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Note: This document or portion of document references a state or local requirement that is NOT required by the 2010 ADA Standards.

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.  

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 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 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 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.

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