ADAAG Manual

Scoping [4.1.3(5)]

Elevators are required in "multi-story" facilities. There may be more than one floor level, such as a mezzanine, within a "story" but the requirement for an elevator applies to buildings with more than one story. While mezzanines and levels within a story are not counted in determining whether an elevator is required, elevators must serve mezzanines where one is required or provided anyway. Under ADAAG, a floor must contain occupiable space in order to be considered a "story." ADAAG defines "occupiable" in part as "a room or enclosed space designed for human occupancy...which is equipped with means of egress, light, and ventilation." Thus, if a building has two floors and only one provides any occupiable space, there is no requirement for an elevator.

Exception

While elevators are the primary means of vertical access between floors, an exception is allowed for buildings that have less than three stories or less than 3,000 square feet per floor. Either condition satisfies this exception. Vertical access by other means (ramp or lift) is not required to upper stories in exempt facilities. This exception is not allowed for:

• shopping centers or malls

• professional offices of health care providers

• public transit stations and airport passenger terminals

• state or local government facilities

The Department of Justice (DOJ) title III regulation and technical assistance manual provide important information on this exception, including definitions of these facilities. The DOJ regulation for title II does not permit an exception for state and local government facilities.

Floors above or below the accessible floor in buildings without elevators must still fully comply with ADAAG. This is required for several reasons: some people with mobility impairments can use stairs, ADAAG addresses access for people with hearing or vision impairments as well as mobility impairments, and elevator access may be provided in future alterations or additions. Also, if toilet or bathing facilities are provided on an inaccessible level in a building that qualifies for the elevator exception, then toilet or bathing facilities must be provided on the accessible level as well.