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2019 California Standards for Accessible Design Guide (effective January 1, 2020 with July 1, 2021 amendments)

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

11B-101.1 General.

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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-101.1 General. In addition to these requirements, covered entities must comply with the regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. 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 U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. 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. ◼

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. ◼

[2010 ADA Standards] 101.1 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.

11B-101.2 Reserved.

[2010 ADA Standards] 101.2 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 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. These ADA provisions are inserted immediately below. Chapter 11B of CBC does not 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 https://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 anthropometrics 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-104.1.1 Construction and manufacturing tolerancesConventional 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 Section 11B-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 tolerancesApplication 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 regarding construction and manufacturing tolerances, please go to http://www.ADATolerances.com or keyword search Corada for “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.

chart showing conventions for the pocket guide text

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-106.5 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. ◼

ACCESS AISLE

ACCESSIBILITY

ACCESSIBLE

ACCESSIBLE ELEMENT

ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS

ACCESSIBLE ROUTE

ACCESSIBLE SPACE

ADAPTABLE

ADDITION

ADJUSTED CONSTRUCTION COST

ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY

AISLE

ALTERATION

AMUSEMENT ATTRACTION

AMUSEMENT RIDE

AMUSEMENT RIDE SEAT

ANSI

APPROVED

APPROVED TESTING AGENCY

AREA OF REFUGE

AREA OF SPORT ACTIVITY

ASSEMBLY AREA

ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEM (ALS)

AUTOMATIC DOOR

AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINE (ATM)

BATHROOM

BLENDED TRANSITION

BOARDING PIER

BOAT LAUNCH RAMP

BOAT SLIP

BUILDING

BUILDING OFFICIAL

CATCH POOL

CCR

CHARACTERS

CHILDREN’S USE

CIRCULATION PATH

CLEAR

CLEAR FLOOR SPACE

CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEPHONE

COMMERCIAL FACILITIES

COMMON USE

COMPLY WITH

CROSS SLOPE

CURB CUT

CURB RAMP

DETECTABLE WARNING

DIRECTIONAL SIGN

DISABILITY

DORMITORY

DRIVE-UP ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION

ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV)

ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGER

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING SPACE (EV SPACE)

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION (EVCS)

ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CONNECTOR

ELEMENT

ELEVATED PLAY COMPONENT

ELEVATOR, PASSENGER

EMPLOYEE WORK AREA

ENFORCING AGENCY

ENTRANCE

EQUIVALENT FACILITATION

EXISTING BUILDING OR FACILITY

EXIT

FACILITY

FUNCTIONAL AREA

GANGWAY

GOLF CAR PASSAGE

GRAB BAR

GRADE (ADJACENT GROUND ELEVATION)

GRADE BREAK

GROUND FLOOR

GROUND LEVEL PLAY COMPONENT

GUARD

HANDRAIL

HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

HISTORICAL BUILDINGS

HOUSING AT A PLACE OF EDUCATION

IF, IF…THEN

INTERNATIONAL SYMBOL OF ACCESSIBILITY

KEY STATION

KICK PLATE

KITCHEN OR KITCHENETTE

LAVATORY

MAIL BOXES

MARKED CROSSING

MAY

MEZZANINE

MULTIBEDROOM HOUSING UNIT

NFPA

NOSING

OCCUPANT LOAD

OCCUPIABLE SPACE

OPEN RISER

OPERABLE PART

PASSENGER ELEVATOR

PATH OF TRAVEL

PEDESTRIAN

PEDESTRIAN WAY

PERMANENT

PERMIT

PICTOGRAM

PLACE OF PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION

PLATFORM

PLATFORM (WHEELCHAIR) LIFT

PLAY AREA

PLAY COMPONENT

POINT-OF-SALE DEVICE

POWDER ROOM

POWER-ASSISTED DOOR

PRIVATE BUILDING OR FACILITY

PROFESSIONAL OFFICE OF A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

PUBLIC BUILDING OR FACILITY

PUBLIC ENTITY

PUBLIC ENTRANCE

PUBLIC HOUSING

PUBLIC USE

PUBLIC-USE AREAS

PUBLIC WAY

QUALIFIED HISTORIC BUILDING OR FACILITY

RAMP

REASONABLE PORTION

RECOMMEND

REMODELING

REPAIR

RESIDENTIAL DWELLING UNIT

RESTRICTED ENTRANCE

RISER

RUNNING SLOPE

SELF-SERVICE STORAGE

SERVICE ENTRANCE

SHALL

SHOPPING CENTER (OR SHOPPING MALL)

SHOULD

SIDEWALK

SIGN

SINK

SITE

SLEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS

SOFT CONTAINED PLAY STRUCTURE

SPACE

SPECIFIED PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

STAGE

STAIR

STAIRWAY

STORY

STRUCTURAL FRAME

STRUCTURE

TACTILE

TACTILE SIGN

TECHNICALLY INFEASIBLE

TEEING GROUND

TEMPORARY

TEXT TELEPHONE

TRANSFER DEVICE

TRANSIENT LODGING

TRANSIT BOARDING PLATFORM

TRANSITION PLATE

TTY

UNREASONABLE HARDSHIP

USE ZONE

VALUATION THRESHOLD

VEHICULAR WAY

WALK

WET BAR

WHEELCHAIR

WHEELCHAIR SPACE

WORKSTATION

WORK AREA EQUIPMENT

11B-107 Special conditions appeals action.

See Chapter 1, Section 1.9.1.5.

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.

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-201.1 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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. 

[ADA Title II] §35.151(d) New Construction and Alterations; Scope of Coverage.

(d) 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 the Standards explain or illustrate the requirements of the rule; they do not establish enforceable requirements.

[ADA Title III] §36.406(b) Standards for New Construction and Alterations; Scope of Coverage.

(b) 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.

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.

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Advisory 11B-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 Section 11B-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.

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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-202.2 Additions.

Each addition to an existing building or facility shall comply with the requirements for new construction and shall comply with 11B-202.4.

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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 ADA Standards] 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.

[2010 ADA Standards] 202.3 Alterations. Where existing elements or spaces are altered, each altered element or space shall comply with the applicable requirements of Chapter 2.

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Advisory 11B-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. 

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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. ◼

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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. ◼

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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. ◼

Exceptions:

1. Reserved.

[2010 ADA Standards] 1. 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 ADA Standards] 2. 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 ADA Standards] 3. 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.

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.

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.

[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:

  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.

    Note: The language in this exception, which refers to the “immediately preceding edition of the California Building Code,” shall permit a reference back to one CBC edition only and is not accumulative to prior editions.

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Advisory 11B-202.4 Path of travel requirements in alterations, additions and structural repairs, Exception 2. This exception is applicable only to the technical provisions of required path of travel elements triggered by an alteration, addition or structural repair, and then, only when there are differences between the current technical provisions and those of the immediately preceding edition of the CBC. To qualify for this exception, the elements are not required to have been constructed under a permit issued under the immediately preceding edition of the CBC – it is only required that the existing elements are in compliance with the immediately preceding edition.

The language in this exception which refers to the “immediately preceding edition of the California Building Code,” permits a reference back to one CBC edition only and is not accumulative to prior editions. It is not appropriate to misconstrue the language of the immediately preceding edition to allow additional reference back to earlier editions. ◼

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 Guide following those of CBC Section 11B-202.4.

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 including, but not limited to, 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, as defined, is less than or equal to the current valuation threshold, as defined, the cost of compliance with Section 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, as defined, exceeds the current valuation threshold, as defined, and the enforcing agency determines the cost of compliance with Section 11B-202.4 is an unreasonable hardship, as defined, 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 one accessible unisex (single-user or family) 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 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.

10. Alterations solely for the purpose of installing electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) at facilities where vehicle fueling, recharging, parking or storage is a primary function shall comply with Section 11B-202.4 to the maximum extent feasible without exceeding 20 percent of the cost of the work directly associated with the installation of EVCS. A “primary function” is a major activity for which the facility is intended.

Alterations solely for the purpose of installing EVCS at facilities where vehicle fueling, recharging, parking or storage is not a primary function shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-202.4.

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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 ADA Standards] 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.

[2010 ADA StandardsAdvisory 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.

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.

(A) 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.

(B) Costs that may be counted as expenditures required to provide an accessible path of travel may include:

1) 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;

2) Costs associated with making restrooms accessible, such as installing grab bars, enlarging toilet stalls, insulating pipes, or installing accessible faucet controls;

3) Costs associated with providing accessible telephones, such as relocating the telephone to an accessible height, installing amplification devices, or installing a text telephone (TTY); and

4) Costs associated with relocating an inaccessible drinking fountain.

[ADA Title III] §36.403(f) Alterations: Path of Travel; Disproportionality.

(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.

(A) 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.

(B) 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, storage, and alarms.

[ADA Title III] §36.403(g) Alterations: Path of Travel; Duty to provide accessible features in the event of disproportionality

(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.

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 facilitiesThe 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 ADA Standards] 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 ADA Standards] 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 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 or adaptable features complying with Sections 11B-809.6 through 11B-809.12 shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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-207.1, 11B-215.3, 11B-302, 11B-303, 11B-308.1.1, 11B-308.1.2, and 11B-404.2.3, unless exempted by other parts of this code. Common use circulation paths within employee workstations shall comply with Section 11B-206.2.8. [Safe Harbor 11B-203.9]

Exception: Receptacles, controls, and switches that are an integral part of workstation furnishings, fixtures, and equipment shall not be required to comply with Sections 11B-308.1.1 and 11B-308.1.2.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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.

ETA Editor's Note

2016 CBC did not include the requirement to comply with Sections 11B-308.1.1 and 11B-308.1.2.

The ADA requirements included at Section 11B-203.9 are provided for information only. The CBC scoping requirements do not exempt raised employee work areas, except as specifically mentioned in Section 11B-203, General Exceptions, or elsewhere.

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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-203.12 Animal containment areas. Public circulation routes where animals may also 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 ADA Standards] 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 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.

8. Exercise machines and exercise equipment shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-309.

9. In residential dwelling units with mobility features where receptacles are provided in a kitchen at a corner work surface, one receptacle shall be located 36 inches (915 mm) from either wall at the inside corner.

Drawing showing two options for electrical receptacles in a residential kitchen workspace.

FIGURE 11B-205.1 Ex. 9

ELECTRICAL RECEPTACLES AT CORNER WORKSURFACES.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-205.1 General. Controls covered by Section 11B-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-206.2.1 Site arrival points.

At least one accessible route shall be provided within the site from accessible parking spaces and accessible drop-off and 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.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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.

Exceptions:

1. Reserved.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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.

3. General circulation paths shall be permitted when located in close proximity to an accessible route.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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. 
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Advisory 11B-206.2.1 Site arrival points. Exception 2. If it can be reasonably anticipated that the route between the site arrival point and the accessible facilities will be used by pedestrians, regardless of whether a pedestrian routes is provided, then this exception will not apply. It will apply only in the relatively rare situations where the route between the site arrival point and the accessible facility dictates vehicular access – for example, an office complex on an isolated site that has a private access road, or a self-services storage facility where all users are expected to drive to their storage units.(Excerpt from the Guidance on the 2010 Standards: Titles II and III.) ◼

[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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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.

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.

     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.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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 ADA Standards] 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 Sections 11B-809.6 through 11B-809.12, 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 Sections 11B-809.6 through 11B-809.12and public use areas serving residential dwelling units are on an accessible route.

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 ADA Standards] 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 chapter. 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. 
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. ◼
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. ◼
DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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. 

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at the Subsection 11B-206.2.3 Exceptions are provided for information only. The 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.

11B-206.2.4 Spaces and elements.

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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 ADA Standards] 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 ADA Standards] 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 ADA Standards] 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 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 ADA Standards] 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.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at the Subsection 11B-206.2.5 Exception 2 are provided for information only. The 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.

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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 ADA Standards] 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 ADA Standards] 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.

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.

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Advisory 11B-206.2.8 Employee work areas. 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.   
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Advisory 11B-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 Chapter 2, Section 202. 
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-206.2.11 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-206.2.17.2 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-206.2.19 Pedestrian street crossings.

Where walks or sidewalks are provided, a curb ramp, blended transition, or a combination of curb ramps and blended transitions complying with Section 11B-406 shall connect the walks or sidewalks at each pedestrian street crossing. The curb ramp (excluding any flared sides) or blended transition shall be contained wholly within the width of the pedestrian street crossing served.

EXCEPTION: Compliance with Section 11B-206.2.19 shall not be required where pedestrian crossing is prohibited by the appropriate administrative authority.

ETA Editor's Note

The scoping requirement for pedestrian street crossings is new in CBC 2019.

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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 ADA Standards] 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 ADA Standards] 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 in Section 11B-206.4 Exceptions are provided for information only. Lacking these Exceptions, the 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 ADA Standards] 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 signs shall comply with Chapter 10, Section 1009.10.
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 2019 CBC Section 1013.4 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 in Subsection 11B-206.4.1 are provided for information. While the 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 ADA Standards] 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 in Subsection 11B-206.4.3 are provided for information only. The 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 ADA Standards] 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 ADA Standards] 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 in Subsection 11B-206.4.4 are provided for information only. The 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 ADA Standards] 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 in Subsection 11B-206.4.5 are provided for information only. The CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

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 ADA Standards] 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 in Subsection 11B-206.4.7 are provided for information only. The CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

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 ADA Standards] 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 in Subsection 11B-206.4.8 are provided for information only. The 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.

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 drop-off and 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, 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 ADA Standards. 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.

As of the initial publication of this Guide, OSHPD has not updated CAN 2-11B for applicability to 2019 CBC. Since there is no change to the wording of Subsection 11B-206.4.10 from 2013 CBC to 2019 CBC, there is no reason to expect that OSHPD will change its interpretation. 

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 ADA Standards] 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 ADA Standards] 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 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.

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 or permitted by Section 11B-206.7 to use a platform lift, elevators complying with Section 11B-408 shall be permitted.
  2. Elevators complying with Section 11B-408 or 11B-409 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.

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 and 11B-802.

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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 or adaptable features complying with Sections 11B-809.6 through 11B-809.12.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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-206.7.9 Team or player seating.

Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide accessible routes to team or player seating areas serving areas of sport activity.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 1009.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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.
  3. Accessible means of egress are not required to be provided in existing buildings.
DSA icon
Advisory 11B-207.1 General. Exception 3, previously in Chapter 10, Section 1009.1, is being relocated to Section 305.6 of the International Existing Building Code (IEBC). The IEBC is not adopted by the Division of the State Architect for access compliance. Therefore the provision will now be located in Section 11B-207.1. ◼
11B-207.2 Platform lifts.

Standby power shall be provided for platform lifts permitted by Chapter 10, Section 1009.5 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 ADA Standards] 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. For the purposes of this section, electric vehicle charging stations are not parking spaces; see Section 11B-228.

Exceptions:

1. 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 drop-off and loading zone complying with Section 11B-503.

2. In public housing facilities, electric vehicle chargers are permitted to be installed at an accessible parking space assigned to the resident.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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 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

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-208.2 Minimum number. The term "parking facility" is used in Section 11B-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. 
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 ADA Standards] 208.2.1 Hospital Outpatient Facilities. Ten percent of patient and visitor parking spaces provided to serve hospital outpatient facilities shall comply with 502.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-208.2.1 Hospital outpatient facilities. The term "outpatient facility" is not defined in this code 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 chapter. 

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 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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. Where fewer than one parking space is provided for each residential dwelling unit, parking spaces complying with Section 11B-502 shall be provided in accordance with Table 11B-208.2.

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.

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.
DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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. 
DSA icon
Advisory 11B-208.3.1 Location. 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-208.3.2 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 Sections 11B-809.6 through 11B-809.12 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 ADA Standards] 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 Passenger drop-off and loading zones and bus stops

209 Passenger Loading Zones and Bus Stops

ETA Editor’s Note

The CBC includes passenger drop-off. Therefore, the CBC is more inclusive.

Passenger drop-off and loading zones shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-209.

[2010 ADA Standards] 209.1 General. Passenger loading zones shall be provided in accordance with 209.

ETA Editor’s Note

The CBC includes passenger drop-off. Therefore, the CBC is more inclusive.

11B-209.2 Type.

Where provided, passenger drop-off and loading zones shall comply with Section 11B-209.2.

[2010 ADA Standards] 209.2 Type. Where provided, passenger loading zones shall comply with 209.2.

11B-209.2.1 Passenger drop-off and loading zones.

Passenger drop-off and loading zones, except those required to comply with Sections 11B-209.2.2 and 11B-209.2.3, shall provide at least one passenger drop-off and loading zone complying with Section 11B-503 in every continuous 100 linear feet (30480 mm) of drop-off and loading zone space, or fraction thereof.

[2010 ADA Standards] 209.2.1 Passenger Loading Zones. Passenger loading zones, except those required to comply with 209.2.2 and 209.2.3, shall provide at least one passenger loading zone complying with 503 in every continuous 100 linear feet (30 m) of loading zone space, or fraction thereof.

ETA Editor’s Note

The CBC includes passenger drop-off. Therefore, the CBC is more inclusive.

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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 drop-off and 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.

[2010 ADA Standards] 209.3 Medical Care and Long-Term Care Facilities. At least one passenger loading zone complying with 503 shall be provided at an accessible entrance to licensed medical care and licensed long-term care facilities where the period of stay exceeds twenty-four hours.

ETA Editor’s Note

The CBC includes passenger drop-off. Therefore, the CBC is more inclusive.

11B-209.4 Valet parking.

Parking facilities that provide valet parking services shall provide at least one passenger drop-off and 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 drop-off and 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 drop-off and loading zone complying with Section 11B-503 at vehicle drop-off and vehicle pick-up areas.

[2010 ADA Standards209.5 Mechanical Access Parking GaragesMechanical access parking garages shall provide at least one passenger loading zone complying with 503 at vehicle drop-off and vehicle pick-up areas.

ETA Editor’s Note

The CBC includes passenger drop-off. Therefore, the CBC is more inclusive.

11B-210.1 General.

Interior and exterior stairs shall comply with Section 11B-504.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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 ADA Standards] 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 ADA Standards] 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-504.1 shall be provided.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-211 Drinking fountains and bottle filling stations

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-602.6, 11B-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 2019 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-211.4 Bottle filling stations.

Where bottle filling stations are provided they shall comply with Section 11B-602.10.

Exception: In detention or correctional facilities, bottle filling stations only serving holding or housing cells not required to comply with Section 11B-232 shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-211.4.

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

212 Kitchens, Kitchenettes, and Sinks

ETA Editor’s Note

The CBC includes wet bars. Therefore, the CBC is more inclusive.

11B-212.1 General.

Where provided, kitchens, kitchenettes, wet bars and sinks shall comply with Section 11B-212.

[2010 ADA Standards] 212.1 General. Where provided, kitchens, kitchenettes, and sinks shall comply with 212.

ETA Editor’s Note

The CBC includes wet bars. Therefore, the CBC is more inclusive.

11B-212.2 Kitchens, kitchenettes, and wet bars.

Kitchens, kitchenettes and wet bars shall comply with Section 11B-804.

[2010 ADA Standards] 212.2 Kitchens and Kitchenettes. Kitchens and kitchenettes shall comply with 804.

ETA Editor’s Note

The CBC includes wet bars. Therefore, the CBC is more inclusive.

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 ADA Standards] EXCEPTION: Mop or service sinks shall not be required to comply with 212.3.

ETA Editor's Note

The definition of "Sink" in 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 CBC 11B-106.3. In fact, the 2010 ADA Standards, 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 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), eyewash 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 the identification of plumbing fixtures, scoping of accessibility to them, and which technical requirements apply. It is beyond the scope of this 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.

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 (single-user or family) 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 ADA Standards] 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-707.2.1.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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 ADA Standards] 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-213.2 Toilet rooms and bathing rooms. These requirements allow the 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. 
DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 Section 11B-213.2 Exceptions are provided for information only. The CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-213.2.1 Unisex (single-user or family) toilet and unisex (single-user or family) bathing rooms.

Unisex (single-user or family) 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 (single-user or family) bathing rooms shall contain one shower or one shower and one bathtub, one lavatory, and one water closet. Doors to unisex (single-user or family) 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 2016 California Plumbing Code (CPC), Table 422.1 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 422.1 should be consulted in conjunction with the requirements of this section. ◼
11B-213.3.1 Toilet compartments.

Where toilet compartments are provided, at least five percent of the toilet compartments, or five percent of the combination of toilet compartments and urinals, but no fewer than one toilet compartment shall comply with Section 11B-604.8.1. In addition to the compartments required to comply with Section 11B-604.8.1, where six or more toilet compartments are provided, or where the combination of urinals and water closets totals six or more fixtures, toilet compartments complying with Section 11B-604.8.2 shall be provided in the same quantity as the toilet compartments required to comply with Section 11B-604.8.1

[2010 ADA Standards] 213.3.1 Toilet Compartments. Where toilet compartments are provided, at least one toilet compartment shall comply with 604.8.1. In addition to the compartment required to comply with 604.8.1, at least one compartment shall comply with 604.8.2 where six or more toilet compartments are provided, or where the combination of urinals and water closets totals six or more fixtures.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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. Full-height partitions and door assemblies can comprise toilet compartments where the minimum required spaces are provided within the 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 increased the number of wheelchair accessible toilet compartments required at very large multi-user toilet rooms. Since the CBC path of travel obligation to remove existing barriers only allows "safe harbor" dating back to the "immediately preceding edition" (see 11B-202.4, Exception 2), existing facilities having toilet rooms that do not comply with the increased scoping will be compelled by this obligation to upgrade these toilet rooms if alterations are performed to an area served by them.

11B-213.3.2 Water closets.

Where water closets are provided, at least 5 percent but no fewer tan one shall comply with Section 11B-604.

[2010 ADA Standards] 213.3.2 Water Closets. Where water closets are provided, at least one shall comply with 604.

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 increased the number of accessible water closets required at very large multi-user toilet rooms. Since the CBC path of travel obligation to remove existing barriers only allows "safe harbor" dating back to the "immediately preceding edition" (see 11B-202.4, Exception 2), existing facilities having toilet rooms that do not comply with the increased scoping will be compelled by this obligation to upgrade these toilet rooms if alterations are performed to an area served by them.

11B-213.3.3 Urinals.

Where one or more urinals are provided, at least 10 percent but no fewer than one shall comply with Section 11B-605.

[2010 ADA Standards] 213.3.3 Urinals. Where more than one urinal is provided, at least one shall comply with 605.

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 increased the number of accessible urinals required at very large multi-user toilet rooms. Since the CBC path of travel obligation to remove existing barriers only allows "safe harbor" dating back to the "immediately preceding edition" (see 11B-202.4, Exception 2), existing facilities having toilet rooms that do not comply with the increased scoping will be compelled by this obligation to upgrade these toilet rooms if alterations are performed to an area served by them.

11B-213.3.4 Lavatories.

Where lavatories are provided, at least 10 percent but no fewer than one shall comply with Section 11B-606 and shall not be located in a toilet compartment.

[2010 ADA Standards] 213.3.4 Lavatories. Where lavatories are provided, at least one shall comply with 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 increased the number of accessible lavatories required at very large multi-user toilet rooms. Since the CBC path of travel obligation to remove existing barriers only allows "safe harbor" dating back to the "immediately preceding edition" (see 11B-202.4, Exception 2), existing facilities having toilet rooms that do not comply with the increased scoping will be compelled by this obligation to upgrade these toilet rooms if alterations are performed to an area served by them.

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). Transfer type shower compartments shall be permitted in transient lodging guest rooms, multi-bedroom housing units in undergraduate student housing and residential dwelling units; and shall not be permitted at other locations to meet the requirements of Section 11B-213.3.6.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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 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 Fire alarm systems and carbon monoxide alarm systems

[2010 ADA Standards] 215 Fire Alarm Systems

ETA Editor’s Note

The CBC includes carbon monoxide alarm systems. Therefore, the CBC is more inclusive.

11B-215.1 General.

Where fire alarm systems and carbon monoxide alarm systems provide audible alarm coverage, alarms shall comply with Section 11B-215.

[2010 ADA Standards] 215.1 General. Where fire alarm systems provide audible alarm coverage, alarms shall comply with 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 11B-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. 

ETA Editor’s Note

The CBC includes carbon monoxide alarm systems. Therefore, the CBC is more inclusive. 

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 ADA Standards] 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 907.5.2.3.1 Exception can be integrated into the alarm system.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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 907.5.2.3.2, and carbon monoxide alarms, where provided, complying with Chapter 9, Section 915.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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 907.5.2.3.3 and carbon monoxide alarms shall comply with Chapter 9, Section 915.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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 ADA Standards 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 ADA Standards] 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 ADA Standards] 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 Notes

The ADA requirements included at Exception 2 are provided for information only. The substantive difference between the CBC and 2010 ADA Standards 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 ADA Standards, while they are required to comply by CBC. It would be extremely rare for parking facilities to have signs relating to toilets, TTYs, assistive listening systems, etc. anyway. Both CBC and ADA Standards 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, 11B-703.2, 11B-703.3, and 11B-703.5. 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-216.2 Designations. Section 11B-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 DesignationsPeople 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.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-216.3 Directional and informational signs. Information about interior and exterior 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 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-216.4.1 Exit doors.

Signs required by Chapter 10, Section 1013.4 at doors to exit passageways, exit discharge, and exit stairways shall comply with Sections 11B-703.1, 11B-703.2, 11B-703.3, and 11B-703.5.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 1009.11 to provide instructions in areas of refuge shall comply with Section 11B-703.5. Signs required by Chapter 10, Section 1009.9 at doors to areas of refuge and exterior areas for assisted rescue shall comply with Sections 11B-703.1, 11B-703.2, 11B-703.3, and 11B-703.5 and include an International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1.

[2010 ADA Standards] 216.4.2 Areas of Refuge. Signs required by section 1003.2.13.5.4 of the International Building Code (2000 edition) or section 1007.6.4 of the International Building Code (2003 edition) (incorporated by reference, see “Referenced Standards” in Chapter 1) to provide instructions in areas of refuge shall comply with 703.5.

ETA Editor’s Note

The CBS includes signs at exterior areas for assisted rescue. Therefore, CBC is more inclusive.

11B-216.5.1 Parking spaces.

Parking spaces complying with Section 11B-502 shall be identified by signs complying with Sections 11B-502.6 and 11B-502.8.

Exceptions:

1. Reserved.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Section 11B-216.5.1 Exception 1 are provided for information only. The CBC scoping requirements for parking signs are more inclusive

2. In residential facilities, where parking spaces are assigned to specific residential dwelling units, identification of accessible parking spaces shall not be required.

11B-216.5.2.1 Signs intended for use by pedestrians.

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.

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 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 ADA Standards] 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.

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Advisory 11B-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. 

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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 signs should be provided to give adequate direction during these hours of use in addition to the typical operational hours.  

The signage program should be designed to provide the appropriate level of signs at points necessary for convenient navigation around the site. Too many signs can be confusing to everyone utilizing the site. ◼

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, including the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-216.8 Toilet rooms and bathing rooms.

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 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 ADA Standards] 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 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-216.8.1 Geometric symbols.

Geometric symbols complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.6 shall be provided at entrances to toilet and bathing rooms.

Exceptions:

  1. Geometric symbols shall not be required at entrances to toilet and bathing rooms located within private or semi-private rooms or spaces. Such spaces include but are not limited to; patient sleeping rooms, transient lodging guest rooms, and residential dwelling units.
  2. Geometric symbols shall not be required at entrances to inmate toilet rooms and bathing rooms in detention and correctional facilities where only one gender is housed.
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 signs shall be provided at the entrance or in a building directory. Directional signs shall comply with Section 11B-703.5 and shall include the International Symbol of TTY complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.2.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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 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 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 ADA Standards] 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 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 ADA Standards] 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 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 and shall include the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 Section 11B-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 CBC signage requirements are more definitive regarding sign characteristics.

11B-216.13 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.

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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 ADA Standards] 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 ADA Standards] 1 per floor, level, and exterior site

1 bank

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 ADA Standards] 1 per bank

11B-217.3 Volume controls.

All public telephones shall have volume controls complying with Section 11B-704.3.

11B-217.4 TTYs.

TTYs complying with Section 11B-704.4 shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-217.4.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 ADA Standards] 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 is not included at Subsection 11B-217.4.1. Lacking this Exception, the CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

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-217.4.3.1 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.

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-218.2 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-219.2 Required systems.

An assistive listening system shall be provided in assembly areas, including conference and meeting rooms.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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 ADA Standards] 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 ADA Standards] 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 ADA Standards] 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 seats1

2

201 to 500

2, plus 1 per 25 seats over 50 seats1

1 per 4 receivers1

501 to 1000

20, plus 1 per 33 seats over 500 seats1

1 per 4 receivers1

1001 to 2000

35, plus 1 per 50 seats over 1000 seats1

1 per 4 receivers1

2001 and over

55 plus 1 per 100 seats over 2000 seats1

1 per 4 receivers1

1. Or fraction thereof.

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 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive. The 2010 ADA Standards 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 wording of CBC 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 ADA Standards] 220 Automatic Teller Machines and Fare Machines

ETA Editor’s Note

The CBC includes point-of-sale devices. Therefore, the CBC is 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 ADA Standards] 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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-220.2 Point-of-sale devices.

Where point-of-sale devices are provided, all devices at each location shall comply with Sections 11B-707.3, 11B-707.7.2, and 11B-707.9. Where point-of-sale devices are provided at check stands and sales and service counters required to comply with Sections 11B-227.2 and 11B-227.3, they shall comply with Sections 11B-707.2, 11B-707.3, 11B-707.7.2 and 11B-707.9.

Exceptions:

  1. Where a single point-of-sale device is installed for use with any type of motor fuel, it shall comply with Sections 11B-707.2, 11B-707.3, 11B-707.7.2, and 11B-707.9. 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-707.2, 11B-707.3, 11B-707.7.2, and 11B-707.9. Types of motor fuel include, but are not limited to, gasoline, diesel, compressed natural gas, methanol, or ethanol.
  2. Point-of-sale devices at electric vehicle charging stations required to comply with Section 11B-812 shall comply with Section 11B-812.10.3.
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 ADA Standards] 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 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.

NOTE: When required wheelchair spaces are not occupied by persons eligible for those spaces, individual, removable seats may be placed in those spaces.

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-221.2.1.1 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 ADA Standards] 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 ADA Standards] 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 Section 11B-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 Section 11B-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 areasA 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 ADA Standards] 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 ADA Standards] 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.
DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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. 

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.
DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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.

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-221.2.5 [sic] Removable chairs. Readily removable seats should be designed to facilitate easy, timely and frequent removal and installation. If mechanically fastened to the floor the release mechanisms need to be easily operated by untrained individuals without special tools or knowledge. Seats which have been removed need to be stored so as not to create obstructions. ◼
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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-221.4 Designated aisle seats. When selecting which aisle seats will meet the requirements of Section 11B-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 Section 11B-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

The following 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. Wording from the two sections is the same.

[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 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

          i) 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 ADA Standards] 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-223.1 General. Because medical facilities frequently reconfigure spaces to reflect changes in medical specialties, Section 11B-223.1 does not include a provision for dispersion of accessible patient bedrooms 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 patient bedrooms or resident sleeping rooms are not dispersed in specialty areas. Locate accessible patient bedrooms or resident sleeping 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 patient bedrooms or resident 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 ADA Standards] 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-223.1.1 Alterations. In alterations and additions, the minimum required number is based on the total number of patient bedrooms or resident sleeping rooms altered or added instead of on the total number of patient bedrooms or resident sleeping rooms provided in a facility. As a facility is altered over time, every effort should be made to disperse accessible patient bedrooms or resident 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 ADA Standards] 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 https://www.corada.com/documents/2019CBCPG/shall

be dispersed in a manner that is proportionate by type of medical specialty.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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 ADA Standards] 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 Section 11B-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 ADA Standards] 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-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 ADA Standards] 224.1 General. Transient lodging facilities shall provide guest rooms in accordance with 224.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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. 

ETA Editor's Note

For transient lodging guest rooms, the CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

See U.S. Access Board's Note To Reader after Section 224.5 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.

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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 Section 11B-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. Bathrooms doors shall be either sliding or hung to swing in the direction of egress from the bathroom.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 11B-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. [Safe Harbor 11B-224.2]

[2010 ADA Standards] 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.

TABLE 11B-224.2 GUEST ROOMS WITH MOBILITY FEATURES

TOTAL NUMBER OF GUEST ROOMS PROVIDED

MINIMUM NUMBER OF REQUIRED ROOMS WITHOUT ROLL-IN SHOWERS1 MINIMUM NUMBER OF REQUIRED ROOMS WITH ROLL-IN SHOWERS 2

TOTAL NUMBER OF REQUIRED ROOMS

1 1 0 1
2 to 25 1

1

[2010 ADA Standards] 0

2

[2010 ADA Standards] 1

26 to 50

2

[2010 ADA Standards] 0

3

[2010 ADA Standards] 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

1. Provide either a bathtub complying with Section 11B-607 or a transfer type shower complying with Section 11B-608.2.1.

2. Provide either a standard roll-in type shower complying with Section 11B-608.2.2 or an alternate type roll-in shower complying with Section 11B-608.2.3.

DSA logo
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. ◼

ETA Editor's Note

2019 CBC allows a 36” x 36” transfer shower to be used in transient lodging guest rooms, housing at a place of education, and social service center establishments and aligns the CBC requirements with the requirements of the ADA Standards. However, the scoping requirements for facilities with two to fifty guest rooms is more stringent than the 2010 ADA Standards. The differences between the number of guest rooms with particular mobility features required by ADA as compared with CBC can be problematic for small transient lodging facilities (less than 51 guest rooms). ETA considers the ADA requirement for rooms without roll-in showers to be a recognition that some individuals with mobility impairments actually prefer an accessible bathtub or transfer-type shower (36" x 36" – see 11B-608.2.1). In order to comply with the ADA and CBC requirements for transient lodging facilities with 25 guest rooms or less, it is necessary to provide a minimum of two rooms with mobility features, one with a roll-in shower, and one with an accessible bathtub or transfer-type shower (36" x 36" – see 11B-608.2.1). For transient lodging facilities with 26 to 50 guest rooms, it is necessary to provide a minimum of three rooms with mobility features, one with a roll-in shower, and two with either an accessible bathtub or a transfer-type shower (36" x 36" – see 11B-608.2.1).

It should also be noted that the definition of transient lodging in both ADA and CBC excludes residential dwelling units intended to be used as a residence, as well as private facilities occupied by the proprietor as his/her residence, containing no more than five rooms for rent.

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.

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

301 to 400

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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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:

§36.406(c) Places of lodging.  Places of lodging subject to this part 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

          i) 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.

ETA Editor's Note

The following 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. Wording from these two sections is the same.

[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 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.

Exception: 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.

ETA Editor's Note

The following Access Board Note was taken from ADA Title II §35.151(f) New Construction and Alterations; Housing at a Place of Education, and ADA Title III §36.406(e) Standards for New Construction and Alterations; Housing at a Place of Education. Wording from both sections is the same.

[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 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.
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 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.

ETA Editor's Note

The following Access Board Note was taken from ADA Title II §35.151(e) New Construction and Alterations; Social Service Center Establishments, and ADA Title III §36.406(d) Standards for New Construction and Alterations; Social Service Center Establishments. Wording from both sections is the same.

[ADA Titles II & III] U.S. Access Board's Note to Reader: The Department of Justice’s ADA standards also require the following:

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 that are subject to this part shall comply with the provisions of the 2010 Standards applicable to residential facilities, including, but not limited to, the provisions in sections 233 and 809.

  1. In sleeping rooms with more than 25 beds covered by this part, a minimum of 5% of the beds shall have clear floor space complying with section 806.2.3 of the 2010 Standards.
  2. Facilities with more than 50 beds covered by this part that provide common use bathing facilities shall provide at least one roll-in shower with a seat that complies with the relevant provisions of section 608 of the 2010 Standards.  Transfer-type showers are not permitted in lieu of a roll-in shower with a seat, and the exceptions in sections 608.3 and 608.4 for residential dwelling units are not permitted.  When separate shower facilities are provided for men and for women, at least one roll-in shower shall be provided for each group.
11B-225.2 Storage.

Where storage is provided in accessible spaces, at least one of each type shall comply with Section 11B-811.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 Section 11B-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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 CBC where no attendant is available is more restrictive. Otherwise, the storage requirements imposed by ADA are essentially identical to 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

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 chapter where applicable. For example: the number of storage spaces required to comply with these requirements must provide Accessible Routes complying with Section 11B-206; Accessible Means of Egress complying with Section 11B-207; Parking Spaces complying with Section 11B-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 chapter. 

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.
DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 ADA Standards] 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.

11B-226.4 Baby diaper changing station.

Baby diaper changing stations shall comply with Sections 11B-309 and 11B-902. Baby diaper changing stations when deployed shall not obstruct the required width of an accessible route except as allowed by Section 11B-307.2. Baby diaper changing stations shall not be located in toilet compartments complying with Section 11B-604.8 within a multiple accommodation toilet facility.

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 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 ADA Standards] 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 ADA Standards] 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 aislesWhere check-out aisles are provide, 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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.

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.

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. Electric vehicle charging stations shall comply with Section 11B-228.3.

[2010 ADA Standards] 228.1 General. Where provided, at least one of each type of depository, vending machine, change machine, and fuel dispenser shall comply with 309.

Exception: Drive-up only depositories shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-309.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 Sections 11B-809.6 through 11B-809.12.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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.

11B-228.3.1 General.

Where electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) are provided, EVCS shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-228.3.

11B-228.3.1.1 Existing facilities.

Where new EVCS are added to a facility with existing EVCS, the requirements of Section 11B-812 shall apply only to the new EVCS installed. Alterations to existing EVCS shall comply with Section 11B-228.3.

11B-228.3.2 Minimum number.

EVCS complying with Section 11B-812 shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-228.3.2 for each combination of charging level and EV connector type integral to the EV charger. Each combination of charging level (such as: AC Level 1, AC Level 2, DC Fast Charge) and EV connector type shall be considered as a facility. Where EVCS are provided in more than one facility on a site, the number of EVCS complying with Section 11B-228.3.2 provided on the site shall be calculated according to the number required for each facility. In public housing facilities, EVCS provided for common use of residents shall comply with Section 11B-228.3.2. Where an EV charger can simultaneously charge more than one vehicle, the number of EV chargers provided shall be considered equivalent to the number of electric vehicles that can be simultaneously charged.

Exceptions:

  1. EVCS not available to the general public and intended for use by a designated vehicle or driver shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-228.3.2. Examples include, but are not limited to, EVCS serving public or private fleet vehicles and EVCS assigned to an employee.

  2. In public housing facilities, EVCS intended for use by an EV owner or operator at their residence shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-228.3.2.

Note: Electric vehicle charging provided in newly constructed facilities are also subject to the California Green Building Standards Code.

11B-228.3.2.1 Public use or common use EVCS.

Where EVCS are provided for public use or common use, EVCS complying with Section 11B-812 shall be provided in accordance with Table 11B-228.3.2.1. Where new EVCS are installed in facilities with existing EVCS, the “Total Number of EVCS at a Facility” in Table 11B-228.3.2.1 shall include both existing and new EVCS.

Exception: All drive-up EVCS shall comply with Section 11B-812.

TABLE 11B-228.3.2.1 ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS FOR PUBLIC USE AND COMMON USE

TOTAL NUMBER OF EVCS AT A FACILITY1

MINIMUM NUMBER (by type) OF EVCS REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH SECTION 11B-8121

  Van
Accessible
Standard
Accessible

Ambulatory

1 to 4

1 0

0

5 to 25

1 1

0

26 to 50

1 1

1

51 to 75

1 2

2

76 to 100

1 3

3

101 and over

1, plus 1 for each 300, or fraction thereof, over 100

3, plus 1 for each 60, or fraction thereof, over 100

3, plus 1 for each 50, or fraction thereof, over 100

1. Where an EV charger can simultaneously charge more than one vehicle, the number of EVCS provided shall be considered equivalent to the number of electric vehicles that can be simultaneously charged.

ETA Editor's Note

The electric vehicle charging station scoping requirements were new to CBC as of 2016, complemented by new definitions in Section 202 and technical requirements in Section 11B-812. EVCS are not addressed by 2010 ADA Standards, although a case could be made, based on the general obligation for governments to make their services, programs or activities available to individuals with disabilities [ADA Title II §35.130], and for public accommodations and commercial facilities to make their goods, services, facilities, etc. available [ADA Title III §36.201(a)], that, if EVCS are made available to the public by any of these entities, they must be made available to individuals with disabilities. However, the absence of scoping or technical requirements in the Standards would make it difficult to conclude what that means.

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. 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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-231.3 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. 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. 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-231.4.1 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 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 ADA Standards] 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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:

§35.151(k) 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-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 redesignated 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. 

Exception: Reserved.  

[2010 ADA Standards] EXCEPTION: Alterations to cells shall not be required to comply except to the extent determined by the Attorney General.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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.

[2010 ADA Standards] 232.2.1 Cells with Mobility Features. At least 2 percent, but no fewer than one, of the total number of cells in a facility shall provide mobility features complying with 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 ADA Standards] EXCEPTION: Alterations to cells shall not be required to comply except to the extent determined by the 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-232.5.1 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 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 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-233.1 General.

Public housing facilities with residential dwelling units shall comply with Section 11B-233. See Chapter 2, Section 202 of this code for the definition of Public Housing.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive. Many of the 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 residential dwelling units.

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 11B-233.3.6.

DSA icon
Advisory 11B-233.1 General. This section addresses long-term living (non-transient), public housing dwelling units. The definition for “Public Housing” in Chapter 2 of the California Building Code (CBC) is based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010 ADAS) that regulates the built environment.

Following are sections in the ADA Title II (28 CFR Part 35) and 2010 ADAS applicable to state and local government services, programs and activities.

§35.102(a) “this part applies to all services, programs or activities provided or made available by public entities.”

§35.151(a) “each facility or part of a facility constructed by, on behalf of, or for the use of a public entity…..”

§35.151(b) “each facility or part of a facility altered by, on behalf of, or for the use of a public entity…..”

§35.151(e) “Group homes, halfway houses, shelters, or similar social service center establishments…..”

§35.151(f) “Housing at a place of education…..”

§35.151(j) “Residential dwelling units designed and constructed or altered by public entities that will be offered for sale to individuals shall comply with the requirements for residential facilities…..”

For additional guidance see Appendix A to Part 35 – Guidance to Revisions to ADA Regulations on Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local Government Services §35.151(j).

Title II of the ADA mandates that when State or local governments establish a program that provides housing to its residents, that public entity has the obligation to ensure that its program is operated in a non-discriminatory manner whether the program is provided directly by the public entity or through “contractual, licensing, or other arrangements with a private entity.”

When a State or local government enters into an agreement with a private party the obligation to comply with the ADA is not contracted away. Where public and private entities act jointly, the public entity must ensure that the relevant requirements of title II are met; and the private entity must ensure compliance with title III. Adherence to the 2010 ADAS is required in such an agreement.

It is important to note that the ADA and thereby Chapter 11B do not apply to a private entity simply because it is a recipient of funds from a public entity. The public entity may provide significant assistance by the provision of property or equipment, loans, grants, funds or other means.

A private owner of housing facilities may be a beneficiary of significant assistance that does not trigger compliance with the ADA or Chapter 11B. The significant assistance may be provided for programs such as seismic mitigation, energy efficiency upgrades or historic preservation that are not considered housing programs. However, the provisions in Chapter 11B for alterations may be applicable depending on the extent of modifications undertaken during such projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. A housing project is receiving low-income tax credits from the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTAC). Is compliance with Chapter 11B required?

The California Tax Credit Allocation Committee facilitates the investment of private capital into the development of affordable rental housing for low-income Californians. The CTCAC regulations may be more restrictive that the provisions in Chapter 11B of the CBC. For questions related to the CTCAC Regulations contact the treasurer’s office: http://www.treasurer.ca.gov/ctcac/

The Division of the State Architect (DSA) promulgates the regulations for public housing in Chapter 11B of the CBC. For questions related to Chapter 11B contact DSA: http://www.dgs.ca.gov/dsa/AboutUs/contact/hdqtrs.aspx

2. Does Chapter 11B regulate single family detached dwellings that are privately owned?

Strictly privately-owned single-family dwellings are not covered by Chapter 11B; however, certain privately-owned facilities, either single-family or multi-family, that provide housing on behalf of or for the use of a public entity are subject to Chapter 11B. Examples include, but are not limited to; public housing, student and faculty housing, employee housing, nursing homes, and social service center establishments such as homeless shelters and halfway houses.

It is not necessary for the public entity to hold title to housing facilities however each facility or part of a facility constructed by, on behalf of, or for the use of a public entity ….” (emphasis added) must be designed and constructed so that it is “readily accessible to and useable by individuals with disabilities.

When residential dwelling units are designed and constructed or altered by public entities that will be offered for sale to individuals accessibility in compliance with Chapter 11B Section 11B-233.3.2 is required.

3. What is the number of residential dwellings units in a public housing project that trigger compliance with Chapter 11B?

Compliance with Chapter 11B is required for as few as one unit. An example is publicly owned housing where five residential dwelling units are provided at five different sites. Where fifteen or fewer residential dwelling units are provided each must comply with Chapter 11B when constructed under separate contracts. When constructed under a single contract then one residential dwelling unit must comply with Chapter 11B.

4. The tenants in an apartment complex receive Section 8 tenant-based vouchers in payment for rent. Does that trigger compliance with Chapter 11B?

A recipient is defined as any State or its political subdivision, any instrumentality of a state or its political subdivision, any public or private agency, institution, organization or other entity or any person to which federal financial assistance is extended for any program or activity directly or through another recipient, including any successor, assignee, or transferee of a recipient, but excluding the ultimate beneficiary of the assistance.

A private landlord who accepts Section 8 tenant-based vouchers in payment for rent from a low-income individual is not a recipient of federal financial assistance. The ultimate beneficiary of the assistance is the tenant. Therefore, when the project is not as described in the “public housing” definition then compliance with Chapter 11B is not required.

5. What is required for access compliance when project based vouchers are received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)?

Project-based vouchers (PBVs) are a component of a public housing agency’s (PHA’s) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. A PHA can use up to 20 percent of its authorized voucher units to project-base units in a specific project if the owner agrees to either rehabilitate or construct the units, or the owner agrees to set-aside a portion of the units in an existing development. The requirements for accessibility can be found in the PBV Regulations (24 CFR Part 983) Subpart C-Dwelling Units § 983.102 Housing accessibility for persons with disabilities.

6. Can residential dwelling units provide both mobility and communication features within the same unit?

The 2010 ADAS and Chapter 11B are silent on the overlap of mobility and communication features in residential dwelling units. The 2010 ADAS and Chapter 11B apply to as few as one residential dwelling unit and in that instance the features must overlap.

For projects subject to HUD’s Section 504 regulations the dwelling unit with communication features is in addition to the unit with mobility features. HUD’s Section 504 regulations apply when five or more residential dwellings units are provided.

It’s important to determine which regulations and standards apply to a project and comply with the most stringent provisions of the pertinent regulations.

Agency Websites for more information:

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development https://www.hud.gov/

U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division https://www.ada.gov/

Internal Revenue Service – Low Income Housing Tax Credits https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/low-income-housing-credit-at-a-glance

Fair Housing Accessibility First http://www.fairhousingfirst.org

California Department of Housing and Community Development http://www.hcd.ca.gov ◼

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-233.1 General. Section 11B-233 outlines the requirements for residential facilities subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The facilities covered by Section 11B-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 11B-233.3 must comply with the technical and scoping requirements in Divisions 1 through 10 included this chapter. Section 11B-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 Division 8. However, residential facilities must also comply with the requirements of this chapter. For example: Section 11B-206.5.4 requires all doors and doorways providing user passage in residential dwelling units providing mobility features to comply with Section 11B-404; Section 11B-206.7.6 permits platform lifts to be used to connect levels within residential dwelling units providing mobility features; Section 11B-208 provides general scoping for accessible parking and Section 11B-208.2.3.1 specifies the required number of accessible parking spaces for each residential dwelling unit providing mobility features; Section 11B-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 11B-240; and swimming pools are addressed in Section 11B-242. There are special provisions applicable to facilities containing residential dwelling units at: Exception 3 to 11B-202.3; Exception 1 to 11B-202.4; 11B-203.8; and Exception 4 to 11B-206.2.3

11B-233.2 Reserved

[2010 ADA Standards] 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-233.2 Residential dwelling units provided by entities subject to HUD Section 504 Regulations. Section 11B-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 11B-233.2 defers to HUD the specification of criteria by which the technical requirements of this chapter will apply to alterations of existing facilities subject to HUD's Section 504 regulations. 

ETA Editor's Note

At this point, the alignment of CBC section numbering with 2010 ADA Standards becomes inconsistent. Since ADA does not require residential units with adaptable features, the 2010 ADA Standards section pertaining to Residential Dwelling Units with Communication Features is numbered 233.3.1.2.

 
11B-233.3 Public housing facilities.

Public housing facilities with residential dwelling units shall comply with Section 11B-233.3.

Note: Senior citizen housing may also be subject to Civil Code, Division 1. Part 2. Sections 51.2, 51.3 and 51.4.

[2010 ADA Standards] 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.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-233.2 Residential dwelling units provided by entities subject to HUD Section 504 Regulations. Section 11B-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 11B-233.2 defers to HUD the specification of criteria by which the technical requirements of this chapter will apply to alterations of existing facilities subject to HUD's Section 504 regulations. 
11B-233.3.1 Minimum number: new construction.

Newly constructed facilities with residential dwelling units shall comply with Section 11B-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 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 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.

11B-233.3.1.2 Residential dwelling units with adaptable features.

ETA Editor's Note

This section of the 2019 California Building Code was amended by the Division of the State Architect. The requirements in this section were previously found in Chapter 11A. Please see section 1150A.1 for the 2019 Chapter 11A language.

In facilities with residential dwelling units, adaptable residential dwelling units complying with Sections 11B-809.6 through 11B-809.12. shall be provided as required by Sections 11B-233.3.1.2.1 through 11B-233.3.1.2.6. Adaptable residential dwelling units shall be on an accessible route as required by Section 11B-206.

Exception: The number of required adaptable residential dwelling units shall be reduced by the number of units required by Section 11B-233.3.1.1.

11B-233.3.1.2.1 Elevator buildings.

ETA Editor's Note

This section of the 2019 California Building Code was amended by the Division of the State Architect. The requirements in this section were previously found in Chapter 11A. Please see section 1150A.1 for the 2019 Chapter 11A language.

Residential dwelling units on floors served by an elevator shall be adaptable.

11B-233.3.1.2.2 Non-elevator buildings.

ETA Editor's Note

This section of the 2019 California Building Code was amended by the Division of the State Architect. The requirements in this section were previously found in Chapter 11A. Please see section 1150A.1 for the 2019 Chapter 11A language.

Ground floor residential dwelling units in non-elevator buildings shall be adaptable.

11B-233.3.1.2.3 Ground floors above grade.

ETA Editor's Note

This section of the 2019 California Building Code was amended by the Division of the State Architect. The requirements in this section were previously found in Chapter 11A. Please see section 1150A.1 for the 2019 Chapter 11A language.

Where the first floor in a building containing residential dwelling units is a floor above grade, all units on that floor shall be adaptable.

11B-233.3.1.2.4 Multi-story residential dwelling units in buildings with one or more elevators.

In elevator buildings, facilities with multi-story residential dwelling units shall comply with the following:

  1. The primary entry of the multi-story residential dwelling unit shall be on an accessible route.

  2. At least one powder room or bathroom and kitchen shall be located on the primary entry level.

  3. Rooms or spaces located on the primary entry level shall be served by an accessible route and comply with Sections 11B-809.6 through 11B-809.12.

11B-233.3.1.2.5 Multi-story residential dwelling units in buildings with no elevator.

In non-elevator buildings, a minimum of 10 percent but not less than one of the ground floor multi-story residential dwelling units shall be calculated using the total number of multi-story residential dwelling units in buildings on a site and shall comply with the following:

  1. The primary entry of the multi-story residential dwelling unit shall be on an accessible route.

  2. At least one powder room or bathroom shall be located on the primary entry level.

  3. Rooms or spaces located on the primary entry level shall be served by an accessible route and comply with Sections 11B-809.6 through 11B-809.12.

11B-233.3.1.2.6 Public housing facility site impracticality

ETA Editor's Note

This section of the 2019 California Building Code was amended by the Division of the State Architect. The requirements in this section were previously found in Chapter 11A. Please see section 1150A.1 for the 2019 Chapter 11A language.

The site impracticality tests in this section may be used to determine the number of required residential dwelling units with adaptable features in buildings without an elevator, located on sites with difficult terrain conditions or unusual characteristics.

Except as provided for in Section 11B-233.3.1.2.5, the provisions of this section do not apply to multistory dwelling units in non-elevator buildings.

11B-233.3.1.2.6.1 Single building with one common (lobby) entrance.

The following may only be used for determining required access to 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 non-elevator 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, a minimum of 20 percent of the ground floor dwelling units shall comply with Section 11B-809.6, and all remaining ground floor dwelling units shall comply with the features listed in Section 11B-233.3.1.2.6.2 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 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.

11B-233.3.1.2.6.2 Test number one, 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 in a straight line 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 site 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.

11B-233.3.1.2.6.3 Test number two, 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 a building entrance on 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, flood plains or wetlands) of the undisturbed site with an existing natural grade of less than 10 percent slope.

3. In addition to the percentage established in paragraph (2), all ground floor units in a building, or ground floor units served by a particular entrance on an accessible route defined by a calculation of the straight line slope not exceeding 8.33 percent, between their planned entrances and an arrival point, shall be on an accessible route and comply with the provisions of Section 11B-809.6.

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 11B-233.3.1.2.6.5.

5. 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 Sections 11B-809.6 through 11B-809.12.

11B-233.3.1.2.6.4 Test number three, 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.

11B-233.3.1.2.6.5 Additional requirements.

1. Grab bar reinforcement complying with Sections 11B-809.10.5.2, 11B-809.10.6.4, or 11B-809.10.7.3.

2. Interior door opening width complying with Section 11B-404.3.1.

3. Door and gate hardware complying with Section 11B-404.2.7.

4. Door signal devices complying with Section 11B-809.8.1.

5. Door maneuvering clearance complying with Section 11B-809.8.

6. Water closet seat height complying with Section 11B-809.10.7.4.

7. Electrical receptacles, switches and controls complying with Section 11B-809.12.

8. Faucets complying with Section 11B-809.10.8.6.

9. Water closet, bathtub and lavatory maneuvering clearances complying with Section 11B-809.10.

10. Removable base cabinets complying with Section 11B-809.9.3.

11B-233.3.1.3 Residential dwelling units with communication features.

In public housing facilities with residential dwelling units, at least 2 percent, but no fewer than one unit, of the total number of residential dwelling units shall provide communication features complying with Section 11B-809.5.

11B-233.3.2 Residential dwelling units for sale.

Residential dwelling units designed and constructed or altered by public entities that will be offered for sale to individuals shall provide accessible features to the extent required by this chapter.

[2010 ADA Standards] 233.3.2 Residential Dwelling Units for Sale. Residential dwelling units offered for sale shall provide accessible features to the extent required by regulations issued by Federal agencies under the Americans with Disabilities Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.