AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT SCOPING

CHAPTER 1: APPLICATION AND ADMINISTRATION

101 Purpose
102 Provisions for Adults and Children
103 Equivalent Facilitation
104 Conventions
105 Referenced Standards
106 Definitions

CHAPTER 2: SCOPING REQUIREMENTS

201 Application
202 Existing Buildings and Facilities
203 General Exceptions
204 Protruding Objects
205 Operable Parts
206 Accessible Routes
207 Accessible Means of Egress
208 Parking Spaces
209 Passenger Loading Zones
210 Stairways
211 Drinking Fountains and Water Coolers
212 Sinks, Kitchens, Kitchenettes, and Wet Bars
213 Toilet and Bathing Facilities
214 Laundry Equipment
215 Emergency Alarm Systems
216 Signs
217 Telephones
218 Transportation Facilities
219 Assistive Listening Systems
220 Automatic Teller Machines and Fare Machines
221 Assembly Seating
222 Dressing, Fitting, and Locker Rooms
223 Medical Care Facility Patient or Resident Sleeping Rooms
224 Transient Lodging Guest Rooms
225 Self-Service Storage Facilities
226 Dining Surfaces and Work Surfaces
227 Sales and Service Counters
228 Storage
229 Depositories, Vending Machines, Change Machines, and Mail Boxes
230 Windows
231 Two-Way Communication Systems
232 Judicial Facilities
233 Detention and Correctional Facilities
234 Accessible Residential Facilities

CHAPTER 1: APPLICATION AND ADMINISTRATION

101 Purpose

This part provides scoping and technical requirements for accessibility to sites, facilities, buildings, and elements by individuals with disabilities. These requirements are to be applied during the design, construction, 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.

102 Provisions for Adults and Children

The technical requirements in this part are based on adult dimensions and anthropometrics. This part also contains technical requirements based on children's dimensions and anthropometrics for drinking fountains, water closets, toilet compartments, lavatories and sinks, dining surfaces, and work surfaces.

103 Equivalent Facilitation

Nothing in this part is intended to prevent the use of designs or technologies as alternatives to those prescribed in this part provided they result in substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability.

Advisory 103
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.

104 Conventions

Figure 104

104.1 Dimensions. Dimensions that are not stated as "maximum" or "minimum" are absolute.

104.1.1 Construction and Manufacturing Tolerances. All dimensions are subject to conventional industry tolerances.

Advisory 104.1.1
Conventional industry tolerances recognized by this provision include those for field conditions and those that may be a necessary consequence of a particular manufacturing process. Recognized tolerances are not intended to apply to design work. It is good practice when specifying dimensions to avoid stating in the specification a tolerance (i.e., if this document requires "32 inches" avoid specifying "32 inches plus or minus X inches"). This could lead some to mistakenly assume that a tolerance allowed by this document can be applied in addition to the specified tolerance. This "double-dipping" or compounding of tolerances would not achieve the intended requirement. Where the requirement itself allows a range of dimensions, such as in section 604.4 where the height of water closets must be 17 inches minimum to 19 inches maximum measured to the top of the toilet seat, "17 inches minus X inches minimum to 19 inches plus X inches maximum" is how the provision for tolerance is intended to apply. As stated previously though, it is good practice to simply specify the dimensions as "17 inches to 19 inches". Information on specific tolerances may be available from industry or trade organizations, code groups and building officials, and published references.

104.2 Calculation of Percentages. Where the required number of accessible 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.

105 Referenced Standards

105.1 General. The standards referenced in this part and listed in 105.2 shall be considered part of the requirements of this part to the prescribed extent of each such reference. References to standards within the technical and scoping requirements shall apply to the specific edition of the reference standard listed in 105.2. Where differences occur between provisions of this part and referenced standards, the provisions of this part shall apply.

Advisory 105.1
In addition to the requirements of this document, there is an obligation to meet the requirements of any referenced standards unless there is a conflict with the guidelines. It is important to use the specific edition of the referenced standards.

105.2 Referenced Standards.

105.2.1 Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Protective Signaling Systems. NFPA 72-1996.

105.2.2 Power-Operated Pedestrian Doors. ANSI/BHMA A156.10-1996.

105.2.3 Power-Assist and Low-Energy Power-Operated Doors. ANSI/BHMA A156.19-1996.

105.2.4 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. ASME/ANSI A17.1-1993, (including Addenda ASME/ANSI A17.1a-1994 and ASME/ANSI A17.1b-1995).

106 Definitions

106.1 General. Terms defined in 106.5 shall have the specified meaning for purposes of this part, unless otherwise stated.

106.2 Terms Defined in Referenced Standards. Terms not defined in this section or in regulations issued by the Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation to implement the Americans with Disabilities Act but specifically defined in a referenced standard, shall have the specified meaning from the referenced standard, unless otherwise stated.

106.3 Undefined Terms. The meaning of terms not specifically defined in this part, or in regulations issued by the Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation to implement the Americans with Disabilities Act or in referenced standards shall be as defined by collegiate dictionaries in the sense that the context implies.

106.4 Interchangeability. Words, terms and phrases used in the singular include the plural and those used in the plural include the singular.

106.5 Defined Terms.

Accessible. A site, building, facility, or portion thereof that complies with this part.

Accessible Means of Egress. Means of egress is a continuous and unobstructed way of exit travel from any point in a building or facility to a public way. An accessible means of egress is one that provides an accessible route to an area of refuge, a horizontal exit or a public way.

Accessible Route. A continuous, unobstructed path that complies with this part.

Addition. An expansion, extension, or increase in the gross floor area or height of a building or facility.

Administrative Authority. A governmental agency that adopts or enforces regulations and guidelines for the design, construction, or alteration of buildings and facilities.

Alteration. A change to a building or facility that affects or could affect the usability of the building or facility or part thereof. Alterations include, but are not limited to, remodeling, renovation, rehabilitation, reconstruction, historic restoration, resurfacing of circulation paths or vehicular ways, changes or rearrangement of the structural parts or elements, and changes or rearrangement in the plan configuration of walls and full-height partitions. Normal maintenance, reroofing, painting or wallpapering, or changes to mechanical and electrical systems are not alterations unless they affect the usability of the building or facility.

Area of Refuge. An area where people may remain temporarily to await further instructions or assistance during emergency evacuation.

Assembly Area. A room or space accommodating a group of individuals for recreational, educational, political, social, civic, or amusement purposes, or for the consumption of food and drink.

Automatic Door. A door operated with power-operated mechanisms and operable parts that open and close the door automatically upon receipt of a momentary actuating signal (see power-assisted door).

Building. Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.

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

Children's Use. Spaces and elements specifically designed for use primarily by people 12 years old and younger.

Circulation Path. An exterior or interior way of passage from one place to another for pedestrians, including, but not limited to, walks, hallways, courtyards, stairways, and stair landings.

Closed-Circuit Telephone. A telephone with a dedicated line such as a house phone, courtesy phone or phone that must be used to gain entrance to a facility.

Common Use. Interior or exterior rooms, spaces, or elements that are made available for the use of a restricted group of people such as the occupants of a homeless shelter, the occupants of an office building, or the guests of such occupants.

Cross Slope. The slope that is perpendicular to the direction of travel (see running slope).

Curb Ramp. A short ramp cutting through a curb or built up to it.

Destination-Oriented Elevator. An elevator system that provides lobby controls to select floor stops, lobby indicators designating which elevator to use and a car indicator designating the floors at which the car will stop.

Detectable Warning. A standardized surface feature built in or applied to walking surfaces or other elements to warn visually impaired people of hazards on a circulation path.

Dwelling Unit. A single unit containing rooms and spaces for living, bathing, and sleeping, and which may provide a kitchen or food preparation area.

Element. An architectural or mechanical component of a building, facility, space, or site.

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

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

Facility. All or any portion of buildings, structures, site improvements, elements, and pedestrian or vehicular routes located on a site.

Ground Floor. Any occupiable floor not more than one story above or below grade with direct access to grade.

Mail Boxes. Receptacles for the receipt of documents, packages, or other deliverable matter. Mail boxes include, but are not limited to, post office boxes and receptacles provided by commercial mail-receiving agencies, apartment houses, and schools.

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

Mezzanine. That portion of a story which is an intermediate floor level placed within the story and having occupiable space above and below its floor.

Occupiable. A room or enclosed space designed for human occupancy.

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

Pictogram. A pictorial symbol which represents activities, facilities, or concepts.

Power-Assisted Door. A door used for human passage with a mechanism that helps to open the door, or relieves the opening resistance of a door, upon the activation of a switch or a continued force applied to the door itself (see automatic door).

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

Project. The whole of one or more residential structures and appurtenant structures, equipment, roads, walks, and parking lots which are covered by a single contract for Federal assistance, or are developed as a whole for processing purposes, whether or not located on a common site.

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

Public Entrance. An entrance that is not a service entrance or a restricted entrance.

Public Use. Interior or exterior rooms, spaces, or elements that are made available to the public. Public use may be provided at a building or facility that is privately or publicly owned.

Public Way. Any street, alley or other parcel of land open to the outside air leading to a public street, which has been deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated to the public for public use and which has a clear width and height of not less than 10 feet (3,050 mm).

Qualified Historic Building or Facility. A building or facility that is listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; or designated as historic under an appropriate State or local law.

Ramp. A walking surface which has a running slope steeper than 1:20.

Restricted Entrance. An entrance that is made available for common use on a controlled basis but not public use and that is not a service entrance.

Running Slope. The slope that is parallel to the direction of travel (see cross slope).

Self-Service Storage Facility. Real property designed and used for the purpose of renting or leasing individual storage spaces to customers for the purpose of storing and removing personal property on a self-service basis.

Service Entrance. An entrance intended primarily for delivery of goods or services (see entrance, public entrance, and restricted entrance).

Sign. An architectural element composed of displayed text, numbers, symbolic, tactile or pictorial information.

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

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

Story. That portion of a building or facility included between the upper surface of a floor and upper surface of the floor or roof next above. A story containing one or more mezzanines has more than one floor level.

Structural Frame. The columns and the girders, beams, and trusses having direct connections to the columns and all other members which are essential to the stability of the building or facility as a whole.

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

Technically Infeasible. With respect to an alteration of a building or a facility, something that has little likelihood of being accomplished because existing structural conditions would require removing or altering a load-bearing member which is an essential part of the structural frame; or because other existing physical or site constraints prohibit modification or addition of elements, spaces, or features which are in full and strict compliance with the minimum requirements for alterations and which are necessary to provide accessibility.

Transient Lodging. A building or facility excluding inpatient medical care facilities, long-term care facilities, or detention or correctional facilities that contains one or more guest rooms for sleeping. Guest rooms may include a kitchen or food preparation area. Transient lodging may include, but is not limited to, resorts, group homes, hotels, motels, and dormitories, homeless shelters, halfway houses and social service lodging.

TTY. Machinery or equipment that employs interactive text based communications through the transmission of coded signals across the standard telephone network. The term TTY can include, for example, devices known as TDDs (telecommunication display devices or telecommunication devices for deaf persons) or computers with special modems. TTYs are also called text telephones.

Vehicular Way. A route intended for vehicular traffic, such as a street, driveway, or parking lot.

Walk. An exterior pathway with a prepared surface intended for pedestrian use, including general pedestrian areas such as plazas and courts.

Wheelchair. A mobility aid belonging to any class of three- or four-wheeled devices, usable indoors, designed for and used by individuals with mobility impairments, whether operated manually or powered.

Wheelchair Space. Space for a single wheelchair and its occupant.

CHAPTER 2: SCOPING REQUIREMENTS

201 Application

201.1 Scope. All areas of newly designed or newly constructed buildings and facilities and altered portions of existing buildings and facilities shall comply with this part.

201.2 Application Based on Building or Facility Use. Where a site, building, or facility contains more than one use, each portion shall comply with the applicable requirements for that use.

201.3 Temporary and Permanent Structures. This part shall apply to temporary and permanent buildings and facilities.

Advisory 201.3
Temporary buildings or facilities covered by these guidelines include, but are not limited to, reviewing stands, temporary classrooms, bleacher areas, fixed furniture systems, wall systems, and exhibit areas, temporary banking facilities, temporary health screening facilities, and temporary pedestrian passageways around a construction site. Structures and equipment directly associated with the actual processes of construction are not required to be accessible as permitted in 203.2.

202 Existing Buildings and Facilities

202.1 General. Additions and alterations to existing buildings or facilities shall comply with 202.

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 an area containing a primary function shall comply with 202.4.

202.3 Alterations. Where existing elements or spaces are altered, each altered element or space shall comply with the applicable provisions of this chapter.

Advisory 202.3
Although covered entities are permitted to limit the scope of an alteration to individual elements, designers should note that the alteration of multiple elements within a room or space may provide a cost-effective opportunity to make the entire room or space accessible.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Altered elements or spaces are not required to be located on an accessible route, unless required by 202.4.

2. In alterations, where compliance with applicable provisions is technically infeasible, the alteration shall provide accessibility to the maximum extent feasible. Any elements or spaces of the building or facility that are being altered and can be made accessible shall be made accessible within the scope of the alteration.

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.

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.

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 and 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 criteria established by the Secretary of the Department of Transportation or the Attorney General.

Advisory 202.4
The area of a building or facility containing the major activity for which the building or facility is intended is the 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 section 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 section 37.43).

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, ramps, 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 element shall be permitted to apply.

203 General Exceptions

203.1 General. Sites, buildings, facilities, and elements shall be exempt from this part to the extent specified by 203.

203.2 Construction Sites. Structures, sites, and equipment directly associated with the actual processes of construction, including, but not limited to scaffolding, bridging, materials hoists, materials storage, or construction trailers are not required to be accessible. Portable toilet units provided for use exclusively by construction personnel on a construction site are not required to be accessible.

203.3 Employee Work Areas. Employee work areas shall be designed and constructed so that individuals with disabilities can approach, enter, and exit the employee work areas. In addition, visual alarm coverage shall be provided where audible alarm coverage is provided in employee work areas. This part does not require that employee work areas be constructed to permit maneuvering within the employee work area or be constructed or equipped to be accessible.

203.4 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 are not required to be accessible or to be served by an accessible route.

203.5 Limited Access Spaces. Spaces accessed only by ladders, catwalks, crawl spaces, very narrow passageways, or tunnels are not required to be accessible.

203.6 Equipment Spaces. Spaces frequented only by service personnel for maintenance, repair, or occasional monitoring of equipment are not required to be accessible. Such spaces include but are not limited to elevator pits, 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.

203.7 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, are not required to be accessible.

203.8 Detention and Correctional Facilities. In detention and correctional facilities, access is not required in common use areas that are used only by inmates or detainees and security personnel and that do not serve holding cells or housing cells or rooms required to be accessible in accordance with 233.

203.9 Residential Facilities. In residential facilities, access is not required in common use areas that do not serve dwelling units required to be accessible by 234.

204 Protruding Objects

204.1 General. Protruding objects on circulation paths shall comply with 307.

205 Operable Parts

205.1 General. Operable parts on accessible routes and in accessible rooms and spaces shall comply with 309.

206 Accessible Routes

206.1 General. Accessible routes shall be provided in accordance with 206.

206.2 Where Required. Accessible routes shall be provided where required by 206.2 and shall comply with Chapter 4.

206.2.1 Site Arrival Points. Accessible routes shall be provided within the boundary of the site from public transportation stops, accessible parking spaces, passenger loading zones, and public streets or sidewalks, to the accessible building or facility entrance they serve.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. In alterations to qualified historic buildings or facilities permitted by 202.5 to use the exceptions for alterations to qualified historic buildings or facilities, at least one accessible route from a site arrival point to an accessible entrance shall be provided.

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 provided for pedestrian access.

Advisory 206.2.1 Exception 2
Access from site arrival points may include vehicular ways. Where a vehicular way, or a portion of a vehicular way, is used for pedestrian travel, this exception does not apply.

206.2.2 Within a Site. Accessible routes shall connect accessible buildings, accessible facilities, accessible elements, and accessible spaces that are on the same site.

EXCEPTION: An accessible route is not required between accessible buildings, accessible facilities, accessible elements and accessible spaces that have as the only means of access between them, a vehicular way not provided for pedestrian access.

206.2.3 Multi-Level Buildings and Facilities. Accessible routes shall connect each level, including mezzanines, in multi-level buildings and facilities.

Advisory 206.2.3
While a mezzanine may be a change in level, it is not a story for purposes of determining whether a building or facility is required to have an elevator. If an elevator is required, it must serve mezzanines. Levels in buildings and facilities without elevators must still fully comply with this document.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. An accessible route is not required to levels located above or below the accessible level in private buildings or facilities that are less than three stories or that have less than 3000 square feet per story unless the building or facility is a shopping center, a shopping mall, the professional office of a health care provider, or another type of facility as determined by the Attorney General. In addition, Exception 1 shall not apply to a terminal, depot or other station used for specified public transportation or to an airport passenger terminal.

2. An accessible route is not required to levels located above or below the accessible level in public buildings or facilities that are less than three stories and that are not open to the public if the level above or below the accessible level houses no more than five persons and is less than 500 square feet.

3. An accessible route is not required to levels located above or below the accessible level in detention and correctional facilities where accessible cells or rooms provided in accordance with 233, all common use areas serving such cells or rooms, and all public use areas are on an accessible route.

4. An accessible route is not required to levels located above or below the accessible level in residential facilities where accessible dwelling units complying with 234, all common use areas serving such dwelling units, and all public use areas are on an accessible route.

Advisory 206.2.3 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 other 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 use areas serving them are on the first floor.

5. An accessible route is not required to levels located above or below the accessible level in multi-story transient lodging guest rooms provided that spaces complying with 806.2 are on an accessible route and are suitable for dual occupancy.

6. In assembly areas required to comply with 221, an accessible route is not required to serve seating where wheelchair spaces or designated aisle seats required to be on an accessible route are not provided.

7. In air traffic control towers, an accessible route is not required to serve the cab and the floor immediately below the cab.

8. In alterations to qualified historic buildings or facilities where an exception is permitted by 202.5, an accessible route from an accessible entrance to all publicly used spaces on at least the level of the accessible entrance shall be provided.

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 such installation, an accessible route shall be provided between the levels served by the escalator or stair, unless exempted by 206.2.3.

206.2.4 Accessible Spaces and Elements. Accessible routes shall connect accessible building or facility entrances with all accessible spaces and elements within the building or facility which are otherwise connected by a circulation path.

Advisory 206.2.4
Accessible routes must connect all spaces and elements required to be accessible including, but not limited to, raised areas and speaker platforms.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. An accessible route is not required between levels where exempted by 206.2.3.

2. Vertical access to raised judges' benches or courtroom stations need not be installed 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 303.4, 206.6, or 206.7 without requiring substantial reconstruction of the space.

206.2.5 Restaurants and Cafeterias. In restaurants and cafeterias, an accessible route shall be provided to all dining areas, including raised or sunken dining areas, and outdoor seating areas.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. In buildings or facilities not required to provide an accessible route between stories, an accessible route to a mezzanine dining area is not required, provided that the mezzanine contains less than 25 percent of the total area for seating and dining and the same services are provided in the accessible area.

2. In alterations, accessibility to existing raised or sunken dining areas, or to all parts of existing outdoor seating areas is not required provided that the same services and decor are provided in an accessible space usable by the public and not restricted to use by people with disabilities.

206.2.6 Performance Areas. An accessible route shall be provided where a circulation path directly connects a performance area to an assembly seating area. An accessible route shall be provided from performance areas to ancillary areas or facilities used by performers. In alterations, where it is technically infeasible to alter all performance areas to be on an accessible route, at least one of each type of performance area shall be made accessible.

206.3 Location. Accessible routes shall coincide with or be located in the same area as a general circulation path. Where the circulation path is interior, the accessible route shall also be interior.

Advisory 206.3
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.

206.4 Entrances. Accessible entrances shall be provided in accordance with 206.4.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Where an alteration includes alterations to an entrance, and the building or facility has an accessible entrance, the altered entrance is not required to be accessible, unless required by 202.4. Signs complying with 206.4.8 shall be provided.

2. In alterations to qualified historic buildings or facilities permitted by 202.5 to use exceptions for alterations to qualified historic buildings or facilities, at least one accessible public entrance shall be provided. Where no public entrance can be made accessible, then either an unlocked entrance not used by the public shall be made accessible; or a locked accessible entrance with a notification system or remote monitoring shall be provided. Signs complying with 206.4.8 shall be provided at the primary entrance and at the accessible entrance.

206.4.1 Parking Garage Entrances. Where direct access to a building or facility is provided for pedestrians from an enclosed parking garage, at least one direct entrance from the garage to the building shall be accessible.

206.4.2 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 be accessible.

206.4.3 Public Entrances. In addition to accessible entrances required by 206.4.1 and 206.4.2, at least 50 percent of all public entrances shall be accessible. At least one accessible entrance shall be a ground floor entrance.

206.4.4 Tenant Spaces. At least one accessible entrance shall be provided to each tenancy in a facility, except as specified in 225 or 234.

206.4.5 Restricted Entrances. Where restricted entrances are provided to a building or facility, at least one restricted entrance to the building or facility shall be accessible.

206.4.6 Service Entrances. If a service entrance is the only entrance to a building or to a tenancy in a facility, that entrance shall be accessible.

206.4.7 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 be accessible.

206.4.8 Signs. Where not all entrances are accessible, accessible entrances shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7 and directional signs indicating the location of the nearest accessible entrance shall be provided at inaccessible entrances. Directional signs shall comply with 703.4. No signs are required where all entrances are accessible.

Advisory 206.4.8
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.

206.5 Doors and Doorways. Accessible doors and doorways shall be provided in accordance with 206.5 and shall comply with 404.

206.5.1 Accessible Entrances. Each accessible entrance to a building or facility shall have at least one accessible door or doorway.

206.5.2 Accessible Rooms and Spaces. Within a building or facility, at least one door or doorway serving each accessible room or space shall be accessible.

206.6 Elevators. New passenger elevators shall comply with 407.2 or 407.3. Where multiple elevators are provided, each passenger elevator shall comply with 407.2 or 407.3.

EXCEPTION: Where an elevator is provided in a building or facility eligible for the exceptions to 206.2.3, the elevator shall comply with 407.2, 407.3 or 407.4.

206.6.1 Existing Elevators. Altered elements of existing elevators shall comply with 407.5. Such elements 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 407.5.

206.7 Wheelchair (Platform) Lifts. Wheelchair (platform) lifts shall be permitted as a component of an accessible route in new construction as permitted by 206.7 and shall comply with 408. Wheelchair (platform) lifts provided as a component of an accessible route in an existing building or facility shall comply with 408.

206.7.1 Performance Areas and Speakers' Platforms. Wheelchair (platform) lifts shall be permitted to provide an accessible route to a performance area or a speakers' platform in an assembly occupancy.

206.7.2 Wheelchair Spaces. Wheelchair (platform) lifts shall be permitted to comply with the wheelchair space dispersion and line-of-sight requirements of 221 and 802.

206.7.3 Incidental Spaces. Wheelchair (platform) lifts shall be permitted to provide an accessible route to incidental occupiable spaces and rooms which are not open to the public and which are occupied by five persons maximum.

206.7.4 Judicial Spaces. Wheelchair (platform) lifts shall be permitted to provide an accessible route to raised judges' benches, clerks' stations, jury boxes and witness stands or to depressed areas such as the well of a court.

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 equipment such as metal detectors, fluoroscopes, or other similar devices which cannot be made accessible, an accessible route shall be provided adjacent to such security screening devices to facilitate an equivalent circulation path. The circulation path shall permit persons with disabilities passing through security barriers to maintain visual contact with their personal items to the same extent provided others traversing the barrier.

207 Accessible Means of Egress

207.1 General. All accessible spaces shall be provided with not less than one accessible means of egress. Where more than one means of egress is required from any accessible space, each accessible portion of the space shall be served by not less than two accessible means of egress. Accessible means of egress shall comply with 409.

EXCEPTION: Accessible means of egress are not required in alterations to existing buildings or facilities.

207.2 Elevators. In buildings or facilities where a required accessible floor is four or more stories above or below a level of exit discharge, at least one required accessible means of egress shall be an elevator complying with 409.3.

207.3 Signs. At exit stairways and elevators serving a required accessible space, but not serving as an accessible means of egress, directional signs indicating the location of accessible means of egress shall be provided. Such signs shall comply with 703.4.

208 Parking Spaces

208.1 General. Where parking spaces are provided, accessible parking spaces shall be provided in accordance with 208.

EXCEPTION: This section does not apply to parking spaces used exclusively for buses, trucks, other delivery vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, or vehicular impound and motor pools where lots accessed by the public are provided with a passenger loading zone complying with 503.

208.2 Number Required. Accessible parking spaces shall be provided in accordance with Table 208.2, except as required by 208.2.1, 208.2.2, and 208.2.3, and shall comply with 502.

208.2.1 Hospital Outpatient Facilities. Ten percent of patient and visitor parking spaces provided to serve hospital outpatient facilities shall be accessible.

Advisory 208.2.1
The term "outpatient facility" is not defined in this document but is intended to cover facilities or units that provide regular and continuing medical treatment without an overnight stay, and that are located in hospitals. Doctors' offices, independent clinics, or other facilities not located in hospitals are not considered hospital outpatient facilities for purposes of this document.

208.2.2 Rehabilitation Facilities and Outpatient Physical Therapy Facilities. Twenty percent of patient and visitor parking spaces provided to serve rehabilitation facilities and outpatient physical therapy facilities shall be accessible.

208.2.3 Residential Facilities. Parking spaces provided to serve residential facilities shall comply with 208.2.3.

208.2.3.1 Parking for Residents. Where parking serves dwelling units, one accessible parking space minimum shall be provided for each dwelling unit required to be accessible by 234.

208.2.3.2 Additional Spaces for Residents. Where the total parking serving dwelling units exceeds one parking space per dwelling unit, two percent, but not fewer than one space, of all the additional parking spaces shall be accessible.

208.2.3.3 Guest Parking. Where parking is provided for other than residents it shall comply with Table 208.2.

208.2.4 Van Parking Spaces. For every eight or fraction of eight accessible parking spaces required by 208.2, 208.2.1, and 208.2.3, at least one shall be a van parking space complying with 502.

208.3 Identification. Accessible parking spaces shall be identified by signs complying with 502.6.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Where a total of five or fewer parking spaces are provided, identification complying with 502.6 shall not be required.

2. In residential facilities, where parking spaces are assigned to specific dwelling units, identification complying with 502.6 shall not be required.

208.4 Location. Parking facilities shall comply with 208.4.

Advisory 208.4
On any site with multiple lots, the number of accessible parking spaces is calculated lot-by-lot.

208.4.1 General. Accessible parking spaces serving a particular building or facility shall be located on the shortest accessible route from adjacent parking to an accessible entrance. In buildings or facilities with multiple accessible entrances with adjacent parking, accessible parking spaces 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, accessible parking spaces 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 of a parking structure.

2. Accessible parking spaces shall be permitted to be located in different lots if equivalent or greater accessibility is provided in terms of distance from an accessible entrance, user cost, and user convenience.

208.4.2 Residential Facilities. In residential facilities, required accessible spaces shall be dispersed throughout all types of parking provided for the dwelling units required to be accessible by 234.

Advisory 208.4.2
In residential facilities, certain accessible parking spaces may not serve particular accessible dwelling units. These spaces also should be dispersed.

EXCEPTION: Parking spaces for dwelling units required to be accessible shall not be required to be dispersed throughout all types of parking if equivalent or greater accessibility, in terms of distance from an accessible entrance, user cost and user convenience is provided.

209 Passenger Loading Zones

209.1 General. Where passenger loading zones are provided, one passenger loading zone in every continuous 100 linear feet (30 m) maximum of loading zone space shall comply with 503.

209.2 Medical Facilities. A passenger loading zone shall be provided at an accessible entrance to licensed medical and long-term care facilities.

209.3 Valet Parking. Valet parking services shall provide a passenger loading zone.

210 Stairways

210.1 General. Interior and exterior stairs that are part of a means of egress shall comply with 504.

EXCEPTION: 1. In detention and correctional facilities, stairs not located in public use areas shall not be required to comply with the requirements of this section.

2. In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route are not required to comply with 504 except that handrails complying with 505 shall be provided.

211 Drinking Fountains and Water Coolers

211.1 General. Where drinking fountains or water coolers are provided, they shall be provided in accordance with 211.

211.1.1 Single Installation. Only one drinking fountain or water cooler shall not be permitted on a site, on a floor, or within a secured area.

EXCEPTION: Hi-lo drinking fountains or water coolers complying with 602 shall be permitted.

211.1.2 Multiple Installations. Where more than one drinking fountain or water cooler is provided on a site, on a floor, or within a secured area, fifty percent shall comply with 602.1 through 602.6. The remainder of the drinking fountains or water coolers on a site, on a floor, or within a secured area shall comply with 602.7.

EXCEPTION: Where three or more drinking fountains or water coolers are provided fifty percent shall be permitted to be calculated to be fifty percent plus or minus one.

212 Sinks, Kitchens, Kitchenettes, and Wet Bars

212.1 General. Sinks, kitchens, kitchenettes, and wet bars shall comply with 212.1.

212.1.1 Kitchens, Kitchenettes and Wet Bars. Where kitchens, kitchenettes, or wet bars are provided, they shall comply with 804.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. In medical care facilities, this section does not apply to patient or resident sleeping rooms that are not required to be accessible in accordance with 223.2, 223.3, or 223.4.

2. In transient lodging facilities, this section does not apply to guest rooms that are not required to be accessible in accordance with 224.2.

3. In detention and correctional facilities this section does not apply to housing cells not required to be accessible in accordance with 233.2.

4. In residential facilities, this section does not apply to dwelling units that are not required to be accessible.

212.1.2 Sinks. Where sinks are provided, at least 5 percent, but not less than one of each type provided in each accessible room or space shall comply with 606.

EXCEPTION: Mop or service sinks are not required to be accessible.

213 Toilet and Bathing Facilities

213.1 General. Where toilet facilities and bathing facilities are provided, they shall comply with 213. Where toilet facilities and bathing facilities are provided on an inaccessible level, toilet facilities and bathing facilities shall also be provided on an accessible level.

213.2 Toilet and Bathing Rooms. Where toilet rooms are provided, each toilet room shall comply with 603. Where bathing rooms are provided, each bathing room shall comply with 603.

Advisory 213.2
The guidelines allow the use of unisex (or single-user) toilet rooms in alterations when technical infeasibility can be demonstrated. Unisex toilet rooms offer benefits to people who use 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.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. In alterations where it is technically infeasible to comply with 603, altering existing toilet or bathing rooms is not required where a single unisex toilet room or bathing room complying with 213.2.1 is provided and located in the same area and on the same floor as existing inaccessible toilet or bathing rooms.

2. Where exceptions for alterations to qualified historic buildings or facilities are permitted by 202.5, and toilet rooms are provided, not less than one toilet room complying with 603 or a unisex 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, at least 5 percent, but not less than one toilet unit or bathing unit at each cluster shall comply with 603. Accessible units shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.

4. Where multiple single user toilet rooms are clustered at a single location and contain fixtures in excess of the minimum required number of plumbing fixtures for the occupancy, at least 5 percent, but not less than one toilet room for each use at each cluster shall comply with 603. Accessible toilet rooms shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.

5. In medical care facilities, this section does not apply to toilet facilities and bathing facilities that are part of patient or resident sleeping rooms not required to be accessible in accordance with 223.

6. In transient lodging facilities, this section does not apply to toilet facilities and bathing facilities that are part of guest rooms not required to be accessible in accordance with 224.

7. In detention and correctional facilities, this section does not apply to toilet or bathing facilities that do not serve holding cells or housing cells required to be accessible in accordance with 233.

8. In residential facilities, this section does not apply to toilet facilities and bathing facilities that are part of dwelling units that are not required to be accessible.

213.2.1 Unisex Toilet and Bathing Rooms. A unisex toilet room shall comply with 603, shall contain one water closet and one lavatory, and the door shall have a privacy latch. A unisex bathing room shall comply with 603 and shall contain at least one shower or bathtub.

213.2.2 Signs. Where existing toilet or bathing rooms are altered and not made accessible, directional signs indicating the location of the nearest accessible toilet or bathing room within the facility shall be provided. Such signs shall comply with 703.4 and shall include the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7. Where existing toilet or bathing rooms are altered and not made accessible, the accessible toilet or bathing room shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.

213.3 Fixtures and Accessories. Plumbing fixtures and accessories provided in toilet or bathing rooms required to be accessible by 213.2 shall comply with 213.3.

213.3.1 Toilet Compartments. Where toilet compartments are provided, at least one shall be a wheelchair accessible compartment complying with 604.8.1. Where six or more toilet compartments are provided, a non-wheelchair accessible compartment complying with 604.8.2 shall be provided in addition to the compartment complying with 604.8.1. Water closets in such compartments shall comply with 604.

213.3.2 Water Closets. Where water closets are provided, but are not in toilet compartments, at least one shall comply with 604.

213.3.3 Urinals. Where urinals are provided, at least one shall comply with 605.

213.3.4 Lavatories. Where lavatories are provided, at least one shall comply with 606. Where only one accessible lavatory is provided, it shall not be located in a toilet compartment.

213.3.5 Mirrors. Where mirrors are provided, at least one shall comply with 603.3.

213.3.6 Operable Parts and Dispensers. Where operable parts, dispensers, receptacles or other equipment are provided, at least one of each type shall comply with 309.

213.3.7 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.

214 Laundry Equipment

214.1 General. Where washing machines or clothes dryers are provided in spaces required to be accessible, accessible washing machines and clothes dryers complying with 611 shall be provided in accordance with 214.

214.2 Washing Machines. Where three or fewer washing machines are provided, at least one shall be accessible. Where more than three washing machines are provided, at least two shall be accessible.

214.3 Dryers. Where three or fewer clothes dryers are provided, at least one shall be accessible. Where more than three clothes dryers are provided, at least two shall be accessible.

215 Emergency Alarm Systems

215.1 Fire Alarms. Where fire alarm systems are provided in public use or common use areas, the alarm shall provide a system with both audible and visual signals complying with 702. Guest rooms required by 224 to have accessible alarms shall comply with 702.3.6.

Advisory 215.1
Unlike audible alarms, visual alarms must be located within the space they serve so that the signal is visible.

215.2 Other Emergency Alarm Systems. Where emergency warning systems other than for fire are provided in public-use or common-use areas, a system with both audible and visual signals shall be provided.

Advisory 215.2
Facility alarm systems (other than fire alarm systems) that do not instruct occupants to evacuate the facility, such as those used for tornado warnings and other emergencies, must provide both audible and visual notification, but are not held to the technical criteria for alarms in section 702. Such alarms need to be differentiated in their signal from fire alarms systems.

216 Signs

216.1 General. Signs shall be provided in accordance with 216 and shall comply with 703.

EXCEPTION: In detention and correctional facilities, signs not located in public use areas shall not be required to comply.

216.2 Permanent Designations. Where exterior signs are provided as permanent designations of permanent interior rooms and spaces at the door to the space they serve, the signs shall be tactile and shall comply with 703.2. Where interior signs are provided as permanent designations of permanent interior rooms and spaces, the signs shall be tactile and shall comply with 703.2. Where pictograms are provided as permanent designations of permanent interior rooms and spaces, the pictograms shall comply with 703.6 and shall have tactile text descriptors complying with 703.2.

Advisory 216.2
"Permanent designations" label interior rooms or spaces where the designation 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 accessibility designations, are not required to have text descriptors.

EXCEPTION: This requirement shall not apply to signs used to designate building addresses or building or facility names.

216.3 Directional and Informational Signs. Signs that provide direction to or information about permanent interior spaces and facilities of the site shall comply with 703.4.

Advisory 216.3
Information about a permanent room or space includes rules of conduct, occupant load, and similar signs. Signs providing direction to permanent rooms or spaces include those that identify egress routes.

EXCEPTION: Building directories, menus, and temporary signs are not required to comply with 703.4.

216.4 Exit Doors. Exit doors shall be identified by tactile signs complying with 703.2.

217 Telephones

217.1 General. Where coin-operated public pay telephones, coinless public pay telephones, public closed-circuit telephones, or other types of public telephones are provided, accessible public telephones shall be provided in accordance with 217 for each type of public telephone provided. For purposes of this section, a bank of telephones shall be considered two or more adjacent telephones.

217.2 Wheelchair Accessible Telephones. Where public telephones are provided, wheelchair accessible telephones complying with 704.2 shall be provided in accordance with Table 217.2.

217.3 Volume Controls. All wheelchair accessible telephones required by 217.2 and 25 percent, but not less than one, of all other public telephones provided shall have volume control complying with 704.3. Such telephones shall be identified by signs containing pictograms of a telephone handset with radiating sound waves complying with 703.7.

EXCEPTION: Pictograms are not required where all public telephones have volume control.

217.4 TTYs. TTYs complying with 704.4 shall be provided in accordance with 217.4.

Advisory 217.4
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. One TTY can be used to satisfy more than one of these requirements. For example, a TTY required for a building can be used to satisfy the requirement for at least one TTY on a site. Consideration should be given to phone systems that can accommodate both digital and analog transmissions for compatibility with digital and analog TTYs.

217.4.1 Bank Requirement. Where four or more public pay telephones are provided at a bank of telephones, at least one public TTY shall be provided at that bank.

EXCEPTION: TTYs are not required at banks of telephones located within 200 feet (61 m) of, and on the same floor as, a bank containing a public TTY.

217.4.2 Floor Requirement. TTYs in public buildings shall be provided in accordance with 217.4.2.1. TTYs in private buildings shall be provided in accordance with 217.4.2.2.

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.

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.

217.4.3 Building Requirement. TTYs in public buildings shall be provided in accordance with 217.4.3.1. TTYs in private buildings shall be provided in accordance with 217.4.3.2.

217.4.3.1 Public Buildings. 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 building in a public use area.

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.

217.4.4 Site Requirement. Where four or more public pay telephones are provided on a site, at least one public TTY shall be provided on the site.

217.4.5 Rest Stops, Emergency Roadside Stops, and Service Plazas. Where a public pay telephone is provided at a public rest stop, emergency roadside stop or service plaza, at least one public TTY shall be provided.

217.4.6 Hospitals. Where a 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 such location.

217.4.7 Transportation Facilities. Transportation facilities shall be provided with TTYs in accordance with 1003.2.6 and 1004.2, in addition to the TTYs required by 217.4.

217.4.8 Detention and Correctional Facilities. In detention and correctional facilities, where a public pay telephone is provided in a secured area used only by detainees or inmates and security personnel, then at least one TTY shall be provided in at least one such area.

217.4.9 Signs. Identification and directional signs shall be provided in accordance with 217.4.9.

217.4.9.1 Identification Signs. Public TTYs shall be identified by the International Symbol of TTY complying with 703.7.

217.4.9.2 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 703.4 and shall include the International Symbol of TTY complying with 703.7.

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 704.5.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. This requirement does not apply to the secured areas of detention and correctional facilities where shelves and outlets are prohibited for purposes of security or safety.

2. The shelf and electrical outlet shall not be required at a bank of telephones with a TTY.

218 Transportation Facilities

218.1 General. Transportation facilities shall comply with Chapter 10.

219 Assistive Listening Systems

219.1 General. Assistive listening systems shall be provided in accordance with 219 and shall comply with 706.

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: Other than in courtrooms, this requirement shall not apply where there is no audio amplification.

219.3 Receivers. Receivers complying with 706.3 shall be provided for assistive listening systems in accordance with Table 219.3. Twenty five percent minimum of receivers, but not less than two, shall be hearing-aid compatible in accordance with 706.4.

219.4 Signs. Where assistive listening systems are provided, signs shall be provided to inform patrons of the availability of the system. The signs shall be located at ticket offices or windows, where ticket offices or windows are provided. The signs shall comply with 703.4 and shall include the International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss complying with 703.7.

220 Automatic Teller Machines and Fare Machines

220.1 General. Where automatic teller machines or self-service fare vending, collection, or adjustment machines are provided, at least one machine of each type at each location where such machines are provided shall comply with 707. Where bins are provided for envelopes, waste paper, or other purposes, at least one of each type shall comply with 905.

221 Assembly Seating

221.1 General. In a motion picture house, theater, concert hall, stadium, arena, auditorium, convention center, lecture hall, courtroom, legislative chamber, public meeting room, hearing room, or similar assembly area that contains seating, wheelchair spaces, readily removable companion seats, and designated aisle seats shall be provided and shall comply with 221 and 802 in each type of seating area.

221.2 Wheelchair Spaces. Wheelchair spaces shall be provided in all facilities identified in 221.1 and in each luxury box, club box, and suite within these facilities. Wheelchair spaces shall be integrated throughout these seating areas.

221.2.1 Number. Wheelchair spaces shall be provided in accordance with Table 221.2.1.

221.3 Readily Removable Companion Seats. One readily removable companion seat complying with 802.7 shall be provided for each wheelchair space. Each required readily removable companion seat shall provide an additional wheelchair space complying with 802.1, 802.2, 802.3, 802.4, 802.5, and 802.9 when removed.

EXCEPTION: 1. Existing companion seats shall be permitted to be fixed and shall not be required to provide wheelchair spaces.

2. Companion seats shall be permitted to be fixed and shall not be required to provide wheelchair spaces where the seating capacity is 300 or fewer.

221.4 Designated Aisle Seats. Aisle seats complying with 802.8 shall be provided in all assembly areas. Signs notifying patrons of the availability of such seats shall be posted at the ticket office.

EXCEPTION: Designated aisle seats are not required in luxury boxes, club boxes, or suites.

221.4.1 Number. One designated aisle seat complying with 802.8 per 100 seats, or fraction thereof shall be provided.

221.4.2 Location. At least one of each four required designated aisle seats shall be located on an accessible route. All other required designated aisle seats shall be located not more than two rows from an accessible route serving such seats.

221.5 Vertical Access. Where wheelchair spaces or designated aisle seats share a common accessible route that includes vertical access by means of elevators or platform lifts, elevators or platform lifts shall be provided in such number, capacity, and speed as to provide a level of service equivalent to that provided in the same seating area to patrons who can use stairs or other means of vertical access.

222 Dressing, Fitting, and Locker Rooms

222.1 General. Where dressing rooms, fitting rooms, or locker rooms are provided, at least 5 percent, but not less than one, of each type of use in each cluster provided shall comply with 803.

EXCEPTION: In alterations, where it is technically infeasible to provide accessible rooms in accordance with 222.1, one room for each sex on each level shall be accessible. Where only unisex rooms are provided, an accessible unisex room shall be permitted.

223 Medical Care Facility Patient or Resident Sleeping Rooms

223.1 General. In licensed medical and long-term care facilities where people receive physical or medical treatment or care and where the period of stay exceeds twenty-four hours, accessible patient or resident sleeping rooms shall be provided in accordance with 223 and shall comply with 805.

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 accessible sleeping rooms complies with the minimum number required for new construction.

Advisory 223.1.1
In alterations and additions, the minimum required number is based on the total number of sleeping rooms altered or added instead of on the total number of sleeping rooms provided in a facility. As a facility is altered over time, accessible sleeping rooms may be dispersed among patient care areas such as pediatrics, cardiac care, maternity, and other units. In this way, people with disabilities may have access to the full-range of services provided by a medical care facility.

223.2 Hospitals. In general purpose hospitals, psychiatric facilities and detoxification facilities, at least 10 percent, but not less than one, of the patient sleeping rooms shall be accessible.

223.3 Rehabilitation Facilities. In hospitals and rehabilitation facilities that specialize in treating conditions that affect mobility, and in units within hospitals and rehabilitation facilities which specialize in treating conditions that affect mobility, 100 percent of the patient sleeping rooms shall be accessible.

Advisory 223.3
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, but that do not specialize, in the treatment of such conditions, such as general rehabilitation hospitals, are not subject to this requirement but are subject to section 223.2.

223.4 Long Term Care Facilities. In long term care facilities, at least 50 percent, but not less than one, of the resident sleeping rooms shall be accessible.

224 Transient Lodging Guest Rooms

224.1 General. Transient lodging facilities shall provide guest rooms in accordance with 224.

EXCEPTION: This section does not apply to an establishment that is located within a building that contains not more than five rooms for rent or hire and that is actually occupied by the proprietor of such establishment as the residence of such proprietor.

224.1.1 Alterations. Where guest rooms are altered or added, the requirements of 224 shall apply only to the guest rooms being altered or added until the number of accessible guest rooms complies with the minimum number required for new construction.

Advisory 224.1.1
In alterations and additions, the minimum required number of accessible guest rooms is based on the total number of guest rooms altered or added instead of the total number of guest rooms provided in a facility. Typically, each alteration of a facility is limited to a particular portion of the facility. When accessible guest rooms are added as a result of subsequent alterations, compliance with 224.5 is likely to be achieved.

224.1.2 Guest Room Doors and Doorways. Entrance and passage doors and doorways into and within all guest rooms shall provide clear width complying with 404.2.3.

Advisory 224.1.2
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 passage. Other requirements for doors and doorways in section 404 do not apply to guest rooms not required to be wheelchair accessible.

224.2 Accessible Guest Rooms. In transient lodging facilities, accessible guest rooms shall be provided in accordance with Table 224.2 and shall comply with 806.2

224.3 Accessible Beds. In rooms or spaces having four or more beds, the number of beds in the room or space required to have clear floor space complying with 806.2.3 shall comply with Table 224.3.

224.4 Communication Features. In transient lodging facilities, at least fifty percent, but not less than one, of the total number of guest rooms shall have accessible communication features complying with 806.3.

224.5 Dispersion. Fifty percent, but not less than one, of the guest rooms required to comply with 806.2 shall also comply with 806.3. Guest rooms required to comply with 806.2 and guest rooms required to comply with 806.3 shall be dispersed among the various classes of guest rooms and shall provide choices of types of rooms, types of beds, and other amenities comparable to the choices provided to other guests. Where the minimum number of rooms or beds required to be accessible is not sufficient to allow for complete dispersion, rooms or beds shall be dispersed in the following priority: room type, bed type, and amenities.

Advisory 224.5
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, the number of beds, and the number of rooms provided.

225 Self-Service Storage Facilities

225.1 General. Self-service storage facilities shall provide accessible individual, self-storage spaces in accordance with Table 225.1.

225.2 Dispersion. Accessible 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 of required accessible spaces, the number of accessible spaces shall not be required to exceed that required by Table 225.1. Accessible spaces shall be permitted to be dispersed in a single building of a multi-building facility.

226 Dining Surfaces and Work Surfaces

226.1 General. Where dining surfaces and work surfaces, are provided in accessible spaces, at least five percent, but not less than one, of the seating and standing spaces at the dining surfaces and work surfaces in a room or space shall comply with 902.

226.2 Dispersion. Accessible dining surfaces and work surfaces shall be distributed throughout the space or facility containing such elements.

227 Sales and Service Counters

227.1 General. Where sales or service counters are provided, they shall be accessible in accordance with 227.

227.2 Check-Out Aisles. Where check-out aisles are provided, accessible check-out aisles shall be provided in accordance with Table 227.2. Where check-out aisles serve different functions, at least one accessible check-out aisle shall be provided for each function. Where check-out aisles are dispersed throughout the building or facility, accessible check-out aisles also shall be dispersed. Check-out aisles required to be accessible shall comply with 904.3.

EXCEPTION: Where check-out aisles are altered in facilities, at least one of each check-out aisle serving each function shall be made accessible until the number of accessible check-out aisles complies with 227.2.

227.2.1 Identification. Accessible check-out aisles shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7, unless all check-out aisles in the facility are accessible. The sign shall be above the check-out aisle in the same location as the check-out aisle number or type of check-out identification.

227.3 Point of Sales and Service Counters. Where point of sales and service counters are provided for sales or distribution of goods or services, at least one of each type provided shall comply with 904.4. Where such counters are dispersed throughout the building or facility, the accessible counters also shall be dispersed.

Advisory 227.3
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.

227.4 Food Service Lines. Food service lines shall comply with 904.5. Where self-service shelves are provided, at least 50 percent, but not less than one, of each type provided shall comply with 308.

227.5 Queues and Waiting Lines. Queues and waiting lines servicing accessible counters or check-out aisles shall comply with 403.

228 Storage

228.1 General. Where storage elements are provided in accessible spaces, at least one of each type shall comply with 905.

Advisory 228.1
Fixed or built-in storage elements include, but are not limited to, closets, cabinets, shelves, and drawers.

228.2 Lockers. Where lockers are provided in accessible spaces, at least five percent, but not less than one, of each type shall comply with 905.

228.3 Self-Service Shelving. Self-service shelves shall be located on an accessible route complying with 402. Self-service shelving shall not be required to comply with reach range provisions of 308.

Advisory 228.3
Self-service shelves include, but are not limited to, library, store, or post office shelves.

228.4 Coat Hooks and Folding Shelves. Where coat hooks or folding shelves are provided in inaccessible toilet rooms, toilet compartments, or in dressing, fitting or locker rooms, at least one of each type shall be provided in accessible toilet rooms, toilet compartments or dressing, fitting and locker rooms.

229 Depositories, Vending Machines, Change Machines, and Mail Boxes

229.1 Depositories, Vending Machines, and Change Machines. Where provided, at least one of each type of depository, vending machine, and change machine shall comply with 309.

Advisory 229.1
Depositories include, but are not limited to, night receptacles in banks, post offices, video stores, and libraries.

EXCEPTION: Drive-up-only depositories shall not be required to comply with this section.

229.2 Mail Boxes. Where mail boxes are provided in an interior location, at least 5 percent, but not less than one, of each type shall comply with 309. In residential facilities, where mail boxes are provided for each dwelling unit, mail boxes complying with 309 shall be provided for each dwelling unit required to be accessible by 234.1.1.

230 Windows

230.1 Windows. Where glazed openings are provided in accessible rooms or spaces for operation by the occupants, at least one opening shall comply with 309. In accessible rooms or spaces, each glazed opening required by the administrative authority to be operable shall comply with 309.

231 Two-Way Communication Systems

231.1 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 708.

232 Judicial Facilities

232.1 General. Judicial facilities shall comply with 232.

232.2 Courtrooms. Each courtroom shall comply with 232.2.

232.2.1 Raised or Depressed Areas. Where provided, areas that are raised or depressed and accessed by ramps or wheelchair (platform) lifts with entry ramps shall provide unobstructed turning space complying with 304.

232.2.2 Jury Boxes and Witness Stands. Each jury box and witness stand shall have, within its defined area, clear floor space complying with 305.

EXCEPTION: In alterations, accessible wheelchair spaces are not required to be located within the defined area of raised jury boxes or witness stands and shall be permitted to be located outside these spaces where ramp or lift access poses a hazard by restricting or projecting into a means of egress required by the appropriate administrative authority.

232.2.3 Judges' Benches and Courtroom Stations. Judges' benches, clerks' stations, bailiffs' stations, deputy clerks' stations, court reporters' stations and litigants' and counsel stations shall comply with 902.

232.3 Holding Cells. Where provided, central holding cells and court-floor holding cells shall comply with 232.3.

232.3.1 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 807. Where central-holding cells are provided and are not separated by age or sex, at least one cell complying with 807.2 shall be provided.

232.3.2 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 807. 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 807.2. Cells may serve more than one courtroom.

232.4 Visiting Areas. Visiting areas shall comply with 232.4.

232.4.1 Cubicles and Counters. At least five percent, but not less than one, of cubicles shall comply with 902 on both the visitor and detainee sides. Where counters are provided, at least one shall comply with 904.4.2 on both the visitor and detainee sides.

EXCEPTION: This requirement shall not apply to the detainee side of cubicles or counters at non-contact visiting areas not serving accessible holding cells.

232.4.2 Partitions. Solid partitions or security glazing that separate visitors from detainees shall comply with 904.6.

233 Detention and Correctional Facilities

233.1 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 233.

Advisory 233.1
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.

233.2 General Holding Cells and General Housing Cells or Rooms. Accessible general holding cells and accessible general housing cells or rooms shall be provided in accordance with 233.2.

Advisory 233.2
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: Alterations to cells and rooms shall not be required to comply except to the extent determined by the Attorney General.

233.2.1 Accessible Cells or Rooms. At least two percent, but not less than one, of the total number of cells or rooms in a facility shall comply with 807.2.

233.2.2 Accessible Beds. In cells or rooms having four or more beds, the number of beds in the cell or room required to have clear floor space complying with 807.2 shall comply with Table 224.3.

233.2.3 Communication Features. At least two percent, but not less than one, of the total number of general holding cells and general housing cells or rooms equipped with audible emergency alarm systems or permanently installed telephones within the cell or room shall comply with 807.3.

233.2.4 Dispersion. Fifty percent, but not less than one, of the cells or rooms required to comply with 807.2 shall also comply with 807.3.

233.3 Special Holding Cells and Special Housing Cells or Rooms. Where special holding cells or special housing cells or rooms are provided, at least one serving each purpose shall comply with 807.2. Cells or rooms 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.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Cells or rooms specially designed without protrusions and that are used solely for purposes of suicide prevention shall not be required to comply with 604.5.

2. Alterations to cells and rooms shall not be required to comply except to the extent determined by the Attorney General.

233.4 Medical Care Facilities. Patient bedrooms or cells required to be accessible by 223 shall be provided in addition to any medical isolation cells required to be accessible under 233.3.

233.5 Visiting Areas. Visiting areas shall comply with 233.5.

233.5.1 Cubicles and Counters. At least five percent, but not less than one, of cubicles shall comply with 902 on both the visitor and detainee sides. Where counters are provided, at least one shall comply with 904.4.2 on both the visitor and detainee or inmate sides.

EXCEPTION: This requirement shall not apply to the inmate or detainee side of cubicles or counters at non-contact visiting areas not serving accessible holding or housing cells or rooms.

233.5.2 Partitions. Solid partitions or security glazing that separate visitors from detainees shall comply with 904.6.

234 Accessible Residential Facilities

234.1 General. Residential facilities shall provide dwelling units in accordance with 234.

Advisory 234.1
This section outlines the requirements for residential facilities subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The facilities covered by this section, as well as other facilities not addressed or covered by these sections, may still be subject to other Federal laws such as the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3604 et. seq.) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794). For example, the Fair Housing Act requires that all residential buildings having four or more 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). Further information on these laws and the appropriate regulations should be consulted before proceeding with the design and construction of residential housing which may be covered by such laws.

234.1.1 Accessible Dwelling Units. In residential facilities, at least five percent, but not less than one unit, of the total number of dwelling units in a facility shall comply with 1101 and 1102.

EXCEPTION: Where residential facilities contain four or less dwelling units, at least five percent, but not less than one unit, of the total number of dwelling units in the project shall comply with 1101 and 1102.

234.1.2 Accessible Dwelling Units, Alterations. Where dwelling units are altered or added, the requirements of 234 shall apply only to the dwelling units being altered or added until the number of accessible dwelling units complies with the minimum number required for new construction.

234.1.3 Communication Features. In residential facilities, at least two percent, but not less than one unit, of the total number of dwelling units in a facility shall comply with 1101 and 1103.

EXCEPTION: Where residential facilities contain four or less dwelling units, at least two percent, but not less than one unit, of the total number of dwelling units in the project shall comply with 1101 and 1103.

234.1.4 Communication Features, Alterations. Where dwelling units are altered or added, the requirements of 234 shall apply only to the dwelling units being altered or added until the number of dwelling units with accessible communication features complies with the minimum number required for new construction.

234.1.5 Dispersion. Dwelling units required to comply with 1102 and dwelling units required to comply with 1103 shall be dispersed among the various types of dwelling units in the facility and shall provide choices of dwelling units comparable to and integrated with those available to other residents.

EXCEPTION: Single level dwelling units shall be permitted where spaces and amenities are equivalent to those provided in multi-level dwelling units.

1. At least one telephone per floor shall provide a forward approach complying with 704.2.1.2, except for exterior installations where dial tone first service is available.

2. or fraction thereof

3. installed seats plus required wheelchair spaces

Technical Requirements

Contents