ADAAG Manual

Entrances [4.14]

ADAAG specifications for the number of public entrances that must be accessible are based on several criteria. Public entrances includes those that serve visitors, employees, or both, and any other entrances except loading and service entrances. Service entrances are required to be accessible where they are the only entrance to a facility.

Scoping [4.1.3(8)]

Public entrances must be accessible according to two sets of criteria that must be met separately:

1) the minimum number of accessible building or facility entrances must equal or exceed the number of required exits or 50% of the number of public entrances (whichever is greater); and

• at least one entrance to each separate tenancy is accessible

• at least one accessible entrance serves the ground floor; and

• main or primary entrances are accessible where feasible

2) in addition, at least one entrance must be accessible to each of the following where provided:

• enclosed parking garages with direct pedestrian access

• each pedestrian tunnel

• each elevated walkway

Exits

Scoping for entrances is based in part on the number of exits required by the applicable building or life safety code. This is required to the extent possible under the intended number of entrances; this provision does not require an increase in the total number of entrances planned for a facility. Sometimes a required exit is designed to be used only as an exit and not as an entrance; in such instances there is no operating hardware on the exterior. ADAAG does not require that this exit also be planned as an entrance.

Separate Tenancies

At least one entrance to each tenancy, such as retail and service establishments of a strip shopping center, must be accessible. This is required even where it would increase the minimum number above the number of required exits or 50% of facility entrances.

Primary Entrances

Those entrances intended to serve a majority of visitors or employees are required to be part of the minimum number made accessible to the extent "feasible." This requirement for accessible primary entrances helps ensure that accessible entrance routes coincide with those intended for the general public.

Direct Connections

At least one entrance that serves enclosed parking garages, pedestrian tunnels, or elevated walkways must be accessible where such connections are provided. This is not intended to increase the number of entrances planned where a building entrance serves more than one of these spaces. Direct connections to transportation facilities are also required to be accessible.

Service Entrances

lf service entrances are the only type of entrance provided at a facility, such as a garage or warehouse, then they must be accessible in the amount specified for public entrances. Otherwise, service entrances cannot count toward the number of entrances required to be accessible.

Signage

Where not all public entrances are accessible, accessible entrances must be designated by the access symbol [4.30.7]. This includes entrances made accessible as part of an alteration or addition. Directional signage is required at inaccessible public entrances. Signage should be located to minimize backtracking. (In some cases, this may mean signage at the beginning of a route, not just at the entrance). Directional signage must meet requirements for character proportion [4.30.2] and height [4.30.3], sign finish and contrast [4.30.5] and should include the access symbol [4.30.7].