarm notification appliances shall not be required in enclosed exit stairways, exterior exit stairs and exterior exit ramps.

3.     Visible alarm notification appliances shall not be required in elevator cars.

[F] 907.5.2.3.1 Public and common use areas. Visible alarm notification appliances shall be provided in public use areas and common use areas, including but not limited to:

  1. Sanitary facilities including restrooms, bathrooms and shower rooms

  2. Music practice rooms

  3. Band rooms

  4. Multipurpose rooms

  5. Occupational shops

  6. Occupied rooms where ambient noise impairs hearing of the fire alarm

  7. Meeting rooms

  8. Occupied rooms where ambient noise impairs hearing of the fire alarm

  9. Lobbies

  10. Meeting rooms

  11. Classrooms

DSA icon
Advisory 907.5.2.3.1 Public and common use areas.  This list is not exhaustive. In new construction, all public- and common-use areas shall have visible alarms if audible alarms are provided. ◼

[F] 907.5.2.3.2 Employee work areas.  Where employee work areas have audible alarm coverage, the notification appliance circuits serving the employee work areas shall be initially designed with a minimum of 20-percent spare capacity to account for the potential of adding visible notification appliances in the future to accommodate hearing impaired employee(s).

[F] 907.5.2.3.3 Groups R-1 and R-2.1.  Group R-1 and R-2.1 dwelling units or sleeping units in accordance with Table 907.5.2.3.3 shall be provided with a visible alarm notification appliance, activated by both the in-room smoke alarm and the building fire alarm system.

[F] TABLE 907.5.2.3.3 VISIBLE ALARMS

NUMBER OF SLEEP UNITS

SLEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS WITH VISIBLE ALARMS

6 to 25

2

26 to 50

4

51 to 75

7

76 to 100

9

101 to 150

12

151 to 200

14

201 to 300

17

301 to 400

20

401 to 500

22

501 to 1,000

5% of total

1,001 and over

50 plus 3 for each 100 over 1,000

[SFM] Also see Chapter 11B, Section  11B-224.4 and Table 11B-224.4.

[F] 907.5.2.3.4 Group R-2.  In Group R-2 occupancies required by Section 907 to have a fire alarm system, all dwelling units and sleeping units shall be provided with the capability to support visible alarm notification appliances in accordance with NFPA 72.  Such capability shall be permitted to include the potential for future interconnection of the building fire alarm system with the unit smoke alarms, replacement of audible appliances with combination audible/visible appliances, or future extension of the existing wiring from the unit smoke alarm locations to required locations for visible appliances.

907.5.2.3.5 Groups R-2.1, R-3.1 and R-4.  Protective social care facilities which house persons who are hearing impaired, shall be provided with notification appliances for the hearing impaired installed in accordance with NFPA 72 and which shall activated upon initiation of the fire alarm system or the smoke alarms.

ETA Editor's Note

Remainder of California Building Code Chapter 9, not adopted by Division of the State Architect - Access Compliance (DSA-AC), omitted.  To see the entire Chapter, consult California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 - 2013 California Building Code (2013 CBC), available for purchase from International Code Council (http://www.iccsafe.org/).

CHAPTER 10 MEANS OF EGRESS

ETA Editor's Note

Sections from California Building Code Chapter 10 not adopted by Division of the State Architect - Access Compliance (DSA-AC) omitted.  To see the entire Chapter, consult California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 - 2013 California Building Code (2013 CBC), available for purchase from International Code Council (http://www.iccsafe.org/).

SECTION 1002  DEFINITIONS

1002.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:

ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS.

AREA OF REFUGE.

EXIT.

GUARD ([DSA-AC, HCD 1 & HCD 2] or GUARDRAIL).

HANDRAIL.

MEANS OF EGRESS

PUBLIC WAY.

STAIR.

STAIRWAY.

WINDER

SECTION 1003  GENERAL MEANS OF EGRESS

1003.1 Applicability. The general requirements specified in Sections 1003 through 1013 shall apply to all three elements of the means of egress system, in addition to those specific requirements for the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge detailed elsewhere in this chapter.

(DSA-AC & HCD 1-AC)  In addition to the requirement of this chapter, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, buildings or facilities where accessibility is required for applications listed in Section 1.8.2.1.2 regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development, or Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance, shall also comply with Chapter 11A or Chapter 11B, as applicable.

SECTION 1007 ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS

1007.1 Accessible means of egress required. Accessible means of egress shall comply with this section. Accessible spaces shall be provided with not less than one accessible means of egress. Where more than one means of egress are required by Section 1015.1 or 1021.1 from any accessible space, each accessible portion of the space shall be served by accessible means of egress in at least the same number as required by Section 1015.1 or 1021.1. In addition to the requirements of this chapter, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, buildings for persons with disabilities, shall also comply with the requirements of Chapter 11A or 11B as applicable.

Exceptions:

1.     Accessible means of egress are not required in alterations to existing buildings.

2.     One accessible means of egress is required from an accessible mezzanine level in accordance with Section 1007.3, 1007.4 or 1007.5, and Chapter 11A or 11B, as applicable.

3.     In assembly areas with sloped or stepped aisles, one accessible means of egress is permitted where the common path of travel is accessible and meets the requirements in Section 1028.8, and Chapter 11A or 11B, as applicable.

1007.2 Continuity and components. Each required accessible means of egress shall be continuous to a public way and shall consist of one or more of the following components:

1. Accessible routes complying with Chapter 11A, Section 1110A.1 and 1120A, or Chapter 11B,  Sections 11B-206 and 11B-402, as applicable.

2. Interior exit stairways complying with Sections 1007.3 and 1022, and Chapter 11A, Section 1123A, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-210 and 11B-504, as applicable.

3. Interior exit access stairways complying with Sections 1007.3 and 1009.3, Chapter 11A, Section 1123A, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-210 and 11B-504, as applicable.

4. Exterior exit stairways complying with Sections 1007.3 and 1026 and serving levels other than the level of exit discharge, and Chapter 11A, Section 1115A, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-210 and 11B-504, as applicable.

5. Elevators complying with Section 1007.4, and Chapter 11A, Section 1124A, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-206.6 and 11B-407, as applicable.

6. Platform lifts complying with Section 1007.5 and Chapter 11A, Section 1124A, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-206.7, 11B-207.2 and 11B-410 as applicable.

7. Horizontal exits complying with Section 1025.

8. Ramps complying with Section 1010, and Chapter 11A, Sections 1114A and 1122A, or Chapter 11B, 11B-405, as applicable.

9. Areas of refuge complying with Section 1007.6.

10. Exterior area for assisted rescue complying with Section 1007.7.

1007.2.1 Elevators required. In buildings where a required accessible floor is four or more stories above or below a level of exit discharge, at least one required accessible means of egress shall be an elevator complying with Section 1007.4.

Exceptions:

1.     In buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the elevator shall not be required on floors provided with a horizontal exit and located at or above the levels of exit discharge.

2.     In buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the elevator shall not be required on floors provided with a ramp conforming to the provisions or Section 1010.

1007.3 Stairways. In order to be considered part of an accessible means of egress, a stairway between stories shall have a clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) minimum between handrails and shall either incorporate an area of refuge within an enlarged floor-level landing or shall be accessed from either an area of refuge complying with Section 1007.6 or a horizontal exit. Exit access stairways that connect levels in the same story are not permitted as part an accessible means of egress. [DSA-AC & HCD 1-AC] In addition, exit stairways shall comply with Chapter 11A, Sections 1115A and 1123A, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-210 and 11B-504, as applicable.

Exceptions:

  1. The clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) between is not required in buildings equipped throughout with an installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

  2. Areas of refuge are not required at stairways in buildings equipped throughout by an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

  3. The clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) between handrails is not required for stairways accessed from a horizontal exit.

  4. Areas of refuge are not required at stairways serving open parking garages.

  5. Areas of refuge are not required for smoke protected seating areas complying with Section 1028.6.2.

  6. The areas of refuge are not required in Group R-2 occupancies.

1007.4 Elevators. In order to be considered part of an accessible means of egress, an elevator shall comply with the emergency operation and signaling device requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders. Standby power shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 27 and Section 3003. The elevator shall be accessed from either an area of refuge complying with Section 1007.6 or a horizontal exit.

Exceptions:

  1. Elevators are not required to be accessed from an area of refuge or horizontal exit in open parking garages.

  2. Elevators are not required to be accessed from an area of refuge or horizontal exit in buildings and facilities equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

  3. Elevators not required to be located in a shaft in accordance with Section 712 are not required to be accessed from an area of refuge or horizontal exit.

  4. Elevators are not required to be accessed from an area of refuge or horizontal exit for smoke protected seating areas complying with Section 1028.6.2.

1007.5 Platform lifts. Platform (wheelchair) lifts shall not serve as part of an accessible means of egress, except where allowed as part of a required accessible route in Chapter 11A, Sections 1121A and 1124A.11, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-206.7.1 through 11B-206.7.10, as applicable. Standby power shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 27 for platform lifts permitted to serve as part of a means of egress.

[DSA-AC]  See Chapter 11B, Section 11B-207.2 for additional accessible means of egress requirements at platform lifts.

1007.5.1 Openness. Platform lifts on an accessible means of egress shall not be installed in a fully enclosed hoistway.

1007.6 Areas of refuge. Every required area of refuge shall be accessible from the space it serves by an accessible means of egress. The maximum travel distance from any accessible space to an area of refuge shall not exceed the travel distance permitted for the occupancy in accordance with Section 1016.1. Every required area of refuge shall have direct access to a stairway complying with Sections 1007.3 or an elevator complying with Section 1007.4. Where an elevator lobby is used as an area of refuge, the shaft and lobby shall comply with Section 1022.10 for smokeproof enclosures except where the elevators are in an area of refuge formed by a horizontal exit or smoke barrier. [DSA-AC]  Areas of refuge shall comply with the requirements of this code and shall adjoin an accessible route complying with Sections 11B-206 and 11B-402.

1007.6.1 Size. Each area of refuge shall be sized to accommodate two wheelchair spaces that are not less than 30 inches by 48 inches (762 mm by 1219 mm). The total number of such 30-inch by 48-inch (762 mm by 1219 mm) spaces per story shall be not less than one for every 200 persons of calculated occupant load served by the area of refuge. Such wheelchair spaces shall not reduce the required means of egress width. Access to any of the required wheelchair spaces in an area of refuge shall not be obstructed by more than one adjoining wheelchair space.

Exception:  The enforcing agency may reduce the size of each required area of refuge to accommodate one wheelchair space that is not less than 30 inches by 48 inches (762 mm by 1219 mm) on floors where the occupant load is less than 200.

1007.6.2 Separation. Each area of refuge shall be separated from the remainder of the story by a smoke barrier complying with Section 709 or a horizontal exit complying with Section 1025. Each area of refuge shall be designed to minimize the intrusion of smoke.

Exception:  Areas of refuge located within an enclosure for exit access stairways or interior exit stairways.

1007.6.3 Two-way communication.  Areas of refuge shall be provided with a two-way communication system complying with Sections 1007.8.1 and 1007.8.2.

1007.7 Exterior area for assisted rescue.  Exterior areas for assisted rescue shall be accessed by an accessible route from the area served. Exterior areas for assisted rescue shall be permitted in accordance with Section 1007.7.1 or 1007.7.2.

1007.7.1 Level of exit discharge. Where the exit discharge does not include an accessible route from an exit located on a level of exit discharge to a public way, an exterior area of assisted rescue shall be provided on the exterior landing in accordance with Sections 1007.7.3 through 1007.7.6.

1007.7.2 Outdoor facilities.  Where exit access from the area serving outdoor facilities is essentially open to the outside, an exterior area of assisted rescue is permitted as an alternative to an area of refuge. Every required exterior area of assisted rescue shall have direct access to an interior exit stairway, exterior stairway, or elevator serving as an accessible means of egress component. The exterior area of assisted rescue shall comply with Sections 1007.7.3 through 1007.7.6 and shall be provided with a two-way communication system complying with Sections 1007.8.1 and 1007.8.2.

1007.7.3 Size. Each exterior area for assisted rescue shall be sized to accommodate wheelchair spaces in accordance with Section 1007.6.1.

1007.7.4 Separation.  Exterior walls separating the exterior area of assisted rescue from the interior of the building shall have a minimum fire-resistance rating of 1 hour, rated for exposure to fire from the inside. The fire-resistance-rated exterior wall construction shall extend horizontally 10 feet (3048 mm) beyond the landing on either side of the landing or equivalent fire-resistance-rated construction is permitted to extend out perpendicular to the exterior wall 4 feet (1219 mm) minimum on the side of the landing. The fire-resistance-rated construction shall extend vertically from the ground to a point 10 feet (3048 mm) above the floor level of the area for assisted rescue or to the roof line, whichever is lower. Openings within such fire-resistance-rated exterior walls shall be protected in accordance with Section 716.

1007.7.5 Openness.  The exterior area for assisted rescue shall be open to the outside air. The sides other than the separation walls shall be at least 50 percent open, and the open area shall be distributed so as to minimize the accumulation of smoke or toxic gases.

1007.7.6 Stairway. Stairways that are part of the means of egress for the exterior area for assisted rescue shall provide a clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) between handrails.

Exception:  The clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) between handrails is not required at stairways serving buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

1007.8 Two-way communication. A two-way communication system shall be provided at the elevator landing on each accessible floor that is one or more stories above or below the story of exit discharge complying with Sections 1007.8.1 and 1007.8.2.

Exceptions:

  1. Two-way communication systems are not required at the elevator landing where the two-way communication system is provided within areas of refuge in accordance with Section 1007.6.3.

  2. Two-way communication systems are not required on floors provided with ramps conforming to the provisions of Section 1010.

1007.8.1 System requirements. Two-way communication systems shall provide communication between each required location and a central control point location approved by the fire department. Where the central control point is not constantly attended, a two-way communication system shall have a timed automatic telephone dial-out capability to an approved monitoring location. The two-way communication system shall include both audible and visible signals.

1007.8.1.1 Visible communication method. [DSA-AC and HCD 1-AC]  A button complying with Section 1138A.4 or Sections 11B-205 and 11B-309 _|Operable Parts|_ in the area of refuge shall activate both a light in the area of refuge indicating that rescue has been requested and a light at the central control point indicating that rescue is being requested. A button at the central control point shall activate both a light at the central control point and a light in the area of refuge indicating that the request has been received.

1007.8.2 Directions. Directions for the use of the two-way communication system, instructions for summoning assistance via the two-way communication system and written identification of the specific story, floor location and building address or other building identifier shall be posted adjacent to the two-way communication system.

1007.9 Signage. Signage indicating special accessibility provisions shall be provided as shown:

1. Each door providing access to an area of refuge from an adjacent floor area shall be identified by a sign stating: AREA OF REFUGE.

2. Each door providing access to an exterior area for assisted rescue shall be identified by a sign stating: EXTERIOR AREA FOR ASSISTED RESCUE.

Signage shall comply with Chapter 11A, Section 1143A and Chapter 11B, Section 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_ as applicable, requirements for visual characters and include the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Chapter 11B, Section 11B-703.7.2.1. Where exit sign illumination is required by Section 1011.3, the signs shall be illuminated. Additionally, raised character and Braille signage complying with Chapter 11A, Section 1143A and Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-703.1, 11B-703.2, 11B-703.3 and 11B-703.5, and the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Chapter 11B, Section 11B-703.7.2.1, shall be located at each door to an area of refuge and exterior area for assisted rescue in accordance with Section 1011.4 _|Raised Character and Braille Exit Signs|_.

1007.10 Directional signage.  Direction signage complying with Chapter 11B, Section 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_ indicating the location of the other means of egress and which are accessible means of egress shall be provided at the following:

  1. At serving a required space but not providing an approved accessible means of egress.

  2. At elevator landings.

  3. Within areas of refuge.

1007.11 Instructions. In areas of refuge and exterior areas for assisted rescue, instructions on the use of the area under emergency conditions shall be posted. The instructions shall include all of the following and shall comply with Chapter 11B, Section 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_:

  1. Persons able to use the stairway do so as soon as possible, unless they are assisting others.

  2. Information on planned availability of assistance in the use of or supervised operation of elevators and how to summon such assistance.

  3. Directions for use of the two-way communications system where provided.

1007.12 Alarms/emergency warning systems/accessibility.  If emergency warning systems are required, they shall activate a means of warning the hearing impaired. Emergency warning systems as part of the fire alarm system shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 72 as amended in Chapter 35.

ETA Editor's Note

Sections from California Building Code Chapter 10 not adopted by Division of the State Architect - Access Compliance (DSA-AC) omitted.  To see the entire Chapter, consult California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 - 2013 California Building Code (2013 CBC), available for purchase from International Code Council (http://www.iccsafe.org/).

SECTION 1008 DOORS, GATES AND TURNSTILES

[DSA-AC]  In addition to the requirements of this section, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, buildings or facilities where accessibility is required for applications listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance, shall also comply with Chapter 11A or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-206.5 and 11B-404, as applicable.

1008.1.9 Door operations.  ...

1008.1.9.7  Delayed egress locks.  ...

5.     A sign shall be provided on the door located above and within 12 inches (305 mm) of the release device reading:  “KEEP PUSHING. THIS DOOR WILL OPEN IN 15 [30] SECONDS ALARM WILL SOUND” Sign lettering shall be at least 1 inch (25 mm) in height and shall have a stroke of not less than 1/8 inch (3.2 mm).

5.1   A tactile sign shall also be provided in Braille and raised characters, which complies with Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-703.1, 11B-703.2, 11B-703.3 and 11B-703.5.

SECTION 1009 STAIRWAYS

[DSA-AC]  In addition to the requirements of this section, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, buildings or facilities where accessibility is required for applications listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance, shall also comply with Chapter 11A or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-210 and 11B-504, as applicable.

1009.7  Stair treads and risers.  ...

1009.7.2  Riser height and tread depth.  ...

Exceptions:

6.     See Section 3404.1 for the replacement of existing stairways[DSA-AC] For applications listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance, see Chapter 11B, Section 11B-202 _|Existing Buildings and Facilities|_.

1009.15  Handrails.  ...

[DSA-AC]  For applications listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance, see Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-504.6 and 11B-505.

SECTION 1010 RAMPS

[DSA-AC]  In addition to the requirements of this section, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, buildings or facilities where accessibility is required for applications listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance, shall also comply with Chapter 11A or Chapter 11B, Section 11B-405, as applicable.

SECTION 1011 EXIT SIGNS

1011.4  Raised character and Braille exit signs. Tactile exit signs shall be required at the following locations:

1. Each grade-level exterior exit door that is required to comply with Section 1011.1 shall be identified by a tactile exit sign with the word, “EXIT.”

2. Each exit door that is required to comply with Section 1011.1, and that leads directly to a grade-level exterior exit by means of a stairway or ramp shall be identified by a tactile exit sign with the following words as appropriate:

2.1 “EXIT STAIR DOWN”

2.2 “EXIT RAMP DOWN”

2.3 “EXIT STAIR UP”

2.4 “EXIT RAMP UP”

3. Each exit door that is required to comply with Section 1011.1, and that leads directly to a grade-level exterior exit by means of an exit enclosure or an exit passageway shall be identified by a tactile exit sign with the words, “EXIT ROUTE.”

4. Each exit access door from an interior room or area to a corridor or hallway that is required to comply with Section 1011.1, shall be identified by a tactile exit sign with the words “EXIT ROUTE.”

5. Each exit door through a horizontal exit that is required to comply with Section 1011.1 shall be identified by a sign with the words, “TO EXIT.”

Raised character and Braille exit signs shall comply with Chapter 11A, Section 1143A or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-703.1, 11B-703.2, 11B-703.3 and 11B-703.5.

ETA Editor's Note

Sections from California Building Code Chapter 10 not adopted by Division of the State Architect - Access Compliance (DSA-AC) omitted.  To see the entire Chapter, consult California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 - 2013 California Building Code (2013 CBC), available for purchase from International Code Council (http://www.iccsafe.org/).

SECTION 1012 HANDRAILS

[DSA-AC]  In addition to the requirements of this section, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, buildings or facilities where accessibility is required for applications listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance, shall also comply with Chapter 11A or Chapter 11B, Section 11B-505 _|Handrails|_, as applicable.

SECTION 1013 GUARDS

1013.2 Where required. Guards shall be located along open-sided walking surfaces, including mezzanines, equipment platforms, stairs, ramps and landings that are located more than 30 inches (762 mm) measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point within 36 inches (914 mm) horizontally to the edge of the open side. Guards shall be adequate in strength and attachment in accordance with Section 1607.8.

Exception:  Guards are not required for the following locations:

1.     On the loading side of loading docks or piers.

2.     On the audience side of stages and raised platforms, including steps leading up to the stage and raised platforms.

3.     On raised stage and platform floor areas, such as runways, ramps and side stages used for entertainment or presentations.

4.     At vertical openings in the performance area of stages and platforms.

5.     At elevated walking surfaces appurtenant to stages and platforms for access to and utilization of special lighting or equipment.

6.     Along vehicle service pits not accessible to the public.

7.     In assembly seating where guards in accordance with Section 1028.14 are permitted and provided.

1013.2.1 Glazing.  Where glass is used to provide a guard or as a portion of the guard system, the guard shall also comply with Section 2407. Where the glazing provided does not meet the strength and attachment requirements of Section 1607.8, complying guards shall also be located along glazed sides of open-sided walking surfaces.

1013.3 Height.  Required guards shall not be less than 42 inches (1067 mm) high, measured vertically as follows:

1.     From the adjacent walking surfaces;

2.     On stairs, from the line connecting the leading edges of the tread nosings; and

3.     On ramps, from the ramp surface at the guard.

Exceptions:

1.     For occupancies in Group R-3, and within individual dwelling units in occupancies in Group R-2, guards on the open sides of stairs shall have a height not less than 34 inches (864 mm) measured vertically from a line connecting the leading edges of the treads.

2.     For occupancies in Group R-3, and within individual dwelling units in occupancies in Group R-2, where the top of the guard also serves as a handrail on the open sides of stairs, the top of the guard shall not be less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm) measured vertically from a line connecting the leading edges of the treads.

3.     The guard height in assembly seating areas shall comply with Section 1028.14.

4.     Along alternating tread devices and ship ladders, guards whose top rail also serves as a handrail, shall have height not less than 30 inches (762 mm) and not more than 34 inches (864 mm), measured vertically from the leading edge of the device tread nosing.

ETA Editor's Note

Sections from California Building Code Chapter 10 not adopted by Division of the State Architect - Access Compliance (DSA-AC) omitted.  To see the entire Chapter, consult California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 - 2013 California Building Code (2013 CBC), available for purchase from International Code Council (http://www.iccsafe.org/).

SECTION 1017 AISLES

[DSA-AC]  In addition to the requirements of this section, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, buildings or facilities where accessibility is required for applications listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance, shall also comply with Chapter 11A or Chapter 11B, Section 11B-403 _|Walking Surfaces|_, as applicable.

1017.2 Aisles in assembly spaces.  Aisles and aisle accessways serving a room or space used for assembly purposes shall comply with Section 1028.

1017.3 Aisles in Groups B and M.  In Group B and M occupancies, the minimum clear aisle width shall be determined by Section 1005.1 for the occupant load served, but shall not be less than 36 inches (914 mm).

Exception:  Nonpublic aisles serving less than 50 people and not required to be accessible by Chapter 11B (see Section 11B-403) need not exceed 28 inches (711 mm) in width.

SECTION 1022 INTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAYS AND RAMPS

1022.9 Stairway identification signs.  ...

In addition to the stairway identification sign, raised characters and braille floor identification signs that comply with Chapter 11A, Section 1143A or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-703.1, 11B-703.2, 11B-703.3 and 11B-703.5 shall be located at the landing of each floor level, placed adjacent to the door on the latch side, in all enclosed stairways in buildings two or more stories in height to identify the floor level. At the exit discharge level, the sign shall include a raised five pointed star located to the left of the identifying floor level. The outside diameter of the star shall be the same as the height of the raised characters.

ETA Editor's Note

Stairway signage is among the most frequently-observed barriers in California, because of the prevalent misunderstanding of the requirements.  The "Floor Identification Signs" referenced in 2013 CBC 11B-504.8 and in the second paragraph (only -- included above) of 1022.9 should not be confused with the "Stairway Identification Signs" (hereinafter termed the "Fire Department Signs," to assist in clarifying) referenced in the first paragraph of 1022.9, and in 1022.9.1 [not included above.  To see the entire Section, consult California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 - 2013 California Building Code (2013 CBC), available for purchase from International Code Council (http://www.iccsafe.org/)].

"Floor Identification Signs" are for routine wayfinding use by vision-impaired persons who use the stairs, and these are required at all enclosed stairways of multi-story buildings.  They must be tactile, and located at the latch side of the door as prescribed by 2013 CBC Section 11B-703.4.

"Fire Department Signs" are for use by emergency responders, to enable efficient navigation through tall buildings in emergency situations without having to backtrack, losing valuable time.  They are required at enclosed stairs in buildings with more than 3 stories above or below the level of exit discharge.  They are not required to be, and should not be tactile.  They are not required to be, and should not be located adjacent to the latch side of the door.  Making them tactile and placing them at the latch side of the door does not benefit emergency responders, and distracts routine vision-impaired stair users by providing information that is of little wayfinding use (e.g., whether the stair connects to the roof level).

It is not possible to meet the requirements for both the "Floor Identification Signs" and the "Fire Department Signs" with a single sign at each stair level, although this is frequently observed.  Architects, Signage Consultants and Manufacturers having standard details showing one sign for both purposes are encouraged to change them permanently, indicating two separate and distinct signs.  The requirements of 11B-504.8 do not apply to the "Fire Department Signs."

Neither the "Floor Identification Signs" nor the "Fire Department Signs" are required by 2010 ADAS.  Note also that neither of these signs is required at open stairways.

DIVISION IV – DWELLING UNIT FEATURES

SECTION 1128A COVERED DWELLING UNITS

1128A.1 General. Covered multifamily dwelling units shall be adaptable and accessible into and throughout the dwelling unit as provided in this division.

Note:  See Sections 1101A “Application” and 1102A “Building Accessibility” for dwelling units required to comply with this division.

SECTION 1129
Reserved

SECTION 1130A ACCESSIBLE ROUTE WITHIN COVERED MULTIFAMILY DWELLING UNITS

1130A.1 General. An accessible route shall be provided through all rooms and spaces of the dwelling unit. The accessible route shall pass through the primary entry door, and shall connect with all additional exterior doors, required clear floor spaces at kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures. For the purpose of this section, “accessible routes” may include hallways, corridors and ramps.

Exception:  An accessible route is not required from the interior of the unit into a basement or garage, except as provided in Section 1105A.1.

1130A.2 Width. The accessible route into and throughout covered multifamily dwelling units shall be at least 36 inches (914 mm) wide.

SECTION 1131A CHANGES IN LEVEL ON ACCESSIBLE ROUTES

1131A.1 Changes in level not exceeding ½ inch. Abrupt changes in level along any accessible route shall not exceed ½ inch (12.7 mm). When changes in level do occur, they shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1 unit vertical in 2 units horizontal (50-percent slope). Changes in level not exceeding ¼ inch (6.35 mm) may be vertical.

1131A.2 Changes greater than ½ inch.  Changes in level greater than ½ inch (12.7 mm) shall be made by means of a sloped surface not greater than 1 unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-percent slope), or a ramp, elevator or platform (wheelchair) lift. See Section 1122A for ramps and Section 1124A.11 for platform (wheelchair) lifts.

SECTION 1132A DOORS

1132A.1 Primary entry doors and required exit doors. The width and height of primary entry doors and all required exit doors shall comply with Section 1126A.1. The requirements of Sections 1126A.3 shall apply to maneuvering clearances at the side of the door exposed to common or public use spaces (e.g., entry or exit doors which open from the covered multifamily dwelling unit into a corridor, hallway or lobby, or directly to the outside).

1132A.2 Interior doors and secondary exterior doors. Except as allowed by Section 1109A.2, interior doors intended for user passage and secondary exterior doors shall comply with this section. The provisions of this section shall apply to the dwelling unit side of doors leading from the interior of the dwelling unit to an unfinished basement or an attached garage.

1132A.3 Width and height of interior doors and secondary exterior doors. Doors shall comply with the following:

1.      Doors shall not be less than 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) in height.

2.      Swinging doors shall provide a net clear opening width of not less than 32 inches (813 mm), measured with the door or doors positioned at an angle of 90 degrees from the closed position.

3.      Swinging doors shall be capable of opening at least 90 degrees.

4.      A nominal 32-inch (813 mm) clear opening provided by a standard 6-foot wide (1829 mm) sliding patio door assembly is acceptable.

5.      A pair of doors, manual or automatic, must have at least one leaf which provides a clear width of not less than 32 inches (813 mm), measured with the door positioned at an angle of 90 degrees from its closed position.

6.      The width of any component in the means of egress system shall not be less than the minimum width required by Section 1005.

1132A.4 Level floor or landing. See also Chapter 10. The floor or landing on each side of a door shall be level. Primary entry doors, required exit doors or secondary exterior doors with changes in height between the interior surface or floor level and the exterior surface or floor level shall comply with the following:

1.      Exterior landings of impervious construction (e.g., concrete, brick, flagstone) serving primary entry doors and required exit doors are limited to not more than ½ inch (12.7 mm) of change in height between floor surfaces. Changes in level shall comply with Section 1131A.

2.      Exterior landings of pervious construction (e.g., wood decking with spaces) shall be the same level as the interior landing, except that secondary exterior doors may have no more than ½ inch (12.7 mm) of change in height between floor surfaces. Changes in level shall comply with Section 1131A.

3.      Secondary exterior doors onto decks, patios, or balcony surfaces constructed of impervious materials (e.g., concrete, brick, flagstone) may have a maximum change in height from the interior landing of 4 inches (101.6 mm). Changes in height greater than ½ inch (12.7 mm) shall be accomplished by means of a ramp complying with Section 1114A or by means of a platform constructed to the level of the floor as illustrated in Figure 11A-8J.

PLATFORM AT SECONDARY EXTERIOR DOOR.

FIGURE 11A-8J
PLATFORM AT SECONDARY EXTERIOR DOOR

4.      Secondary exterior doors onto decks, patios or balcony surfaces constructed of impervious materials (e.g., concrete, brick, flagstone) may have a maximum change in height from the interior landing of 1 inch (25.4 mm), provided a ramp with a maximum slope of 1:8 is permanently installed. (See Figure 11A-8K).

RAMP AT SECONDARY EXTERIOR DOOR

FIGURE 11A-8K
RAMP AT SECONDARY EXTERIOR DOOR

5.      In buildings containing covered multifamily dwelling units, the floor or landing immediately outside the entry may be sloped up to ¼ inch (6.35 mm) per foot (12 inches) (305 mm), in a direction away from the primary entrance of the dwelling unit for drainage.

1132A.4.1 Thresholds. Thresholds at the primary entry and required exit doors shall be no higher than ½ inch (12.7 mm). Thresholds at secondary exterior doors, including sliding door tracks, shall be no higher than 3/4 inch (19.05 mm). Changes in height at interior door thresholds (e.g., floor material changes at door thresholds) shall not exceed ½ inch (12.7 mm). Thresholds shall comply with the following:

1.      Thresholds with a change in height of not more than ¼ inch (6.35 mm) may be vertical.

2.      Thresholds with a change in height between ¼ inch (6.35 mm) and 3/4 inch (19.05 mm) shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1 unit vertical in 2 units horizontal (50-percent slope).

1132A.5 Maneuvering clearances at doors.

1132A.5.1 General.  The floor or landing on the dwelling unit side of the primary entry door and any required exit door shall have a minimum length of not less than 44 inches (1118 mm). Section 1126A.3 shall apply to maneuvering clearances at the side of the door exposed to common or public use spaces.

                  Maneuvering clearances at interior doors shall provide a minimum length on both sides of the door of at least 42 inches (1067 mm) measured at a right angle to the plane of the door in its closed position.

                  Exception:  A 39-inch (991 mm) length is acceptable at interior doors when a minimum clear opening width of 34 inches (864 mm) is provided.

            _|Exception 2 deleted|_

1132A.5.2 Strike edge maneuvering space at doors. The width of the level area on the side to which the door swings shall extend 18 inches (457 mm) past the strike edge for all doors. The width of the level area at the exterior side of the primary entry door and any required exit doors shall comply with Section 1126A.

Notes:

1.      See Section 1134A for bathrooms that are required to be accessible.

2.      Twenty-four inches (610 mm) is preferred for strike edge clearance.

1132A.6 Closer-effort to operate doors. Maximum effort to operate doors shall not exceed 8½ pounds (38 N) for exterior doors and 5 pounds (22 N) for interior doors, such pull or push effort being applied at right angles to hinged doors and at the center plane of sliding or folding doors. Compensating devices or automatic door operators may be utilized to meet these standards. When fire doors are required, the maximum effort to operate the door may be increased to the minimum allowable by the appropriate enforcement agency, not to exceed 15 pounds (66.7 N).

1132A.7 Type of lock or latch. The type of latch and lock required for all doors shall be in accordance with Section 1132A.8 and Chapter 10, Section 1008.

1132A.8 Hand-activated door hardware. Hand-activated door latching, locking and opening hardware shall be centered between 30 inches (762 mm) and 44 inches (1118 mm) above the floor. Latching and locking doors that are hand-activated and on an accessible route shall be operable with a single effort by lever-type hardware, panic bars, push-pull activating bars or other hardware designed to provide passage without requiring the ability to grasp the opening hardware. Locked exit doors shall operate consistent with Section 1132A.6, in the direction of egress.

1132A.8.1 Lever-type hardware. The lever or lever of actuated latches or locks shall be curved with a return to within ½ inch (12.7 mm) of the door to prevent catching on the clothing of persons during egress in Group R and U Occupancies with an occupant load greater than 10.

1132A.9 Smooth surface.  Swinging door or gate surfaces within 10 inches (254 mm) of the finish floor or ground measured vertically shall have a smooth surface on the push side extending the full width of the door or gate. Parts creating horizontal or vertical joints in these surfaces shall be within 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of the same plane as the other and be free of sharp or abrasive edges. Cavities created by added kick plates shall be capped.

         Exceptions:

  1. Automatic doors.
  2. Tempered glass doors without stiles and having a bottom rail or shoe with the top leading edge tapered at 60 degrees minimum from the horizontal.
  3. Doors or gates that do not extend to within 10 inches (254 mm) of the finish floor.

 

1132A.10 Door signal devices. Every primary entrance to a covered multifamily dwelling unit shall be provided with a door buzzer, bell, chime or equivalent. The activating mechanism shall be mounted a maximum of 48 inches (1219 mm) above the floor and connected to permanent wiring.

SECTION 1133A

KITCHENS

1133A.1 General.  Kitchens shall be on an accessible route and shall comply with this section. (See Figure 11A-10A.)

1133A.2 Clear floor spaceClear floor space at kitchens shall comply with the following:

1.      A clear floor space at least 30 inches (762 mm) by 48 inches (1219 mm) that allows a parallel approach by a person in a wheelchair shall be provided at the range or cooktop.

2.      A clear floor space at least 30 inches (762 mm) by 48 inches (1219 mm) that allows either a parallel or forward approach shall be provided at the kitchen sink and all other fixtures or appliances including the oven, dishwasher, refrigerator/freezer and trash compactor.

3.         A clear floor space at least 30 inches (762 mm) by 48 inches (1219 mm) that allows either a parallel or a forward approach shall be provided at the work surface required by Section 1133A.4.

4.         The centerline of the 30-inch (762 mm) by 48-inch (1219 mm) clear floor space provided for parallel or forward approach shall be aligned with the centerline of the work space, appliance or fixture. (See Figure 11A-10A).

Typical kitchen: plan drawing showing a kitchen enclosed on three sides with 48" clear between faces of cabinets, fixtures, or appliances, 30 inch wide counter top space for sink installation, 30 inch wide counter top work space,
 
U-shaped kitchen: plan drawing showing a kitchen enclosed on three sides with 60" clear between faces of cabinets, fixtures, or appliances, 30 inch wide counter top space for sink installation, 30 inch wide counter top work space,
 
U-shaped kitchen with the sink at the base of the U: plan drawing showing a kitchen enclosed on three sides with 60" clear between faces of cabinets, fixtures, or appliances, 30 inch wide counter top space for sink installation, 30 inch wide counter top work space,

(1) 30" minimum countertop space for sink installation with removable base cabinet and finish flooring beneath the sink; 30" x 48" minimum clear floor space to allow parallel or forward approach.

(2) 30" minimum countertop for work surface with removable base cabinet and finish flooring beneath; 30" x 48" minimum clear floor space to allow parallel or forward approach.

(3) 30" x 48" minimum clear floor space adjacent to range to allow parallel approach.

(4) 30" x 48" clear floor space at refrigerator, dishwasher, trash compactor or other appliances to allow parallel or forward approach.

FIGURE 11A-10A

KITCHEN SPECIFICATIONS

1133A.2.1 Clear width.

Kitchens shall have a minimum clear width measured between any cabinet, countertop or the face of any appliance (excluding handles and controls) that projects into the kitchen and the opposing cabinet, countertop, appliance or wall as follows:

1.      U-shaped kitchens, designed with parallel approach at a range or cooktop located at the base of the U, shall have a minimum clear width of at least 60 inches (1524 mm). (See Figure 11A-10A).

2.      U-shaped kitchens, designed with a cooktop or sink located at the base of the U, which provides a knee and toe space in accordance with Section 1133A.7 to allow for a forward approach, shall have a clear width of at least 48 inches (1219 mm). (See Figure 11A-10A).

3.      All other kitchen designs shall provide a minimum clear width of at least 48 inches (1219 mm). (See Figure 11A-10A).

1133A.3 Removable base cabinets. Sinks and work surfaces required by Section 1133A.4 (see Item 1 and Item 2) shall be provided with a knee and toe space complying with Section 1133A.7. Base cabinets (including toeboard and shelving) directly under kitchen sinks and work surfaces shall be removable without the use of specialized tools or specialized knowledge in order to provide knee and toe space. The finish floor beneath kitchen sinks and work surfaces shall be extended to the wall.

1133A.4 Countertops. Kitchen countertops shall comply with this section and shall be provided with the following:

1.      A minimum linear length of 30 inches (762 mm) of countertop shall be provided for the kitchen sink installation.

2.      A minimum linear length of 30 inches (762 mm) of countertop shall be provided for a work surface.

3.      Sinks and work surfaces may be a single integral unit a minimum of 60 inches (1524 mm) in length, or be separate components.

Exception:  Two 15-inch (381 mm) wide minimum breadboards may be provided in lieu of the required 30 inches (762 mm) of countertop work surface.

1133A.4.1 Repositionable countertops.

Repositionable countertops shall be provided in a minimum of 5 percent of the covered multifamily dwelling units. Repositionable countertops shall comply with the following:

1. Sinks and work surfaces required by Section 1133A.4 shall be designed to enable repositioning to a minimum height of 28 inches (711 mm).

2. Base cabinets directly under the kitchen sink counter area and work surface shall be removable as required in Section 1133A.3.

3. The sides of adjacent cabinets and the back wall, which may become exposed to moisture or food handling when a countertop is lowered, shall be constructed of durable, nonabsorbent materials appropriate for such uses.

4. Finished flooring shall be extended to the wall beneath the sink and work surface.

Exceptions:

  1. Stone, cultured stone and tiled countertops may be used without meeting the repositioning requirements.

  2. Two 15-inch (381 mm) wide minimum breadboards may be provided in lieu of the required 30 inches (762 mm) of countertop work surface, and used without meeting the repositioning requirements.

1133A.5 Lower shelving. Lower shelving and/or drawer space shall be provided in the kitchen at a height of no more than 48 inches (1219 mm) above the floor.

1133A.6 Kitchen sink faucet controls. Faucet controls and operating mechanisms shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist.

The force required to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 pounds (22.2N). Lever-operated, push-type and electronically controlled mechanisms are examples of acceptable designs. Self-closing valves are allowed if the faucet remains open for at least 10 seconds.

1133A.7 Knee and toe space. Knee and toe space, when required by Section 1133A, shall comply with the following:

1.      The knee and toe space shall be clear and unobstructed, or removable base cabinets in compliance with Section 1133A.3 shall be provided.

2.      The knee and toe space shall be 30 inches (762 mm) wide minimum, centered on the sink, countertop or appliance.

3.      A clear floor space shall not extend into the knee and toe space more than 19 inches (483 mm).

1133A.7.1 Plumbing protection.  Water supply and drain pipes under kitchen sinks shall be insulated or otherwise covered to protect against contact. There shall be no sharp or abrasive surfaces under kitchen sinks.

SECTION 1134A

BATHING AND TOILET FACILITIES

1134A.1 General. All bathrooms, bathing and toilet facilities within covered multifamily dwelling units shall comply with this section.

1134A.2 Number of complying bathrooms. Bathrooms shall be designed to comply with one of the following options:

Option 1.  All bathrooms within the dwelling unit shall be designed to comply with the following:

1.      Toilet, bathing and shower facilities shall comply with Section 1134A.4.

2.      Bathtubs shall comply with Section 1134A.5.

3.      Showers shall comply with Section 1134A.6.

4.      Water closets shall comply with Section 1134A.7.

5.      Lavatories, vanities, mirrors and towel fixtures shall comply with 1134A.8.

6.      Bathrooms shall be provided with an accessible route into and through the bathroom.

7.      If a door is provided, it shall comply with the requirements of Section 1132A.5.

8.      A minimum 18-inch (457 mm) clear maneuvering space shall be provided on the swing side of the door at the strike edge of the door.

9.      Switches, outlets and controls shall comply with Section 1142A.

ETA Editor's Note

Division V Section 1142A from California Building Code Chapter 11A, not adopted by Division of the State Architect - Access Compliance (DSA-AC), is omitted from this Pocket Guide.  However, Division IV Section 1136A, which is adopted by DSA-AC and included herein, appears to be identical.

10.    Reinforced walls to allow for the future installation of grab bars around the toilet, tub and shower shall comply with Sections 1134A.5 for bathtubs, 1134A.6 for showers and 1134A.7 for water closets. Grab bars shall comply with Sections 1127A.4 and 1127A.2.2, Item 4.

 

Option 2. Only one bathroom within the dwelling unit shall be designed to comply with the following:

1.      Toilet, bathing and shower facilities shall comply with Section 1134A.4.

2.      Bathtubs shall comply with Section 1134A.5.

3       Showers shall comply with Section 1134A.6.

4.      Water closets shall comply with Section 1134A.7.

5.      Lavatories, vanities, mirrors and towel fixtures shall comply with 1134A.8.

6.      Where both a tub and shower are provided in the bathroom, at least one shall be made accessible. Additional requirements apply to dwelling units containing two or more bathrooms when a bathtub is provided as the accessible bathing fixture.

Where two or more bathrooms are provided within the same dwelling unit and a bathtub is installed to comply with Option 2, Item 6 in one bathroom and a shower stall is provided in a subsequent bathroom, both the bathtub selected to comply with Option 2, Item 6 and at least one shower stall within the dwelling unit shall meet all the applicable accessibility requirements provided in Section 1134A.   (See Section 1134A.5 for bathtubs, or Section 1134A.6 for showers.)

7.      When two or more lavatories are provided, at least one shall be made accessible and comply with Section 1134A.8.

8.      Bathrooms shall be provided with an accessible route into and through the bathroom.

9.      If a door is provided, it shall comply with the requirements of Section 1132A.5.

10.    A minimum 18-inch (457 mm) clear maneuvering space shall be provided on the swing side of the door at the strike edge of the door.

11.    Switches, outlets and controls shall comply with Section 1142A.

ETA Editor's Note

Division V Section 1142A from California Building Code Chapter 11A, not adopted by Division of the State Architect - Access Compliance (DSA-AC), is omitted from this Pocket Guide.  However, Division IV Section 1136A, which is adopted by DSA-AC and included herein, appears to be identical.

12.    Reinforced walls to allow for the future installation of grab bars around the toilet, tub and shower shall comply with Sections 1134A.5 for bathtubs, 1134A.6 for showers and 1134A.7 for water closets. Grab bars shall comply with Sections 1127A.4 and 1127A.2.2, Item 4.

When Option 2 is used, all additional bathrooms must comply with Items 8 through 12 above.

1134A.3 Powder rooms. All powder rooms shall be designed to comply with Section 1134A.2, Option 2, Items 8 through 12.  When the powder room is the only toilet facility located on an accessible level, it shall comply with the Option 2 Items listed above, plus all additional requirements located in Sections 1134A.4, 1134A.7 and 1134A.8.

1134A.4 Sufficient maneuvering space. Bathing and toilet facilities required to be adaptable shall provide sufficient maneuvering space for a person using a wheelchair or other mobility aid to enter and close the door, use the fixtures, reopen the door and exit.

Where the door swings into the bathroom or powder room, there shall be a clear maneuvering space outside the swing of the door of at least 30 inches by 48 inches (762 mm by 1219 mm) within the room. The clear maneuvering space shall allow the user to position a wheelchair or other mobility aid clear of the path of the door as it is closed and to permit use of fixtures.

Doors may swing into the required clear space at any fixture when a clear maneuvering space is provided outside the swing arc of the door so it can be closed.

Maneuvering spaces may include any knee space or toe space available below bathroom fixtures.

1134A.5 Bathtubs. Bathtubs required to be accessible shall comply with this section.

1.         Floor space.  There shall be a minimum clear floor space 48 inches parallel by 30 inches perpendicular (1219 mm by 762 mm) to the side of a bathtub or bathtub-shower combination to provide for the maneuvering of a wheelchair and transfer to and from the bathing facilities. The controls shall be on the wall at the foot of the bathtub. The edge of the clear floor space shall be flush with the control wall surface. The area under a lavatory, located at the control end of the tub, may be included in the clear floor space provided the lavatory is 19 inches (483 mm) maximum deep, and the knee and toe space comply with Section 1134A.8. Cabinets under lavatories and toilets shall not encroach into the clear floor space.

2.      Reinforced walls for grab bars.  A bathtub installed without surrounding walls shall provide reinforced areas for the installation of floor-mounted grab bars.

Where a bathtub is installed with surrounding walls, grab bar reinforcement shall be located on each end of the bathtub, 32 inches to 38 inches (813 mm to 965 mm) above the floor, extending a minimum of 24 inches (610 mm) from the front edge of the bathtub toward the back wall of the bathtub. The grab bar reinforcement shall be a minimum of 6 inches (152.4 mm) nominal in height. (See Figure 11A-9G).

Drawings indicating required location for grab bar reinforcement at water closets, bathtubs, and showers

Grab bar reinforcement shall be installed on the back wall of the bathtub a maximum of 6 inches (152.4 mm) above the bathtub rim extending upward to at least 38 inches (965 mm) above the floor. Grab bar backing shall be installed horizontally to permit the installation of a 48-inch (1219 mm) grab bar with each end a maximum of 6 inches (152.4 mm) from the end walls of the bathtub. The grab bar reinforcement shall be a minimum of 6 inches (152.4 mm) nominal in height.

3.      Bathtub controls.  Faucet controls and operation mechanisms shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist.

The force required to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 pounds (22.2N). Lever operated, push type and electronically controlled mechanisms are examples of acceptable designs.

4.      Shower unit.  A shower spray unit is not required in bathtubs.

5.      Bathtub enclosures.  Doors and panels of bathtub enclosures shall be substantially constructed from approved, shatter-resistant materials. Hinged doors shall open outward. Glazing used in doors and panels of bathtub enclosures shall be fully tempered, laminated safety glass or approved plastic. When glass is used, it shall have minimum thickness of not less than 1/8 inch (3.17 mm) when fully tempered, or 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) when laminated, and shall pass the test requirements of this part, Chapter 24 Glass and Glazing. Plastics used in doors and panels of bathtub enclosures shall be of a shatter-resistant type.

1134A.6 Showers. Showers required to be accessible shall comply with this section.

1.      Size.  When one or more shower stalls are provided within the same dwelling unit, at least one shower stall shall comply with one of the following requirements.

1.1    The shower stall shall measure at least 42 inches wide by 48 inches deep (1067 mm by 1219 mm) with an entrance opening of at least 36 inches (914 mm);  or

1.2    The shower stall shall measure at least 30 inches deep by 60 inches wide (762 mm by 1524 mm) with an entrance opening of at least 60 inches (1524 mm). A water closet may project a maximum of 12 inches (305 mm) into the opening provided that a minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) clear space is maintained between the water closet and the shower wall as illustrated in Figure 11A-9L or;

Plan diagram showing Shower with Water Closet

FIGURE 11A-9L
SHOWER WITH WATER CLOSET

1.3    Other shower stall configurations shall measure at least 36 inches deep by 60 inches wide (914 mm by 1524 mm) with an entrance opening of at least 36 inches (914 mm) when a wall is installed on the opening side.

2.      Slope.  The maximum slope of the shower floor shall be ½ inch (12.7 mm) per foot in any direction and shall slope to a drain. The floor surfaces shall be of Carborundum or grit-faced tile or of material providing equivalent slip resistance.

3.      Floor space.  A clear maneuvering space at least 30 inches in width by 48 inches in length (762 mm by 1219 mm) shall be located outside the shower, flush and parallel to the control wall.

4.      Reinforced walls for grab bars.   Grab bar reinforcement shall be installed continuous in the walls of showers 32 inches to 38 inches (813 mm to 965 mm) above the floor. The grab bar reinforcement shall be a minimum of 6 inches (152.4 mm) nominal in height.

       Glass-walled shower stalls shall provide reinforcement for installation of floor-mounted or ceiling-mounted grab bars.

5.      Thresholds.  When a threshold is used, it shall be a maximum of 2 inches (50.8 mm) in height and have a beveled or sloped angle not exceeding 1 unit vertical in 2 units horizontal (26.6 degrees from the horizontal). Thresholds ½ inch (12.7 mm) or less in height may have a beveled or sloped angle not exceeding 1 unit vertical in 1 unit horizontal (45 degrees from the horizontal).

6.      Shower controls.  Faucet controls and operation mechanisms shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 pounds (22.2 N). Lever operated, push-type and electronically controlled mechanisms are examples of acceptable designs.

7.      Shower enclosures.  Doors and panels of shower enclosures shall be substantially constructed from approved, shatter-resistant materials. Hinged shower doors shall open outward. Glazing used in doors and panels of shower enclosures shall be fully tempered, laminated safety glass or approved plastic. When glass is used, it shall have minimum thickness of not less than 1/8 inch (3.17 mm) when fully tempered, or ¼ inch (6.35 mm) when laminated, and shall pass the test requirements of this part, Chapter 24, Glass and Glazing. Plastics used in doors and panels of shower enclosures shall be of a shatter-resistant type.

1134A.7 Water closets. Water closets in bathrooms or powder rooms required to be accessible shall comply with this section.

1.      Floor space and location.  The minimum floor space provided at a water closet shall be 48 inches (1219 mm) in clear width.  The clear floor space shall extend past the front edge of the water closet at least 36 inches (914 mm).  See Figure 11A-9M.

Plan diagram showing wing wall or cabinet at water closet

FIGURE 11A-9M
WING WALL OR CABINET AT WATER CLOSET

Exception: The 48-inch (1219 mm) minimum clear width may be reduced to 36 inches (914 mm) for lavatories, cabinets, wing walls, or privacy walls located immediately adjacent to a water closet which extend no more than 24 inches (610 mm) in depth.

Water closets shall be located within bathrooms in a manner that permits a grab bar to be installed on at least one side of the fixture. The centerline of the water closet shall be 17 inches (432 mm) minimum to 18 inches (457 mm) maximum from a grab bar wall or partition. In locations where water closets are adjacent to non-grab bar walls, vanities, lavatories or bathtubs, the centerline of the fixture shall be a minimum of 18 inches (457 mm) from the obstacle.

2.      Reinforced walls for grab bars.  Where the water closet is not placed adjacent to a side wall capable of accommodating a grab bar, the bathroom shall have provisions for installation of floor-mounted, foldaway or similar alternative grab bars.

Where the water closet is placed adjacent to a side wall, reinforcement shall be installed on both sides or one side and the back. If reinforcement is installed at the back, it shall be installed between 32 inches (813 mm) and 38 inches (965 mm) above the floor. The grab bar reinforcement shall be a minimum of 6 inches (152.4 mm) nominal in height. The backing shall be a minimum of 40 inches (1016 mm) in length.

Reinforcement installed at the side of the water closet shall be installed 32 inches to 38 inches (813 mm to 965 mm) above the floor. The reinforcement shall be installed a maximum of 12 inches (305 mm) from the rear wall and shall extend a minimum of 26 inches (660 mm) in front of the water closet. The grab bar reinforcement shall be a minimum of 6 inches (152.4 mm) nominal in height.

3.      Seat height.  The minimum height of water closet seats shall be 15 inches (381 mm) above the floor.

4.      Water closet controls.  Water closet controls shall be mounted no more than 44 inches (1118 mm) above the floor. The force required to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 pounds (22.2 N).

1134A.8 Lavatories, vanities, mirrors and towel fixtures. Bathrooms or powder rooms required to be accessible shall have at least one accessible lavatory. Where mirrors and towel fixtures are provided, at least one of each shall be accessible.

1.      Location.  Vanities and lavatories shall be installed with the centerline of the fixture a minimum of 18 inches (457 mm) horizontally from an adjoining wall or fixture to allow for forward approach. When parallel approach is provided, lavatories shall be installed with the centerline of the fixture a minimum of 24 inches (610 mm) horizontally from an adjoining wall or fixture. The top of the fixture rim shall be a maximum of 34 inches (864 mm) above the finished floor.

2.      Floor space.  A clear maneuvering space at least 30 inches by 48 inches (762 mm by 1219 mm) shall be provided at lavatories and shall be centered on the lavatory.

3.      Cabinets.  Cabinets under lavatories are acceptable provided the bathroom has space to allow a parallel approach by a person in a wheelchair and the lavatory cabinets are designed with adaptable knee and toe space.

4.      Knee and toe space.  Knee and toe space shall be provided by one of the following:

4.1.   The space beneath the lavatory shall be left clear and unobstructed;

4.2.   Any cabinet beneath the lavatory shall be removable without the use of specialized knowledge or specialized tools; or,

4.3.   Doors to the cabinet beneath the lavatory shall be removable or openable to provide the required unobstructed knee and toe space.

The knee and toe space shall be centered on the fixture, and shall comply with Section 1138A.2. The clear floor space required by Item 2 shall not extend into the knee and toe space more than 19 inches (483 mm). (See Figure 11A-9D).

5.      Finished floor.  The finished floor beneath the lavatory shall be extended to the wall.

6.      Plumbing protection. Water supply and drain pipes under lavatories shall be insulated or otherwise covered to protect against contact. There shall be no sharp or abrasive surfaces under lavatories.

7.      Lavatory faucet controls.  Faucet controls and operation mechanisms shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist.

The force required to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 pounds (22.2 N). Lever operated, push-type and electronically controlled mechanisms are examples of acceptable designs. Self-closing valves are allowed if the faucet remains open for at least 10 seconds.

8.      Mirrors and towel fixtures.  Where mirrors or towel fixtures are provided they shall be mounted with the bottom edge no higher than 40 inches (1016 mm) from the floor.

SECTION 1135A

LAUNDRY ROOMS

1135A.1 General. If clothes washing machines and clothes dryers are provided in covered multifamily dwelling units, one of each type of appliance shall be provided. Where front-loading clothes washers are not provided, management shall provide assistive devices, on request of the occupant, to permit the use of top-loading clothes washers.

SECTION 1136A

ELECTRICAL RECEPTACLE, SWITCH AND CONTROL HEIGHTS

1136A.1 Receptacle heights. Electrical receptacle outlets on branch circuits of 30 amperes or less and communication system receptacles shall be located no more than 48 inches (1219 mm) measured from the top of the receptacle outlet box nor less than 15 inches (381 mm) measured from the bottom of the receptacle outlet box to the level of the finished floor or working platform. If the reach is over a physical barrier or an obstruction (for example, a kitchen base cabinet), receptacles shall be located within the reach ranges specified in Section 1138A.3. Physical barriers and obstructions shall not extend more than 25 inches (635 mm) from the wall beneath the receptacle.

Receptacle outlets that do not satisfy these specifications are acceptable provided that comparable receptacle outlets, that perform the same functions, are provided within the same area and are accessible.

Exceptions:

1.      Receptacle outlets installed as part of permanently installed baseboard heaters are exempt.

2.      Required receptacle outlets shall be permitted in floors when adjacent to sliding panels or walls.

3.      Baseboard electrical outlets used in relocatable partitions, window walls or other electrical convenience floor outlets are not subject to the minimum height requirements.

4.      This section shall not apply to existing buildings when the enforcing agency determines that compliance with these standards would create an unreasonable hardship.

1136A.2 Switch and control heights. Controls or switches intended to be used by the occupant of the room or area to control lighting and receptacle outlets, appliances, alarms or cooling, heating and ventilating equipment shall be located no more than 48 inches (1219 mm) measured from the top of the outlet box nor less than 15 inches (381 mm) measured from the bottom of the outlet box to the level of the finished floor or working platform. If the reach is over a physical barrier or an obstruction (for example, a kitchen base cabinet) switches and controls shall be located within the reach ranges specified in Section 1138A.3. Physical barriers or obstructions shall not extend more than 25 inches (635 mm) from the wall beneath a control.

Switches and controls that do not satisfy these specifications are acceptable provided that comparable controls or outlets, that perform the same functions, are provided within the same area and are accessible.

Exception:  Appliances (e.g., kitchen stoves, dishwashers, range hoods, microwave ovens and similar appliances) which have controls located on the appliance.

ETA Editor's Note

Division V Sections 1137A through 1143A from California Building Code Chapter 11A, not adopted by Division of the State Architect - Access Compliance (DSA-AC), omitted.  To see the entire Chapter, consult California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 - 2013 California Building Code (2013 CBC), available for purchase from International Code Council (http://www.iccsafe.org/).

DIVISION VI – SITE IMPRACTICALITY TESTS

SECTION 1150A SITE IMPRACTICALITY TESTS

1150A.1 General.  Covered multifamily dwellings in buildings without an elevator, located on sites with difficult terrain conditions or unusual characteristics, may employ the site impracticality tests in this division for determining the accessibility and adaptability provisions required by this chapter.

Except as provided for in Section 1102A.3.1, the provisions of this section do not apply to multistory dwelling units in nonelevator buildings.

SINGLE BUILDING WITH ONE COMMON (LOBBY) ENTRANCE

The following may only be used for determining required access to covered multifamily dwelling units, in a single building with one common (lobby) entrance, located on a site with difficult terrain conditions or unusual characteristics:

All ground floor units in nonelevator buildings shall be adaptable and on an accessible route unless an accessible route to the common (lobby) entrance is not required as determined by Test No. 1, Individual Building Test, or Test No. 3, Unusual Characteristics Test, as described in this section.

Sites where either Test No. 1 or Test No. 3 is used and it is determined that an accessible route to the common (lobby) entrance is not required, at least 20 percent of the ground floor dwelling units shall comply with Division IV, and all remaining ground floor dwelling units shall comply with the features listed in Section 1150A.2 unless exempted by Test No. 3, Unusual Characteristics Test.

Test No. 1 -- Individual Building Test may only be used if the site has terrain over 15 percent slope.

Test No. 3 -- Unusual Characteristics Test may be used if applicable.

Provisions to Test Nos. 1 and 2.  Where a building elevator is provided only as means of creating an accessible route to covered multifamily dwelling units on a ground floor, the building is not considered to be an elevator building for purposes of this code; hence, only the ground floor dwelling units would be covered.

TEST NO. 1 – INDIVIDUAL BUILDING TEST

It is not required by this code to provide an accessible route when the terrain of the site is such that both of the following apply:

1.      The slopes of the undisturbed site measured between the planned entrance and all vehicular or pedestrian arrival points within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of the planned entrance exceed 15 percent; and

2.      The slopes of the planned finished grade measured between the entrance and all vehicular or pedestrian arrival points within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of the planned entrance also exceed 15 percent.

If there are no vehicular or pedestrian arrival points within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of the planned entrance, the slope for the purposes of Test No. 1 will be measured to the closest vehicular or pedestrian arrival point.

For purposes of these requirements, vehicular or pedestrian arrival points include public or resident parking areas, public transportation stops, passenger loading zones and public streets or sidewalks. To determine site impracticality, the slope would be measured at ground level from the point of the planned entrance on a straight line to (1) each vehicular or pedestrian arrival point that is within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of the planned entrance, or (2) if there are no vehicular or pedestrian arrival points within the specified area, the vehicular or pedestrian arrival point closest to the planned entrance. In the case of sidewalks, the closest point to the entrance will be where a public sidewalk entering the site intersects with the walk to the entrance. In the case of resident parking areas, the closest point to the planned entrance will be measured from the entry point to the parking area that is located closest to the planned entrance.

TEST NO. 2 – SITE ANALYSIS TEST

For a site having multiple buildings, or a site with a single building with multiple entrances, it is not required to provide an accessible route to all ground floor units under the following conditions:

1.      Calculate the percentage of the total buildable area of the undisturbed site with a natural grade less than 10-percent slope. The analysis of the existing slope (before grading) shall be done on a topographic survey with 2-foot (610 mm) contour intervals with slope determination made between each successive interval. The accuracy of the slope analysis shall be certified by a licensed engineer, landscape architect, architect or surveyor.

2.      Determine the requirement of providing an accessible route to planned multifamily dwellings based on the topography of the existing natural terrain. The minimum percentage of ground floor units required on an accessible route shall equal the percentage of the total buildable area (not restricted-use areas) of the undisturbed site with an existing natural grade of less than 10-percent slope. In no case shall less than 20 percent of the ground floor dwelling units be on an accessible route and comply with the provisions of Division IV.

3.      In addition to the percentage established in paragraph (2), all additional ground floor units in a building, or ground floor units served by a particular entrance, that fall within an 8.33-percent slope between their planned entrances and an arrival point, shall be on an accessible route and comply with the provisions of Division IV.

4.      All additional ground floor units in a building, or ground floor units served by a particular entrance, not on an accessible route shall comply with the features listed in Section 1150A.2.

TEST NO. 3 – UNUSUAL CHARACTERISTICS TEST

Unusual characteristics include sites located in a state or federally designated floodplain or coastal high-hazard areas and sites subject to other similar requirements of law or code that require the lowest floor or the lowest structural member of the lowest floor be designed to a specified level at or above the base flood elevation. An accessible route to a building entrance is impractical due to unusual characteristics of the site when:

1.      The original site characteristics result in a difference in finished grade elevation exceeding 30 inches (762 mm) and 10 percent measured between an entrance and all vehicular or pedestrian arrival points within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of the planned entrance; or

2.      If there are no vehicular or pedestrian arrival points within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of the planned entrance, the unusual characteristics result in a difference in finished grade elevation exceeding 30 inches (762 mm) and 10 percent measured between an entrance and the closest vehicular or pedestrian arrival point.

ETA Editor's Note

Section 1150A.2 from California Building Code Chapter 11A, not adopted by Division of the State Architect - Access Compliance (DSA-AC), omitted.  To see the entire Chapter, consult California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 - 2013 California Building Code (2013 CBC), available for purchase from International Code Council (http://www.iccsafe.org/).

CHAPTER 11 ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

This chapter contains scoping and technical requirements for accessibility to sites, facilities, buildings, and elements by individuals with disabilities. The requirements are to be applied during the design, construction, additions to, and alteration of sites, facilities, buildings, and elements to the extent required by Chapter 1, Section 1.9.

[2010 ADAS101.1 General.  This document contains scoping and technical requirements for accessibility to sites, facilities, buildings, and elements by individuals with disabilities. The requirements are to be applied during the design, construction, additions to, and alteration of sites, facilities, buildings, and elements to the extent required by regulations issued by Federal agencies under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

[ADA Title II§35.151(a) New construction and alterations;  Design and construction.

(1)     Each facility or part of a facility constructed by, on behalf of, or for the use of a public entity shall be designed and constructed in such manner that the facility or part of the facility is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, if the construction was commenced after January 26, 1992.

[ADA Title III§36.401(a) New construction;  General.

(1)     Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, discrimination for purposes of this part includes a failure to design and construct facilities for first occupancy after January 26, 1993, that are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.

(2)     For purposes of this section, a facility is designed and constructed for first occupancy after January 26, 1993, only –

(i)      If the last application for a building permit or permit extension for the facility is certified to be complete, by a State, County, or local government after January 26, 1992 (or, in those jurisdictions where the government does not certify completion of applications, if the last application for a building permit or permit extension for the facility is received by the State, County, or local government after January 26, 1992); and

(ii)     If the first certificate of occupancy for the facility is issued after January 26, 1993.

[2010 ADASAdvisory 101.1 General.  In addition to these requirements, covered entities must comply with the regulations issued by the Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation under the Americans with Disabilities Act. There are issues affecting individuals with disabilities which are not addressed by these requirements, but which are covered by the Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation regulations.

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-101.1 General (1).  Chapter 11B accessibility regulations are applicable to: 1) publicly funded buildings, structures, sidewalks, curbs and related facilities; 2) privately funded public accommodations and commercial facilities; and 3) public housing and private housing available for public use.  Refer to Chapter 1, Section 1.9 for additional information. ◼

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-101.1 General (2).  Accessible features, accommodations and elements must comply with the requirements of Chapter 11B.  In some cases Chapter 11B requires compliance with requirements in other parts of the building code. When additional scoping or technical requirements are located in other parts of the building code, the features, accommodations and elements must comply with those regulations and Chapter 11B. ◼

11B-101.2 Reserved.

[2010 ADAS101.2 Effect on Removal of Barriers in Existing Facilities.  This document does not address existing facilities unless altered at the discretion of a covered entity. The Department of Justice has authority over existing facilities that are subject to the requirement for removal of barriers under title III of the ADA. Any determination that this document applies to existing facilities subject to the barrier removal requirement is solely within the discretion of the Department of Justice and is effective only to the extent required by regulations issued by the Department of Justice.

ETA Editor's Note

While the 2010 ADA Standards and 2013 CBC address new construction and alterations of existing facilities, the ADA Title II and ADA Title III regulations include a Safe Harbor provision for existing facilities. The ADA provisions are inserted immediately below.  Chapter 11B of 2013 CBC declines to use the term "Safe Harbor," but contains a limited version of the same principle at Section 11B-202.4, Exception 2. In addition, ADA Title III requires removal of barriers for existing facilities not undergoing alterations as defined in the 2010 ADA Standards, which goes above and beyond responsibilities assigned by CBC. For more information regarding ADA Safe Harbor, go to http://www.adasafeharbor.com/.

[ADA Title II§35.150(b) Existing Facilities; Methods.

(2)(i)  Safe harbor. Elements that have not been altered in existing facilities on or after March 15, 2012, and that comply with the corresponding technical and scoping specifications for those elements in either the 1991 Standards or in the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS), Appendix A to 41 CFR part 101–19.6 (July 1, 2002 ed.), 49 FR 31528, app. A (Aug. 7, 1984) are not required to be modified in order to comply with the requirements set forth in the 2010 Standards.

(ii)     The safe harbor provided in §35.150(b)(2)(i) does not apply to those elements in existing facilities that are subject to supplemental requirements (i.e., elements for which there are neither technical nor scoping specifications in the 1991 Standards). Elements in the 2010 Standards not eligible for the element-by-element safe harbor are identified as follows –

(A)    Residential facilities dwelling units, sections 233 and 809.

(B)    Amusement rides, sections 234 and 1002; 206.2.9; 216.12.

(C)    Recreational boating facilities, sections 235 and 1003; 206.2.10.

(D)    Exercise machines and equipment, sections 236 and 1004; 206.2.13.

(E)    Fishing piers and platforms, sections 237 and 1005; 206.2.14.

(F)     Golf facilities, sections 238 and 1006; 206.2.15.

(G)    Miniature golf facilities, sections 239 and 1007; 206.2.16.

(H)    Play areas, sections 240 and 1008; 206.2.17.

(I)      Saunas and steam rooms, sections 241 and 612.

(J)     Swimming pools, wading pools, and spas, sections 242 and 1009.

(K)    Shooting facilities with firing positions, sections 243 and 1010.

(L)     Miscellaneous.

(1)     Team or player seating, section 221.2.1.4.

(2)     Accessible route to bowling lanes, section. 206.2.11.

(3)     Accessible route in court sports facilities, section 206.2.12.

[ADA Title III§36.304 Removal of Barriers

(a) General. A public accommodation shall remove architectural barriers in existing facilities, including communication barriers that are structural in nature, where such removal is readily achievable, i.e., easily accomplishable and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense.

(b) Examples. Examples of steps to remove barriers include, but are not limited to, the following actions –

(1)     Installing ramps;

(2)     Making curb cuts in sidewalks and entrances;

(3)     Repositioning shelves;

(4)     Rearranging tables, chairs, vending machines, display racks, and other furniture;

(5)     Repositioning telephones;

(6)     Adding raised markings on elevator control buttons;

(7)     Installing flashing alarm lights;

(8)     Widening doors;

(9)     Installing offset hinges to widen doorways;

(10)   Eliminating a turnstile or providing an alternative accessible path;

(11)   Installing accessible door hardware;

(12)   Installing grab bars in toilet stalls;

(13)   Rearranging toilet partitions to increase maneuvering space;

(14)   Insulating lavatory pipes under sinks to prevent burns;

(15)   Installing a raised toilet seat;

(16)   Installing a full-length bathroom mirror;

(17)   Repositioning the paper towel dispenser in a bathroom;

(18)   Creating designated accessible parking spaces;

(19)   Installing an accessible paper cup dispenser at an existing inaccessible water fountain;

(20)   Removing high pile, low density carpeting; or

(21)   Installing vehicle hand controls.

(c) Priorities. A public accommodation is urged to take measures to comply with the barrier removal requirements of this section in accordance with the following order of priorities.

(1) First, a public accommodation should take measures to provide access to a place of public accommodation from public sidewalks, parking, or public transportation. These measures include, for example, installing an entrance ramp, widening entrances, and providing accessible parking spaces.

(2) Second, a public accommodation should take measures to provide access to those areas of a place of public accommodation where goods and services are made available to the public. These measures include, for example, adjusting the layout of display racks, rearranging tables, providing Brailled and raised character signage, widening doors, providing visual alarms, and installing ramps.

(3) Third, a public accommodation should take measures to provide access to restroom facilities. These measures include, for example, removal of obstructing furniture or vending machines, widening of doors, installation of ramps, providing accessible signage, widening of toilet stalls, and installation of grab bars.

(4) Fourth, a public accommodation should take any other measures necessary to provide access to the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of a place of public accommodation.

(d) Relationship to Alterations Requirements of Subpart D of this Part.

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, measures taken to comply with the barrier removal requirements of this section shall comply with the applicable requirements for alterations in §36.402 and §§36.404 through 36.406 of this part for the element being altered. The path of travel requirements of §36.403 shall not apply to measures taken solely to comply with the barrier removal requirements of this section.

(2)

(i) Safe harbor. Elements that have not been altered in existing facilities on or after March 15, 2012, and that comply with the corresponding technical and scoping specifications for those elements in the 1991 Standards are not required to be modified in order to comply with the requirements set forth in the 2010 Standards.

(ii)

(A) Before March 15, 2012, elements in existing facilities that do not comply with the corresponding technical and scoping specifications for those elements in the 1991 Standards must be modified to the extent readily achievable to comply with either the 1991 Standards or the 2010 Standards. Noncomplying newly constructed and altered elements may also be subject to the requirements of §36.406(a)(5).

(B) On or after March 15, 2012, elements in existing facilities that do not comply with the corresponding technical and scoping specifications for those elements in the 1991 Standards must be modified to the extent readily achievable to comply with the requirements set forth in the 2010 Standards. Noncomplying newly constructed and altered elements may also be subject to the requirements of § 36.406(a)(5).

(iii) The safe harbor provided in § 36.304(d)(2)(i) does not apply to those elements in existing facilities that are subject to supplemental requirements (i.e., elements for which there are neither technical nor scoping specifications in the 1991 Standards), and therefore those elements must be modified to the extent readily achievable to comply with the 2010 Standards. Noncomplying newly constructed and altered elements may also be subject to the requirements of § 36.406(a)(5). Elements in the 2010 Standards not eligible for the element-by-element safe harbor are identified as follows –

(A)    Residential facilities and dwelling units, sections 233 and 809.

(B)    Amusement rides, sections 234 and 1002; 206.2.9; 216.12.

(C)    Recreational boating facilities, sections 235 and 1003; 206.2.10.

(D)    Exercise machines and equipment, sections 236 and 1004; 206.2.13.

(E)    Fishing piers and platforms, sections 237 and 1005; 206.2.14.

(F)     Golf facilities, sections 238 and 1006; 206.2.15.

(G)    Miniature golf facilities, sections 239 and 1007; 206.2.16.

(H)    Play areas, sections 240 and 1008; 206.2.17.

(I)      Saunas and steam rooms, sections 241 and 612.

(J)     Swimming pools, wading pools, and spas, sections 242 and 1009.

(K)    Shooting facilities with firing positions, sections 243 and 1010.

(L)     Miscellaneous.

(1)     Team or player seating, section 221.2.1.4.

(2)     Accessible route to bowling lanes, section 206.2.11.

(3)     Accessible route in court sports facilities, section 206.2.12.

(3) If, as a result of compliance with the alterations requirements specified in paragraph (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this section, the measures required to remove a barrier would not be readily achievable, a public accommodation may take other readily achievable measures to remove the barrier that do not fully comply with the specified requirements. Such measures include, for example, providing a ramp with a steeper slope or widening a doorway to a narrower width than that mandated by the alterations requirements. No measure shall be taken, however, that poses a significant risk to the health or safety of individuals with disabilities or others.

Appendix to §36.304(d)

Compliance Dates and Applicable Standards for Barrier Removal and Safe Harbor

Date

Requirement

Applicable Standards

Before March 15, 2012

Elements that do not comply with the requirements for those elements in the 1991 Standards must be modified to the extent readily achievable.

 

Note: Noncomplying newly constructed and altered elements may also be subject to the requirements of § 36.406(a)(5).

1991 Standards or 2010 Standards.

On or after March 15, 2012

Elements that do not comply with the requirements for those elements in the 1991 Standards or that do not comply with the supplemental requirements (i.e., elements for which there are neither technical nor scoping specifications in the 1991 Standards), must be modified to the extent readily achievable. There is an exception for existing pools, wading pools, and spas built before March 15, 2012 [See § 36.304(g)(5)].

 

Note: Noncomplying newly constructed and altered elements may also be subject to the requirements of § 36.406(a)(5).

2010 Standards.

On or after January 31, 2013

For existing pools, wading pools, and spas built before March 15, 2012, elements that do not comply with the supplemental requirements for entry to pools, wading pools, and spas must be modified to the extent readily achievable [See § 36.304(g)(5)]

Sections 242 and 1009 of the 2010 Standards.

Elements not altered after March 15, 2012

Elements that comply with the requirements for those elements in the 1991 Standards do not need to be modified

Safe Harbor.

(e) Portable Ramps. Portable ramps should be used to comply with this section only when installation of a permanent ramp is not readily achievable. In order to avoid any significant risk to the health or safety of individuals with disabilities or others in using portable ramps, due consideration shall be given to safety features such as nonslip surfaces, railings, anchoring, and strength of materials.

(f) Selling or Serving Space. The rearrangement of temporary or movable structures, such as furniture, equipment, and display racks is not readily achievable to the extent that it results in a significant loss of selling or serving space.

(g) Limitation on Barrier Removal Obligations.

(1) The requirements for barrier removal under §36.304 shall not be interpreted to exceed the standards for alterations in subpart D of this part.

(2) To the extent that relevant standards for alterations are not provided in subpart D of this part, then the requirements of §36.304 shall not be interpreted to exceed the standards for new construction in subpart D of this part.

(3) This section does not apply to rolling stock and other conveyances to the extent that §36.310 applies to rolling stock and other conveyances.

(4) This requirement does not apply to guest rooms in existing facilities that are places of lodging where the guest rooms are not owned by the entity that owns, leases, or operates the overall facility and the physical features of the guest room interiors are controlled by their individual owners.

(5) With respect to facilities built before March 15, 2012, the requirements in this section for accessible means of entry for swimming pools, wading pools, and spas, as set forth in sections 242 and 1009 of the 2010 Standards, shall not apply until January 31, 2013.

[ADA Title III] §36.305 Alternatives to Barrier Removal.

(a) General. Where a public accommodation can demonstrate that barrier removal is not readily achievable, the public accommodation shall not fail to make its goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations available through alternative methods, if those methods are readily achievable.

(b) Examples. Examples of alternatives to barrier removal include, but are not limited to, the following actions –

(1)     Providing curb service or home delivery;

(2)     Retrieving merchandise from inaccessible shelves or racks;

(3)     Relocating activities to accessible locations;

(c) Multiscreen Cinemas. If it is not readily achievable to remove barriers to provide access by persons with mobility impairments to all of the theaters of a multiscreen cinema, the cinema shall establish a film rotation schedule that provides reasonable access for individuals who use wheelchairs to all films. Reasonable notice shall be provided to the public as to the location and time of accessible showings.

11B-102 Dimensions for adults and children.

The technical requirements are based on adult dimensions and anthropometrics. In addition, this chapter includes technical requirements based on children's dimensions and anthropometries for drinking fountains, water closets, toilet compartments, lavatories and sinks, dining surfaces, and work surfaces.

11B-103 Equivalent facilitation.

Nothing in these requirements prevents the use of designs, products, or technologies as alternatives to those prescribed, provided they result in substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability.

[2010 ADASAdvisory 103 Equivalent Facilitation.  The responsibility for demonstrating equivalent facilitation in the event of a challenge rests with the covered entity. With the exception of transit facilities, which are covered by regulations issued by the Department of Transportation, there is no process for certifying that an alternative design provides equivalent facilitation.

ETA Editor's Note

The acceptance of an Equivalent Facilitation argument by a Local Building Official or other Authority Having Jurisdiction does not warrant that the standards for Equivalent Facilitation expected for ADA compliance are met, since those entities have no authority to certify ADA compliance, and consistently state that they do not review for it. Due diligence is advised whenever Equivalent Facilitation is proposed in lieu of strict compliance with stated scoping and/or technical requirements.

When designs rely on equivalent facilitation for compliance, the designer, and any other responsible parties, must verify that the designs, products or technologies actually result in substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability for people with all disability types who would have been accommodated by a design meeting the stated requirements.

11B-104.1 Dimensions.

Dimensions that are not stated as "maximum" or "minimum" are absolute.

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-104.1 Dimensions.  This section clarifies the dimensioning conventions used in this chapter.  Dimensions stated as a "maximum" or "minimum" provide a dimensional range for design purposes.  Dimensions not stated as ‘maximum’ or ‘minimum’ are absolute values for design purposes. ◼

11B-104.1.1 Construction and manufacturing tolerances.

All dimensions are subject to conventional industry tolerances except where the requirement is stated as a range with specific minimum and maximum end points.

[2010 ADASAdvisory 104.1.1  Construction and Manufacturing Tolerances.  Conventional industry tolerances recognized by this provision include those for field conditions and those that may be a necessary consequence of a particular manufacturing process. Recognized tolerances are not intended to apply to design work.

It is good practice when specifying dimensions to avoid specifying a tolerance where dimensions are absolute. For example, if this document requires "1½ inches," avoid specifying "1½ inches plus or minus X inches."

Where the requirement states a specified range, such as in 609.4 where grab bars must be installed between 33 inches and 36 inches above the floor, the range provides an adequate tolerance and therefore no tolerance outside of the range at either end point is permitted.

Where a requirement is a minimum or a maximum dimension that does not have two specific minimum and maximum end points, tolerances may apply. Where an element is to be installed at the minimum or maximum permitted dimension, such as "15 inches minimum" or "5 pounds maximum," it would not be good practice to specify "5 pounds (plus X pounds) or 15 inches (minus X inches)." Rather, it would be good practice to specify a dimension less than the required maximum (or more than the required minimum) by the amount of the expected field or manufacturing tolerance and not to state any tolerance in conjunction with the specified dimension.

Specifying dimensions in design in the manner described above will better ensure that facilities and elements accomplish the level of accessibility intended by these requirements. It will also more often produce an end result of strict and literal compliance with the stated requirements and eliminate enforcement difficulties and issues that might otherwise arise. Information on specific tolerances may be available from industry or trade organizations, code groups and building officials, and published references.

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-104.1.1 Construction and manufacturing tolerances.  Application of conventional industry tolerances must be on a case-by-case, project-by-project basis.  Predetermined guidelines for construction tolerances could unnecessarily encourage contractors and others to deviate from the access regulations found in the CBC and may wrongfully be viewed by some to have the effect of law.

Conventional building industry tolerances include those for field conditions and those that may be a necessary consequence of a particular manufacturing process.  Recognized tolerances are not intended to apply to design work.

Where accessibility provisions state a dimensional range, such as Section 11B-505.4 which requires the top of stair handrails to be installed between 34 inches and 38 inches above the nosing, the range already provides an adequate tolerance, therefore, no tolerance outside the range at either end point is permitted.

An element designed to be constructed at either the maximum or minimum permitted dimensions puts the construction at risk if construction errors result in a violation of the standards.  It is good practice to specify a dimension less than the required maximum (or more than the required minimum) by the amount of the expected field or manufacturing tolerance and not to state any tolerance in conjunction with the specified dimension.

In other words, dimensions noted in accessibility provisions as “maximum” or “minimum” should not be considered dimensions for design, as they represent the limits of a requirement.  To be sure that field tolerances result in usable construction, notes and dimensions in construction documents should anticipate expected tolerances so that a required dimensional range is not exceeded by the addition of a finish or a variation in construction practice.

Specifying dimensions in design in the manner described above will better ensure that facilities and elements accomplish the level of accessibility intended by the provision.  It will also more often produce an end result of strict and literal compliance with the stated requirements and eliminate enforcement difficulties and issues that might otherwise arise. ◼

ETA Editor’s Note:

For additional information go to ADA Tolerances - Additional Resources or keyword search "Tolerance."

11B-104.2 Calculation of percentages.

Where the required number of elements or facilities to be provided is determined by calculations of ratios or percentages and remainders or fractions result, the next greater whole number of such elements or facilities shall be provided. Where the determination of the required size or dimension of an element or facility involves ratios or percentages, rounding down for values less than one half shall be permitted.

11B-104.3 Figures.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, figures are provided for informational purposes only.

Dimension lines show English units above the line (in inches unless otherwise noted) and the SI units (in millimeters unless otherwise noted).  Small measurements show the dimension with an arrow pointing to the dimension line.  Dimension ranges are shown above the line in inches and below the line in millimeters.  Min refers to minimum, and max refers to the maximum.  Mathematical symbols indicate greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, and less than or equal to.  A dashed line identifies the boundary of clear floor space or maneuvering space.  A line with alternating shot and long dashes with a c and l at the end indicate the centerline.  A dashed line with longer spaces indicates a permitted element or its extension.  An arrow is to identify the direction of travel or approach.  A thick black line is used to represent a wall, floor, ceiling or other element cut in section or plan.  Gray shading is used to show an element in elevation or plan.  Hatching is used to show the location zone of elements, controls, or features.  Terms defined by this document are shown in italics.

FIGURE 11B-104
GRAPHIC CONVENTION FOR FIGURES

11B-106.1 General.

For the purpose of this chapter, the terms listed in Section 11B-106.5 and defined in Chapter 2 have the indicated meaning.

11B-106.2 Terms defined in referenced standards.

Terms not listed in Section 11B-106.5 and not defined in Chapter 2, Section 202, but specifically defined in a referenced standard, shall have the specified meaning from the referenced standard unless otherwise stated.

11B-106.3 Undefined terms.

The meaning of terms not specifically listed in Section 11B-106.5, and not defined in Chapter 2, Section 202, or in referenced standards shall be as defined by collegiate dictionaries in the sense that the context implies.

11B-106.4 Interchangeability.

See Chapter 2, Section 201.2.

11B-106.5 Defined terms.

The following terms are defined in Chapter 2, Section 202.

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-106.5 Defined terms.  Terms defined in Chapter 2, Section 202 and adopted by DSA-AC for access are listed below. Non-italicized terms indicate 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act Standards model code definitions. Italicized terms indicate definitions carried forward from the 2010 California Building Code. ◼

ETA Editor's Note

Since hyperlinks are provided throughout this Pocket Guide where certain defined terms are used, the list of defined terms in 2013 CBC Chapter 11B is omitted. The definitions of those terms, as well as terms defined in ADA, are located in Section 202. For simplicity, the following terms defined in Section 202 do not have hyperlinks, unless the Editor has judged that the particular context may benefit from the added clarity of the definition:

                  Accessible

                  Accessible Space

                  Addition

                  ANSI

                  Approved

                  Building

                  Building Official

                  CCR

                  Clear

                  Comply with

                  Disability

                  Element

                  Enforcing Agency

                  Exit

                  Facility

                  Health Care Provider

                  Handrail

                  Historic Buildings

                  If, If ... Then

                  Kitchen or Kitchenette

                  May

                  NFPA

                  Nosing

                  Pedestrian

                  Permanent

                  Permit

                  Private Building or Facility

                  Recommend

                  Remodeling

                  Repair

                  Riser

                  Shall

                  Should

                  Signage

                  Site

                  Space

                  Stair

                  Story

                  Structural Frame

                  Structure

                  Tactile

                  Temporary

                  Tread

                  Walk

                  Wheelchair

11B-108 Maintenance of accessible features.

A public accommodation shall maintain in operable working condition those features of facilities and equipment that are required to be accessible to and useable by persons with disabilities. Isolated or temporary interruptions in service or accessibility due to maintenance or repairs shall be permitted.

DSA icon
11B-108 Maintenance of accessible features.  Features for accessibility must be permanently functional, unobstructed and may not be removed.  It is not sufficient to provide features such as accessible routes, parking, elevators, ramps or signage if those features are not maintained in a manner that enables individuals with disabilities to use them.  Inoperable elevators, locked accessible doors, or "accessible" routes that are obstructed by furniture, filing cabinets or potted plants are not accessible to nor usable by persons with disabilities. ◼

11B-201 Application

11B-201.1 Scope.

All areas of newly designed and newly constructed buildings and facilities and altered portions of existing buildings and facilities shall comply with these requirements. 

[ADA Title II] §35.151(d) New Construction and Alterations; Scope of Coverage. [ADA Title III] §36.406(b) Standards for New Construction and Alterations; Scope of Coverage. The 1991 Standards and the 2010 Standards apply to fixed or built-in elements of buildings, structures, site improvements, and pedestrian routes or vehicular ways located on a site. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the advisory notes, appendix notes, and figures contained in the 1991 Standards and 2010 Standards explain or illustrate the requirements of the rule; they do not establish enforceable requirements. 

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 201.1 Scope.  These requirements are to be applied to all areas of a facility unless exempted, or where scoping limits the number of multiple elements required to be accessible. For example, not all medical care patient rooms are required to be accessible; those that are not required to be accessible are not required to comply with these requirements. However, common use and public use spaces such as recovery rooms, examination rooms, and cafeterias are not exempt from these requirements and must be accessible.
11B-201.2 Application based on building or facility use.

Where a site, building, facility, room, or space contains more than one use, each portion shall comply with the applicable requirements for that use. 

11B-201.3 Temporary and permanent structures.

These requirements shall apply to temporary and permanent buildings and facilities. 

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 201.3 Temporary and Permanent Structures.  Temporary buildings or facilities covered by these requirements include, but are not limited to, reviewing stands, temporary classrooms, bleacher areas, stages, platforms and daises, fixed furniture systems, wall systems, and exhibit areas, temporary banking facilities, and temporary health screening facilities. Structures and equipment directly associated with the actual processes of construction are not required to be accessible as permitted in 203.2.
11B-201.4 Construction Support Facilities.

These requirements shall apply to temporary or permanent construction support facilities for uses and activities not directly associated with the actual processes of construction, including but not limited to offices, meeting rooms, plan rooms, other administrative or support functions. When provided, toilet and bathing facilities serving construction support facilities shall comply with 11B-213. When toilet and bathing facilities serving construction support facilities are provided by portable units, at least one of each type shall be accessible and connected to the construction support facilities it serves by an accessible route.

EXCEPTION:  During construction an accessible route shall not be required between site arrival points or the boundary of the area of construction and the entrance to the construction support facilities if the only means of access between them is a vehicular way not providing pedestrian access.

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-201.4 Construction support facilities.  This section clarifies that construction support facilities located on or adjacent to a construction site, but not directly associated with the actual processes of construction must comply with the accessibility provisions of Chapter 11B. Construction support facilities may include but are not limited to, offices, meeting rooms, plan rooms and other administrative and support spaces. Toilet facilities serving these construction support facilities, including portable units, must also comply with the accessibility provisions of this chapter. While an accessible route is required between construction support facilities and the toilet and parking facilities serving them, an accessible route is not required between site arrival points and construction support facilities when the only means of reaching the construction support facilities is a vehicular way.◼

11B-202 Existing buildings and facilities

11B-202.1 General.

Additions and alterations to existing buildings or facilities shall comply with Section 11B-202

11B-202.2 Additions.

Each addition to an existing building or facility shall comply with the requirements for new construction and shall comply with 11B-202.4 _|Alterations; Path of Travel Requirements|_.

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-202.2 Additions.  An addition to site improvements, such as a new patio or playground, may require an accessible path of travel from the site arrival point to restrooms, drinking fountains, signs, public telephones (if available) serving the addition.◼

[2010 ADAS] 202.2 Additions.  Each addition to an existing building or facility shall comply with the requirements for new construction. Each addition that affects or could affect the usability of or access to an area containing a primary function shall comply with 202.4.

11B-202.3 Alterations.

Where existing elements or spaces are altered, each altered element or space shall comply with the applicable requirements of Division 2, including Section 11B-202.4 _|Alterations; Path of Travel Requirements|_. 

[2010 ADAS] 202.3 Alterations.  Where existing elements or spaces are altered, each altered element or space shall comply with the applicable requirements of Chapter 2.

Exceptions:

1.     Reserved.

[2010 ADAS1.  Unless required by 202.4, where elements or spaces are altered and the circulation path to the altered element or space is not altered, an accessible route shall not be required.

2.     Technically infeasible. In alterations, where the enforcing authority determines compliance with applicable requirements is technically infeasible, the alteration shall provide equivalent facilitation or comply with the requirements to the maximum extent feasible. The details of the finding that full compliance with the requirements is technically infeasible shall be recorded and entered into the files of the enforcing agency.

[2010 ADAS2.  In alterations, where compliance with applicable requirements is technically infeasible, the alteration shall comply with the requirements to the maximum extent feasible.

ETA Editor's Note

A key difference between CBC and ADA is that matters of judgment, such as technical infeasibility, equivalent facilitation, and compliance to the maximum extent feasible are subject to the opinions of the Authority Having Jurisdiction with regard to CBC, while there is no such governing authority for ADA.  Instead, these matters are subject to being tested through the legal system.  Risk is minimized when there is clear evidence that proactive measures have been taken to enable individuals with varying types of disabilities to acquire goods and services independently, or to receive the same benefits of participation or employment as anyone else.

3.     Residential dwelling units not required to be accessible in compliance with this code shall not be required to comply with 11B-202.3.

[2010 ADAS3.  Residential dwelling units not required to be accessible in compliance with a standard issued pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, shall not be required to comply with 202.3

[ADA Title II§35.151(b) New Construction and Alterations; Alterations. (1) Each facility or part of a facility altered by, on behalf of, or for the use of a public entity in a manner that affects or could affect the usability of the facility or part of the facility shall, to the maximum extent feasible, be altered in such manner that the altered portion of the facility is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, if the alteration was commenced after January 26, 1992.

[ADA Title III§36.402(a) Alterations; General. (1) Any alteration to a place of public accommodation or a commercial facility, after January 26, 1992, shall be made so as to ensure that, to the maximum extent feasible, the altered portions of the facility are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs. (2) An alteration is deemed to be undertaken after January 26, 1992, if the physical alteration of the property begins after that date.

[2010 ADASAdvisory 202.3 Alterations. Although covered entities are permitted to limit the scope of an alteration to individual elements, the alteration of multiple elements within a room or space may provide a cost-effective opportunity to make the entire room or space accessible. Any elements or spaces of the building or facility that are required to comply with these requirements must be made accessible within the scope of the alteration, to the maximum extent feasible. If providing accessibility in compliance with these requirements for people with one type of disability (e.g., people who use wheelchairs) is not feasible, accessibility must still be provided in compliance with the requirements for people with other types of disabilities (e.g., people who have hearing impairments or who have vision impairments) to the extent that such accessibility is feasible.

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-202.3 Alterations (seismic strengthening).  In Legal Opinion No. 94-1109, dated May 10, 1995, the Attorney General for the State of California concluded that seismic strengthening work in an existing building constitutes a “building alteration, structural repair or addition” for purposes of providing access to the building for persons with disabilities.

In existing buildings or facilities, if seismic strengthening or upgrade work does not alter the primary use or function of the building or facility and/or does not alter the design of specific rooms or spaces, then the requirement for an accessible path of travel to the area of specific alteration does not apply. However, an accessible primary entrance, toilet and bathing facilities, drinking fountains, signs and public telephones, as well as an accessible route connecting these elements must be provided. In existing buildings or facilities, when the primary use or function of the building or facility and/or design of specific rooms or spaces are altered, the seismic strengthening or upgrade work must comply with all applicable accessibility regulations for new construction.  In addition, an accessible primary entrance to the building or facility and path of travel to the specific area of alteration, including toilet and bathing facilities, drinking fountains, signs, and public telephones serving the area must be provided.◼

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-202.3 Alterations (fire damage repair).  US Department of Justice technical assistance letter #772, dated August 26, 1998, indicates reconstruction after a fire is considered an alteration. Chapter 2, Section 202 defines alteration as “…a change, addition or modification in construction, change in occupancy or use, or structural repair to an existing building or facility. …” Reroofing, painting or wallpapering, or changes to mechanical and electrical systems are generally not considered to be alterations.

When the damage caused by a fire is minor and can be corrected by cleaning, re-painting or re-wallpapering, accessibility provisions based on alterations are not triggered. The accessibility requirements of Section 11B-202.3 would apply where alterations are made in the fire damaged area, for example, if wall or roof structures are being reconstructed or repaired. These requirements include: (1) reconstruction work in the specific area of fire damage that complies with all applicable accessibility provisions for new construction and (2) the obligation to provide an accessible primary entrance to the building or facility and primary path of travel to the specific area of alteration, including toilet and bathing facilities, drinking fountains, signs, and public telephones that serve the area.◼

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-202.3 Alterations (change in occupancy).  When a building or facility undergoes a change of occupancy, the entire building or facility (or portion thereof) is considered the area of alteration.  The entire building or facility (or portion thereof) must be upgraded to comply with current accessibility requirements for new construction.◼
DSA icon
Advisory 11B-202.3 Alterations (pre-existing conditions).  Code changes to the California Building Code do not generally “trigger” the requirement to comply with the current code in existing buildings unless the building or facility is undergoing alteration.◼

11B-202.3.1 Prohibited reduction in access.

An alteration that decreases or has the effect of decreasing the accessibility of a building or facility below the requirements for new construction at the time of the alteration is prohibited. 

[ADA Title II§35.133 Maintenance of accessible features.  [ADA Title III§36.211 Maintenance of accessible features. (c) If the 2010 Standards reduce the technical requirements or the number of required accessible elements below the number required by the 1991 Standards, the technical requirements or the number of accessible elements in a facility subject to this part may be reduced in accordance with the requirements of the 2010 Standards. 

11B-202.3.2 Extent of application.

An alteration of an existing element, space, or area of a building or facility shall not impose a requirement for accessibility greater than required for new construction. 

11B-202.3.3 Alteration of single elements.

If alterations of single elements, when considered together, amount to an alteration of a room or space in a building or facility, the entire room or space shall be made accessible.

11B-202.4 Path of travel requirements in alterations, additions and structural repairs.

When alterations or additions are made to existing buildings or facilities, an accessible path of travel to the specific area of alteration or addition shall be provided. The primary accessible path of travel shall include:

ETA Editor's Note

CBC Chapter 11B does not apply the same qualification as ADA for imposing the responsibility to make the path of travel to an addition or alteration accessible, implying that existing barriers to accessibility must be mitigated, subject to codified hardship and/or safe harbor limitations. ADA imposes the responsibility when an alteration or addition to a public accommodation or commercial facility includes or affects an area containing a primary function. Lacking this qualification, the CBC Chapter 11B scoping is more inclusive. However, the CBC scoping is interpreted and enforced by Local Building Officials and other Authorities Having Jurisdiction, whereas the ADA scoping is not. Therefore, in cases where the CBC scoping for mitigation of existing path of travel barriers as part of a building alteration or addition is not enforced, or is enforced to a lesser degree than the ADA obligation would require, the ADA obligation remains in effect, if the alteration or addition meets the ADA primary function qualification.

It is also important to note that ADA Title III imposes a perpetual obligation for public accommodations to mitigate existing barriers to the extent readily achievable, not merely limited to those on an accessible path of travel, and not tied to other alterations or additions.

In order to mitigate existing barriers, it is first necessary to identify them. The subject of who is responsible for doing this is not addressed directly by CBC or ADA, and it is perhaps the most common failing for public accommodations. Design professionals frequently note "Existing Accessible Parking," "Existing Accessible Toilets," and similar, which Authorities Having Jurisdiction take to imply that they are compliant. The failure to mitigate existing barriers that are overlooked by this practice can be, and frequently is, an ADA violation. It is also inconsistent with the intent of CBC Chapter 11B.

The ADA path of travel requirements are included in this Pocket Guide following those of CBC Section 11B-202.4.

1.      A primary entrance to the building or facility,

2.      Toilet and bathing facilities serving the area,

3.      Drinking fountains serving the area,

4.      Public telephones serving the area, and

5.      Signs.

Exceptions:

1.      Residential dwelling units shall comply with Section 11B-233.3.4.2.

2.      If the following elements of a path of travel have been constructed or altered in compliance with the accessibility requirements of the immediately preceding edition of the California Building Code, it shall not be required to retrofit such elements to reflect the incremental changes in this code solely because of an alteration to an area served by those elements of the path of travel:

1.      A primary entrance to the building or facility,

2.      Toilet and bathing facilities serving the area,

3.      Drinking fountains serving the area,

4.      Public telephones serving the area, and

5.      Signs.

3.      Additions or alterations to meet accessibility requirements consisting of one or more of the following items shall be limited to the actual scope of work of the project and shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-202.4:

1.     Altering one building entrance.

2.     Altering one existing toilet facility.

3.     Altering existing elevators.

4.     Altering existing steps.

5.     Altering existing handrails.

4.     Alterations solely for the purpose of barrier removal undertaken pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (Public Law 101-336, 28 C.F.R., Section 36.304) or the accessibility requirements of this code as those requirements or regulations now exist or are hereafter amended consisting of one or more of the following items shall be limited to the actual scope of work of the project and shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-202.4:

1.     Installing ramps.

2.     Making curb cuts in sidewalks and entrance.

3.     Repositioning shelves.

4.     Rearranging tables, chairs, vending machines, display racks, and other furniture.

5.     Repositioning telephones.

6.     Adding raised markings on elevator control buttons.

7.     Installing flashing alarm lights.

8.     Widening doors.

9.     Installing offset hinges to widen doorways.

10.   Eliminating a turnstile or providing an alternative accessible route.

11.   Installing accessible door hardware.

12.   Installing grab bars in toilet stalls.

13.   Rearranging toilet partitions to increase maneuvering space.

14.   Insulating lavatory pipes under sinks to prevent burns.

15.   Installing a raised toilet seat.

16.   Installing a full-length bathroom mirror.

17.   Repositioning the paper towel dispenser in a bathroom.

18.   Creating designated accessible parking spaces.

19.   Removing high-pile, low-density carpeting.

 

5.     Alterations of existing parking lots by resurfacing and/or restriping shall be limited to the actual scope of work of the project and shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-202.4.

6.     The addition or replacement of signs and/or identification devices shall be limited to the actual scope of work of the project and shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-202.4.

7.     Projects consisting only of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, reroofing, electrical work not involving placement of switches and receptacles, cosmetic work that does not affect items regulated by this code, such as painting, equipment not considered to be a part of the architecture of the building or area, such as computer terminals and office equipment shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-202.4. unless they affect the usability of the building or facility.

8.     When the adjusted construction cost is less than or equal to the current valuation threshold, as defined in Chapter 2, Section 202, the cost of compliance with 11B-202.4 shall be limited to 20 percent of the adjusted construction cost of alterations, structural repairs or additions. When the cost of full compliance with Section 11B-202.4 would exceed 20 percent, compliance shall be provided to the greatest extent possible without exceeding 20 percent.

When the adjusted construction cost exceeds the current valuation threshold, as defined in Chapter 2, Section 202, and the enforcing agency determines the cost of compliance with Section 11B-202.4 is an unreasonable hardship, as defined in Chapter 2, Section 202, full compliance with Section 11B-202.4 shall not be required.  Compliance shall be provided by equivalent facilitation or to the greatest extent possible without creating an unreasonable hardship; but in no case shall the cost of compliance be less than 20 percent of the adjusted construction cost of alterations, structural repairs or additions. The details of the finding of unreasonable hardship shall be recorded and entered into the files of the enforcing agency and shall be subject to Chapter 1, Section 1.9.1.5, Special Conditions for Persons with Disabilities Requiring Appeals Action Ratification.

For the purposes of this exception, the adjusted construction cost of alterations, structural repairs or additions shall not include the cost of alterations to path of travel elements required to comply with Section 11B-202.4.

In choosing which accessible elements to provide, priority should be given to those elements that will provide the greatest access in the following order:

1.     An accessible entrance;

2.     An accessible route to the altered area;

3.     At least one accessible restroom for each sex or a single unisex restroom;

4.     Accessible telephones;

5.     Accessible drinking fountains; and

6.     When possible, additional accessible elements such as parking, signs, storage and alarms.

If an area has been altered without providing an accessible path of travel to that area, and subsequent alterations of that area or a different area on the same path of travel are undertaken within three years of the original alteration, the total cost of alterations to the areas on that path of travel during the preceding three-year period shall be considered in determining whether the cost of making that path of travel accessible is disproportionate.

9.     Certain types of privately funded, multistory buildings and facilities were formerly exempt from accessibility requirements above and below the first floor under this code, but as of, April 1, 1994, are no longer exempt due to more restrictive provisions in the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. In alteration projects involving buildings and facilities previously approved and built without elevators, areas above and below the ground floor are subject to the 20-percent disproportionately _|should be "disproportionality"|_ provisions described in Exception 8, above, even if the value of the project exceeds the valuation threshold in Exception 8. The types of buildings and facilities are:

1.     Office buildings and passenger vehicle service stations of three stories or more and 3,000 or more square feet (279 m2) per floor.

2.     Offices of physicians and surgeons.

3.     Shopping centers.

4.     Other buildings and facilities three stories or more and 3,000 or more square feet (279 m2) per floor if a reasonable portion of services sought and used by the public is available on the accessible level.

For the general privately funded multistory building exception applicable to new construction and alterations, see Section 11B-206.2.3, Exception 1.

The elevator exception set forth in this section does not obviate or limit in any way the obligation to comply with the other accessibility requirements in this code. For example, floors above or below the accessible ground floor must meet the requirements of this section except for elevator service. If toilet or bathing facilities are provided on a level not served by an elevator, then toilet or bathing facilities must be provided on the accessible ground floor. 

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-202.4 Path of travel requirements in alterations, additions and structural repairs.  New access regulations made effective after the date of last construction may require owners to upgrade their facility to comply with the current regulations during alterations, additions or structural repair.◼

[2010 ADAS] 202.4 Alterations Affecting Primary Function Areas.  In addition to the requirements of 202.3, an alteration that affects or could affect the usability of or access to an area containing a primary function shall be made so as to ensure that, to the maximum extent feasible, the path of travel to the altered area, including the rest rooms, telephones, and drinking fountains serving the altered area, are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, unless such alterations are disproportionate to the overall alterations in terms of cost and scope as determined under criteria established by the Attorney General. In existing transportation facilities, an area of primary function shall be as defined under regulations published by the Secretary of the Department of Transportation or the Attorney General.

EXCEPTION:  Residential dwelling units shall not be required to comply with 202.4

ETA Editor's Note

Per ADA Title II, §35.151(b)(4)(i)(B), and ADA Title III, §36.403(c)(2), alterations to windows, hardware, controls, electrical outlets and signage shall not be deemed to be alterations that affect the usability of or access to an area containing a primary function.

[ADA Title II] §35.151(b)(4) New Construction and Alterations; Alterations; Path of Travel

(ii)(C)       Safe harbor.  If a public entity has constructed or altered required elements of a path of travel in accordance with the specifications in either the 1991 Standards or the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards before March 15, 2012, the public entity is not required to retrofit such elements to reflect incremental changes in the 2010 Standards solely because of an alteration to a primary function area served by that path of travel. 

[ADA Title III] §36.403 Alterations: Path of travel.

(a) General.

(2)    If a private entity has constructed or altered required elements of a path of travel at a place of public accommodation or commercial facility in accordance with the specifications in the 1991 Standards, the private entity is not required to retrofit such elements to reflect the incremental changes in the 2010 Standards solely because of an alteration to a primary function area served by that path of travel.

(c) Alterations to an area containing a primary function.

(1)    Alterations that affect the usability of or access to an area containing a primary function include but are not limited to:

(i)     Remodeling merchandise display areas or employee work areas in a department store;

(ii)    Replacing an inaccessible floor surface in the customer service or employee work areas of a bank;

(iii)   Redesigning the assembly line area of a factory; or

(iv)   Installing a computer center in an accounting firm.

(d) Landlord/tenant:  If a tenant is making alterations as defined in §36.402 that would trigger the requirements of this section, those alterations by the tenant in areas that only the tenant occupies do not trigger a path of travel obligation upon the landlord with respect to areas of the facility under the landlord´s authority, if those areas are not otherwise being altered. 

[ADA Title II] §35.151(b) New Construction and Alterations; Alterations.

(2)    The path of travel requirements of §35.151(b)(4) shall apply only to alterations undertaken solely for purposes other than to meet the program accessibility requirements of §35.150

[ADA Title III] §36.304(d) Removal of Barriers; Relationship to alterations requirements of subpart D of this part.

(1)  . . . The path of travel requirements of §36.403 shall not apply to measures taken solely to comply with the barrier removal requirements of this section. 

[ADA Title II] §35.151(b)(4)(iii) New Construction and Alterations; Alterations;  . . .  Disproportionality. 

[ADA Title III] §36.403(f) Alterations: Path of Travel; Disproportionality. _|subsections below are numbered per §36.403(f)|_

(1)    Alterations made to provide an accessible path of travel to the altered area will be deemed disproportionate to the overall alteration when the cost exceeds 20% of the cost of the alteration to the primary function area.

(2)    Costs that may be counted as expenditures required to provide an accessible path of travel may include:

(i)     Costs associated with providing an accessible entrance and an accessible route to the altered area, for example, the cost of widening doorways or installing ramps;

(ii)    Costs associated with making restrooms accessible, such as installing grab bars, enlarging toilet stalls, insulating pipes, or installing accessible faucet controls;

(iii)   Costs associated with providing accessible telephones, such as relocating the telephone to an accessible height, installing amplification devices, or installing a text telephone (TTY);

(iv)   Costs associated with relocating an inaccessible drinking fountain. 

[ADA Title II] §35.151(b)(4)(iv) New Construction and Alterations; Alterations;  . . .  Duty to provide accessible features in the event of disproportionality. 

[ADA Title III] §36.403(g) Alterations: Path of Travel; Duty to provide accessible features in the event of disproportionality _|subsections below are numbered per §36.403(g)|_.

(1)    When the cost of alterations necessary to make the path of travel to the altered area fully accessible is disproportionate to the cost of the overall alteration, the path of travel shall be made accessible to the extent that it can be made accessible without incurring disproportionate costs.

(2)    In choosing which accessible elements to provide, priority should be given to those elements that will provide the greatest access, in the following order:

(i)     An accessible entrance;

(ii)    An accessible route to the altered area;

(iii)   At least one accessible restroom for each sex or a single unisex restroom;

(iv)   Accessible telephones;

(v)    Accessible drinking fountains; and

(vi)   When possible, additional accessible elements such as parking, storage, and alarms. 

[ADA Title II] §35.151(b)(4)(v) New Construction and Alterations; Alterations;  ...  Series of smaller alterations.

(A)   The obligation to provide an accessible path of travel may not be evaded by performing a series of small alterations to the area served by a single path of travel if those alterations could have been performed as a single undertaking.

(B)

(1)    If an area containing a primary function has been altered without providing an accessible path of travel to that area, and subsequent alterations of that area, or a different area on the same path of travel, are undertaken within three years of the original alteration, the total cost of alterations to the primary function areas on that path of travel during the preceding three year period shall be considered in determining whether the cost of making that path of travel accessible is disproportionate.

(2)    Only alterations undertaken on or after March 15, 2011 shall be considered in determining if the cost of providing an accessible path of travel is disproportionate to the overall cost of the alterations. 

[ADA Title III] §36.403(h) Alterations: Path of Travel; Series of smaller alterations.

(1)    The obligation to provide an accessible path of travel may not be evaded by performing a series of small alterations to the area served by a single path of travel if those alterations could have been performed as a single undertaking.

(2)

(i)     If an area containing a primary function has been altered without providing an accessible path of travel to that area, and subsequent alterations of that area, or a different area on the same path of travel, are undertaken within three years of the original alteration, the total cost of alterations to the primary function areas on that path of travel during the preceding three year period shall be considered in determining whether the cost of making that path of travel accessible is disproportionate.

(ii)    Only alterations undertaken after January 26, 1992, shall be considered in determining if the cost of providing an accessible path of travel is disproportionate to the overall cost of the alterations. 

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 202.4 Alterations Affecting Primary Function Areas.  An area of a building or facility containing a major activity for which the building or facility is intended is a primary function area. Department of Justice ADA regulations state, "Alterations made to provide an accessible path of travel to the altered area will be deemed disproportionate to the overall alteration when the cost exceeds 20% of the cost of the alteration to the primary function area." (28 CFR 36.403 (f)(1)). See also Department of Transportation ADA regulations, which use similar concepts in the context of public sector transportation facilities (49 CFR 37.43 (e)(1)).

There can be multiple areas containing a primary function in a single building. Primary function areas are not limited to public use areas. For example, both a bank lobby and the bank's employee areas such as the teller areas and walk-in safe are primary function areas. Also, mixed use facilities may include numerous primary function areas for each use. Areas containing a primary function do not include: mechanical rooms, boiler rooms, supply storage rooms, employee lounges or locker rooms, janitorial closets, entrances, corridors, or restrooms.

11B-202.5 Alterations to qualified historic buildings and facilities.

Alterations to a qualified historic building or facility shall comply with the State Historical Building Code, Part 8, Title 24, of the California Code of Regulations.

Exception: Reserved.

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-202.5 Alterations to qualified historic buildings and facilities.  The basic criteria for designating a building or property as a qualified historic building or facility are administered by the National Register program of the National Park Service. In California, those responsibilities are delegated to the Office of Historic Preservation. The Office of Historic Preservation administers the National Register and has created and administers the California Register, a similar listing. The Office of Historic Preservation delegates authority to cities and counties as "certified local governments" to apply National Register criteria for creating local lists of historic buildings and properties. There are also local governments and agencies that designate buildings and properties as historic outside of the Office of Historic Preservation program.

The State Historical Building Code provides a definition of qualified historic building or property, and can be used to determine if a building or facility is qualified. The State Historical Building Code is used in conjunction with the accessibility requirements of Chapter 11B. In general, alteration projects in qualified historic buildings and facilities must comply with the new construction requirements of Chapter 11B, however, the State Historical Building Code provides alternative accessibility provisions when an entity believes that compliance with the Chapter 11B requirements for specific elements would threaten or destroy the historical significance of the building or facility. Alternative provisions are provided for entrances, doors, power-assisted doors, toilet rooms, and exterior and interior ramps and lifts. Equivalent facilitation is permitted in specific cases when the alternative provisions themselves would threaten or destroy the historical significance or character defining features of the historic building or facility. Alternative provisions and equivalent facilitation are applied on a case-by-case basis only.

[2010 ADAS] 202.5 Alterations to Qualified Historic Buildings and Facilities.  Alterations to a qualified historic building or facility shall comply with 202.3 and 202.4.

EXCEPTION:  Where the State Historic Preservation Officer or Advisory Council on Historic Preservation determines that compliance with the requirements for accessible routes, entrances, or toilet facilities would threaten or destroy the historic significance of the building or facility, the exceptions for alterations to qualified historic buildings or facilities for that elements shall be permitted to apply.  

[ADA Title II] §35.151(b) New Construction and Alterations; Alterations.

(3)(i) Alterations to historic properties shall comply, to the maximum extent feasible, with the provisions applicable to historic properties in the design standards specified in §35.151(c).

(ii)     If it is not feasible to provide physical access to an historic property in a manner that will not threaten or destroy the historic significance of the building or facility, alternative methods of access shall be provided pursuant to the requirements of §35.150

[ADA Title III] §36.405 Alterations: Historic Preservation.

(a)    Alterations to buildings or facilities that are eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq), or are designated as historic under State or local law, shall comply to the maximum extent feasible with this part.

(b)    If it is determined that it is not feasible to provide physical access to an historic property that is a place of public accommodation in a manner that will not threaten or destroy the historic significance of the building or the facility, alternative methods of access shall be provided pursuant to the requirements of subpart C of this part.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 202.5 Alterations to Qualified Historic Buildings and Facilities Exception.  State Historic Preservation Officers are State appointed officials who carry out certain responsibilities under the National Historic Preservation Act. State Historic Preservation Officers consult with Federal and State agencies, local governments, and private entities on providing access and protecting significant elements of qualified historic buildings and facilities. There are exceptions for alterations to qualified historic buildings and facilities for accessible routes (206.2.1 Exception 1 and 206.2.3 Exception 7); entrances (206.4 Exception 2); and toilet facilities (213.2 Exception 2). When an entity believes that compliance with the requirements for any of these elements would threaten or destroy the historic significance of the building or facility, the entity should consult with the State Historic Preservation Officer. If the State Historic Preservation Officer agrees that compliance with the requirements for a specific element would threaten or destroy the historic significance of the building or facility, use of the exception is permitted. Public entities have an additional obligation to achieve program accessibility under the Department of Justice ADA regulations. See 28 CFR 35.150. These regulations require public entities that operate historic preservation programs to give priority to methods that provide physical access to individuals with disabilities. If alterations to a qualified historic building or facility to achieve program accessibility would threaten or destroy the historic significance of the building or facility, fundamentally alter the program, or result in undue financial or administrative burdens, the Department of Justice ADA regulations allow alternative methods to be used to achieve program accessibility. In the case of historic preservation programs, such as an historic house museum, alternative methods include using audio-visual materials to depict portions of the house that cannot otherwise be made accessible. In the case of other qualified historic properties, such as an historic government office building, alternative methods include relocating programs and services to accessible locations. The Department of Justice ADA regulations also allow public entities to use alternative methods when altering qualified historic buildings or facilities in the rare situations where the State Historic Preservation Officer determines that it is not feasible to provide physical access using the exceptions permitted in Section 202.5 without threatening or destroying the historic significance of the building or facility. See 28 CFR 35.151(d).

The AccessAbility Office at the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) provides a variety of resources for museum operators and historic properties including: the Design for Accessibility Guide and the Disability Symbols. Contact NEA about these and other resources at (202) 682-5532 or http://www.arts.gov/.

11B-203.1 General.

Sites, buildings, facilities, and elements are exempt from these requirements to the extent specified by 11B-203.

11B-203.2 Construction sites.

Structures and sites directly associated with the actual processes of construction, including but not limited to, scaffolding, bridging, materials hoists, materials storage, and construction trailers shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route. Portable toilet units provided for use exclusively by construction personnel on a construction site shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-213 or to be on an accessible route.

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-203.2 Construction sites.  This section provides a general exception for structures and sites directly associated with the actual processes of construction from the accessibility provisions of Chapter 11B. Construction associated structures and sites may include, but are not limited to, scaffolding, bridging, materials hoists, materials storage and construction trailers. Portable toilet units provided exclusively for use by construction personnel on a construction site are also exempted from the accessibility provisions of this chapter. ◼
11B-203.3 Raised areas.

Areas raised primarily for purposes of security, life safety, or fire safety, including but not limited to, observation or lookout galleries, prison guard towers, fire towers, or life guard stands shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route

11B-203.4 Limited access spaces.

Spaces not customarily occupied and accessed only by ladders, catwalks, crawl spaces, or very narrow passageways shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route.

11B-203.5 Machinery spaces.

Spaces frequented only by service personnel for maintenance, repair, or occasional monitoring of equipment shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route. Machinery spaces include, but are not limited to, elevator pits or elevator penthouses; mechanical, electrical or communications equipment rooms; piping or equipment catwalks; water or sewage treatment pump rooms and stations; electric substations and transformer vaults; and highway and tunnel utility facilities.

11B-203.6 Single occupant structures.

Single occupant structures accessed only by passageways below grade or elevated above standard curb height, including but not limited to, toll booths that are accessed only by underground tunnels, shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route

11B-203.7 Detention and correctional facilities.

In detention and correctional facilities, common use areas that are used only by inmates or detainees and security personnel and that do not serve holding cells or housing cells required to comply with Section 11B-232, shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route

11B-203.8 Residential facilities.

In public housing residential facilities, common use areas that do not serve residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features complying with Sections 11B-809.2 through 11B-809.4 and adaptable features complying with Chapter 11A, Division IV shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route

[2010 ADAS] 203.8 Residential Facilities.  In residential facilities, common use areas that do not serve residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2 through 809.4 shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route.

11B-203.9 Employee workstations.

Employee workstations shall be on an accessible route complying with Division 4. Spaces and elements within employee workstations shall only be required to comply with Sections 11B-206.2.8 _|Accessible Routes; Employee Work Areas|_, 11B-207.1 _|Accessible Means of Egress; General|_, 11B-215.3 _|Fire Alarm Systems; Employee Work Areas|_, 11B-302 _|Floor or Ground Surfaces|_, 11B-303 _|Changes in Level|_, and 11B-404.2.3 _|Doors, Doorways and Gates;  Clear Width|_. Common use circulation paths within employee workstations shall comply with Section 11B-206.2.8.

[2010 ADAS] 203.9 Employee Work Areas.  Spaces and elements within employee work areas shall only be required to comply with 206.2.8, 207.1, and 215.3 and shall be designed and constructed so that individuals with disabilities can approach, enter, and exit the employee work area. Employee work areas, or portions of employee work areas, other than raised courtroom stations, that are less than 300 square feet (28 m2) and elevated 7 inches (180 mm) or more above the finish floor or ground where the elevation is essential to the function of the space shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route. 

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Section 11B-203.9 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements do not exempt raised employee work areas, except as specifically mentioned in Section 11B-203, General Exceptions, or elsewhere.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 203.9 Employee Work Areas.  Although areas used exclusively by employees for work are not required to be fully accessible, consider designing such areas to include non-required turning spaces, and provide accessible elements whenever possible. Under the ADA, employees with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations in the workplace; accommodations can include alterations to spaces within the facility. Designing employee work areas to be more accessible at the outset will avoid more costly retrofits when current employees become temporarily or permanently disabled, or when new employees with disabilities are hired. Contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) at http://www.eeoc.gov/ for information about title I of the ADA prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities in the workplace.
11B-203.10 Raised refereeing, judging, and scoring areas.

Raised structures used solely for refereeing, judging, or scoring a sport shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route. An accessible route complying with Division 4 shall be provided to the ground- or floor-level entry points, where provided, of stairs, ladders, or other means of reaching the raised elements or areas. 

11B-203.11 Water slides.

Water slides shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route. An accessible route complying with Division 4 shall be provided to the ground- or floor-level entry points, where provided, of stairs, ladders, or other means of reaching the raised elements or areas. 

11B-203.12 Animal containment areas.

Animal containment areas that are not for public use shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route. Animal containment areas for public use shall be on an accessible route. 

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 203.12 Animal Containment Areas.  Public circulation routes where animals may travel, such as in petting zoos and passageways alongside animal pens in State fairs, are not eligible for the exception.
11B-203.13 Raised boxing or wrestling rings.

Raised boxing or wrestling rings shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route. An accessible route complying with Division 4 shall be provided to the ground- or floor-level entry points, where provided, of stairs, ladders, or other means of reaching the raised elements or areas. 

11B-203.14 Raised diving boards and diving platforms.

Raised diving boards and diving platforms shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route. An accessible route complying with Division 4 shall be provided to the ground- or floor-level entry points, where provided, of stairs, ladders, or other means of reaching the raised elements or areas.

11B-204.1 General.

Protruding objects on circulation paths shall comply with Section 11B-307.

Exceptions:

1.      Within areas of sport activity, protruding objects on circulation paths shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-307.

2.      Within play areas, protruding objects on circulation paths shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-307 provided that ground level accessible routes provide vertical clearance in compliance with Section 11B-1008.2

11B-205.1 General.

Operable parts on accessible elements, accessible routes, and in accessible rooms and spaces shall comply with Section 11B-309.

Exceptions:

1.      Operable parts that are intended for use only by service or maintenance personnel shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-309.

2.      Electrical or communication receptacles serving a dedicated use shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-309.

3.      Reserved.   

[2010 ADAS] 3.  Where two or more outlets are provided in a kitchen above a length of counter top that is uninterrupted by a sink or appliance, one outlet shall not be required to comply with 309.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirement included at Section 11B-205.1 Exception 3 is provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirement is more inclusive.

4.      Floor electrical receptacles shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-309.

5.      HVAC diffusers shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-309.

6.      Except for light switches, where redundant controls are provided for a single element, one control in each space shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-309.

7.      Cleats and other boat securement devices shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-309.3 _|Operable Parts; Height|_.

8.      Exercise machines and exercise equipment shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-309

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 205.1 General.  Controls covered by 205.1 include, but are not limited to, light switches, circuit breakers, duplexes and other convenience receptacles, environmental and appliance controls, plumbing fixture controls, and security and intercom systems.
11B-206.1 General.

Accessible routes shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-206 and shall comply with Division 4

11B-206.2 Where required.

Accessible routes shall be provided where required by Section 11B-206.2.

11B-206.2.1 Site arrival points.

At least one accessible route shall be provided within the site from accessible parking spaces and accessible passenger loading zones; public streets and sidewalks; and public transportation stops to the accessible building or facility entrance they serve. Where more than one route is provided, all routes must be accessible. 

[S.H. 1127B.1]
[2010 ADAS] Advisory 206.2.1 Site Arrival Points.  Each site arrival point must be connected by an accessible route to the accessible building entrance or entrances served. Where two or more similar site arrival points, such as bus stops, serve the same accessible entrance or entrances, both bus stops must be on accessible routes. In addition, the accessible routes must serve all of the accessible entrances on the site.

Exceptions:

1.      Reserved.

[2010 ADAS] 1.  Where exceptions for alterations to qualified historic buildings or facilities are permitted by 202.5, no more than one accessible route from a site arrival point to an accessible entrance shall be required.

2.         An accessible route shall not be required between site arrival points and the building or facility entrance if the only means of access between them is a vehicular way not providing pedestrian access.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 206.2.1 Site Arrival Points Exception 2.  Access from site arrival points may include vehicular ways. Where a vehicular way, or a portion of a vehicular way, is provided for pedestrian travel, such as within a shopping center or shopping mall parking lot, this exception does not apply.

3.      General circulation paths shall be permitted when located in close proximity to an accessible route

[ADA Title II] §35.151(i) New Construction and Alterations; Curb Ramps.

(1)    Newly constructed or altered streets, roads, and highways must contain curb ramps or other sloped areas at any intersection having curbs or other barriers to entry from a street level pedestrian walkway.

(2)       Newly constructed or altered street level pedestrian walkways must contain curb ramps or other sloped areas at intersections to streets, roads, or highways

ETA Editor's Note

Requirements for curb ramps, sidewalks and other elements in the public right of way may be covered by other Federal, State or local standards and regulations. The U.S. Department of Transportation and most State departments of transportation are revising their design standards and regulations for the public right of way based on recent research and guidelines being developed by the U.S. Access Board and the Federal Highway Administration. It is the responsibility of the design professional to comply with these public right of way requirements.

11B-206.2.2 Within a site.

At least one accessible route shall connect accessible buildings, accessible facilities, accessible elements, and accessible spaces that are on the same site.

Exception:  An accessible route shall not be required between accessible buildings, accessible facilities, accessible elements, and accessible spaces if the only means of access between them is a vehicular way not providing pedestrian access.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 206.2.2 Within a Site.  An accessible route is required to connect to the boundary of each area of sport activity. Examples of areas of sport activity include: soccer fields, basketball courts, baseball fields, running tracks, skating rinks, and the area surrounding a piece of gymnastic equipment. While the size of an area of sport activity may vary from sport to sport, each includes only the space needed to play. Where multiple sports fields or courts are provided, an accessible route is required to each field or area of sport activity.

11B-206.2.3 Multi-story buildings and facilities.

At least one accessible route shall connect each story and mezzanine in multi-story buildings and facilities.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 206.2.3 Multi-Story Buildings and Facilities.  Spaces and elements located on a level not required to be served by an accessible route must fully comply with this document. While a mezzanine may be a change in level, it is not a story. If an accessible route is required to connect stories within a building or facility, the accessible route must serve all mezzanines.

Exceptions:

1.      The following types of privately funded multistory buildings do not require a ramp or elevator above and below the first floor:

1.1.   Multi-storied office buildings (other than the professional office of a health care provider) and passenger vehicle service stations less than three stories high or less than 3,000 square feet (279 m2) per story.

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-206.2.3 Multi-story buildings and facilities Exception 1.1.  Elevators are the most common way to provide access in multistory office buildings.  An exception is provided to the access requirement when office buildings are less than three stories in height or have fewer than 3000 square feet (sf) on every floor. For example, a 3-story office building with 4500 sf on the first floor, 2500 sf on the second floor and 1500 sf on the third floor would not qualify for the exception because one of the three floors is not less than 3000 sf.◼

1.2.   Any other privately funded multi-storied building that is not a shopping center, shopping mall or the professional office of a health care provider, or a terminal, depot or other station used for specified public transportation, or an airport passenger terminal and that is less than three stories high or less than 3,000 square feet (279 m2) per story if a reasonable portion of all facilities and accommodations normally sought and used by the public in such a building are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities.

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-206.2.3 Multi-story buildings and facilities Exceptions 1.1 and 1.2.  Exceptions 1.1 and 1.2 are only available to privately-funded buildings and do not include a waiver of all other access features required on upper or lower floors.  In other words the exception is only for the elevator; everything else must comply. Many people with non-mobility (for example sight or hearing impairments) or semi-ambulatory conditions are served by the remaining access features required by this code.  Many wheelchair users can get to upper floors through the use of crutches and other assistance, and can use their wheelchair brought to that floor where access to accessible restrooms, hallways, and accommodations are important.◼
DSA icon
Advisory 11B-206.2.3 Multi-story buildings and facilities Exception 1.2.  What is a reasonable portion? Typically, one of each type of accommodation and functional space that is normally sought or used by the general public which is provided on inaccessible floors must be provided on the ground floor or an accessible floor; for example, equivalent meeting rooms, classrooms, etc.◼
DSA icon
Advisory 11B-206.2.3 Multi-story buildings and facilities Exception 1.2.  In facilities that house a shopping center or shopping mall, or a professional office of a health care provider on an accessible ground floor, the floors that are above or below the ground floor and that do not house sales or rental establishments or a professional office of a health care provider, must still meet the accessibility requirements of this code, except for elevator service.◼

[2010 ADAS] 1.  In private buildings or facilities that are less than three stories or that have less than 3000 square feet (279 m2) per story, an accessible route shall not be required to connect stories provided that the building or facility is not a shopping center, a shopping mall, the professional office of a health care provider, a terminal, depot or other station used for specified public transportation, an airport passenger terminal, or another type of facility as determined by the Attorney General.

2.      Reserved.

[2010 ADAS] 2.  Where a two story public building or facility has one story with an occupant load of five or fewer persons that does not contain public use space, that story shall not be required to be connected to the story above or below.

3.      In detention and correctional facilities, an accessible route shall not be required to connect stories where cells with mobility features required to comply with Section 11B-807.2, all common use areas serving cells with mobility features required to comply with Section 11B-807.2, and all public use areas are on an accessible route.

4.      In residential facilities, an accessible route shall not be required to connect stories where residential dwelling units with mobility features required to comply with Sections 11B-809.2 through 11B-809.4, residential dwelling units with adaptable features complying with Chapter 11A, Division IV, all common use areas serving residential dwelling units with mobility features required to comply with Sections 11B-809.2 through 11B-809.4, all common use areas serving residential dwelling units with adaptable features complying with Chapter 11A, Division IV, and public use areas serving residential dwelling units are on an accessible route.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 206.2.3 Multi-Story Buildings and Facilities Exception 4.  Where common use areas are provided for the use of residents, it is presumed that all such common use areas "serve" accessible dwelling units unless use is restricted to residents occupying certain dwelling units. For example, if all residents are permitted to use all laundry rooms, then all laundry rooms "serve" accessible dwelling units. However, if the laundry room on the first floor is restricted to use by residents on the first floor, and the second floor laundry room is for use by occupants of the second floor, then first floor accessible units are "served" only by laundry rooms on the first floor. In this example, an accessible route is not required to the second floor provided that all accessible units and all common use areas serving them are on the first floor.

5.      Within multi-story transient lodging guest rooms with mobility features required to comply with Section 11B-806.2, an accessible route shall not be required to connect stories provided that spaces complying with Section 11B-806.2 are on an accessible route and sleeping accommodations for two persons minimum are provided on a story served by an accessible route.

6.      In air traffic control towers, an accessible route shall not be required to serve the cab and the equipment areas on the floor immediately below the cab.

7.      Reserved.

[2010 ADAS] 7.  Where exceptions for alterations to qualified historic buildings or facilities are permitted by 202.5, an accessible route shall not be required to stories located above or below the accessible story.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at the Subsection 11B-206.2.3 Exceptions are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-206.2.3.1 Stairs and escalators in existing buildings.

In alterations and additions, where an escalator or stair is provided where none existed previously and major structural modifications are necessary for the installation, an accessible route shall be provided between the levels served by the escalator or stair unless exempted by Section 11B-206.2.3 Exceptions 1 through 7. 

11B-206.2.3.2 Distance to Elevators.

In new construction of buildings where elevators are required by Section 11B-206.2.3, and which exceed 10,000 square feet (929 m2) on any floor, an accessible means of vertical access via ramp, elevator or lift shall be provided within 200 feet (60,960 mm) of travel of each stair and each escalator. In existing buildings that exceed 10,000 square feet (929 m2) on any floor and in which elevators are required by Section 11B-206.2.3, whenever a newly constructed means of vertical access is provided via stairs or an escalator, an accessible means of vertical access via ramp, elevator or lift shall be provided within 200 feet (60,960 mm) of travel of each new stair or escalator. 

Exception: Stairs used solely for emergency egress.

At least one accessible route shall connect accessible building or facility entrances with all accessible spaces and elements within the building or facility, including mezzanines, which are otherwise connected by a circulation path unless exempted by Section 11B-206.2.3 Exceptions 1 through 7.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 206.2.4 Spaces and Elements.  Accessible routes must connect all spaces and elements required to be accessible including, but not limited to, raised areas and speaker platforms.

Exceptions:

1.      Reserved.

[2010 ADAS] 1.  Raised courtroom stations, including judges' benches, clerks' stations, bailiffs' stations, deputy clerks' stations, and court reporters' stations shall not be required to provide vertical access provided that the required clear floor space, maneuvering space, and, if appropriate, electrical service are installed at the time of initial construction to allow future installation of a means of vertical access complying with 405, 407, 408, or 410 without requiring substantial reconstruction of the space.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 206.2.4 Spaces and Elements Exception 1.  The exception does not apply to areas that are likely to be used by members of the public who are not employees of the court such as jury areas, attorney areas, or witness stands.

2.      In assembly areas with fixed seating required to comply with Section 11B-221, an accessible route shall not be required to serve fixed seating where wheelchair spaces required to be on an accessible route are not provided.

3.      Reserved.

[2010 ADAS] 3.  Accessible routes shall not be required to connect mezzanines where buildings or facilities have no more than one story. In additions, accessible routes shall not be required to connect stories or mezzanines where multi-story buildings or facilities are exempted by 206.2.3 Exceptions 1 through 7. 

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at the Subsection 11B-206.2.4 Exceptions are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-206.2.5 Restaurants, cafeterias, banquet facilities and bars.

In restaurants, cafeterias, banquet facilities, bars, and similar facilities,  an accessible route shall be provided to all functional areas, including raised or sunken  areas, and outdoor areas.

Exceptions:

1.      In alterations of buildings or facilities not required to provide an accessible route between stories, an accessible route shall not be required to a mezzanine dining area where the mezzanine contains less than 25 percent of the total combined area for seating and dining and where the same decor and services are provided in the accessible area.

2.      Reserved.

[2010 ADAS] 2.  In alterations, an accessible route shall not be required to existing raised or sunken dining areas, or to all parts of existing outdoor dining areas where the same services and decor are provided in an accessible space usable by the public and not restricted to use by people with disabilities.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at the Subsection 11B-206.2.5 Exception 2 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

3.      In sports facilities, tiered dining areas providing seating required to comply with Section 11B-221 shall be required to have accessible routes serving at least 25 percent of the dining area provided that accessible routes serve seating complying with Section 11B-221 and each tier is provided with the same services. 

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 206.2.5 Restaurants and Cafeterias Exception 2.  Examples of "same services" include, but are not limited to, bar service, rooms having smoking and non-smoking sections, lotto and other table games, carry-out, and buffet service. Examples of "same decor" include, but are not limited to, seating at or near windows and railings with views, areas designed with a certain theme, party and banquet rooms, and rooms where entertainment is provided.

11B-206.2.6 Performance areas.

Where a circulation path directly connects a performance area to an assembly seating area, an accessible route shall directly connect the assembly seating area with the performance area. An accessible route shall be provided from performance areas to ancillary areas or facilities used by performers unless exempted by Section 11B-206.2.3, Exceptions 1 through 7. 

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-206.2.6 Performance areas.  Performance areas, including but not limited to, stages, platforms and orchestra pits, are treated as raised or lowered areas within a given story and all are required to be accessible by ramp, elevator or, when allowed, by platform lift. In compliance with Section 11B-206.7.1, wheelchair lifts may be used to access stages, platforms and orchestra pits used as performing areas. These areas are required to be accessible whether temporary or not. 

Generally, the accessible route to the stage shall coincide with the route for the general public per Section 11B-206.3, to the maximum extent feasible.  For example, requiring persons with disabilities to go outside the building and reenter the building to gain access the stage when others have a direct route would not be considered coinciding. ◼

11B-206.2.7 Press boxes.

Press boxes in assembly areas shall be on an accessible route.

Exceptions:

1.      An accessible route shall not be required to press boxes in bleachers that have points of entry at only one level provided that the aggregate area of all press boxes is 500 square feet (46 m2) maximum.

2.      An accessible route shall not be required to free-standing press boxes that are elevated above grade 12 feet (3660 mm) minimum provided that the aggregate area of all press boxes is 500 square feet (46 m2) maximum. 

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 206.2.7 Press Boxes Exception 2.  Where a facility contains multiple assembly areas, the aggregate area of the press boxes in each assembly area is to be calculated separately. For example, if a university has a soccer stadium with three press boxes elevated 12 feet (3660 mm) or more above grade and each press box is 150 square feet (14 m2), then the aggregate area of the soccer stadium press boxes is less than 500 square feet (46 m2) and Exception 2 applies to the soccer stadium. If that same university also has a football stadium with two press boxes elevated 12 feet (3660 mm) or more above grade and one press box is 250 square feet (23 m2), and the second is 275 square feet (26 m2), then the aggregate area of the football stadium press boxes is more than 500 square feet (46 m2) and Exception 2 does not apply to the football stadium.

11B-206.2.8 Employee work areas.

Common use circulation paths within employee work areas shall comply with Section 11B-402.

Exceptions:

1.      Reserved.

[2010 ADAS] 1.  Common use circulation paths located within employee work areas that are less than 1000 square feet (93 m2) and defined by permanently installed partitions, counters, casework, or furnishings shall not be required to comply with 402.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 206.2.8 Employee Work Areas Exception 1.  Modular furniture that is not permanently installed is not directly subject to these requirements. The Department of Justice ADA regulations provide additional guidance regarding the relationship between these requirements and elements that are not part of the built environment. Additionally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) implements Title I of the ADA which requires non-discrimination in the workplace. EEOC can provide guidance regarding employers' obligations to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities

2.      Common use circulation paths located within employee work areas that are an integral component of work area equipment shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-402.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 206.2.8 Employee Work Areas Exception 2.  Large pieces of equipment, such as electric turbines or water pumping apparatus, may have stairs and elevated walkways used for overseeing or monitoring purposes which are physically part of the turbine or pump. However, passenger elevators used for vertical transportation between stories are not considered "work area equipment" as defined in 106.5.

3.      Common use circulation paths located within exterior employee work areas that are fully exposed to the weather shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-402

11B-206.2.9 Amusement rides.

Amusement rides required to comply with Section 11B-234 shall provide accessible routes in accordance with Section 11B-206.2.9. Accessible routes serving Amusement Rides shall comply with Division 4 except as modified by Section 11B-1002.2

11B-206.2.9.1 Load and unload areas.

Load and unload areas shall be on an accessible route. Where load and unload areas have more than one loading or unloading position, at least one loading and unloading position shall be on an accessible route.

11B-206.2.9.2 Wheelchair spaces, ride seats designed for transfer, and transfer devices.

When amusement rides are in the load and unload position, wheelchair spaces complying with Section 11B-1002.4, amusement ride seats designed for transfer complying with Section 11B-1002.5, and transfer devices complying with Section 11B-1002.6 shall be on an accessible route. 

11B-206.2.10 Recreational boating facilities.

Boat slips required to comply with Section 11B-235.2 and boarding piers at boat launch ramps required to comply with Section 11B-235.3 shall be on an accessible route. Accessible routes serving recreational boating facilities shall comply with Division 4, except as modified by Section 11B-1003.2

11B-206.2.11 Bowling lanes.

Where bowling lanes are provided, at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one of each type of bowling lane, shall be on an accessible route

11B-206.2.12 Court sports.

In court sports, at least one accessible route shall directly connect both sides of the court. 

11B-206.2.13 Exercise machines and equipment.

Exercise machines and equipment required to comply with 11B-236 shall be on an accessible route

11B-206.2.14 Fishing piers and platforms.

Fishing piers and platforms shall be on an accessible route. Accessible routes serving fishing piers and platforms shall comply with Division 4 except as modified by Section 11B-1005.1

11B-206.2.15 Golf facilities.

At least one accessible route shall connect accessible elements and spaces within the boundary of the golf course. In addition, accessible routes serving golf car rental areas; bag drop areas; course weather shelters complying with Section 11B-238.2.3; course toilet rooms; and practice putting greens, practice teeing grounds, and teeing stations at driving ranges complying with Section 11B-238.3 shall comply with Division 4 except as modified by Section 11B-1006.2.

Exception:  Golf car passages complying with Section 11B-1006.3 shall be permitted to be used for all or part of accessible routes required by Section 11B-206.2.15

11B-206.2.16 Miniature golf facilities.

Holes required to comply with Section 11B-239.2, including the start of play, shall be on an accessible route. Accessible routes serving miniature golf facilities shall comply with Division 4 except as modified by Section 11B-1007.2

11B-206.2.17 Play areas.

Play areas shall provide accessible routes in accordance with Section 11B-206.2.17. Accessible routes serving play areas shall comply with Division 4 except as modified by Section 11B-1008.2

11B-206.2.17.1 Ground level and elevated play components.

At least one accessible route shall be provided within the play area. The accessible route shall connect ground level play components required to comply with Section 11B-240.2.1 and elevated play components required to comply with Section 11B-240.2.2, including entry and exit points of the play components

11B-206.2.17.2 Soft contained play structures.

Where three or fewer entry points are provided for soft contained play structures, at least one entry point shall be on an accessible route. Where four or more entry points are provided for soft contained play structures, at least two entry points shall be on an accessible route

11B-206.2.18 Area of sport activity.

An accessible route shall be provided to the boundary of each area of sport activity.

11B-206.3 Location.

Accessible routes shall coincide with or be located in the same area as general circulation paths. Where circulation paths are interior, required accessible routes shall also be interior. An accessible route shall not pass through kitchens, storage rooms, restrooms, closets or other spaces used for similar purposes, except as permitted by Chapter 10.

U.S. Access Board's Note to Reader:

The Department of Transportation's ADA Standards include additional requirements for the location of accessible routes:

[ADA Title II - Public Transportation] 206.3 Location.  Accessible routes shall coincide with, or be located in the same area as general circulation paths. Where circulation paths are interior, required accessible routes shall also be interior. Elements such as ramps, elevators, or other circulation devices, fare vending or other ticketing areas, and fare collection areas shall be placed to minimize the distance which wheelchair users and other persons who cannot negotiate steps may have to travel compared to the general public.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 206.3 Location.  The accessible route must be in the same area as the general circulation path. This means that circulation paths, such as vehicular ways designed for pedestrian traffic, walks, and unpaved paths that are designed to be routinely used by pedestrians must be accessible or have an accessible route nearby. Additionally, accessible vertical interior circulation must be in the same area as stairs and escalators, not isolated in the back of the facility.
11B-206.4 Entrances.

Entrances shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-206.4. Entrance doors, doorways, and gates shall comply with Section 11B-404 and shall be on an accessible route complying with Section 11B-402.

Exceptions:

1.      Reserved.

[2010 ADAS] 1.  Where an alteration includes alterations to an entrance, and the building or facility has another entrance complying with 404 that is on an accessible route, the altered entrance shall not be required to comply with 206.4 unless required by 202.4.

2.      Reserved.

[2010 ADAS] 2.  Where exceptions for alterations to qualified historic buildings or facilities are permitted by 202.5, no more than one public entrance shall be required to comply with 206.4. Where no public entrance can comply with 206.4 under criteria established in 202.5 Exception, then either an unlocked entrance not used by the public shall comply with 206.4; or a locked entrance complying with 206.4 with a notification system or remote monitoring shall be provided.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at the Section 11B-206.4 Exceptions are provided for information only. Lacking these Exceptions, the 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-206.4.1 Entrances and exterior ground floor exits.

All entrances and exterior ground-floor exits to buildings and facilities shall comply with Section 11B-404

[2010 ADAS] 206.4.1 Public Entrances.  In addition to entrances required by 206.4.2 through 206.4.9, at least 60 percent of all public entrances shall comply with 404.

Exceptions:

1.      Exterior ground floor exits serving smoke-proof enclosures, stairwells, and exit doors serving stairs only shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-404.

2.      Exits in excess of those required by Chapter 10, and which are more than 24 inches (610 mm)  above grade shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-404. Directional signage shall comply with Chapter 10, Section 1007.10.

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-206.4.1 Entrances and exterior ground floor exits Exception.  Exits in excess of those required by Chapter 10 and which are more than 24 inches above grade are exempted from the requirement for an accessible route complying with Section 404. The 2013 CBC Section 1011.4 requires such a door to be identified by a tactile exit sign with the following words “EXIT STAIR DOWN” or EXIT STAIR UP”. In an emergency situation much time can be wasted if persons with disabilities must travel the full distance to the inaccessible exit door before there is a sign posted indicating that the exit door is inaccessible. Placing a directional sign or signs along the main accessible route or routes leading to the inaccessible exit door indicating the location of the nearest accessible exit door can save valuable travel time for persons with disabilities attempting to exit a building. The directional signs must comply with the requirements of Section 11B-703.5 for visual characters. ◼

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Subsection 11B-206.4.1 are provided for information. While the 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive in most cases, there are rare scenarios under which the ADA scoping requirements become more inclusive (e.g., if more than 40 percent of Public Entrances are more than 24 inches above grade).

11B-206.4.2 Parking structure entrances.

Where direct access is provided for pedestrians from a parking structure to a building or facility entrance, each direct access to the building or facility entrance shall comply with Section 11B-404

11B-206.4.3 Entrances from tunnels or elevated walkways.

Where direct access is provided for pedestrians from a pedestrian tunnel or elevated walkway to a building or facility, all entrances to the building or facility from each tunnel or walkway shall comply with Section 11B-404

[2010 ADAS] 206.4.3 Entrances from Tunnels or Elevated Walkways.  Where direct access is provided for pedestrians from a pedestrian tunnel or elevated walkway to a building or facility, at least one direct entrance to the building or facility from each tunnel or walkway shall comply with 404.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Subsection 11B-206.4.3 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-206.4.4 Transportation facilities.

In addition to the requirements of Sections 11B-206.4.2, 11B-206.4.3, and 11B-206.4.5 through 11B-206.4.9, transportation facilities shall provide entrances in accordance with Section 11B-206.4.4.

11B-206.4.4.1 Location.

In transportation facilities, where different entrances serve different transportation fixed routes or groups of fixed routes, entrances serving each fixed route or group of fixed routes shall comply with Section 11B-404.

[2010 ADAS] 206.4.4.1 Location.  In transportation facilities, where different entrances serve different transportation fixed routes or groups of fixed routes, at least one public entrance serving each fixed route or group of fixed routes shall comply with 404.

Exception:  Entrances to key stations and existing intercity rail stations retrofitted in accordance with 49 CFR 37.49 or 49 CFR 37.51 shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-206.4.4.1

11B-206.4.4.2 Direct connections.

Direct connections to other facilities shall provide an accessible route complying with Section 11B-404 from the point of connection to boarding platforms and all transportation system elements required to be accessible. Any elements provided to facilitate future direct connections shall be on an accessible route connecting boarding platforms and all transportation system elements required to be accessible.

Exception:  In key stations and existing intercity rail stations, existing direct connections shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-404

11B-206.4.4.3 Key stations and intercity rail stations.

Key stations and existing intercity rail stations required by Subpart C of 49 CFR part 37 to be altered, shall have entrances complying with Section 11B-404.

[2010 ADAS] 206.4.4.3 Key Stations and Intercity Rail Stations.  Key stations and existing intercity rail stations required by Subpart C of 49 CFR part 37 to be altered, shall have at least one entrance complying with 404

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Subsection 11B-206.4.4 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-206.4.5 Tenant spaces.

All entrances to each tenancy in a facility shall comply with Section 11B-404

[2010 ADAS] 206.4.5 Tenant Spaces.  At least one accessible entrance to each tenancy in a facility shall comply with 404.

Exception:  Self-service storage facilities not required to comply with Section 11B-225.3 shall not be required to be on an accessible route

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Subsection 11B-206.4.5 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-206.4.6 Residential dwelling unit primary entrance .

In residential dwelling units, at least one primary entrance shall comply with Section 11B-404. The primary entrance to a residential dwelling unit shall not be to a bedroom. 

11B-206.4.7 Restricted entrances.

Where restricted entrances are provided to a building or facility, all restricted entrances to the building or facility shall comply with Section 11B-404

[2010 ADAS] 206.4.7 Restricted Entrances.  Where restricted entrances are provided to a building or facility, at least one restricted entrance to the building or facility shall comply with 404

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Subsection 11B-206.4.7 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-206.4.8 Service entrances.

11B-206.4.8 Service entrances.  If a service entrance is the only entrance to a building or to a tenancy in a facility, that entrance shall comply with Section 11B-404. In existing buildings and facilities, a service entrance shall not be the sole accessible entrance unless it is the only entrance to a building or facility. 

[2010 ADAS] 206.4.8 Service Entrances.  If a service entrance is the only entrance to a building or to a tenancy in a facility, that entrance shall comply with 404

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Subsection 11B-206.4.8 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive for alterations.

11B-206.4.9 Entrances for inmates or detainees.

Where entrances used only by inmates or detainees and security personnel are provided at judicial facilities, detention facilities, or correctional facilities, at least one such entrance shall comply with Section 11B-404.

11B-206.4.10 Medical care and long-term care facilities.

Weather protection by a canopy or roof overhang shall be provided at a minimum of one accessible entrance to licensed medical care and licensed long-term care facilities where the period of stay may exceed twenty-four hours. The area of weather protection shall include the passenger loading zone complying with Section 11B-209.3 and the accessible route from the passenger loading zone to the accessible entrance it serves. 

[S.H. 1109B.2]
DSA icon
Advisory 11B-206.4.10 Medical care and long-term care facilities.  The purpose of this requirement is to permit a person to exit a vehicle and enter the building under cover. This section requires a covered entrance incorporating an accessible passenger loading zone which must also be covered. ◼

ETA Editor's Note

The Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD), which has jurisdiction over hospitals and long-term care facilities in California, has issued Code Application Notice CAN 2-11B, dated 9/9/14, which includes the following interpretation of Subsection 11B-206.4.10:

Section 11B-206.4.10 requires a minimum of one accessible entrance to be provided with weather protection, passenger loading zone, and vehicle pull-up space.  The code does not require more than one entrance with these features.

1.      The protected accessible entrance is not required to be the primary entrance to the facility.

2.      Only the passenger loading zone is required to be protected from the weather.  The vehicle pull-up space is not required to be protected from the weather.

3.      For existing buildings that do not have a protected accessible entrance, projects subject to Section 11B-202 are not required to provide one.  A protected accessible entrance is required when an addition is proposed for a facility that does not have an existing accessible entrance.  The protected accessible entrance may be provided at the addition or at an appropriate location in the existing building.

At hospitals and long-term care facilities, 1991 ADAAG required an accessible entrance protected from the weather, incorporating a passenger loading zone.  This requirement is no longer present in 2010 ADAS.  Neither ADA nor CBC provide a definition for passenger loading zone.  It seems evident that, where OSHPD uses the term "passenger loading zone" at Item 2 of its interpretation, it is referring to the access aisle, as described at Section 11B-503.3.

11B-206.5 Doors, doorways, and gates.

Doors, doorways, and gates providing user passage shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-206.5

11B-206.5.1 Entrances.

Each entrance to a building or facility required to comply with Section 11B-206.4 shall comply with Section 11B-404.

[2010 ADAS] 206.5.1 Entrances.  Each entrance to a building or facility required to comply with 206.4 shall have at least one door, doorway, or gate complying with 404.

11B-206.5.2 Rooms and spaces.

Within a building or facility, every door, doorway or gate serving rooms and spaces complying with this chapter shall comply with Section 11B-404.

[2010 ADAS] 206.5.2 Rooms and Spaces.  Within a building or facility, at least one door, doorway, or gate serving each room or space complying with these requirements shall comply with 404

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Subsections 11B-206.5.1 and 11B-206.5.2 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-206.5.3 Transient lodging facilities.

In transient lodging facilities, entrances, doors, and doorways providing user passage into and within guest rooms that are not required to provide mobility features complying with Section 11B-806.2 shall comply with Section 11B-404.2.3 _|Doors, Doorways, and Gates; Clear Width|_.

Exception:  Shower and sauna doors in guest rooms that are not required to provide mobility features complying with Section 11B-806.2 shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-404.2.3.

11B-206.5.4 Residential dwelling units.

In residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features complying with Sections 11B-809.2 through 11B-809.4, all doors and doorways providing user passage shall comply with Section 11B-404.

11B-206.6 Elevators.

Elevators provided for passengers shall comply with Section 11B-407. Where multiple elevators are provided, each elevator shall comply with Section 11B-407.

Exceptions:

1.      In a building or facility permitted to use the exceptions to Section 11B-206.2.3 _|Accessible Routes; Multi-Story Buildings and Facilities|_ or permitted by Section 11B-206.7 to use a platform lift, elevators complying with Section 11B-408 _|Limited-Use/Limited-Application Elevators|_ shall be permitted.

2.      Elevators complying with Section 11B-408 or 11B-409 _|Private Residence Elevators|_ shall be permitted in multi-story residential dwelling units. Elevators provided as a means of access within a private residence shall be installed so that they are not accessible to the general public or to other occupants of the building. 

3.         Destination-oriented elevators complying with Section 11B-411 shall be permitted.

11B-206.6.1 Existing elevators.

Where elements of existing elevators are altered, the same element shall also be altered in all elevators that are programmed to respond to the same hall call control as the altered elevator and shall comply with the requirements of Section 11B-407 for the altered element. 

Exception:  Where a group of existing elevators are altered into a destination-oriented elevator system, or where elements of existing destination-oriented elevators are altered, the same elements shall also be altered in all elevators that are programmed to respond to the same call console or group of call consoles and shall comply with the requirements of Section 11B-411 for the altered elements.

11B-206.7 Platform lifts.

Platform lifts shall comply with Section 11B-410. Platform lifts shall be permitted as a component of an accessible route in new construction in accordance with Section 11B-206.7. Platform lifts shall be permitted as a component of an accessible route in an existing building or facility

11B-206.7.1 Performance areas and speakers’ platforms.

Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide accessible routes to performance areas and speakers’ platforms

11B-206.7.2 Wheelchair spaces.

Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide an accessible route to comply with the wheelchair space dispersion and line-of-sight requirements of Sections 11B-221 _|Assembly Areas|_ and 11B-802 _|Wheelchair Spaces, Companion Seats, and Designated Aisle Seats|_

11B-206.7.3 Incidental spaces.

Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide an accessible route to incidental spaces which are not public use spaces and which are occupied by five persons maximum.

11B-206.7.4 Judicial spaces.

Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide an accessible route to: jury boxes and witness stands; raised courtroom stations including, judges’ benches, clerks’ stations, bailiffs’ stations, deputy clerks’ stations, and court reporters’ stations; and to depressed areas such as the well of a court.

11B-206.7.5 Existing site constraints.

Platform lifts shall be permitted where existing exterior site constraints make use of a ramp or elevator infeasible. 

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 206.7.5 Existing Site Constraints.  This exception applies where topography or other similar existing site constraints necessitate the use of a platform lift as the only feasible alternative. While the site constraint must reflect exterior conditions, the lift can be installed in the interior of a building. For example, a new building constructed between and connected to two existing buildings may have insufficient space to coordinate floor levels and also to provide ramped entry from the public way. In this example, an exterior or interior platform lift could be used to provide an accessible entrance or to coordinate one or more interior floor levels.

11B-206.7.6 Guest rooms and residential dwelling units.

Platform lifts shall be permitted to connect levels within transient lodging guest rooms required to provide mobility features complying with Section 11B-806.2 or residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features complying with Sections 11B-809.2 through 11B-809.4 and adaptable features complying with Chapter 11A, Division IV

[2010 ADAS] 206.7.6 Guest Rooms and Residential Dwelling Units.  Platform lifts shall be permitted to connect levels within transient lodging guest rooms required to provide mobility features complying with 806.2 or residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2 through 809.4

11B-206.7.7 Amusement rides.

Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide accessible routes to load and unload areas serving amusement rides.

11B-206.7.8 Play areas.

Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide accessible routes to play components or soft contained play structures

11B-206.7.9 Team or player seating.

Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide accessible routes to team or player seating areas serving areas of sport activity. 

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 206.7.9 Team or Player Seating. While the use of platform lifts is allowed, ramps are recommended to provide access to player seating areas serving an area of sport activity.

11B-206.7.10 Recreational boating facilities and fishing piers and platforms.

Platform lifts shall be permitted to be used instead of gangways that are part of accessible routes serving recreational boating facilities and fishing piers and platforms.

11B-206.8 Security barriers.

Security barriers, including but not limited to, security bollards and security check points, shall not obstruct a required accessible route or accessible means of egress.

Exception:  Where security barriers incorporate elements that cannot comply with these requirements such as certain metal detectors, fluoroscopes, or other similar devices, the accessible route shall be permitted to be located adjacent to security screening devices. The accessible route shall permit persons with disabilities passing around security barriers to maintain visual contact with their personal items to the same extent provided others passing through the security barrier. 

11B-207.1 General.

Means of egress shall comply with Chapter 10, Section 1007

[2010 ADAS] 207.1 General. Means of egress shall comply with section 1003.2.13 of the International Building Code (2000 edition and 2001 Supplement) or section 1007 of the International Building Code (2003 edition) (incorporated by reference, see "Referenced Standards" in Chapter 1).

Exceptions:

1.      Where means of egress are permitted by local building or life safety codes to share a common path of egress travel, accessible means of egress shall be permitted to share a common path of egress travel.

2.      Areas of refuge shall not be required in detention and correctional facilities. 

11B-207.2 Platform lifts.

Standby power shall be provided for platform lifts permitted by Chapter 10, Section 1007.5 to serve as a part of an accessible means of egress. To ensure continued operation in case of primary power loss, platform lifts shall be provided with standby power or with self-rechargeable battery power that provides sufficient power to operate all platform lift functions for a minimum of five upward and downward trips. 

[2010 ADAS] 207.2 Platform Lifts.  Standby power shall be provided for platform lifts permitted by section 1003.2.13.4 of the International Building Code (2000 edition and 2001 Supplement) or section 1007.5 of the International Building Code (2003 edition) (incorporated by reference, see "Referenced Standards" in Chapter 1) to serve as a part of an accessible means of egress.

11B-208.1 General.

Where parking spaces are provided, parking spaces shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-208.

Exception:  Parking spaces used exclusively for buses, trucks, other delivery vehicles,  or vehicular impound shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-208 provided that lots accessed by the public are provided with a passenger loading zone complying with Section 11B-503.

[2010 ADAS] EXCEPTION:  Parking spaces used exclusively for buses, trucks, other delivery vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, or vehicular impound shall not be required to comply with 208 provided that lots accessed by the public are provided with a passenger loading zone complying with 503.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA Exception included at Section 11B-208.1 is provided for information only. Since the CBC Exception omits parking for law enforcement vehicles, the 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-208.2 Minimum number.

Parking spaces complying with Section 11B-502 shall be provided in accordance with Table 11B-208.2 except as required by Sections 11B-208.2.1, 11B-208.2.2, and 11B-208.2.3. Where more than one parking facility is provided on a site, the number of accessible spaces provided on the site shall be calculated according to the number of spaces required for each parking facility. 

TABLE 11B-208.2 PARKING SPACES

TOTAL NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES PROVIDED IN PARKING FACILITY

MINIMUM NUMBER OF REQUIRED ACCESSIBLE PARKING SPACES

1 to 25

1

26 to 50

2

51 to 75

3

76 to 100

4

101 to 150

5

151 to 200

6

201 to 300

7

301 to 400

8

401 to 500

9

501 to 1000

2 percent of total

1001 and over

20, plus 1 for each 100, or fraction thereof,

over 1000

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 208.2 Minimum Number.  The term "parking facility" is used in 208.2 instead of the term "parking lot" so that it is clear that both parking lots and parking structures are required to comply with this section. The number of parking spaces required to be accessible is to be calculated separately for each parking facility; the required number is not to be based on the total number of parking spaces provided in all of the parking facilities provided on the site.
DSA icon
Advisory 11B-208.2 Minimum number.  Accessible spaces can be provided in other facilities or locations, or, in the case of parking structures, on one level only when equal or greater access is provided in terms of proximity to an accessible entrance, cost, and convenience. For example, accessible spaces required for outlying parking facilities may be located in a parking facility closer to an accessible entrance. The minimum number of spaces must still be determined separately for each facility even if the spaces are to be provided in other facilities or locations. Accessible spaces may be grouped on one level of a parking structure in order to achieve greater access. However, where parking levels serve different building entrances, accessible spaces should be dispersed so that access is provided to each entrance. ◼

11B-208.2.1 Hospital outpatient facilities.

Ten percent of patient and visitor parking spaces provided to serve hospital outpatient facilities, and free-standing buildings providing outpatient clinical services of a hospital, shall comply with Section 11B-502.

[2010 ADAS] 208.2.1 Hospital Outpatient Facilities.  Ten percent of patient and visitor parking spaces provided to serve hospital outpatient facilities shall comply with 502

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 208.2.1 Hospital Outpatient Facilities.  The term "outpatient facility" is not defined in this document but is intended to cover facilities or units that are located in hospitals and that provide regular and continuing medical treatment without an overnight stay. Doctors' offices, independent clinics, or other facilities not located in hospitals are not considered hospital outpatient facilities for purposes of this document.

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-208.2.1 Hospital outpatient facilities.  The higher percentages required for hospital outpatient facilities or rehabilitation facilities specializing in treating conditions that affect mobility and outpatient physical therapy facilities (indicated in Section 11B-208.2.2 below) are intended primarily for visitor and patient parking. If there are separate lots for visitors or patients and employees, the 10% or 20% requirement shall be applied to the visitor/patient lot while accessible parking could be provided in the employee lot according to the general scoping requirement in Table 11B-208.2. If a lot serves both visitors or patients and employees, 10% or 20% of the spaces intended for use by visitors or patients must be accessible.

At hospitals or other facilities where parking does not specifically serve an outpatient unit, only a portion of the lot would need to comply with the 10% scoping requirement. A local zoning code that requires a minimum number of parking spaces according to occupancy type and square footage may be an appropriate guide in assessing the number of spaces in the lot that "belong" to the outpatient unit. These spaces would be held to the 10% requirement while the rest of the lot would be subject to the general scoping requirement in the table. Those accessible spaces required for the outpatient unit should be located at the accessible entrance serving the unit. This method may also be used in applying the 20% requirement to hospitals or other facilities where only a portion or unit provides specialized rehabilitation or physical therapy treatment or services for persons with mobility impairments.◼

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements and Advisory included at Subsection 11B-208.2.1 are provided for information only. Since the CBC requirements include free-standing buildings providing outpatient clinical services of a hospital, the 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive. However, the meaning of this inclusion appears likely to be debated, prompting DSA-AC and/or OSHPD to provide further guidance.

11B-208.2.2 Rehabilitation facilities and outpatient physical therapy facilities.

Twenty percent of patient and visitor parking spaces provided to serve rehabilitation facilities specializing in treating conditions that affect mobility and outpatient physical therapy facilities shall comply with Section 11B-502

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 208.2.2 Rehabilitation Facilities and Outpatient Physical Therapy Facilities. Conditions that affect mobility include conditions requiring the use or assistance of a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or powered mobility aid; arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic conditions that severely limit one's ability to walk; respiratory diseases and other conditions which may require the use of portable oxygen; and cardiac conditions that impose significant functional limitations.

11B-208.2.3 Residential facilities.

Parking spaces provided to serve residential facilities shall comply with Section 11B-208.2.3

11B-208.2.3.1 Parking for residents.

Where at least one parking space is provided for each residential dwelling unit, at least one parking space complying with Section 11B-502 shall be provided for each residential dwelling unit required to provide mobility features complying with Sections 11B-809.2 through 11B-809.4

11B-208.2.3.2 Additional parking spaces for residents.

Where the total number of parking spaces provided for each residential dwelling unit exceeds one parking space per residential dwelling unit, 2 percent, but no fewer than one space, of all the parking spaces not covered by Section 11B-208.2.3.1 shall comply with Section 11B-502.

11B-208.2.3.3 Parking for guests, employees, and other non-residents.

Where parking spaces are provided for persons other than residents, parking shall be provided in accordance with Table 11B-208.2.

Note:  When assigned parking is provided, Chapter 11A indicates designated accessible parking for the adaptable residential dwelling units shall be provided on requests of residents with disabilities on the same terms and with the full range of choices (e.g., off-street parking, carport or garage) that are available to other residents.

11B-208.2.4 Van parking spaces.

For every six or fraction of six parking spaces required by Section 11B-208.2 to comply with Section 11B-502, at least one shall be a van parking space complying with Section 11B-502

[S.H. 1129B.3, Item 2]
11B-208.3 Location.

Parking facilities shall comply with Section 11B-208.3. 

11B-208.3.1 General.

Parking spaces complying with Section 11B-502 that serve a particular building or facility shall be located on the shortest accessible route from parking to an entrance complying with Section 11B-206.4. Where parking serves more than one accessible entrance, parking spaces complying with Section 11B-502 shall be dispersed and located on the shortest accessible route to the accessible entrances. In parking facilities that do not serve a particular building or facility, parking spaces complying with Section 11B-502 shall be located on the shortest accessible route to an accessible pedestrian entrance of the parking facility.

Exceptions:

1.      All van parking spaces shall be permitted to be grouped on one level within a multi-story parking facility.

2.      Parking spaces shall be permitted to be located in different parking facilities if substantially equivalent or greater accessibility is provided in terms of distance from an accessible entrance or entrances, parking fee, and user convenience.   

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 208.3.1 General Exception 2.  Factors that could affect "user convenience" include, but are not limited to, protection from the weather, security, lighting, and comparative maintenance of the alternative parking site.

11B-208.3.2 Residential facilities.

In residential facilities containing residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features complying with Sections 11B-809.2 through 11B-809.4, and adaptable features complying with Chapter 11A, Division IV, parking spaces provided in accordance with Section 11B-208.2.3.1 shall be located on the shortest accessible route to the residential dwelling unit entrance they serve. Spaces provided in accordance with Section 11B-208.2.3.2 shall be dispersed throughout all types of parking provided for the residential dwelling units.

[2010 ADAS] 208.3.2 Residential Facilities.  In residential facilities containing residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2 through 809.4, parking spaces provided in accordance with 208.2.3.1 shall be located on the shortest accessible route to the residential dwelling unit entrance they serve. Spaces provided in accordance with 208.2.3.2 shall be dispersed throughout all types of parking provided for the residential dwelling units.

Exception:  Parking spaces provided in accordance with Section 11B-208.2.3.2 shall not be required to be dispersed throughout all types of parking if substantially equivalent or greater accessibility is provided in terms of distance from an accessible entrance, parking fee, and user convenience. 

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 208.3.2 Residential Facilities Exception.  Factors that could affect "user convenience" include, but are not limited to, protection from the weather, security, lighting, and comparative maintenance of the alternative parking site.

11B-208.3.3 Private garages accessory to residential dwelling units.

Private garages accessory to residential dwelling units shall comply with Section 11B-208.3. Private garages include individual garages and multiple individual garages grouped together.

11B-208.3.3.1 .

Detached private garages accessory to residential dwelling units, shall be accessible as required by Section 11B-208.3

11B-208.3.3.2.

Attached private garages directly serving a single residential dwelling unit shall provide at least one of the following options:

1.      A door leading directly from the residential dwelling unit which immediately enters the garage.

2.      An accessible route from the residential dwelling unit to an exterior door entering the garage.

3.      An accessible route from the residential dwelling unit's primary entry door to the vehicular entrance at the garage.

11B-209.1 General.

Passenger loading zones shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-209.

11B-209.2 Type.

Where provided, passenger loading zones shall comply with Section 11B-209.2. 

11B-209.2.1 Passenger loading zones.

Passenger loading zones, except those required to comply with Sections 11B-209.2.2 and 11B-209.2.3, shall provide at least one passenger loading zone complying with Section 11B-503 in every continuous 100 linear feet (30480 mm) of loading zone space, or fraction thereof. 

[S.H. 1131B.2, Item 1]

11B-209.2.2 Bus loading zones.

In bus loading zones restricted to use by designated or specified public transportation vehicles, each bus bay, bus stop, or other area designated for lift or ramp deployment shall comply with Section 11B-810.2

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 209.2.2 Bus Loading Zones.  The terms "designated public transportation" and "specified public transportation" are defined by the Department of Transportation at 49 CFR 37.3 in regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act. These terms refer to public transportation services provided by public or private entities, respectively. For example, designated public transportation vehicles include buses and vans operated by public transit agencies, while specified public transportation vehicles include tour and charter buses, taxis and limousines, and hotel shuttles operated by private entities.

11B-209.2.3 On-street bus stops.

On-street bus stops shall comply with Section 11B-810.2 to the maximum extent practicable.

11B-209.3 Medical care and long-term care facilities .

At least one passenger loading zone complying with Section 11B-503 shall be provided at an accessible entrance to licensed medical care and licensed long-term care facilities where the period of stay may exceed twenty-four hours.

11B-209.4 Valet parking.

Parking facilities that provide valet parking services shall provide at least one passenger loading zone complying with Section 11B-503. The parking requirements of 11B-208.1 apply to facilities with valet parking. 

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-209.4 Valet parking.  Valet parking does not eliminate the requirement to provide accessible parking spaces. Some vehicles may be adapted with hand controls or lack a driver’s seat, and may not be operable by a valet parking attendant. The parking space requirements of Sections 11B-208 and 11B-502 apply to facilities with valet parking, including the requirement for an accessible route of travel to the entrance of the facility. In addition, when valet parking is provided, a passenger loading zone complying with Section 11B-503 shall be located on an accessible route of travel to the entrance of the facility. ◼
11B-209.5 Mechanical access parking garages.

Mechanical access parking garages shall provide at least one passenger loading zone complying with Section 11B-503 at vehicle drop-off and vehicle pick-up areas. 

11B-210.1 General.

Interior and exterior stairs shall comply with Section 11B-504

[2010 ADAS] 210.1 General.  Interior and exterior stairs that are part of a means of egress shall comply with 504.

Exceptions:

1.      In detention and correctional facilities, stairs that are not located in public use areas shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-504.

2.      In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-504, except that striping complying with Section 11B-504.4.1 and handrails complying with Section 11B-505 shall be provided when the stairs are altered.

[2010 ADAS] 2.  In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route shall not be required to comply with 504, except that handrails complying with 505 shall be provided when the stairs are altered.

3.      In assembly areas, aisle stairs shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-504 except that striping complying with Section 11B-504.4.1 shall be provided.

[2010 ADAS] 3.  In assembly areas, aisle stairs shall not be required to comply with 504.

4.      Stairs that connect play components shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-504 except that striping complying with Section 11B-504.4.1 shall be provided.

[2010 ADAS] 4.  Stairs that connect play components shall not be required to comply with 504. 

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Section 11B-210.1, including Exceptions, are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-211.1 General.

Where drinking fountains are provided on an exterior site, on a floor, or within a secured area they shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-211.

Exception:  In detention or correctional facilities, drinking fountains only serving holding or housing cells not required to comply with Section 11B-232 shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-211.

11B-211.2 Minimum number.

No fewer than two drinking fountains shall be provided. When provided, one drinking fountain shall comply with Sections 11B-602.1 through 11B-602.611B-602.8 and 11B-602.9 and one drinking fountain shall comply with Sections 11B-602.7 and 11B-602.9.

Exception:  Where a single drinking fountain complies with Sections 11B-602.1 through 11B-602.9, it shall be permitted to be substituted for two separate drinking fountains.

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-211.2 Minimum number.  The 2013 California Plumbing Code (CPC), Table 4-1 provides minimum plumbing fixture requirements for new buildings, and changes of occupancy or use in an existing building resulting in increased occupant load. CPC Table 4-1 should be consulted in conjunction with the requirements of this section. ◼
11B-211.3 More than minimum number.

Where more than the minimum number of drinking fountains specified in Section 11B-211.2 are provided, 50 percent of the total number of drinking fountains provided shall comply with Sections 11B-602.1 through 11B-602.6, 11B-602.8 and 11B-602.9, and 50 percent of the total number of drinking fountains provided shall comply with Section 11B-602.7 and 11B-602.9.

Exception:  Where 50 percent of the drinking fountains yields a fraction, 50 percent shall be permitted to be rounded up or down provided that the total number of drinking fountains complying with Section 11B-211 equals 100 percent of drinking fountains.

11B-212.1 General .

Where provided, kitchens, kitchenettes, wet bars and sinks shall comply with Section 11B-212

11B-212.2 Kitchens, kitchenettes, and wet bars.

Kitchens, kitchenettes and wet bars shall comply with Section 11B-804.

11B-212.3 Sinks.

Where sinks are provided, at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of each type provided in each accessible room or space shall comply with Section 11B-606.

Exceptions:

1.      Mop, service or scullery sinks shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-212.3.

2.      Scrub sinks, as defined in California Plumbing Code Section 221.0, shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-606.

[2010 ADAS] EXCEPTION: Mop or service sinks shall not be required to comply with 212.3.

ETA Editor's Note

The definition of "Sink" in 2013 CBC Chapter 2, adopted by DSA-AC, is as follows:  SINK.  A fixed bowl or basin with running water and drainpipe, as in a kitchen or laundry, for washing dishes, clothing, etc. (As differentiated from the definition of "Lavatory".)The definition of "Lavatory" in Chapter 2, also adopted by DSA-AC, is as follows:  LAVATORY.  A fixed bowl or basin with running water and drainpipe, as in a toilet or bathing facility, for washing or bathing purposes. (As differentiated from the definition of "Sink".).  It would appear that the difference is that a "Lavatory" is for washing a part of the body, while a "Sink" is for washing anything else.  It is unclear whether a "Lavatory" can exist in other places than a toilet room or bathroom, even when specifically intended for washing a part of the body.

The ADA requirements and exceptions make no mention of wet bars, scullery sinks or scrub sinks. Both ADA and CBC lack definitions for mop sinks, service sinks and scullery sinks, so their identifications rely upon definitions in collegiate dictionaries (unspecified) per 2013 CBC 11B-106.3. In fact, the 2010 ADAS, as well as 1991 ADAAG, decline to define sinks or lavatories at all.  Oxford American Dictionaries have no definitions for "Mop Sink," "Service Sink" or "Scullery Sink."  "Sink" is defined as:  A fixed basin with a water supply and a drain.  "Lavatory" is defined as:  A sink or washbasin in a bathroom.  The definitions for "Mop" and "Service" are of little use, and "Scullery" is defined as:  A small kitchen or room at the back of a house used for washing dishes and other dirty household work.

The 2013 California Plumbing Code (CPC) definition for "Scrub Sink", referenced in 11B-212.3 Exception 2 is as follows:  Scrub Sink [OSHPD 1, 2, 3 & 4].  Is a sink used to wash and scrub the hands and arms during the septic preparation for surgery and equipped with a supply spout and controls as required for a handwashing fixture. Sensor operated fixtures shall be capable of functioning during loss of normal power CPC does not have a definition for "Sink," "Mop Sink," "Service Sink" or "Scullery Sink," but it does define "Lavatory" as follows:  Lavatory [HCD 1 & HCD 2].  "Lavatory" shall mean a plumbing fixture used for washing the hands, arms, face and head.  This definition has not been adopted by DSA-AC.

The Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) has expressed (see ETA Editor's Note at 11B-805.6) that it considers the "Handwashing Fixtures" required at such places as exam rooms, nurses' stations and medication preparation rooms to be "Sinks" for accessibility purposes, and not "Lavatories."

Some sink types are unmentioned in ADA and CBC Chapter 11B, including laundry sinks, clinic sinks (with flushing rims), eye wash fixtures, sinks at dental exam rooms used by patients for rinsing, and others. Except for laundry sinks, these are not in locations included in the CBC definitions for "Sink" or "Lavatory":  kitchens, laundries, toilet or bathing facilities.  By their omission, one might infer that accessibility requirements do not apply. However, that is not an entirely safe assumption, particularly since the ADA requirements default to the extremely broad definition of "Sink" found in collegiate dictionaries. It is also noteworthy that many sinks serve multiple purposes, such as those at employee break rooms, craft rooms at senior living centers, or school classrooms.  Those purposes may include washing a part of the body, as well as other items.

These ambiguities have led to much debate as to identification of plumbing fixtures, scoping of accessibility to them, and which technical requirements apply. It is beyond the scope of this Pocket Guide to resolve those issues. It is generally recommended that, before declining to make a sink accessible, consideration should be given to the number of different users and purposes for which the fixture is intended, unless it is specifically exempted from accessibility requirements.

Agencies responsible for promulgating and enforcing accessibility regulations have previously issued guidance, such as DSA-AC's Access Compliance Reference Manual.  When updated, ETA intends to incorporate links and additional material in its Pocket Guide, including external links to ETA's own up-to-date resources and interpretations.

11B-213.1 General.

Where toilet facilities and bathing facilities are provided, they shall comply with Section 11B-213. Where toilet facilities and bathing facilities are provided in facilities permitted by Section 11B-206.2.3 Exception 1 not to connect stories by an accessible route, toilet facilities and bathing facilities shall be provided on a story connected by an accessible route to an accessible entrance

11B-213.1.1 Toilet facilities for designated user groups.

Where separate toilet facilities are provided for the exclusive use of separate user groups, the toilet facilities serving each user group shall comply with Section 11B-213

11B-213.2 Toilet rooms and bathing rooms.

Where toilet rooms are provided, each toilet room shall comply with Section 11B-603. Where bathing rooms are provided, each bathing room shall comply with Section 11B-603.

Exceptions:

1.      In alterations where it is technically infeasible to comply with Section 11B-603, altering existing toilet or bathing rooms shall not be required where a single unisex toilet room or bathing room complying with Section 11B-213.2.1 is provided and located in the same area and on the same floor as existing inaccessible toilet or bathing rooms.

2.      Reserved.

[2010 ADAS] 2.  Where exceptions for alterations to qualified historic buildings or facilities are permitted by 202.5, no fewer than one toilet room for each sex complying with 603 or one unisex toilet room complying with 213.2.1 shall be provided.

3.      Where multiple single user portable toilet or bathing units are clustered at a single location, 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of the toilet units and bathing units at each cluster shall comply with Section 11B-603. Portable toilet units and bathing units complying with Section 11B-603 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1.

[2010 ADAS] 3.  Where multiple single user portable toilet or bathing units are clustered at a single location, no more than 5 percent of the toilet units and bathing units at each cluster shall be required to comply with 603. Portable toilet units and bathing units complying with 603 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.2.1.

4.      Where multiple single user toilet rooms are clustered at a single location, 50 percent, but no fewer than one, of the single user toilet rooms for each use at each cluster shall comply with Section 11B-603.

[2010 ADAS] 4.  Where multiple single user toilet rooms are clustered at a single location, no more than 50 percent of the single user toilet rooms for each use at each cluster shall be required to comply with 603.

5.      Where toilet and bathing rooms are provided in guest rooms that are not required to provide mobility features complying with Section 11B-806.2, toilet and bathing fixtures shall only be required to comply with Section 11B-603.6

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 213.2 Toilet Rooms and Bathing Rooms.  These requirements allow use of unisex (or single-user) toilet rooms in alterations when technical infeasibility can be demonstrated. Unisex toilet rooms benefit people who use opposite sex personal care assistants. For this reason, it is advantageous to install unisex toilet rooms in addition to accessible single-sex toilet rooms in new facilities.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 213.2 Toilet Rooms and Bathing Rooms Exceptions 3 and 4.  A “cluster” is a group of toilet rooms proximate to one another. Generally, toilet rooms in a cluster are within sight of, or adjacent to, one another.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at the Section 11B-213.2 Exceptions are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-213.2.1 Unisex (single-use or family) toilet and unisex bathing rooms.

Unisex toilet rooms shall contain not more than one lavatory, and not more than two water closets without urinals or one water closet and one urinal. Unisex bathing rooms shall contain one shower or one shower and one bathtub, one lavatory, and one water closet. Doors to unisex toilet rooms and unisex bathing rooms shall have privacy latches.

11B-213.2.2 Unisex (Patient) toilet rooms in medical care and long-term care facilities.

Common-use unisex toilet rooms for exclusive patient use not located within patient bedrooms shall contain a lavatory and one water closet.

11B-213.2.3 Unisex (Patient) bathing rooms in medical care and long-term care facilities.

Common-use unisex bathing rooms for exclusive patient use not located within patient bedrooms shall contain one shower or one bathtub, one lavatory, and one water closet.

11B-213.3 Plumbing fixtures and accessories.

Plumbing fixtures and accessories provided in a toilet room or bathing room required to comply with Section 11B-213.2 shall comply with Section 11B-213.3

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-213.3 Plumbing fixtures and accessories.  The 2013 California Plumbing Code (CPC), Table 4-1 provides minimum plumbing fixture requirements for new buildings, and changes of occupancy or use in an existing building resulting in increased occupant load. CPC Table 4-1 should be consulted in conjunction with the requirements of this section. ◼

11B-213.3.1 Toilet compartments.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 213.3.1 Toilet Compartments. A toilet compartment is a partitioned space that is located within a toilet room, and that normally contains no more than one water closet. A toilet compartment may also contain a lavatory. A lavatory is a sink provided for hand washing. Full-height partitions and door assemblies can comprise toilet compartments where the minimum required spaces are provided within the compartment.

ETA Editor's Note

The 2013 CBC scoping for toilet compartments was originally the same as 2010 ADAS.  When the July 1, 2015 Supplement to the 2013 CBC was issued, this scoping was increased, thereby exceeding the 2010 ADAS scoping at large multi-user toilet rooms.

[2013 CBC, prior to the Supplement dated July 1, 2015]

11B-213.3.1 Toilet compartments. Where toilet compartments are provided, at least one toilet compartment shall comply with Section 11B-604.8.1 _|Wheelchair Accessible Compartments|_. In addition to the compartment required to comply with Section 11B-604.8.1, at least one compartment shall comply with Section 11B-604.8.2 _|Ambulatory Accessible Compartments|_ where six or more toilet compartments are provided, or where the combination of urinals and water closets totals six or more fixtures.

11B-213.3.2 Water closets.

Where water closets are provided, at least five percent but no fewer than one shall comply with Section 11B-604.

ETA Editor's Note

The 2013 CBC scoping for accessible water closets was originally the same as 2010 ADAS.  When the July 1, 2015 Supplement to the 2013 CBC was issued, this scoping was increased, thereby exceeding the 2010 ADAS scoping.

[2013 CBC, prior to the Supplement dated July 1, 2015]

11B-213.3.2  Water closets.  Where water closets are provided, at least one shall comply with Section 11B-604 _|Water Closets and Toilet Compartments|_.

11B-213.3.3 Urinals.

Where one or more urinals are provided, at least ten percent but no fewer than one shall comply with Section 11B-605.

ETA Editor's Note

The 2013 CBC scoping for accessible urinals was originally similar to 2010 ADAS.  When the July 1, 2015 Supplement to the 2013 CBC was issued, this scoping was increased, thereby exceeding the 2010 ADAS scoping at large multi-user toilet rooms.

[2013 CBC, prior to the Supplement dated July 1, 2015]

11B-213.3.3  Urinals.  Where one or more urinals are provided, at least one shall comply with Section 11B-605 _|Urinals|_.

11B-213.3.4 Lavatories.

Where lavatories are provided, at least ten percent but no fewer than one shall comply with Section 11B-606 and shall not be located in a toilet compartment. 

ETA Editor's Note

With the revisions to scoping requirements in Subsections 11B-213.3.1 through 11B-213.3.4 implemented by the 2013 CBC Supplement dated July 1, 2015, DSA-AC has increased the number of accessible toilet compartments, ambulatory accessible toilet compartments, accessible urinals and accessible lavatories required at very large multi-user toilet rooms.  There is no indication whether existing facilities having toilet rooms that do not comply with the increased scoping will be compelled by the path of travel obligation to upgrade these toilet rooms if alterations are performed to an area served by them.  As currently written, it appears that upgrading, or some form of supplementation agreeable to the AHJ, will be required.

ETA Editor's Note

The 2013 CBC scoping for accessible lavatories was originally greater than 2010 ADAS, but when the July 1, 2015 Supplement to the 2013 CBC was issued, this scoping was doubled from five percent to ten percent, only affecting large multi-user toilet rooms.

[2013 CBC, prior to the Supplement dated July 1, 2015]

11B-213.3.4  Lavatories.  Where lavatories are provided, at least five percent but no fewer than one shall comply with Section 11B-606 _|Lavatories and Sinks|_ and shall not be located in a toilet compartment.

11B-213.3.5 Mirrors.

Where mirrors are provided, at least one shall comply with Section 11B-603.3

11B-213.3.6 Bathing facilities.

Where bathtubs or showers are provided, at least one bathtub complying with Section 11B-607 or at least one shower complying with Section 11B-608 shall be provided. Where two or more accessible showers are provided within the same functional area, at least one shower shall be opposite hand from the other or others (that is, one left-hand controls versus right-hand controls).

[2010 ADAS] 213.3.6 Bathing Facilities.  Where bathtubs or showers are provided, at least one bathtub complying with 607 or at least one shower complying with 608 shall be provided.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Subsection 11B-213.3.6 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more stringent, since they address not only the quantity of accessible showers, but also their orientation.

11B-213.3.7 Coat hooks and shelves.

Where coat hooks or shelves are provided in toilet rooms without toilet compartments, at least one of each type shall comply with Section 11B-603.4. Where coat hooks or shelves are provided in toilet compartments, at least one of each type complying with Section 11B-604.8.3 shall be provided in toilet compartments required to comply with Section 11B-213.3.1. Where coat hooks or shelves are provided in bathing facilities, at least one of each type complying with Section 11B-603.4 shall serve fixtures required to comply with Section 11B-213.3.6.

11B-214.1 General.

Where provided, washing machines and clothes dryers shall comply with Section 11B-214.

11B-214.2 Washing machines.

Where three or fewer washing machines are provided, at least one shall comply with Section 11B-611. Where more than three washing machines are provided, at least two shall comply with Section 11B-611.

11B-214.3 Clothes dryers.

Where three or fewer clothes dryers are provided, at least one shall comply with Section 11B-611. Where more than three clothes dryers are provided, at least two shall comply with Section 11B-611.

11B-215.1 General.

Where fire alarm systems and carbon monoxide alarm systems provide audible alarm coverage, alarms shall comply with Section 11B-215.

Exception:  In existing facilities, visible alarms for fire alarm systems shall not be required except where an existing fire alarm system is upgraded or replaced, or a new fire alarm system is installed. 

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 215.1 General.  Unlike audible alarms, visible alarms must be located within the space they serve so that the signal is visible. Facility alarm systems (other than fire alarm systems) such as those used for tornado warnings and other emergencies are not required to comply with the technical criteria for alarms in Section 702. Every effort should be made to ensure that such alarms can be differentiated in their signal from fire alarms systems and that people who need to be notified of emergencies are adequately safeguarded. Consult local fire departments and prepare evacuation plans taking into consideration the needs of every building occupant, including people with disabilities.
11B-215.2 Public and common use areas.

Alarms in public use areas and common use areas shall comply with Chapter 9, Section 907.5.2.3.1

[2010 ADAS] 215.2 Public and Common Use Areas.  Alarms in public use areas and common use areas shall comply with 702.

11B-215.3 Employee work areas.

Where employee work areas have audible alarm coverage, the wiring system shall be designed so that visible alarms complying with Chapter 9, Section 907.5.2.3.2 can be integrated into the alarm system. 

[2010 ADAS] 215.3 Employee Work Areas.  Where employee work areas have audible alarm coverage, the wiring system shall be designed so that visible alarms complying with 702 can be integrated into the alarm system.

11B-215.4 Transient lodging.

Guest rooms required to comply with Section 11B-224.4 shall provide fire alarms complying with Chapter 9, Section 907.5.2.3.3, and carbon monoxide alarms, where provided, complying with Chapter 4.

[2010 ADAS] 215.4 Transient Lodging.  Guest rooms required to comply with 224.4 shall provide alarms complying with 702.

11B-215.5 Residential facilities.

Where provided in residential dwelling units required to comply with Section 11B-809.5, fire alarms shall comply with Chapter 9, Section 907.5.2.3.4 and carbon monoxide alarms shall comply with Chapter 4

[2010 ADAS] 215.5 Residential Facilities.  Where provided in residential dwelling units required to comply with 809.5, alarms shall comply with 702.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Sections 11B-215.2 through 11B-215.5 are provided for information only. 2010 ADAS Section 702 refers to NFPA 72 for the scoping of visible alarms, while CBC Section 907.5.2.3 contains specific scoping.

11B-216.1 General.

New or altered signs shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-216 and shall comply with Section 11B-703. The addition of or replacement of signs shall not trigger any additional path of travel requirements. 

[2010 ADAS] 216.1 General.  Signs shall be provided in accordance with 216 and shall comply with 703.

Exceptions:

1.      Building directories, menus, seat and row designations in assembly areas, occupant names, building addresses, and company names and logos shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-216.

2.      Reserved.

[2010 ADAS] 2.  In parking facilities, signs shall not be required to comply with 216.2, 216.3, and 216.6 through 216.12.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Exception 2 are provided for information only. The substantive difference between the 2013 CBC and 2010 ADAS scoping for signage at parking facilities is that signs identifying permanent rooms and spaces, directional and informational signs (except those relating to accessible means of egress), and entrance signs are not required to comply with tactile and/or visible sign requirements by ADAS, while they are required to comply by 2013 CBC. It would be extremely rare for parking facilities to have signs relating to toilets, TTYs, assistive listening systems, etc. anyway. Both CBC and ADAS require signs at parking facilities relating to means of egress (11B-216.4) and parking (11B-216.5) to comply with accessibility requirements.

3.      Temporary, 7 days or less, signs shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-216.

4.      In detention and correctional facilities, signs not located in public use areas shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-216

11B-216.2 Designations.

Interior and exterior signs identifying permanent rooms and spaces shall comply with Sections 11B-703.1 _|Signs; General|_ 11B-703.2 _|Signs; Raised Characters|_, 11B-703.3 _|Braille|_, and 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_. Where pictograms are provided as designations of permanent rooms and spaces, the pictograms shall comply with Section 11B-703.6 and shall have text descriptors complying with Sections 11B-703.2 and 11B-703.5.

Exception:  Exterior signs that are not located at the door to the space they serve shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-703.2

ETA Editor's Note

The Exception at 11B-216.2 does not mention that Braille is also not required at exterior signs that are not located at the door to the space that they serve, but this is inferable from the fact that the requirement for Braille is contained within 11B-703.2, as are the requirements pertaining to the height and location of tactile signs.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 216.2 Designations.  Section 216.2 applies to signs that provide designations, labels, or names for interior rooms or spaces where the sign is not likely to change over time. Examples include interior signs labeling restrooms, room and floor numbers or letters, and room names. Tactile text descriptors are required for pictograms that are provided to label or identify a permanent room or space. Pictograms that provide information about a room or space, such as "no smoking," occupant logos, and the International Symbol of Accessibility, are not required to have text descriptors.
DSA icon
Advisory 11B-216.2 Designations.  People with visual impairments benefit from tactile signs containing raised characters and/or symbols and accompanying Braille. They also benefit from an orderly scheme of consecutive room numbers for way-finding, though way-finding is not required by code. Tactile exit signs complying with Chapter 10 contribute to a safe environment for people with visual impairments. ◼
11B-216.3 Directional and informational signs.

Signs that provide direction to or information about interior and exterior spaces and facilities of the site shall comply with Section 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_. 

[2010 ADAS] 216.3 Directional and Informational Signs.  Signs that provide direction to or information about interior spaces and facilities of the site shall comply with 703.5

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 216.3  Directional and Informational Signs. Information about interior spaces and facilities includes rules of conduct, occupant load, and similar signs. Signs providing direction to rooms or spaces include those that identify egress routes.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements and Advisory included at Section 11B-216.3 are provided for information only. Since the CBC requirements pertain to both interior and exterior signs, the 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive. It should be noted that exterior signs are likely to be viewed at a greater distance than interior signs, which would affect the prescribed height of visual characters.

11B-216.4 Means of egress.

Signs for means of egress shall comply with Section 11B-216.4

11B-216.4.1 Exit doors.

Signs required by Chapter 10, Section 1011.4 at doors to exit passageways, exit discharge, and exit stairways shall comply with Sections 11B-703.1 _|Signs; General|_ 11B-703.2 _|Signs; Raised Characters|_, 11B-703.3 _|Braille|_, and 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 216.4.1 Exit Doors.  An exit passageway is a horizontal exit component that is separated from the interior spaces of the building by fire-resistance-rated construction and that leads to the exit discharge or public way. The exit discharge is that portion of an egress system between the termination of an exit and a public way.

11B-216.4.2 Areas of refuge and exterior areas for assisted rescue.

Signs required by Chapter 10, Section 1007.11 to provide instructions in areas of refuge shall comply with Section 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_. Signs required by Chapter 10, Section 1007.9 at doors to areas of refuge and exterior areas for assisted rescue shall comply with Section 11B-703.5 and include an International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1.

11B-216.4.3 Directional signs.

Signs required by Chapter 10, Section 1007.10 to provide directions to accessible means of egress shall comply with Section 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_

11B-216.4.4 Delayed egress locks.

Signs required by Chapter 10, Section 1008.1.9.7, item 5.1 at doors with delayed egress locks shall comply with Sections 11B-703.1 _|Signs; General|_ 11B-703.2 _|Signs; Raised Characters|_, 11B-703.3 _|Braille|_, and 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_.

11B-216.5 Parking.

Signs identifying parking spaces and signs within parking facilities shall comply with Section 11B-216.5.

11B-216.5.1 Parking spaces.

Parking spaces complying with Section 11B-502 shall be identified by signs complying with Section 11B-502.6.

Exceptions:

1.      Reserved.

[2010 ADAS] 1.  Where a total of four or fewer parking spaces, including accessible parking spaces, are provided on a site, identification of accessible parking spaces shall not be required.

2.      In residential facilities, where parking spaces are assigned to specific residential dwelling units, identification of accessible parking spaces shall not be required.

11B-216.5.2 Parking facilities.

Signs intended for use by pedestrians within parking facilities, including directional or informational signs indicating parking sections or levels, shall comply with the requirements of Section 11B-216.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Section 11B-216.5 Exception 1 are provided for information only. Lacking this Exception, the 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-216.6 Entrances.

In existing buildings and facilities where not all entrances comply with Section 11B-404, entrances complying with Section 11B-404 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1. Directional signs complying with Section 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_ that indicate the location of the nearest entrance complying with Section 11B-404 shall be provided at entrances that do not comply with Section 11B-404. Directional signs complying with Section 11B-703.5, including the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1, indicating the accessible route to the nearest accessible entrance shall be provided at junctions when the accessible route diverges from the regular circulation path

[2010 ADAS] 216.6 Entrances.  Where not all entrances comply with 404, entrances complying with 404 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.2.1. Directional signs complying with 703.5 that indicate the location of the nearest entrance complying with 404 shall be provided at entrances that do not comply with 404.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 216.6 Entrances.  Where a directional sign is required, it should be located to minimize backtracking. In some cases, this could mean locating a sign at the beginning of a route, not just at the inaccessible entrances to a building.

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-216.6 Entrances.  Directional signs are needed where the accessible route diverges from the route for the general public and should be located at decision points (for example where the path to the stairs diverges from the path to an elevator or ramp). Directional signs are not needed where paths are equal and/or readily apparent. The signage program should be designed to consider differing uses of a facility which occur at different times of the day. For example, portions of a facility may be closed in the evening; appropriate signage should be provided to give adequate direction during these hours of use in addition to the typical operational hours.

The sign program should be designed to provide the appropriate level of signage at points necessary for convenient navigation around the site. Too many signs can be confusing to everyone utilizing the site.◼

Exceptions:

1.      An International Symbol of Accessibility is not required at entrances to individual rooms, suites, offices, sales or rental establishments, or other such spaces when all entrances to the building or facility are accessible and persons entering the building or facility have passed through one or more entrances with signage complying with this section.

2.      An International Symbol of Accessibility is not required at entrances to machinery spaces frequented only by service personnel for maintenance, repair, or occasional monitoring of equipment; for example, elevator pits or elevator penthouses; mechanical, electrical or communications equipment rooms; piping or equipment catwalks; electric substations and transformer vaults; and highway and tunnel utility facilities.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements and Advisory included at Section 11B-216.6 are provided for information only. The ADA requirements do not include Exceptions 1 and 2, but it should be noted that doors or gates to such places as elevator pits and the other places listed in Exception 2 would not normally be considered entrances.

11B-216.7 Elevators.

Where existing elevators do not comply with Section 11B-407, elevators complying with Section 11B-407 shall be clearly identified with the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1. Existing buildings that have been remodeled to provide specific elevators for public use that comply with these building standards shall have the location of and the directions to these elevators posted in the building lobby on a sign complying with Section 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_, including the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1.

[2010 ADAS] 216.7 Elevators.  Where existing elevators do not comply with 407, elevators complying with 407 shall be clearly identified with the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.2.1

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Section 11B-216.7 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-216.8 Toilet rooms and bathing rooms.

Entrances to toilet rooms and bathing rooms shall be identified by a geometric symbol complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.6. Where existing toilet rooms or bathing rooms do not comply with Section 11B-603, directional signs indicating the location of the nearest toilet room or bathing room complying with Section 11B-603 within the facility shall be provided. Signs shall comply with Section 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_ and shall include the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1. Where existing toilet rooms or bathing rooms do not comply with Section 11B-603, the toilet rooms or bathing rooms complying with Section 11B-603 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1. Where clustered single user toilet rooms or bathing facilities are permitted to use exceptions to Section 11B-213.2, toilet rooms or bathing facilities complying with Section 11B-603 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1 unless all toilet rooms and bathing facilities comply with Section 11B-603. Existing buildings that have been remodeled to provide specific toilet rooms or bathing rooms for public use that comply with these building standards shall have the location of and the directions to these rooms posted in or near  the building lobby or entrance on a sign complying with Section 11B-703.5, including the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1.

[2010 ADAS] 216.8 Toilet Rooms and Bathing Rooms.  Where existing toilet rooms or bathing rooms do not comply with 603, directional signs indicating the location of the nearest toilet room or bathing room complying with 603 within the facility shall be provided. Signs shall comply with 703.5 and shall include the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.2.1. Where existing toilet rooms or bathing rooms do not comply with 603, the toilet rooms or bathing rooms complying with 603 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.2.1. Where clustered single user toilet rooms or bathing facilities are permitted to use exceptions to 213.2, toilet rooms or bathing facilities complying with 603 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.2.1 unless all toilet rooms and bathing facilities comply with 603

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Section 11B-216.8 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-216.9 TTYs.

Identification and directional signs for public TTYs shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-216.9. 

11B-216.9.1 Identification signs.

Public TTYs shall be identified by the International Symbol of TTY complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.2

11B-216.9.2 Directional signs.

Directional signs indicating the location of the nearest public TTY shall be provided at all banks of public pay telephones not containing a public TTY. In addition, where signs provide direction to public pay telephones, they shall also provide direction to public TTYs. If a facility has no banks of telephones, the directional signage shall be provided at the entrance or in a building directory. Directional signs shall comply with Section 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_ and shall include the International Symbol of TTY complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.2.

[2010 ADAS] 216.9.2 Directional Signs.  Directional signs indicating the location of the nearest public TTY shall be provided at all banks of public pay telephones not containing a public TTY. In addition, where signs provide direction to public pay telephones, they shall also provide direction to public TTYs. Directional signs shall comply with 703.5 and shall include the International Symbol of TTY complying with 703.7.2.2

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Section 11B-216.9 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more definitive regarding banks of public telephones.

11B-216.10 Assistive listening systems.

Each assembly area required by Section 11B-219 to provide assistive listening systems shall provide signs informing patrons of the availability of the assistive listening system. The sign shall include wording that states “Assistive-Listening System Available” and shall be posted in a prominent place at or near the assembly area entrance. Assistive listening signs shall comply with Section 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_ and shall include the International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.4

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-216.10 Assistive listening systems.  The term "prominent place" means a place that arriving persons would easily notice. It is helpful, though not required, to identify the location or person to contact for obtaining the system on the sign. Note that a tactile sign is not required by this section. ◼

[2010 ADAS] 216.10 Assistive Listening Systems.  Each assembly area required by 219 to provide assistive listening systems shall provide signs informing patrons of the availability of the assistive listening system. Assistive listening signs shall comply with 703.5 and shall include the International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss complying with 703.7.2.4.

Exception:  Where ticket offices or windows are provided, signs shall not be required at each assembly area provided that signs are displayed at each ticket office or window informing patrons of the availability of assistive listening systems

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Section 11B-216.10 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more definitive regarding sign wording.

11B-216.11 Check-out aisles.

Where more than one check-out aisle is provided, check-out aisles complying with Section 11B-904.3 shall be identified by a sign complying with Section 11B-904.3.4. Where check-out aisles are identified by numbers, letters, or functions, signs identifying check-out aisles complying with Section 11B-904.3 shall be located in the same location as the check-out aisle identification. 

[2010 ADAS] 216.11 Check-Out Aisles.  Where more than one check-out aisle is provided, check-out aisles complying with 904.3 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.2.1. Where check-out aisles are identified by numbers, letters, or functions, signs identifying check-out aisles complying with 904.3 shall be located in the same location as the check-out aisle identification.

EXCEPTION: Where all check-out aisles comply with Section 11B-904.3, signs complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1 shall not be required. 

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Section 11B-216.11 are provided for information only. The referenced 2013 CBC identification signage requirements are more definitive regarding sign size and placement.

11B-216.12 Amusement rides.

Signs identifying the type of access provided on amusement rides shall be provided at entries to queues and waiting lines. In addition, where accessible unload areas also serve as accessible load areas, signs indicating the location of the accessible load and unload areas shall be provided at entries to queues and waiting lines. Signs shall comply with Section 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_ and shall include the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1

[2010 ADAS] 216.12 Amusement Rides.  Signs identifying the type of access provided on amusement rides shall be provided at entries to queues and waiting lines. In addition, where accessible unload areas also serve as accessible load areas, signs indicating the location of the accessible load and unload areas shall be provided at entries to queues and waiting lines.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 216.12 Amusement Rides.  Amusement rides designed primarily for children, amusement rides that are controlled or operated by the rider, and amusement rides without seats, are not required to provide wheelchair spaces, transfer seats, or transfer systems, and need not meet the sign requirements in 216.12. The load and unload areas of these rides must, however, be on an accessible route and must provide turning space

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Section 11B-216.12 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC signage requirements are more definitive regarding sign characteristics.

11B-216.13.1 Use of Cleaner Air Symbol.

Use of the Cleaner Air Symbol is voluntary. Where publicly funded facilities or any facilities leased or rented by the State of California, not including concessionaires, comply with the conditions of use identified in Section 11B-216.13.3, a Cleaner Air Symbol complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.5 is permitted to be posted in compliance with Section 11B-216.3 to indicate rooms, facilities, and path of travels that are accessible to and usable by people who are adversely impacted by airborne chemicals or particulates and/or the use of electrical fixtures and/or devices.

11B-216.13.2 Removal of Cleaner Air Symbol.

If the path of travel, room and/or facility identified by the Cleaner Air Symbol should temporarily or permanently cease to meet the minimum conditions of use identified in Section 11B-216.13.3, the Cleaner Air Symbol shall be removed and shall not be replaced until the minimum conditions are again met. 

11B-216.13.3 Conditions of use.

The Cleaner Air Symbol shall be permitted for use to identify a path of travel, and a room or a facility when the following is met

1.      Floor or wall coverings, floor or wall covering adhesives, carpets, formaldehyde-emitting particleboard cabinetry, cupboards or doors have not been installed or replaced in the previous 12 months.

2.      Incandescent lighting provided in lieu of fluorescent or halogen lighting, and electrical systems and equipment shall be operable by or on behalf of the occupant or user of the room, facility or path of travel.

3.      Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and their controls shall be operable by or on behalf of the occupant or user.

4.      To maintain “cleaner air” designation only nonirritating, nontoxic products will be used in cleaning, maintenance, disinfection, pest management or for any minimal touch-ups that are essential for occupancy of the area. Deodorizers or Fragrance Emission Devices and Systems (FEDS) shall not be used in the designated area. Pest control practices for cleaner air areas shall include the use of bait stations using boric acid, sticky traps and silicon caulk for sealing cracks and crevices. Areas shall be routinely monitored for pest problems. Additional nontoxic treatment methods, such as temperature extremes for termites, may be employed in the event of more urgent problems. These pest control practices shall not be used 48 hours prior to placement of the sign, and the facility shall be ventilated with outside air for a minimum of 24 hours following use or application.

5.      Signage shall be posted requesting occupants or users not to smoke or wear perfumes, colognes or scented personal care products. Fragranced products shall not be used in the designated cleaner-air room, facility or path of travel.

6.      A log shall be maintained on site, accessible to the public either in person or by telephone, e-mail, fax or other accessible means as requested. One or more individuals shall be designated to maintain the log. The log shall record any product or practice used in the cleaner air designated room, facility or path of travel, as well as scheduled activities, that may impact the cleaner air designation. The log shall also include the product label as well as the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

11B-216.14 Variable message signs.

Where provided in transportation facilities, variable message signs conveying transportation-related information shall comply with Section 11B-703.8. Where provided in buildings that are designed as emergency shelters, variable message signs conveying emergency-related information shall comply with Section 11B-703.8.

ETA Editor's Note

Variable message signs (VMS) were not addressed by the original 2013 CBC.  Scoping requirements for VMS were added by creating a new Subsection 11B-216.14 when the July 1, 2015 Supplement was issued.  This scoping, which is unchanged in 2016 CBC, except for renumbering, only applies to signs conveying transportation-related information at transportation facilities, and signs conveying emergency-related information at emergency shelters, so this Safe Harbor will have extremely narrow pertinence.  The technical requirements for VMS were also added under the July 1, 2015 Supplement by creating new Subsection 11B-703.8, and definitions were added in CBC Chapter 2.  These are also unchanged in 2016 CBC.

11B-217.1 General.

Where coin-operated public pay telephones, coinless public pay telephones, public closed-circuit telephones, public courtesy phones, or other types of public telephones are provided, public telephones shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-217 for each type of public telephone provided. For purposes of this section, a bank of telephones shall be considered to be two or more adjacent telephones. 

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 217.1 General.  These requirements apply to all types of public telephones including courtesy phones at airports and rail stations that provide a free direct connection to hotels, transportation services, and tourist attractions.
11B-217.2 Wheelchair accessible telephones.

Where public telephones are provided, wheelchair accessible telephones complying with Section 11B-704.2 shall be provided in accordance with Table 11B-217.2.

Exception:  Drive-up only public telephones shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-217.2. 

TABLE 11B-217.2 WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE TELEPHONES

NUMBER OF TELEPHONES PROVIDED ON A FLOOR, LEVEL, OR EXTERIOR SITE

MINIMUM NUMBER OF REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE TELEPHONES

1 or more single units

At least 50 percent of telephone units, but not less than 1 per floor, level, and exterior site

[2010 ADAS] 1 per floor, level, and exterior site

1 bank

At least 50 percent of telephone units per bank, but not less than 1 per floor, level, and exterior site

[2010 ADAS] 1 per floor, level, and exterior site

2 or more banks

At least 50 percent of telephone units per bank, but not less than 1 per bank

At least 1 telephone per floor shall meet the requirements for a forward reach telephone.

[2010 ADAS] 1 per bank

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Table 11B-217.2 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-217.3 Volume controls.

All public telephones shall have volume controls complying with Section 11B-704.3.

[S.H. 1117B.2.8]

11B-217.4 TTYs. TTYs complying with Section 11B-704.4 shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-217.4. [S.H. 1117B.2.9; See also Safe Harbor link at 11B-217.4.7 - Transportation Facilities.]

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 217.4 TTYs. Separate requirements are provided based on the number of public pay telephones provided at a bank of telephones, within a floor, a building, or on a site. In some instances one TTY can be used to satisfy more than one of these requirements. For example, a TTY required for a bank can satisfy the requirements for a building. However, the requirement for at least one TTY on an exterior site cannot be met by installing a TTY in a bank inside a building. Consideration should be given to phone systems that can accommodate both digital and analog transmissions for compatibility with digital and analog TTYs.

11B-217.4.1 Bank requirement.

Where four or more public pay telephones are provided at a bank of telephones, at least one public TTY complying with Section 11B-704.4 shall be provided at that bank.

Exception:  Reserved.

[2010 ADAS] EXCEPTION:  TTYs shall not be required at banks of telephones located within 200 feet (61 m) of, and on the same floor as, a bank containing a public TTY. 

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA Exception included at Subsection 11B-217.4.1 is provided for information only. Lacking this Exception, the 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-217.4.2 Floor requirement.

TTYs in public buildings shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-217.4.2.1. TTYs in private buildings shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-217.4.2.2

11B-217.4.2.1 Public buildings.

Where at least one public pay telephone is provided on a floor of a public building, at least one public TTY shall be provided on that floor. 

11B-217.4.2.2 Private buildings.

Where four or more public pay telephones are provided on a floor of a private building, at least one public TTY shall be provided on that floor. 

11B-217.4.3 Building requirement.

TTYs in public buildings shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-217.4.3.1. TTYs in private buildings shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-217.4.3.2

11B-217.4.3.1 Public buildings.

Where at least one public pay telephone is provided in a public building, at least one public TTY shall be provided in the building. Where at least one public pay telephone is provided in a public use area of a public building, at least one public TTY shall be provided in the public building in a public use area. 

11B-217.4.3.2 Private buildings.

Where four or more public pay telephones are provided in a private building, at least one public TTY shall be provided in the building.

Exception:  In a stadium or arena, in a convention center, in a hotel with a convention center or in a covered mall, if an interior public pay telephone is provided at least one interior public TTY shall be provided in the facility.

11B-217.4.4 Exterior site requirement.

Where four or more public pay telephones are provided on an exterior site, at least one public TTY shall be provided on the site.

11B-217.4.5 Rest stops, emergency roadside stops, and service plazas.

Where at least one public pay telephone is provided at a public rest stop, emergency roadside stop, or service plaza, at least one public TTY shall be provided.

11B-217.4.6 Hospitals.

Where at least one public pay telephone is provided serving a hospital emergency room, hospital recovery room, or hospital waiting room, at least one public TTY shall be provided at each location. 

11B-217.4.7 Transportation facilities.

In transportation facilities, in addition to the requirements of Sections 11B-217.4.1 through 11B-217.4.4, where at least one public pay telephone serves a particular entrance to a bus or rail facility, at least one public TTY shall be provided to serve that entrance. In airports, in addition to the requirements of Sections 11B-217.4.1 through 11B-217.4.4, where four or more public pay telephones are located in a terminal outside the security areas, a concourse within the security areas, or a baggage claim area in a terminal, at least one public TTY shall be provided in each location. 

[S.H. 1121B.3.1, Item 12]

11B-217.4.8 Detention and correctional facilities.

In detention and correctional facilities, where at least one pay telephone is provided in a secured area used only by detainees or inmates and security personnel, at least one TTY shall be provided in at least one secured area. 

11B-217.5 Shelves for portable TTYs.

Where a bank of telephones in the interior of a building consists of three or more public pay telephones, at least one public pay telephone at the bank shall be provided with a shelf and an electrical outlet in accordance with Section 11B-704.5.

Exceptions:

1.      Secured areas of detention and correctional facilities where shelves and outlets are prohibited for purposes of security or safety shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-217.5.

2.      The shelf and electrical outlet shall not be required at a bank of telephones with a TTY

11B-218.1 General.

Transportation facilities shall comply with Section 11B-218.

11B-218.2 New and altered fixed guideway stations.

New and altered stations in rapid rail, light rail, commuter rail, intercity rail, high speed rail, and other fixed guideway systems shall comply with Sections 11B-810.5 through 11B-810.10

11B-218.3 Key stations and existing intercity rail stations.

Key stations and existing intercity rail stations shall comply with Sections 11B-810.5 through 11B-810.10

11B-218.4 Bus shelters.

Where provided, bus shelters shall comply with Section 11B-810.3

11B-218.5 Other transportation facilities.

In other transportation facilities, public address systems shall comply with Section 11B-810.7 and clocks shall comply with Section 11B-810.8

11B-219.1 General.

Assistive listening systems shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-219 and shall comply with Section 11B-706

11B-219.2 Required systems.

An assistive listening system shall be provided in assembly areas, including conference and meeting rooms.

[2010 ADAS] 219.2 Required Systems.  In each assembly area where audible communication is integral to the use of the space, an assistive listening system shall be provided.

Exception:  This section does not apply to systems used exclusively for paging, background music, or a combination of these two uses.

[2010 ADAS] EXCEPTION:  Other than in courtrooms, assistive listening systems shall not be required where audio amplification is not provided

11B-219.3 Receivers.

The minimum number of receivers to be provided shall be equal to 4 percent of the total number of seats, but in no case less than two. Twenty-five percent minimum of receivers provided, but no fewer than two, shall be hearing-aid compatible in accordance with Section 11B-706.3

[2010 ADAS] 219.3 Receivers.  Receivers complying with 706.2 shall be provided for assistive listening systems in each assembly area in accordance with Table 219.3. Twenty-five percent minimum of receivers provided, but no fewer than two, shall be hearing-aid compatible in accordance with 706.3.

Exceptions:

1.      Where a building contains more than one assembly area and the assembly areas required to provide assistive listening systems are under one management, the total number of required receivers shall be permitted to be calculated according to the total number of seats in the assembly areas in the building provided that all receivers are usable with all systems.

2.      Where all seats in an assembly area are served by an induction loop assistive listening system, the minimum number of receivers required by Section 11B-219.3 to be hearing-aid compatible shall not be required to be provided. 

[2010 ADAS] Table 219.3 Receivers for Assistive Listening Systems

Capacity of Seating in Assembly Area

Minimum Number of Required Receivers

Minimum Number of Required Receivers Required to be Hearing-aid Compatible

50 or less

2

2

51 to 200

2, plus 1 per 25 seats over 50 seats  1

2

201 to 500

2, plus 1 per 25 seats over 50 seats  1

1 per 4 receivers  1

501 to 1000

20, plus 1 per 33 seats over 500 seats  1

1 per 4 receivers  1

1001 to 2000

35, plus 1 per 50 seats over 1000 seats  1

1 per 4 receivers  1

2001 and over

55 plus 1 per 100 seats over 2000 seats  1

1 per 4 receivers  1

11B-219.4 Location.

If the assistive-listening system provided is limited to specific areas or seats, then such areas or seats shall be within a 50-foot (15240 mm) viewing distance of the stage or playing area and shall have a complete view of the stage or playing area. 

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-219.4 Location.  Sitting in close proximity to the performing area benefits persons with hearing impairments by allowing them to lip-read and better see the facial expressions of performers. ◼
11B-219.5 Permanent and portable systems.

Permanently installed assistive-listening systems are required in areas if (1) they accommodate at least 50 persons or if they have audio-amplification systems, and (2) they have fixed seating. If portable assistive-listening systems are used for conference or meeting rooms, the system may serve more than one room. An adequate number of electrical outlets or other supplementary wiring necessary to support a portable assistive-listening system shall be provided.

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-219.5 Permanent and portable systems.  The California Building Code (CBC) requires permanently installed assistive listening systems in those assembly areas where audible communication is integral to the use of a space (movie theaters, concert and lecture halls, playhouses, meeting rooms, etc.); where fixed seating is provided and where there may be an audio-amplification system. For other assembly areas, such as those without fixed seating, the CBC requires either a permanently installed system or a portable system. If a portable system is provided an adequate number of electrical outlets or other supplementary wiring to support the system is required. While this provision does not necessarily require the addition of electrical outlets, consideration should be given to locating outlets to support dispersion of seating available for individuals using the assistive listening systems. ◼

Assembly Areas

With Room Occupancy Under 50

(where audible communication is integral to the use of the space)

Audio-Amplification System Provided?

Fixed Seating Provided?

Required:

no

n/a

outlets or wiring

yes

no

outlets or wiring

yes

yes

permanent system

 

Assembly Areas

With Room Occupancy Over 50

(where audible communication is integral to the use of the space)

Fixed Seating Provided?

Required:

yes

permanent system

no

outlets or wiring

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Section 11B-219 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.  The 2010 ADAS Exception at Section 219.2 clarifies that, except for courtrooms, the ADA scoping for assistive listening systems is limited to assembly areas where audio amplification is utilized, either permanent or portable, since this type of equipment is necessary to transmit a signal to the receiver (see ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEM definition in Chapter 2).  The 2013 CBC rewording of Section 11B-219.2 and its Exception makes this prerequisite less clear, and therefore the calculation of the required number of receivers may need to be negotiated with the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

11B-220 AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINES, FARE MACHINES AND POINT-OF-SALE DEVICES.

[2010 ADAS] 220 Automatic Teller Machines and Fare Machines

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Section 11B-220 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-220.1 Automatic teller machines and fare machines.

Where automatic teller machines or self-service fare vending, collection, or adjustment machines are provided they shall comply with Section 11B-220.1. Where bins are provided for envelopes, waste paper, or other purposes, at least one of each type shall comply with Section 11B-811.   

[2010 ADAS] 220.1 General.  Where automatic teller machines or self-service fare vending, collection, or adjustment machines are provided, at least one of each type provided at each location shall comply with 707. Where bins are provided for envelopes, waste paper, or other purposes, at least one of each type shall comply with 811.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 220.1 General.  If a bank provides both interior and exterior ATMs, each such installation is considered a separate location. Accessible ATMs, including those with speech and those that are within reach of people who use wheelchairs, must provide all the functions provided to customers at that location at all times. For example, it is unacceptable for the accessible ATM only to provide cash withdrawals while inaccessible ATMs also sell theater tickets.

11B-220.1.1 One automatic teller machine or fare machine.

Where one automatic teller machine or fare machine is provided at a location, it shall comply with Sections 11B-707.2 through 11B-707.8

11B-220.1.2 Two automatic teller machines or fare machines.

Where two automatic teller machines or fare machines are provided at a location, one shall comply with Sections 11B-707.2 through 11B-707.8 and one shall comply with Sections 11B-309 _|Operable Parts|_, 11B-707.2 _|Clear Floor or Ground Space|_, 11B-707.4 _|Privacy|_, 11B-707.5 _|Speech Output|_, 11B-707.6 _|Input|_, 11B-707.7.2 _|Characters|_ and 11B-707.8 _|Braille Instructions|_. 

11B-220.1.3 Three or more automatic teller machines or fare machines.

Where three or more automatic teller machines or fare machines are provided at a location, at least 50 percent shall comply with Sections 11B-707.2 through 11B-707.8 and the rest shall comply with Sections 11B-309, 11B-707.2, 11B-707.4, 11B-707.5, 11B-707.6, 11B-707.7.2 and 11B-707.8

11B-220.2 Point-of-sale devices.

Where point-of-sale devices are provided, all devices at each location shall comply with Sections 11B-309.4 _|Operation|_, 11B-707.3 _|Operable Parts|_, and 11B-707.7.2 _|Characters|_. In addition, point-of-sale systems that include a video touch screen or any other non-tactile keypad shall comply with either Section 11B-707.9.1.1 _|Tactilely Discernible Numerical Keypad|_ or 11B-707.9.1.2 _|Other Technology|_. Where point-of-sale devices are provided at check stands and sales and service counters, they shall comply with Section 11B-707.9.1, and shall also comply with Sections 11B-707.2 _|Clear Floor or Ground Space|_, 11B-707.3 and 11B-707.4 _|Privacy|_.

Exception: Where a single point-of-sale device is installed for use with any type of motor fuel, it shall comply with Section 11B-220.2 and 11B-309. Where more than one point-of-sale device is installed for use with a specific type of motor fuel, a minimum of two for that type shall comply with Sections 11B-220.2 and 11B-309. Types of motor fuel include, but are not limited to, gasoline, diesel, compressed natural gas, methanol, ethanol or electricity. 

11B-221.1 General.

Assembly areas shall provide wheelchair spaces, companion seats, designated aisle seats and semi-ambulant seats complying with Sections 11B-221 and 11B-802. In addition, lawn seating shall comply with Section 11B-221.5

[2010 ADAS] 221.1 General.  Assembly areas shall provide wheelchair spaces, companion seats, and designated aisle seats complying with 221 and 802 . In addition, lawn seating shall comply with 221.5

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-221.1 General.  Several different types of accessible seating are required in an assembly seating area.

Wheelchair seating areas, integrated into the general seating plan, are required so that people using wheelchairs are not isolated from other spectators or their friends and family. These seating areas must comply with Section 11B-221.2.

Companion seats are required next to each wheelchair seating location. The companion seat is a conventional seat that accommodates a friend or companion. These seats must comply with Section 11B-221.3.

Aisle seating is required to be provided in addition to the wheelchair seating areas. At least five percent of aisle seats (but not less than one) are required to either have no armrest on the aisle side or to have a removable or folding armrest on the aisle side. These seats accommodate people who have a mobility disability but who wish to use a seat that is not in a wheelchair seating location. These seats must comply with Section 11B-221.4.

Semi-ambulant seating is required in addition to the spaces provided for wheelchair users.  At least one percent of all seats (but no fewer than two) are required to provide 24 inches clear leg room from the front edge of the seat to the nearest obstruction or to the back of the seat immediately in front. These seats accommodate people who have a mobility disability but who wish to use a seat that is not in a wheelchair seating location.  These seats must comply with Section 11B-221.6. ◼

ETA Editor's Note

For seating at assembly areas, the ADA scoping requirements are included for information.  The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

For ADA scoping requirements of Title II §35.151(g) and Title III §36.406(f) Standards for New Construction and Alterations;  Assembly Areas, see U.S. Access Board's Note To Reader after Section 11B-221.6.

11B-221.2 Wheelchair spaces.

Wheelchair spaces complying with Section 11B-221.2 shall be provided in assembly areas with fixed seating. 

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-221.2 Wheelchair spaces. Additional information regarding wheelchair accessible seating in venues that sell tickets for assigned seats is available on the US Department of Justice website at http://www.ada.gov/ticketing_2010.htm. ◼

11B-221.2.1 Number and location.

Wheelchair spaces shall be provided complying with Section 11B-221.2.1. 

11B-221.2.1.1 General seating.

Wheelchair spaces complying with Section 11B-802.1 shall be provided in accordance with Table 11B-221.2.1.1. 

TABLE 11B-221.2.1.1 NUMBER OF WHEELCHAIR SPACES IN ASSEMBLY AREAS

NUMBER OF SEATS

MINIMUM NUMBER OF REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR SPACES

4 to 25

1

26 to 50

2

51 to 150

4

151 to 300

5

301 to 500

6

501 to 5000

6, plus 1 for each  100, or fraction thereof, between 501 through 5000

[2010 ADAS] 6, plus 1 for each 150, or fraction thereof, between 501 through 5000

5001 and over

46, plus 1 for each 200, or fraction thereof, over 5000

[2010 ADAS] 36, plus 1 for each 200, or fraction thereof, over 5000

11B-221.2.1.2 Luxury boxes, club boxes, and suites in arenas, stadiums, and grandstands.

In each luxury box, club box, and suite within arenas, stadiums, and grandstands, wheelchair spaces complying with Section 11B-802.1 shall be provided in accordance with Table 11B-221.2.1.1

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 221.2.1.2 Luxury Boxes, Club Boxes, and Suites in Arenas, Stadiums, and Grandstands.  The number of wheelchair spaces required in luxury boxes, club boxes, and suites within an arena, stadium, or grandstand is to be calculated box by box and suite by suite.

11B-221.2.1.3 Other boxes.

In boxes other than those required to comply with Section 11B-221.2.1.2, the total number of wheelchair spaces required shall be determined in accordance with Table 11B-221.2.1.1. Wheelchair spaces shall be located in not less than 20 percent of all boxes provided. Wheelchair spaces shall comply with Section 11B-802.1.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 221.2.1.3 Other Boxes.  The provision for seating in "other boxes" includes box seating provided in facilities such as performing arts auditoria where tiered boxes are designed for spatial and acoustical purposes. The number of wheelchair spaces required in boxes covered by 221.2.1.3 is calculated based on the total number of seats provided in these other boxes. The resulting number of wheelchair spaces must be located in no fewer than 20% of the boxes covered by this section. For example, a concert hall has 20 boxes, each of which contains 10 seats, totaling 200 seats. In this example, 5 wheelchair spaces would be required, and they must be placed in at least 4 of the boxes. Additionally, because the wheelchair spaces must also meet the dispersion requirements of 221.2.3, the boxes containing these wheelchair spaces cannot all be located in one area unless an exception to the dispersion requirements applies.

11B-221.2.1.4 Team or player seating.

At least one wheelchair space complying with 11B-802.1 shall be provided in team or player seating areas serving areas of sport activity.

Exception:  Wheelchair spaces shall not be required in team or player seating areas serving bowling lanes not required to comply with Section 11B-206.2.11.

11B-221.2.1.5 Stadium-style movie theaters.

In stadium-style movie theaters, the total number of wheelchair spaces required shall be determined in accordance with Table 11B-221.2.1.1. The required wheelchair spaces shall be located on risers or cross-aisles in the stadium section that satisfy at least one of the following criteria:

1.      Located within the rear 60 percent of the seats provided in the theater; or

2.      Located within the area of the theater in which the vertical viewing angles (as measured to the top of the screen) are from the 40th to the 100th percentile of vertical viewing angles for all seats as ranked from the seats in the first row (1st percentile) to seats in the back row (100th percentile). 

11B-221.2.1.6 Specialty seating areas.

In assembly areas, wheelchair spaces shall be provided in each specialty seating area that provides spectators with distinct services or amenities that generally are not available to other spectators. The number of wheelchair spaces provided in specialty seating areas shall be included in, rather than be in addition to, the total number of wheelchair spaces required by Table 11B-221.2.1.1.

Exception:  In existing buildings and facilities, if it is not readily achievable for wheelchair spaces to be placed in each specialty seating area, those services or amenities shall be provided to individuals with disabilities, and their companions, at other designated accessible locations at no additional cost. 

[ADA Title III] §36.308 Seating in assembly areas.

A public accommodation shall ensure that wheelchair spaces and companion seats are provided in each specialty seating area that provides spectators with distinct services or amenities that generally are not available to other spectators. If it is not readily achievable for a public accommodation to place wheelchair spaces and companion seats in each such specialty seating area, it shall provide those services or amenities to individuals with disabilities and their companions at other designated accessible locations at no additional cost. The number of wheelchair spaces and companion seats provided in specialty seating areas shall be included in, rather than in addition to, wheelchair space requirements set forth in table 221.2.1.1 in the 2010 Standards

11B-221.2.2 Integration.

Wheelchair spaces shall be an integral part of the seating plan. 

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 221.2.2 Integration.  The requirement that wheelchair spaces be an "integral part of the seating plan" means that wheelchair spaces must be placed within the footprint of the seating area. Wheelchair spaces cannot be segregated from seating areas. For example, it would be unacceptable to place only the wheelchair spaces, or only the wheelchair spaces and their associated companion seats, outside the seating areas defined by risers in an assembly area.

11B-221.2.3 Lines of sight and dispersion.

Wheelchair spaces shall provide lines of sight complying with Section 11B-802.2 and shall comply with Section 11B-221.2.3. In providing lines of sight, wheelchair spaces shall be dispersed. Wheelchair spaces shall provide spectators with choices of seating locations and viewing angles that are substantially equivalent to, or better than, the choices of seating locations and viewing angles available to all other spectators. When the number of wheelchair spaces required by Section 11B-221.2.1 has been met, further dispersion shall not be required. In stadiums, arenas and grandstands, wheelchair spaces shall be dispersed to all levels that include seating served by an accessible route.

[2010 ADAS] 221.2.3 Lines of Sight and Dispersion.  Wheelchair spaces shall provide lines of sight complying with 802.2 and shall comply with 221.2.3. In providing lines of sight, wheelchair spaces shall be dispersed. Wheelchair spaces shall provide spectators with choices of seating locations and viewing angles that are substantially equivalent to, or better than, the choices of seating locations and viewing angles available to all other spectators. When the number of wheelchair spaces required by 221.2.1 has been met, further dispersion shall not be required.

Exception:  Wheelchair spaces in team or player seating areas serving areas of sport activity shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-221.2.3. 

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 221.2.3 Lines of Sight and Dispersion.  Consistent with the overall intent of the ADA, individuals who use wheelchairs must be provided equal access so that their experience is substantially equivalent to that of other members of the audience. Thus, while individuals who use wheelchairs need not be provided with the best seats in the house, neither may they be relegated to the worst.

11B-221.2.3.1 Horizontal dispersion.

Wheelchair spaces shall be dispersed horizontally. In assembly areas that have seating encircling, in whole or in part, a field of play or performance, wheelchair spaces shall be dispersed horizontally around the field of play or performance area.

[2010 ADAS] 221.2.3.1 Horizontal Dispersion.  Wheelchair spaces shall be dispersed horizontally.

Exceptions:

1.      Horizontal dispersion shall not be required in assembly areas with 300 or fewer seats if the companion seats required by Section 11B-221.3 and wheelchair spaces are located within the 2nd or 3rd quartile of the total row length. Intermediate aisles shall be included in determining the total row length. If the row length in the 2nd and 3rd quartile of a row is insufficient to accommodate the required number of companion seats and wheelchair spaces, the additional companion seats and wheelchair spaces shall be permitted to be located in the 1st and 4th quartile of the row.

2.      In row seating, two wheelchair spaces shall be permitted to be located side-by-side. 

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 221.2.3.1 Horizontal Dispersion.  Horizontal dispersion of wheelchair spaces is the placement of spaces in an assembly facility seating area from side-to-side or, in the case of an arena or stadium, around the field of play or performance area.

11B-221.2.3.2 Vertical dispersion.

Wheelchair spaces shall be dispersed vertically at varying distances from the screen, performance area, or playing field. In addition, wheelchair spaces shall be located in each balcony or mezzanine that is located on an accessible route.

Exceptions:

1.      Vertical dispersion shall not be required in assembly areas with 300 or fewer seats if the wheelchair spaces provide viewing angles that are equivalent to, or better than, the average viewing angle provided in the facility.

2.      In bleachers, wheelchair spaces shall not be required to be provided in rows other than rows at points of entry to bleacher seating.   

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 221.2.3.2 Vertical Dispersion.  When wheelchair spaces are dispersed vertically in an assembly facility they are placed at different locations within the seating area from front-to-back so that the distance from the screen, stage, playing field, area of sports activity, or other focal point is varied among wheelchair spaces.

Advisory 221.2.3.2 Vertical Dispersion Exception 2.  Points of entry to bleacher seating may include, but are not limited to, cross aisles, concourses, vomitories, and entrance ramps and stairs. Vertical, center, or side aisles adjoining bleacher seating that are stepped or tiered are not considered entry points.

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-221.2.3.2 Vertical dispersion Exception 2.  Designing spectator seating for accessibility can be more complicated when folding bleachers are utilized.  The lower rows of bleacher seats in a bank of bleachers often are omitted to allow for wheelchair positions with companion seating provided on the end of the adjacent row or on portable chairs. ◼

11B-221.2.4 Temporary structures.

Wheelchair spaces shall not be located on, or be obstructed by, temporary platforms or other movable structures.

Exception:  When an entire seating section is placed on temporary platforms or other movable structures in an area where fixed seating is not provided, in order to increase seating for an event, wheelchair spaces may be placed in that section.

Note:  When required wheelchair spaces are not occupied by persons eligible for those spaces, individual, removable seats may be placed in those spaces.

11B-221.3 Companion seats.

At least one companion seat complying with Section 11B-802.3 shall be provided immediately adjacent to each wheelchair space required by Section 11B-221.2.1

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-221.3 Companion seats. The following advisory language clarifies the operational requirements of 28 CFR Part 36, Section 36.302(f)(4)(i).

People purchasing a ticket for an accessible seat may purchase up to three additional seats for their companions in the same row and these seats must be contiguous with the accessible seat. If contiguous seats have already been sold and are not available, the venue must offer other seats as close as possible to the accessible seat. If those seats are in a different price category, the venue is not required to modify the price and may charge the same price as it charges others for those seats. When designing, best practice is to locate wheelchair spaces in rows where seating for a  minimum of four is provided. Where two wheelchair spaces are provided adjacent to one another, one can be used as a companion seat.

Where a venue limits ticket sales to fewer than four tickets, those limits also apply to tickets for accessible seats. Similarly, when a venue allows the purchase of more than four tickets, that policy also applies to tickets for accessible seats, but only three companion seats must be contiguous with the accessible seat.

Many venues offer a group sales rate for groups of a pre-determined size. If a group includes one or more individuals who need accessible seating, the entire group should be seated together in an area that includes accessible seating. If it is not possible to seat the entire group together and the group must be split, the tickets should be allocated so that the individuals with disabilities are not isolated from others in their group.

Additional information regarding wheelchair accessible seating in venues that sell tickets for assigned seats is available on the US Department of Justice website at http://www.ada.gov/ticketing_2010.htm. ◼

11B-221.4 Designated aisle seats.

At least 5 percent of the total number of aisle seats provided shall comply with Section 11B-802.4 and shall be the aisle seats located closest to accessible routes.

Exception:  Team or player seating areas serving areas of sport activity shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-221.4. 

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 221.4 Designated Aisle Seats.  When selecting which aisle seats will meet the requirements of 802.4, those aisle seats which are closest to, not necessarily on, accessible routes must be selected first. For example, an assembly area has two aisles (A and B) serving seating areas with an accessible route connecting to the top and bottom of Aisle A only. The aisle seats chosen to meet 802.4 must be those at the top and bottom of Aisle A, working toward the middle. Only when all seats on Aisle A would not meet the five percent minimum would seats on Aisle B be designated.
11B-221.5 Lawn seating.

Lawn seating areas and exterior overflow seating areas, where fixed seats are not provided, shall connect to an accessible route.

11B-221.6 Semi-ambulant seats.

At least 1 percent of the total number of seats, and no fewer than two, shall be semi-ambulant seats complying with Section 11B-802.5

ETA Editor's Note

This Access Board Note was taken from ADA Title II §35.151(g) New Construction and Alterations; Assembly Areas, and from ADA Title III §36.406(f) Standards for New Construction and Alterations; Assembly Areas:

[ADA Titles II & III] U.S. Access Board's Note to Reader:

The Department of Justice’s ADA standards also require the following:

Assembly areas.  Assembly areas that are subject to this part _|of the Title III regulation or to this section of the Title II regulation|_ shall comply with the provisions of the 2010 Standards applicable to assembly areas, including, but not limited to, sections 221 and 802. In addition, assembly areas shall ensure that —

         (1) In stadiums, arenas, and grandstands, wheelchair spaces and companion seats are dispersed to all levels that include seating served by an accessible route;

         (2) Assembly areas that are required to horizontally disperse wheelchair spaces and companion seats by section 221.2.3.1 of the 2010 Standards and have seating encircling, in whole or in part, a field of play or performance area shall disperse wheelchair spaces and companion seats around that field of play or performance area;

         (3) Wheelchair spaces and companion seats are not located on (or obstructed by) temporary platforms or other movable structures, except that when an entire seating section is placed on temporary platforms or other movable structures in an area where fixed seating is not provided, in order to increase seating for an event, wheelchair spaces and companion seats may be placed in that section. When wheelchair spaces and companion seats are not required to accommodate persons eligible for those spaces and seats, individual, removable seats may be placed in those spaces and seats;

         (4) Stadium-style movie theaters shall locate wheelchair spaces and companion seats on a riser or cross-aisle in the stadium section that satisfies at least one of the following criteria —

                  (i) It is located within the rear 60% of the seats provided in an auditorium; or

                  (ii) It is located within the area of an auditorium in which the vertical viewing angles (as measured to the top of the screen) are from the 40th to the 100th percentile of vertical viewing angles for all seats as ranked from the seats in the first row (1st percentile) to seats in the back row (100th percentile).

11B-222.1 General.

Where dressing rooms, fitting rooms, or locker rooms are provided, at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of each type of use in each cluster provided shall comply with Section 11B-803.

Exception:  In alterations, where it is technically infeasible to provide rooms in accordance with Section 11B-222.1, one room for each sex on each level shall comply with Section 11B-803. Where only unisex rooms are provided, unisex rooms shall be permitted. 

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 222.1 General.  A "cluster" is a group of rooms proximate to one another. Generally, rooms in a cluster are within sight of, or adjacent to, one another. Different styles of design provide users varying levels of privacy and convenience. Some designs include private changing facilities that are close to core areas of the facility, while other designs use space more economically and provide only group dressing facilities. Regardless of the type of facility, dressing, fitting, and locker rooms should provide people with disabilities rooms that are equally private and convenient to those provided others. For example, in a physician's office, if people without disabilities must traverse the full length of the office suite in clothing other than their street clothes, it is acceptable for people with disabilities to be asked to do the same.
11B-222.2 Coat hooks and shelves.

Where coat hooks or shelves are provided in dressing, fitting or locker rooms without individual compartments, at least one of each type shall comply with Section 11B-803.5. Where coat hooks or shelves are provided in individual compartments at least one of each type complying with Section 11B-803.5 shall be provided in individual compartments in dressing, fitting, or locker rooms required to comply with Section 11B-222.1

11B-222.3 Mirrors.

Where mirrors are provided in dressing, fitting or locker rooms without individual compartments, at least one of each type shall comply with Section 11B-803.6. Where mirrors are provided in individual compartments at least one of each type complying with Section 11B-803.6 shall be provided in individual compartments in dressing, fitting, or locker rooms required to comply with Section 11B-222.1

11B-223.1 General.

In licensed medical care facilities and licensed long-term care facilities where the period of stay exceeds twenty-four hours, patient bedrooms or resident sleeping rooms shall be provided in accordance with Sections 11B-223 and 11B-805.

[2010 ADAS] 223.1 General.  In licensed medical care facilities and licensed long-term care facilities where the period of stay exceeds twenty-four hours, patient or resident sleeping rooms shall be provided in accordance with 223.

Exception:  Toilet rooms that are part of critical or intensive care patient sleeping rooms shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-603

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 223.1 General.  Because medical facilities frequently reconfigure spaces to reflect changes in medical specialties, 223.1 does not include a provision for dispersion of accessible patient or resident sleeping rooms. The lack of a design requirement does not mean that covered entities are not required to provide services to people with disabilities where accessible rooms are not dispersed in specialty areas. Locate accessible rooms near core areas that are less likely to change over time. While dispersion is not required, the flexibility it provides can be a critical factor in ensuring cost effective compliance with applicable civil rights laws, including titles II and III of the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Additionally, all types of features and amenities should be dispersed among accessible sleeping rooms to ensure equal access to and a variety of choices for all patients and residents.

11B-223.1.1 Alterations.

Where patient bedrooms or resident sleeping rooms are altered or added, the requirements of Section 11B-223 shall apply only to the patient bedrooms or resident sleeping rooms being altered or added until the number of patient bedrooms or resident sleeping rooms complies with the minimum number required for new construction. 

[2010 ADAS] 223.1.1 Alterations.  Where sleeping rooms are altered or added, the requirements of 223 shall apply only to the sleeping rooms being altered or added until the number of sleeping rooms complies with the minimum number required for new construction. 

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 223.1.1 Alterations.  In alterations and additions, the minimum required number is based on the total number of sleeping rooms altered or added instead of on the total number of sleeping rooms provided in a facility. As a facility is altered over time, every effort should be made to disperse accessible sleeping rooms among patient care areas such as pediatrics, cardiac care, maternity, and other units. In this way, people with disabilities can have access to the full-range of services provided by a medical care facility.

11B-223.1.1.1 Area alterations.

Patient bedrooms or resident sleeping rooms added or altered as part of a planned renovation of an entire wing, a department, or other discrete area of an existing medical facility shall comply with Section 11B-805.2 until the number of patient bedrooms or resident sleeping rooms provided within the area of renovation complies with the minimum number required for new construction by Section 11B-223.2 or 11B-223.3.

11B-223.1.1.2 Individual alterations.

Patient bedrooms or resident sleeping rooms added or altered individually, and not as part of an alteration of an entire area, shall comply with Section 11B-805.2, until either: a) the number of patient bedrooms or resident sleeping rooms provided in the department or area containing the individually altered or added patient bedrooms or resident sleeping rooms complies with the minimum number required if the percentage requirements of Section 11B-223.2 or 11B-223.3 were applied to that department or area; or b) the overall number of patient bedrooms or resident sleeping rooms in the facility complies with the minimum number required for new construction by Section 11B-223.2 or 11B-223.3.

11B-223.1.1.3 Toilet and bathing facilities.

Toilet/ bathing rooms which are part of patient bedrooms added or altered and required to be accessible shall comply with Section 11B-805.2.4

11B-223.2 Hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, psychiatric facilities and detoxification facilities.

Hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, psychiatric facilities and detoxification facilities shall comply with Section 11B-223.2. All public use and common use areas shall be accessible in compliance with this chapter

[2010 ADAS] 223.2 Hospitals, Rehabilitation Facilities, Psychiatric Facilities and Detoxification Facilities.  Hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, psychiatric facilities and detoxification facilities shall comply with 223.2.

11B-223.2.1 Facilities not specializing in treating conditions that affect mobility.

In facilities not specializing in treating conditions that affect mobility, including hospitals, psychiatric and detoxification facilities, at least 10 percent, but no fewer than one, of the patient bedrooms or resident sleeping rooms shall provide mobility features complying with Section 11B-805. Accessible patient bedrooms or resident sleeping rooms shall be dispersed in a manner that is proportionate by type of medical specialty.

[2010 ADAS] 223.2.1 Facilities Not Specializing in Treating Conditions That Affect Mobility.  In facilities not specializing in treating conditions that affect mobility, at least 10 percent, but no fewer than one, of the patient sleeping rooms shall provide mobility features complying with 805.

11B-223.2.2 Facilities specializing in treating conditions that affect mobility.

In facilities specializing in treating conditions that affect mobility, 100 percent of the patient bedrooms shall provide mobility features complying with Section 11B-805.

[2010 ADAS] 223.2.2 Facilities Specializing in Treating Conditions That Affect Mobility.  In facilities specializing in treating conditions that affect mobility, 100 percent of the patient sleeping rooms shall provide mobility features complying with 805.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 223.2.2 Facilities Specializing in Treating Conditions That Affect Mobility.  Conditions that affect mobility include conditions requiring the use or assistance of a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or powered mobility aid; arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic conditions that severely limit one's ability to walk; respiratory diseases and other conditions which may require the use of portable oxygen; and cardiac conditions that impose significant functional limitations. Facilities that may provide treatment for, but that do not specialize in treatment of such conditions, such as general rehabilitation hospitals, are not subject to this requirement but are subject to 223.2.1.

11B-223.2.3 On-call rooms.

Where physician or staff on-call sleeping rooms are provided, at least 10 percent, but no fewer than one, of the on-call rooms shall provide mobility features complying with Sections 11B-806.2.3, 11B-806.2.4 and 11B-806.2.6

11B-223.3 Long-term care facilities.

In licensed long-term care facilities, including skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities and nursing homes, at least 50 percent, but no fewer than one, of each type of patient bedroom or resident sleeping room shall provide mobility features complying with Section 11B-805.

[2010 ADAS] 223.3 Long-Term Care Facilities.  In licensed long-term care facilities, at least 50 percent, but no fewer than one, of each type of resident sleeping room shall provide mobility features complying with 805.

11B-223.4 Professional offices of health care providers.

Professional offices of health care providers shall comply with Section 11B-805.

11B-224.1 General.

Hotels, motels, inns, dormitories, resorts and similar transient lodging facilities shall provide guest rooms in accordance with Sections 11B-224.1 through 11B-224.6.

[2010 ADAS] 224.1 General.  Transient lodging facilities shall provide guest rooms in accordance with 224.

ETA Editor's Note

For transient lodging guest rooms, the ADA scoping requirements are included for information.  The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

For ADA scoping requirements of Title III §36.406(c) Standards for New Construction and Alterations;  Places of Lodging, and also Title II §35.151(f) and Title III §36.406(e) Standards for New Construction and Alterations;  Housing at a Place of Education, see U.S. Access Board's Note To Reader after Section 224.5.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 224.1 General.  Certain facilities used for transient lodging, including time shares, dormitories, and town homes may be covered by both these requirements and the Fair Housing Amendments Act. The Fair Housing Amendments Act requires that certain residential structures having four or more multi-family dwelling units, regardless of whether they are privately owned or federally assisted, include certain features of accessible and adaptable design according to guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This law and the appropriate regulations should be consulted before proceeding with the design and construction of residential housing.

11B-224.1.1 Alterations.

Where guest rooms are altered or added, the requirements of Section 11B-224 shall apply only to the guest rooms being altered or added until the number of guest rooms complies with the minimum number required for new construction.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 224.1.1 Alterations.  In alterations and additions, the minimum required number of accessible guest rooms is based on the total number of guest rooms altered or added instead of the total number of guest rooms provided in a facility. Typically, each alteration of a facility is limited to a particular portion of the facility. When accessible guest rooms are added as a result of subsequent alterations, compliance with 224.5 (Dispersion) is more likely to be achieved if all of the accessible guest rooms are not provided in the same area of the facility.

11B-224.1.2 Guest room doors and doorways.

Entrances, doors, and doorways providing user passage into and within guest rooms that are not required to provide mobility features complying with Section 11B-806.2 shall comply with Section 11B-404.2.3 _|Doors, Doorways, and Gates; Clear Width|_. Bathrooms doors shall be either sliding or hung to swing in the direction of egress from the bathroom.

[2010 ADAS] 224.1.2 Guest Room Doors and Doorways.  Entrances, doors, and doorways providing user passage into and within guest rooms that are not required to provide mobility features complying with 806.2 shall comply with 404.2.3.

Exception:  Shower and sauna doors in guest rooms that are not required to provide mobility features complying with Section 11B-806.2 shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-404.2.3.   

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 224.1.2 Guest Room Doors and Doorways.  Because of the social interaction that often occurs in lodging facilities, an accessible clear opening width is required for doors and doorways to and within all guest rooms, including those not required to be accessible. This applies to all doors, including bathroom doors, that allow full user passage. Other requirements for doors and doorways in Section 404 do not apply to guest rooms not required to provide mobility features.

11B-224.1.3 Range of accommodations.

Accessible guest rooms or suites shall be dispersed among the various classes of sleeping accommodations to provide a range of options applicable to room sizes, costs, and amenities provided. 

11B-224.1.4 Guest room toilet and bathing rooms.

Where toilet and bathing rooms are provided in guest rooms that are not required to provide mobility features complying with Section 11B-806.2, toilet and bathing fixtures shall only be required to comply with Section 11B-603.6.

11B-224.2 Guest rooms with mobility features.

In transient lodging facilities, guest rooms with mobility features complying with Section 11B-806.2 shall be provided in accordance with Table 11B-224.2, as follows

[2010 ADAS] 224.2 Guest Rooms with Mobility Features.  In transient lodging facilities, guest rooms with mobility features complying with 806.2 shall be provided in accordance with Table 224.2

11B-224.2.1 Fifty or less guest room facilities.

Facilities that are subject to the same permit application on a common site that each have fifty or fewer guest rooms may be combined for the purposes of determining the required number of accessible rooms and type of accessible bathing facility.

11B-224.2.2 More than fifty guest room facilities.

Facilities with more than fifty guest rooms shall be treated separately for the purposes of determining the required number of accessible rooms and type of accessible bathing facility. 

TABLE 11B-224.2

GUEST ROOMS WITH MOBILITY FEATURES

TOTAL NUMBER OF GUEST ROOMS PROVIDED

MINIMUM

NUMBER OF REQUIRED ROOMS WITHOUT

ROLL-IN SHOWERS

MINIMUM

NUMBER OF REQUIRED ROOMS WITH

ROLL-IN SHOWERS

TOTAL NUMBER OF REQUIRED ROOMS

1 to 25

0

[2010 ADAS] 1

1

[2010 ADAS] 0

1

26 to 50

1

[2010 ADAS] 2

1

[2010 ADAS] 0

2

51 to 75

3

1

4

76 to 100

4

1

5

101 to 150

5

2

7

151 to 200

6

2

8

201 to 300

7

3

10

301 to 400

8

4

12

401 to 500

9

4

13

501 to 1000

2 percent of total

1 percent of total

3 percent of total

1001 and over

 20, plus 1 for each 100, or fraction thereof, over 1000

 10, plus 1 for each 100, or fraction thereof, over 1000

 30, plus 2 for each 100, or fraction thereof, over 1000

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-224.2 Guest rooms with mobility features.  In hotels, motels or other transient lodging facilities, Table 11B-224.2 indicates the required total number of mobility accessible rooms, including both rooms without roll-in showers and with roll-in showers. All of these rooms are required to comply with the technical requirements of Section 11B-806.2. Not more than 10 percent of guest rooms required to provide mobility features by Table 11B-224.2 may be used to satisfy the minimum number of guest rooms required to provide communication features by Table 11B-224.4.
 

For example, a new 275-room hotel must have a total of ten mobility accessible guest rooms; a minimum of three of the ten must have roll-in showers per Table 11B-224.2. In addition to those ten mobility accessible rooms, 17 guest rooms are required to provide communication features per Table 11B-224.4. Only 10 percent of the rooms required to provide mobility features, or one mobility accessible room, may also be used to satisfy the requirements of Table 11B-224.4. Sixteen additional communication accessible rooms must be provided. ◼

11B-224.3 Beds.

In guest rooms having more than 25 beds, 5 percent minimum of the beds shall have clear floor space complying with Section 11B-806.2.3.

11B-224.4 Guest rooms with communication features.

In transient lodging facilities, guest rooms with communication features complying with Section 11B-806.3 shall be provided in accordance with Table 11B-224.4. 

TABLE 11B-224.4

GUEST ROOMS WITH COMMUNICATION FEATURES

TOTAL NUMBER OF GUEST ROOMS PROVIDED

MINIMUM NUMBER OF REQUIRED GUEST ROOMS WITH COMMUNICATION FEATURES

1

1

2 to 25

2

26 to 50

4

51 to 75

7

76 to 100

9

101 to 150

12

151 to 200

14

201 to 300

17

301 to 400

20

401 to 500

22

501 to 1000

5 percent of total

1001 and over

50, plus 3 for each 100 over 1000

11B-224.5 Dispersion.

Guest rooms required to provide mobility features complying with Section 11B-806.2 and guest rooms required to provide communication features complying with Section 11B-806.3 shall be dispersed among the various classes of guest rooms, and shall provide choices of types of guest rooms, number of beds, and other amenities comparable to the choices provided to other guests. Where the minimum number of guest rooms required to comply with Section 11B-806 is not sufficient to allow for complete dispersion, guest rooms shall be dispersed in the following priority: guest room type, number of beds, and amenities. At least one guest room required to provide mobility features complying with Section 11B-806.2 shall also provide communication features complying with Section 11B-806.3. Not more than 10 percent of guest rooms required to provide mobility features complying with Section 11B-806.2 shall be used to satisfy the minimum number of guest rooms required to provide communication features complying with Section 11B-806.3

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 224.5 Dispersion.  Factors to be considered in providing an equivalent range of options may include, but are not limited to, room size, bed size, cost, view, bathroom fixtures such as hot tubs and spas, smoking and nonsmoking, and the number of rooms provided.

ETA Editor's Note

This Access Board Note was taken from ADA Title III §36.406(c) Standards for New Construction and Alterations; Places of Lodging:

[ADA Title III] U.S. Access Board's Note to Reader:

The Department of Justice’s ADA standards also require the following:

Places of lodging.  Places of lodging subject to this part _|of the Title III regulation|_ shall comply with the provisions of the 2010 Standards applicable to transient lodging, including, but not limited to, the requirements for transient lodging guest rooms in sections 224 and 806.

         (1) Guest rooms.  Guest rooms with mobility features in places of lodging subject to the transient lodging requirements of 2010 Standards shall be provided as follows--

                  (i) Facilities that are subject to the same permit application on a common site that each have 50 or fewer guest rooms may be combined for the purposes of determining the required number of accessible rooms and type of accessible bathing facility in accordance with table 224.2 to section 224.2 of the 2010 Standards.

                  (ii) Facilities with more than 50 guest rooms shall be treated separately for the purposes of determining the required number of accessible rooms and type of accessible bathing facility in accordance with table 224.2 to section 224.2 of the 2010 Standards.

         (2) Exception.  Alterations to guest rooms in places of lodging where the guest rooms are not owned or substantially controlled by the entity that owns, leases, or operates the overall facility and the physical features of the guest room interiors are controlled by their individual owners are not required to comply with § 36.402 or the alterations requirements in section 224.1.1 of the 2010 Standards.

         (3) Facilities with residential units and transient lodging units.  Residential dwelling units that are designed and constructed for residential use exclusively are not subject to the transient lodging standards.

The Department of Justice's title II and title III regulations include requirements for social service center establishments which are noted in section 233 (Residential Facilities).

ETA Editor's Note

This Access Board Note was taken from ADA Title II §35.151(f) New Construction and Alterations; Housing at a Place of Education, and from ADA Title III §36.406(e) Standards for New Construction and Alterations; Housing at a Place of Education:

[ADA Titles II & III] U.S. Access Board's Note to Reader:

The Department of Justice’s ADA standards also require the following:

Housing at a place of education.  Housing at a place of education that is subject to this part _|of the Title III regulation or to this section of the Title II regulation|_ shall comply with the provisions of the 2010 Standards applicable to transient lodging, including, but not limited to, the requirements for transient lodging guest rooms in sections 224 and 806, subject to the following exceptions. For the purposes of the application of this section, the term "sleeping room" is intended to be used interchangeably with the term "guest room" as it is used in the transient lodging standards.

         (1) Kitchens within housing units containing accessible sleeping rooms with mobility features (including suites and clustered sleeping rooms) or on floors containing accessible sleeping rooms with mobility features shall provide turning spaces that comply with section 809.2.2 of the 2010 Standards and kitchen work surfaces that comply with section 804.3 of the 2010 Standards.

         (2) Multi-bedroom housing units containing accessible sleeping rooms with mobility features shall have an accessible route throughout the unit in accordance with section 809.2 of the 2010 Standards.

         (3) Apartments or townhouse facilities that are provided by or on behalf of a place of education, which are leased on a year-round basis exclusively to graduate students or faculty and do not contain any public use or common use areas available for educational programming, are not subject to the transient lodging standards and shall comply with the requirements for residential facilities in sections 233 and 809 of the 2010 Standards.

The Department of Justice's Title II and Title III regulations include requirements for social service center establishments which are noted in section 233 (Residential Facilities).

11B-224.6 Storage.

Fixed or built-in storage facilities within guest rooms required to provide mobility features shall comply with Section 11B-225

11B-224.7 Housing at a place of education.

Housing at a place of education subject to this section shall comply with Sections 11B-224.1 through 11B-224.6 and 11B-806 for transient lodging guest rooms. For the purposes of the application of this section, the term “sleeping room” is interchangeable with “guest room” as used in the transient lodging standards.

Exceptions:

  1. Kitchens within housing units containing accessible sleeping rooms with mobility features (including suites and clustered sleeping rooms) or on floors containing accessible sleeping rooms with mobility features shall provide turning spaces that comply with Section 11B-809.2.2 and kitchen work surfaces that comply with Section 11B-804.3.

  2. Multi-bedroom housing units containing accessible sleeping rooms with mobility features shall have an accessible route throughout the unit in compliance with Section 11B-809.2.

  3. Housing facilities that are provided by or on behalf of a place of education, with residential dwelling units leased on a year round basis exclusively to graduate students or faculty, and that do not contain any public use or common use areas available for educational programming, are not subject to Section 11B-224 and shall comply with Section 11B-233.

11B-224.7.1 Multi-bedroom housing units with mobility features.

Multi-bedroom housing units containing accessible sleeping rooms with mobility features shall have an accessible route throughout the unit in compliance with Section 11B-809.2. Kitchens, when provided, within housing units containing accessible sleeping rooms with mobility features shall comply with Section 11B-804.

11B-224.7.2 Multi-bedroom housing units with adaptable features.

Multi-bedroom housing units with adaptable features shall be provided as required by Section 11B-233.3.1.2. The number of required multi-bedroom housing units with adaptable features shall be reduced by the number of multi-bedroom housing units with mobility features required by Section 11B-224.2.

11B-224.8 Social service center establishments.

Group homes, halfway houses, shelters, or similar social service center establishments that provide either temporary sleeping accommodations or residential dwelling units subject to this section shall comply with Sections 11B-224.1 through 11B-224.6 and Section 11B-233.3.

11B-224.8.1 More than 25-bed sleeping rooms.

In sleeping rooms with more than 25 beds, a minimum of 5 percent of the beds shall have clear floor space complying with Section 11B-806.2.3.

11B-224.8.2 More than 50-bed facilities.

Facilities with more than 50 beds that provide common use bathing facilities, shall provide at least one roll-in shower with a seat that complies with Section 11B-608. When separate shower facilities are provided for men and women, at least one roll-in shower shall be provided for each group.

11B-225.1 General.

Storage facilities shall comply with Section 11B-225.

11B-225.2 Storage.

Where storage is provided in accessible spaces, at least one of each type shall comply with Section 11B-811

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 225.2 Storage.  Types of storage include, but are not limited to, closets, cabinets, shelves, clothes rods, hooks, and drawers. Where provided, at least one of each type of storage must be within the reach ranges specified in 308; however, it is permissible to install additional storage outside the reach ranges.

11B-225.2.1 Lockers.

Where lockers are provided, at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one of each type, shall comply with Section 11B-811

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 225.2.1 Lockers.  Different types of lockers may include full-size and half-size lockers, as well as those specifically designed for storage of various sports equipment.

11B-225.2.2 Self-service shelving.

Self-service shelves shall be located on an accessible route complying with Section 11B-402. Self-service shelving shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-308 _|Reach Ranges|_. 

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 225.2.2 Self-Service Shelving.  Self-service shelves include, but are not limited to, library, store, or post office shelves.

11B-225.2.3 Library book stacks.

Book stacks available for public use shall be 54 inches (1372 mm) maximum above the finish floor.                                                            

Exceptions:

1.      Book stacks available for public use may be higher than 54 inches (1372 mm) maximum above the finish floor when an attendant is available to assist persons with disabilities.

2.      Book stacks restricted to employee use are not required to comply with these requirements.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA Advisory identifies library shelving as self-service shelving, which does not have a height limitation. Therefore, the height limitation imposed by 2013 CBC where no attendant is available is more restrictive.  Otherwise, the storage requirements imposed by ADA are essentially identical to 2013 CBC.  See also 11B-227.4 and 11B-904.5.1 pertaining to Self-Service Shelves and Dispensing Devices at Food Service Lines.

11B-225.3 Self-service storage facilities.

Self-service storage facilities shall provide individual self-service storage spaces complying with these requirements in accordance with Table 11B-225.3. 

TABLE 11B-225.3 SELF-SERVICE STORAGE FACILITIES

TOTAL SPACES IN FACILITY

MINIMUM NUMBER OF SPACES REQUIRED TO BE ACCESSIBLE

1 to 200

5 percent, but no fewer than 1

201 and over

10, plus 2 percent of total number of units over 200

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 225.3 Self-Service Storage Facilities.  Although there are no technical requirements that are unique to self-service storage facilities, elements and spaces provided in facilities containing self-service storage spaces required to comply with these requirements must comply with this document where applicable. For example: the number of storage spaces required to comply with these requirements must provide Accessible Routes complying with 206; Accessible Means of Egress complying with 207; Parking Spaces complying with 208; and, where provided, other public use or common use elements and facilities such as toilet rooms, drinking fountains, and telephones must comply with the applicable requirements of this document.

11B-225.3.1 Dispersion.

Individual self-service storage spaces shall be dispersed throughout the various classes of spaces provided. Where more classes of spaces are provided than the number required to be accessible, the number of spaces shall not be required to exceed that required by Table 11B-225.3. Self-service storage spaces complying with Table 11B-225.3 shall not be required to be dispersed among buildings in a multi-building facility. 

11B-226.1 General.

Where dining surfaces are provided for the consumption of food or drink, at least 5 percent of the seating spaces and standing spaces at the dining surfaces shall comply with Section 11B-902. In addition, where work surfaces are provided for use by other than employees, at least 5 percent shall comply with Section 11B-902.

Exceptions:

1.      Sales counters and service counters shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-902. See Section 11B-227.

2.      Check writing surfaces provided at check-out aisles not required to comply with Section 11B-904.3 shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-902

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 226.1 General.  In facilities covered by the ADA, this requirement does not apply to work surfaces used only by employees. However, the ADA and, where applicable, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, provide that employees are entitled to "reasonable accommodations." With respect to work surfaces, this means that employers may need to procure or adjust work stations such as desks, laboratory and work benches, fume hoods, reception counters, teller windows, study carrels, commercial kitchen counters, and conference tables to accommodate the individual needs of employees with disabilities on an "as needed" basis. Consider work surfaces that are flexible and permit installation at variable heights and clearances.
11B-226.2 Dispersion.

Dining surfaces required to comply with Section 11B-902 shall be dispersed throughout the space or facility containing dining surfaces for each type of seating in a functional area. Work surfaces required to comply with Section 11B-902 shall be dispersed throughout the space or facility containing work surfaces. 

[2010 ADAS] 226.2 Dispersion.  Dining surfaces and work surfaces required to comply with 902 shall be dispersed throughout the space or facility containing dining surfaces and work surfaces.

11B-226.3 Dining surfaces exceeding 34 inches in height.

Where food or drink is served for consumption at a counter exceeding 34 inches (864 mm) in height, a portion of the main counter 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum in length shall be provided in compliance with Section 11B-902.3 _|Height|_

11B-226.4 Baby changing tables.

Baby changing tables shall comply with Sections 11B-309 and 11B-902. Baby changing tables when deployed shall not obstruct the required width of an accessible route except as allowed by Section 11B-307.2. Baby changing tables shall not be located in toilet compartments complying with Section 11B-604.8 within a multiple accommodation toilet facility.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Section 11B-226 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

Baby changing tables were not specifically addressed by the original 2013 CBC.  If located in a toilet room required to be accessible, they were indirectly addressed by the requirement to make at least one of each accessory accessible.  This has been generally understood to include the technical requirements for accessible routes, clear floor space, reach ranges, knee and toe space, worksurface heights, operable parts and protruding objects.

Although a 2010 ADAS Advisory strongly cautions otherwise, there was no prohibition in the original 2013 CBC or 2010 ADAS against installing baby changing tables in accessible water closet compartments, provided that all of the technical requirements were met.  There was also no specification that baby changing tables could not intrude into the accessible routes when deployed.  Therefore, existing baby changing tables that are installed in accessible water closet compartments, or that protrude more than 4" into accessible routes when deployed, are not presently subject to path of travel barrier removal obligations if, and only if, they meet all other technical requirements for accessibility.  If they must be modified, for example, to comply with the maximum work surface height of 34 inches, their noncompliant location (i.e., inside an accessible water closet compartment, or obstructing an accessible route when deployed) would also require correction.

When evaluating whether to take advantage of this Safe Harbor, Pocket Guide users are urged to consider:

  1. If alterations are performed in an area served by the subject toilet room in the future, permitted under a subsequent edition of CBC, the baby changing table in a noncompliant location will have to be relocated at that time;

  2. When a baby changing table in an accessible toilet compartment is being used, that compartment becomes unavailable for its intended use;

  3. Parents dealing with a young child's needs are not always mindful of the needs of others, and poorly located baby changing tables that are left in the deployed position can limit door movement, blocking access for anyone who cannot negotiate tight spaces, a circumstance prohibited under CBC 11B-108, Maintenance of accessible features;  and,

  4. Baby changing tables left in the deployed position in a circulation path can be a hazard to persons with vision impairment, also prohibited under CBC 11B-108.

11B-227.1 General.

Where provided, check-out aisles, sales counters, service counters, food service lines, queues, and waiting lines shall comply with Sections 11B-227 and 11B-904.

11B-227.2 Check-out aisles .

Where check-out aisles are provided, check-out aisles complying with Section 11B-904.3 shall be provided in accordance with Table 11B-227.2. Where check-out aisles serve different functions, check-out aisles complying with Section 11B-904.3 shall be provided in accordance with Table 11B-227.2 for each function. Where check-out aisles are dispersed throughout the building or facility, check-out aisles complying with Section 11B-904.3 shall be dispersed. When check-out aisles are open for customer use, a minimum of one accessible check-out aisle shall always be available. When not all check-out aisles are accessible, accessible check-out aisles shall be identified by a sign complying with Section 11B-904.3.4

Note: Operational procedures are often necessary to ensure the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility requirements are met. When check-out aisles are open for customer use, the business should ensure that a minimum of one accessible check-out aisle is always available for use by persons with disabilities. As check-out aisles are opened and closed based on fluctuating customer levels, the business should ensure that the number of accessible check-out aisles available complies with Table 11B-227.2.

[2010 ADAS] 227.2 Check-Out Aisles.  Where check-out aisles are provided, check-out aisles complying with 904.3 shall be provided in accordance with Table 227.2. Where check-out aisles serve different functions, check-out aisles complying with 904.3 shall be provided in accordance with Table 227.2 for each function. Where check-out aisles are dispersed throughout the building or facility, check-out aisles complying with 904.3 shall be dispersed.

Exception:  In existing buildings, where the selling space is under 5000 square feet (465 m2) no more than one check-out aisle complying with Section 11B-904.3 shall be required. 

[2010 ADAS] EXCEPTION:  Where the selling space is under 5000 square feet (465 m2) no more than one check-out aisle complying with 904.3 shall be required. 

TABLE 11B-227.2 CHECK-OUT AISLES

NUMBER OF CHECK-OUT AISLES OF EACH FUNCTION

MINIMUM NUMBER OF CHECK-OUT AISLES OF EACH FUNCTION REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH 11B-904.3

1 to 4

1

5 to 8

2

9 to 15

3

16 and over

3, plus 20 percent of additional aisles

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-227.2 Check-out aisles.  Where check-out aisles are provided, accessible check-out aisles are required. This section provides requirements specific to check-out aisle design and construction. In addition to the requirements of this section, operational procedures are often necessary to ensure the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility requirements are met. When check-out aisles are open for customer use, business owners should ensure that a minimum of one accessible check-out aisle is always available for use by persons with disabilities. As check-out aisles are opened and closed based on fluctuating customer levels, business owners should ensure that the number of accessible check-out aisles available complies with Table 11B-227.2.◼

11B-227.2.1 Altered check-out aisles.

Where check-out aisles are altered, at least one of each check-out aisle serving each function shall comply with Section 11B-904.3 until the number of check-out aisles complies with Section 11B-227.2

11B-227.3 Counters.

Where provided, at least one of each type of sales counter and service counter shall comply with Section 11B-904.4. Where counters are dispersed throughout the building or facility, counters complying with Section 11B-904.4 also shall be dispersed. 

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 227.3 Counters.  Types of counters that provide different services in the same facility include, but are not limited to, order, pick-up, express, and returns. One continuous counter can be used to provide different types of service. For example, order and pick-up are different services. It would not be acceptable to provide access only to the part of the counter where orders are taken when orders are picked-up at a different location on the same counter. Both the order and pick-up section of the counter must be accessible.
11B-227.4 Food service lines.

Food service lines shall comply with Section 11B-904.5. Where self-service shelves are provided, at least 50 percent, but no fewer than one, of each type provided shall comply with Section 11B-308 _|Reach Ranges|_. 

11B-227.5 Queues and Waiting Lines.

Queues and waiting lines servicing counters or check-out aisles required to comply with Sections 11B-904.3 or 11B-904.4 shall comply with Section 11B-403 _|Walking Surfaces|_

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Section 11B-227 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-228.1 General.

Where provided, at least one of each type of depository, vending machine, change machine, and fuel dispenser shall comply with Section 11B-309 _|Operable Parts|_.

Exception:  Drive-up only depositories shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-309

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 228.1 General.  Depositories include, but are not limited to, night receptacles in banks, post offices, video stores, and libraries.
11B-228.2 Mail boxes.

Where mail boxes are provided in an interior location, at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of each type shall comply with Section 11B-309. In residential facilities, where mail boxes are provided for each residential dwelling unit, mail boxes complying with Section 11B-309 shall be provided for each residential dwelling unit required to provide mobility features complying with Sections 11B-809.2 through 11B-809.4 and adaptable features complying with Chapter 11A, Division IV

[2010 ADAS] 228.2 Mail Boxes.  Where mail boxes are provided in an interior location, at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of each type shall comply with 309. In residential facilities, where mail boxes are provided for each residential dwelling unit, mail boxes complying with 309 shall be provided for each residential dwelling unit required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2 through 809.4

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Section 11B-228 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-229.1 General.

Where glazed openings are provided in accessible rooms or spaces for operation by occupants, at least one opening shall comply with Section 11B-309 _|Operable Parts|_. Each glazed opening required by an administrative authority to be operable shall comply with Section 11B-309.

Exception:

1.      Glazed openings in residential dwelling units required to comply with Section 11B-809 shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-229.

2.      Glazed openings in guest rooms required to provide communication features and in guest rooms required to comply with Section 11B-206.5.3 shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-229

11B-230.1 General.

Where a two-way communication system is provided to gain admittance to a building or facility or to restricted areas within a building or facility, the system shall comply with Section 11B-708.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 230.1 General.  This requirement applies to facilities such as office buildings, courthouses, and other facilities where admittance to the building or restricted spaces is dependent on two-way communication systems.
11B-231.1 General.

Judicial facilities shall comply with Section 11B-231

11B-231.2 Courtrooms.

Each courtroom shall comply with Section 11B-808

11B-231.3 Holding cells.

Where provided, central holding cells and court-floor holding cells shall comply with Section 11B-231.3. 

11B-231.3.1 Central holding cells.

Where separate central holding cells are provided for adult male, juvenile male, adult female, or juvenile female, one of each type shall comply with Section 11B-807.2 _|Cells with Mobility Features|_. Where central holding cells are provided and are not separated by age or sex, at least one cell complying with Section 11B-807.2 shall be provided.

11B-231.3.2 Court-floor holding cells.

Where separate court-floor holding cells are provided for adult male, juvenile male, adult female, or juvenile female, each courtroom shall be served by one cell of each type complying with Section 11B-807.2 _|Cells with Mobility Features|_. Where court-floor holding cells are provided and are not separated by age or sex, courtrooms shall be served by at least one cell complying with Section 11B-807.2. Cells may serve more than one courtroom.

11B-231.4 Visiting areas.

Visiting areas shall comply with 11B-231.4. 

11B-231.4.1 Cubicles and counters.

At least 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of cubicles shall comply with Section 11B-902 on both the visitor and detainee sides. Where counters are provided, at least one shall comply with Section 11B-904.4.2 _|Forward Approach|_ on both the visitor and detainee sides.

Exception:  The detainee side of cubicles or counters at non-contact visiting areas not serving holding cells required to comply with Section 11B-231 shall not be required to comply with Sections 11B-902 or 11B-904.4.2

11B-231.4.2 Partitions.

Where solid partitions or security glazing separate visitors from detainees at least one of each type of cubicle or counter partition shall comply with Section 11B-904.6.

11B-232.1 General.

Buildings, facilities, or portions thereof, in which people are detained for penal or correction purposes, or in which the liberty of the inmates is restricted for security reasons shall comply with Section 11B-232.

[2010 ADAS] 232.1 General.  Buildings, facilities, or portions thereof, in which people are detained for penal or correction purposes, or in which the liberty of the inmates is restricted for security reasons shall comply with 232.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 232.1 General.  Detention facilities include, but are not limited to, jails, detention centers, and holding cells in police stations. Correctional facilities include, but are not limited to, prisons, reformatories, and correctional centers.

ETA Editor's Note

This Access Board Note was taken from ADA Title II §35.151(k) New Construction and Alterations; Detention and Correctional Facilities:

[ADA Title II] U.S. Access Board's Note to Reader:

The Department of Justice’s ADA standards also require the following:

Detention and correctional facilities.

(1) New construction of jails, prisons, and other detention and correctional facilities shall comply with the 2010 Standards except that public entities shall provide accessible mobility features complying with section 807.2 of the 2010 Standards for a minimum of 3%, but no fewer than one, of the total number of cells in a facility. Cells with mobility features shall be provided in each classification level.

(2) Alterations to detention and correctional facilities.  Alterations to jails, prisons, and other detention and correctional facilities shall comply with the 2010 Standards except that public entities shall provide accessible mobility features complying with section 807.2 of the 2010 Standards for a minimum of 3%, but no fewer than one, of the total number of cells being altered until at least 3%, but no fewer than one, of the total number of cells in a facility shall provide mobility features complying with section 807.2.  Altered cells with mobility features shall be provided in each classification level.  However, when alterations are made to specific cells, detention and correctional facility operators may satisfy their obligation to provide the required number of cells with mobility features by providing the required mobility features in substitute cells (cells other than those where alterations are originally planned), provided that each substitute cell—

         (i) Is located within the same prison site;

         (ii) Is integrated with other cells to the maximum extent feasible;

         (iii) Has, at a minimum, equal physical access as the altered cells to areas used by inmates or detainees for visitation, dining, recreation, educational programs, medical services, work programs, religious services, and participation in other programs that the facility offers to inmates or detainees; and,

         (iv) If it is technically infeasible to locate a substitute cell within the same prison site, a substitute cell must be provided at another prison site within the corrections system.

(3) With respect to medical and long-term care facilities in jails, prisons, and other detention and correctional facilities, public entities shall apply the 2010 Standards technical and scoping requirements for those facilities irrespective of whether those facilities are licensed.

11B-232.2 General holding cells and general housing cells.

General holding cells and general housing cells shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-232.2.

Exception:  Reserved.  

[2010 ADAS] EXCEPTION:  Alterations to cells shall not be required to comply except to the extent determined by the _|U.S.|_ Attorney General. 

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 232.2 General Holding Cells and General Housing Cells.  Accessible cells or rooms should be dispersed among different levels of security, housing categories, and holding classifications (e.g., male/female and adult/juvenile) to facilitate access. Many detention and correctional facilities are designed so that certain areas (e.g., "shift" areas) can be adapted to serve as different types of housing according to need. For example, a shift area serving as a medium-security housing unit might be re-designated for a period of time as a high-security housing unit to meet capacity needs. Placement of accessible cells or rooms in shift areas may allow additional flexibility in meeting requirements for dispersion of accessible cells or rooms.

Advisory 232.2 General Holding Cells and General Housing Cells Exception.  Although these requirements do not specify that cells be accessible as a consequence of an alteration, title II of the ADA requires that each service, program, or activity conducted by a public entity, when viewed in its entirety, be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. This requirement must be met unless doing so would fundamentally alter the nature of a service, program, or activity or would result in undue financial and administrative burdens.

11B-232.2.1 Cells with mobility features.

At least 3 percent, but no fewer than one, of the total number of cells in a facility shall provide mobility features complying with Section 11B-807.2.

11B-232.2.1.1 Beds.

In cells having more than 25 beds, at least 5 percent of the beds shall have clear floor space complying with Section 11B-807.2.3.

11B-232.2.1.2 Dispersion.

Cells with mobility features shall be provided in each classification level. 

11B-232.2.1.3 Substitute cells.

When alterations are made to specific cells, detention and correctional facility operators may satisfy their obligation to provide the required number of cells with mobility features by providing the required mobility features in substitute cells (cells other than those where alterations are originally planned), provided that each substitute cell meets the following conditions:

1.      Located within the same prison site.

2.      Integrated with the other cells to the maximum extent feasible.

3.      Has equal physical access as the altered cells to areas used by inmates or detainees for visitation, dining, recreation, educational programs, medical services, work programs, religious services, and participation in other programs that the facility offers to inmates or detainees.

11B-232.2.1.4 Technically infeasible.

Where it is technically infeasible to locate a substitute cell within the same prison site in compliance with Section 11B-232.2.1.3, a substitute cell shall be provided at another prison site within the correctional system. 

11B-232.2.2 Cells with communication features.

At least 2 percent, but no fewer than one, of the total number of general holding cells and general housing cells equipped with audible emergency alarm systems and permanently installed telephones within the cell shall provide communication features complying with Section 11B-807.3.

11B-232.3 Special holding cells and special housing cells.

Where special holding cells or special housing cells are provided, at least one cell serving each purpose shall provide mobility features complying with Section 11B-807.2. Cells subject to this requirement include, but are not limited to, those used for purposes of orientation, protective custody, administrative or disciplinary detention or segregation, detoxification, and medical isolation.

Exception: Reserved.

[2010 ADAS] EXCEPTION:  Alterations to cells shall not be required to comply except to the extent determined by the _|U.S.|_ Attorney General.

11B-232.4 Medical care facilities.

Patient bedrooms or cells required to comply with Section 11B-223 shall be provided in addition to any medical isolation cells required to comply with Section 11B-232.3.

11B-232.5 Visiting areas.

Visiting areas shall comply with Section 11B-232.5.

11B-232.5.1 Cubicles and counters.

At least 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of cubicles shall comply with Section 11B-902 on both the visitor and detainee sides. Where counters are provided, at least one shall comply with Section 11B-904.4.2 _|Forward Approach|_ on both the visitor and detainee or inmate sides.

Exception: The inmate or detainee side of cubicles or counters at non-contact visiting areas not serving holding cells or housing cells required to comply with Section 11B-232 shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-902 or 11B-904.4.2.

11B-232.5.2 Partitions.

Where solid partitions or security glazing separate visitors from detainees or inmates at least one of each type of cubicle or counter partition shall comply with Section 11B-904.6.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Section 11B-232 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-233.1 General.

Public housing facilities with residential dwelling units available for public use shall comply with Section 11B-233. See Chapter 2, Section 202 of this code for the definition of Public Housing.

[2010 ADAS] 233.1 General.  Facilities with residential dwelling units shall comply with 233.

ETA Editor's Note

For residential facilities, the ADA scoping requirements are included for information.  The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.  Many of the 2013 CBC accessibility requirements relating to residential facilities are located in Chapter 11A, administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), rather than Division of the State Architect - Access Compliance (DSA-AC), which only has jurisdiction over public housing and private housing available for public use.

For ADA scoping requirements of Title II §35.151(e) New Construction and Alterations; Social Service Center Establishments, Title III §36.406(d) Standards for New Construction and Alterations; Social Service Center Establishments, and also Title II §35.151(f) New Construction and Alterations; Housing at a Place of Education, and Title III §36.406(e) Standards for New Construction and Alterations; Housing at a Place of Education, see U.S. Access Board's Note To Reader after Section 233.3.6.

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-233.1 General.  This section addresses long-term living (non-transient), public housing dwelling units.

In public housing projects, the accessibility requirements of Chapter 11B are triggered when there are one or more units.  In contrast, in privately funded housing projects, the accessibility requirements of Chapter 11A are triggered when there are three or more apartments or four or more condominiums within a single building. ◼

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 233.1 General.  Section 233 outlines the requirements for residential facilities subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The facilities covered by Section 233, as well as other facilities not covered by this section, may still be subject to other Federal laws such as the Fair Housing Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. For example, the Fair Housing Act requires that certain residential structures having four or more multi-family dwelling units, regardless of whether they are privately owned or federally assisted, include certain features of accessible and adaptable design according to guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These laws and the appropriate regulations should be consulted before proceeding with the design and construction of residential facilities.

Residential facilities containing residential dwelling units provided by entities subject to HUD's Section 504 regulations and residential dwelling units covered by Section 233.3 must comply with the technical and scoping requirements in Chapters 1through 10 included in this document. Section 233 is not a stand-alone section; this section only addresses the minimum number of residential dwelling units within a facility required to comply with Chapter 8. However, residential facilities must also comply with the requirements of this document. For example: Section 206.5.4 requires all doors and doorways providing user passage in residential dwelling units providing mobility features to comply with Section 404; Section 206.7.6 permits platform lifts to be used to connect levels within residential dwelling units providing mobility features; Section 208 provides general scoping for accessible parking and Section 208.2.3.1 specifies the required number of accessible parking spaces for each residential dwelling unit providing mobility features; Section 228.2 requires mail boxes to be within reach ranges when they serve residential dwelling units providing mobility features; play areas are addressed in Section 240; and swimming pools are addressed in Section 242. There are special provisions applicable to facilities containing residential dwelling units at: Exception 3 to 202.3; Exception to 202.4; 203.8; and Exception 4 to 206.2.3.

11B-233.2 Reserved.

 

[2010 ADAS] 233.2 Residential Dwelling Units Provided by Entities Subject to HUD Section 504 Regulations.  Where facilities with residential dwelling units are provided by entities subject to regulations issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, such entities shall provide residential dwelling units with mobility features complying with 809.2 through 809.4 in a number required by the applicable HUD regulations. Residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2 through 809.4 shall be on an accessible route as required by 206. In addition, such entities shall provide residential dwelling units with communication features complying with 809.5 in a number required by the applicable HUD regulations. Entities subject to 233.2 shall not be required to comply with 233.3.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 233.2 Residential Dwelling Units Provided by Entities Subject to HUD Section 504 Regulations.  Section 233.2 requires that entities subject to HUD's regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, provide residential dwelling units containing mobility features and residential dwelling units containing communication features complying with these regulations in a number specified in HUD's Section 504 regulations. Further, the residential dwelling units provided must be dispersed according to HUD's Section 504 criteria. In addition, Section 233.2 defers to HUD the specification of criteria by which the technical requirements of this document will apply to alterations of existing facilities subject to HUD's Section 504 regulations.
11B-233.3 Residential dwelling units provided by entities not subject to HUD Section 504 Regulations.

Public housing facilities with residential dwelling units provided by entities not subject to regulations issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, shall comply with Section 11B-233.3.

ETA Editor's Note

In conjunction with modifications to the definition of PUBLIC HOUSING in Chapter 2 and modifications to Section 11B-233.2, DSA-AC has modified Section 11B-233.3 above as follows (deleted text not shown;  added text indicated by underline), effective July 1, 2015:

11B-233.3 Public housing facilities.  Public housing facilities with residential dwelling units shall comply with Section 11B-233.3.

[2010 ADAS] 233.3 Residential Dwelling Units Provided by Entities Not Subject to HUD Section 504 Regulations.  Facilities with residential dwelling units provided by entities not subject to regulations issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, shall comply with 233.3.

11B-233.3.1 Minimum number: new construction.

Newly constructed public housing facilities with residential dwelling units shall comply with Section 11B-233.3.1.

[2010 ADAS] 233.3.1 Minimum Number: New Construction.  Newly constructed facilities with residential dwelling units shall comply with 233.3.1.

Exception:  Where facilities contain 15 or fewer residential dwelling units, the requirements of Sections 11B-233.3.1.1 and 11B-233.3.1.3 _|Residential Dwelling Units with Communication Features|_ shall apply to the total number of residential dwelling units that are constructed under a single contract, or are developed as a whole, whether or not located on a common site.

11B-233.3.1.1 Residential dwelling units with mobility features.

In public housing facilities with residential dwelling units, at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one unit, of the total number of residential dwelling units shall provide mobility features complying with Sections 11B-809.2 through 11B-809.4 and shall be on an accessible route as required by Section 11B-206

[2010 ADAS] 233.3.1.1 Residential Dwelling Units with Mobility Features.  In facilities with residential dwelling units, at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one unit, of the total number of residential dwelling units shall provide mobility features complying with 809.2 through 809.4 and shall be on an accessible route as required by 206.

ETA Editor's Note

At this point, the alignment of 2013 CBC section numbering with 2010 ADAS becomes inconsistent.  Since ADA does not require residential units with adaptable features, the 2010 ADAS section pertaining to Residential Dwelling Units with Communication Features is numbered 233.3.1.2.