1991 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

Department of Justice

28 CFR Part 36Revised as of July 1, 1994

Nondiscrimination on the Basis ofDisability by Public Accommodationsand in Commercial Facilities

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Excerpt from 28 CFR Part 36:

ADA Standards for Accessible Design

The 1991 Standards were in effect for new construction and alterations until March 14, 2012. The Department’s 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design were published September 15, 2010 and became effective on March 15, 2012.

http://www.ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_index.htm




Pt. 36, App. A 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition)

APPENDIX A TO PART 36 -- STANDARDS FOR ACCESSIBLE DESIGN

ADA ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINESFOR BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. PURPOSE ....................................................................................... 1

2. GENERAL ....................................................................................... 1

2.1 Provisions for Adults ............................................................................................. 12.2* Equivalent Facilitation. ....................................................................................... 1

3. MISCELLANEOUS INSTRUCTIONS AND DEFINITIONS..................... 1

3.1 Graphic Conventions ............................................................................................. 13.2 Dimensional Tolerances ........................................................................................ 23.3 Notes ...................................................................................................................... 23.4 General Terminology ............................................................................................. 23.5 Definitions ............................................................................................................. 2

4. ACCESSIBLE ELEMENTS AND SPACES:SCOPE AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS ...................................... 5

4.1 Minimum Requirements ........................................................................................ 5

4.1.1* Application ............................................................................................... 54.1.2 Accessible Sites and Exterior Facilities: New Construction.................... 54.1.3 Accessible Buildings: New Construction .................................................. 74.1.4 (Reserved) ................................................................................................. 104.1.5 Accessible Buildings: Additions ............................................................. 104.1.6 Accessible Buildings: Alterations. .......................................................... 114.1.7 Accessible Buildings: Historic Preservation .......................................... 13

4.2 Space Allowance and Reach Ranges ................................................................... 144.3 Accessible Route ................................................................................................. 154.4 Protruding Objects .............................................................................................. 214.5 Ground and Floor Surfaces ................................................................................. 224.6 Parking and Passenger Loading Zones............................................................... 244.7 Curb Ramps ......................................................................................................... 264.8 Ramps .................................................................................................................. 274.9 Stairs .................................................................................................................... 304.10 Elevators ............................................................................................................ 30

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4.11 Platform Lifts (Wheelchair Lifts) ....................................................................... 364.12 Windows ............................................................................................................. 364.13 Doors .................................................................................................................. 364.14 Entrances ........................................................................................................... 404.15 Drinking Fountains and Water Coolers ............................................................ 404.16 Water Closets ..................................................................................................... 404.17 Toilet Stalls ........................................................................................................ 414.18 Urinals ................................................................................................................ 444.19 Lavatories and Mirrors ...................................................................................... 444.20 Bathtubs............................................................................................................. 454.21 Shower Stalls ..................................................................................................... 454.22 Toilet Rooms ...................................................................................................... 454.23 Bathrooms, Bathing Facilities, and Shower Rooms ......................................... 484.24 Sinks .................................................................................................................. 494.25 Storage ............................................................................................................... 494.26 Handrails, Grab Bars, and Tub and Shower Seats ............................................ 504.27 Controls and Operating Mechanisms ............................................................... 514.28 Alarms ................................................................................................................ 524.29 Detectable Warnings .......................................................................................... 534.30 Signage ............................................................................................................... 534.31 Telephones ......................................................................................................... 544.32 Fixed or Built-in Seating and Tables ................................................................. 564.33 Assembly Areas ................................................................................................. 564.34 Automated Teller Machines............................................................................... 584.35 Dressing and Fitting Rooms.............................................................................. 58

5. RESTAURANTS AND CAFETERIAS ................................................ 59

6. MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES ......................................................... 60

7. BUSINESS AND MERCANTILE....................................................... 61

8. LIBRARIES................................................................................... 62

9. ACCESSIBLE TRANSIENT LODGING ............................................. 63

10.TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES .................................................... 67

APPENDIX ......................................................................................... A1

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1. PURPOSE. 2. GENERAL.

3. MISCELLANEOUSINSTRUCTIONS ANDDEFINITIONS.

3.1 Graphic Conventions. Graphicconventions are shown in Table 1. Dimen-sions that are not marked minimum ormaximum are absolute, unless otherwiseindicated in the text or captions.

This document sets guidelines for accessibil-ity to places of public accommodation andcommercial facilities by individuals withdisabilities. These guidelines are to be appliedduring the design, construction, and alter-ation of such buildings and facilities to theextent required by regulations issued byFederal agencies, including the Department ofJustice, under the Americans with DisabilitiesAct of 1990.

The technical specifications 4.2 through 4.35,of these guidelines are the same as those ofthe American National Standard Institute’sdocument A117.1-1980, except as noted in thistext by italics. However, sections 4.1.1 through4.1.7 and sections 5 through 10 are differentfrom ANSI A117.1 in their entirety and areprinted in standard type.

The illustrations and text of ANSI A117.1 arereproduced with permission from the Ameri-can National Standards Institute. Copies ofthe standard may be purchased from theAmerican National Standards Institute at1430 Broadway, New York, New York 10018.

2.1 Provisions for Adults. The specifica-tions in these guidelines are based upon adultdimensions and anthropometrics.

2.2* Equivalent Facilitation. Departuresfrom particular technical and scoping require-ments of this guideline by the use of otherdesigns and technologies are permitted wherethe alternative designs and technologies usedwill provide substantially equivalent orgreater access to and usability of the facility.

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3.2 Dimensional Tolerances. All dimen-sions are subject to conventional buildingindustry tolerances for field conditions.

3.3 Notes. The text of these guidelines doesnot contain notes or footnotes. Additionalinformation, explanations, and advisorymaterials are located in the Appendix. Para-graphs marked with an asterisk have related,nonmandatory material in the Appendix. Inthe Appendix, the corresponding paragraphnumbers are preceded by an A.

3.4 General Terminology.

comply with. Meet one or more specificationsof these guidelines.

if, if ... then. Denotes a specification thatapplies only when the conditions describedare present.

may. Denotes an option or alternative.

shall. Denotes a mandatory specification orrequirement.

should. Denotes an advisory specification orrecommendation.

3.5 Definitions.

Access Aisle. An accessible pedestrian spacebetween elements, such as parking spaces,seating, and desks, that provides clearancesappropriate for use of the elements.

Accessible. Describes a site, building, facility,or portion thereof that complies with theseguidelines.

Accessible Element. An element specified bythese guidelines (for example, telephone,controls, and the like).

Accessible Route. A continuous unob-structed path connecting all accessibleelements and spaces of a building or facility.Interior accessible routes may include corri-dors, floors, ramps, elevators, lifts, and clearfloor space at fixtures. Exterior accessibleroutes may include parking access aisles,curb ramps, crosswalks at vehicular ways,walks, ramps, and lifts.

3.4 General Terminology

Accessible Space. Space that complies withthese guidelines.

Adaptability. The ability of certain buildingspaces and elements, such as kitchencounters, sinks, and grab bars, to be added oraltered so as to accommodate the needs ofindividuals with or without disabilities or toaccommodate the needs of persons withdifferent types or degrees of disability.

Addition. An expansion, extension, or in-crease in the gross floor area of a building orfacility.

Administrative Authority. A governmentalagency that adopts or enforces regulationsand guidelines for the design, construction, oralteration of buildings and facilities.

Alteration. An alteration is a change to abuilding or facility made by, on behalf of, orfor the use of a public accommodation orcommercial facility, that affects or couldaffect the usability of the building or facilityor part thereof. Alterations include, but arenot limited to, remodeling, renovation, reha-bilitation, reconstruction, historic restoration,changes or rearrangement of the structuralparts or elements, and changes or rearrange-ment in the plan configuration of walls andfull-height partitions. Normal maintenance,reroofing, painting or wallpapering, orchanges to mechanical and electrical sys-tems are not alterations unless they affectthe usability of the building or facility.

Area of Rescue Assistance. An area, whichhas direct access to an exit, where people whoare unable to use stairs may remain tempo-rarily in safety to await further instructions orassistance during emergency evacuation.

Assembly Area. A room or space accommodat-ing a group of individuals for recreational,educational, political, social, or amusementpurposes, or for the consumption of food anddrink.

Automatic Door. A door equipped with apower-operated mechanism and controls thatopen and close the door automatically uponreceipt of a momentary actuating signal. Theswitch that begins the automatic cycle may bea photoelectric device, floor mat, or manualswitch (see power-assisted door).

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Building. Any structure used and intended forsupporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.

Circulation Path. An exterior or interior wayof passage from one place to another forpedestrians, including, but not limited to,walks, hallways, courtyards, stairways, andstair landings.

Clear. Unobstructed.

Clear Floor Space. The minimum unob-structed floor or ground space required toaccommodate a single, stationary wheelchairand occupant.

Closed Circuit Telephone. A telephone withdedicated line(s) such as a house phone,courtesy phone or phone that must be used togain entrance to a facility.

Common Use. Refers to those interior andexterior rooms, spaces, or elements that aremade available for the use of a restricted groupof people (for example, occupants of a home-less shelter, the occupants of an office build-ing, or the guests of such occupants).

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

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

Detectable Warning. A standardized surfacefeature built in or applied to walking surfacesor other elements to warn visually impairedpeople of hazards on a circulation path.

Dwelling Unit. A single unit which provides akitchen or food preparation area, in addition torooms and spaces for living, bathing, sleeping,and the like. Dwelling units include a singlefamily home or a townhouse used as atransient group home; an apartment buildingused as a shelter; guestrooms in a hotel thatprovide sleeping accommodations and foodpreparation areas; and other similar facilitiesused on a transient basis. For purposes ofthese guidelines, use of the term “DwellingUnit” does not imply the unit is used as aresidence.

Egress, Means of. A continuous and unob-structed way of exit travel from any point in abuilding or facility to a public way. A means ofegress comprises vertical and horizontal

travel and may include intervening roomspaces, doorways, hallways, corridors, pas-sageways, balconies, ramps, stairs, enclosures,lobbies, horizontal exits, courts and yards. Anaccessible means of egress is one that com-plies with these guidelines and does not in-clude stairs, steps, or escalators. Areas of res-cue assistance or evacuation elevators may beincluded as part of accessible means of egress.

Element. An architectural or mechanicalcomponent of a building, facility, space, or site,e.g., telephone, curb ramp, door, drinkingfountain, seating, or water closet.

Entrance. Any access point to a building orportion of a building or facility used for thepurpose of entering. An entrance includes theapproach walk, the vertical access leading tothe entrance platform, the entrance platformitself, vestibules if provided, the entry door(s) orgate(s), and the hardware of the entry door(s)or gate(s).

Facility. All or any portion of buildings, struc-tures, site improvements, complexes, equip-ment, roads, walks, passageways, parking lots,or other real or personal property located on asite.

Ground Floor. Any occupiable floor less thanone story above or below grade with directaccess to grade. A building or facility alwayshas at least one ground floor and may havemore than one ground floor as where a splitlevel entrance has been provided or where abuilding is built into a hillside.

Mezzanine or Mezzanine Floor. That portionof a story which is an intermediate floor levelplaced within the story and having occupiablespace above and below its floor.

Marked Crossing. A crosswalk or otheridentified path intended for pedestrian use incrossing a vehicular way.

Multifamily Dwelling. Any building contain-ing more than two dwelling units.

Occupiable. A room or enclosed space de-signed for human occupancy in which indi-viduals congregate for amusement, educa-tional or similar purposes, or in which occu-pants are engaged at labor, and which isequipped with means of egress, light, andventilation.

3.5 Definitions

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Operable Part. A part of a piece of equipmentor appliance used to insert or withdraw objects,or to activate, deactivate, or adjust the equip-ment or appliance (for example, coin slot,pushbutton, handle).

Path of Travel. (Reserved).

Power-assisted Door. A door used for humanpassage with a mechanism that helps to openthe door, or relieves the opening resistance of adoor, upon the activation of a switch or acontinued force applied to the door itself.

Public Use. Describes interior or exteriorrooms or spaces that are made available to thegeneral public. Public use may be provided at abuilding or facility that is privately or publiclyowned.

Ramp. A walking surface which has a runningslope greater than 1:20.

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

Service Entrance. An entrance intendedprimarily for delivery of goods or services.

Signage. Displayed verbal, symbolic, tactile,and pictorial information.

Site. A parcel of land bounded by a propertyline or a designated portion of a publicright-of-way.

Site Improvement. Landscaping, paving forpedestrian and vehicular ways, outdoor light-ing, recreational facilities, and the like, addedto a site.

Sleeping Accommodations. Rooms in whichpeople sleep; for example, dormitory and hotelor motel guest rooms or suites.

Space. A definable area, e.g., room, toiletroom, hall, assembly area, entrance, storageroom, alcove, courtyard, or lobby.

Story. That portion of a building includedbetween the upper surface of a floor and uppersurface of the floor or roof next above. If such

portion of a building does not include occupi-able space, it is not considered a story forpurposes of these guidelines. There may bemore than one floor level within a story as inthe case of a mezzanine or mezzanines.

Structural Frame. The structural frame shallbe considered to be the columns and thegirders, beams, trusses and spandrels havingdirect connections to the columns and allother members which are essential to thestability of the building as a whole.

Tactile. Describes an object that can beperceived using the sense of touch.

Text Telephone. Machinery or equipmentthat employs interactive graphic (i.e., typed)communications through the transmission ofcoded signals across the standard telephonenetwork. Text telephones can include, forexample, devices known as TDD’s (telecommu-nication display devices or telecommunica-tion devices for deaf persons) or computers.

Transient Lodging. A building, facility, orportion thereof, excluding inpatient medicalcare facilities, that contains one or moredwelling units or sleeping accommodations.Transient lodging may include, but is notlimited to, resorts, group homes, hotels,motels, and dormitories.

Vehicular Way. A route intended for vehiculartraffic, such as a street, driveway, or parkinglot.

Walk. An exterior pathway with a preparedsurface intended for pedestrian use, includinggeneral pedestrian areas such as plazas andcourts.

NOTE: Sections 4.1.1 through 4.1.7 aredifferent from ANSI A117.1 in their entirety andare printed in standard type (ANSI A117.1 doesnot include scoping provisions).

3.5 Definitions

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4. ACCESSIBLE ELEMENTSAND SPACES: SCOPE ANDTECHNICALREQUIREMENTS.

4.1 Minimum Requirements

4.1.1* Application.

(1) General. All areas of newly designed ornewly constructed buildings and facilitiesrequired to be accessible by 4.1.2 and 4.1.3 andaltered portions of existing buildings andfacilities required to be accessible by 4.1.6shall comply with these guidelines, 4.1through 4.35, unless otherwise provided inthis section or as modified in a special applica-tion section.

(2) Application Based on Building Use.Special application sections 5 through 10provide additional requirements for restau-rants and cafeterias, medical care facilities,business and mercantile, libraries, accessibletransient lodging, and transportation facilities.When a building or facility contains more thanone use covered by a special applicationsection, each portion shall comply with therequirements for that use.

(3)* Areas Used Only by Employees as WorkAreas. Areas that are used only as work areasshall be designed and constructed so thatindividuals with disabilities can approach,enter, and exit the areas. These guidelines donot require that any areas used only as workareas be constructed to permit maneuveringwithin the work area or be constructed orequipped (i.e., with racks or shelves) to beaccessible.

(4) Temporary Structures. These guidelinescover temporary buildings or facilities as wellas permanent facilities. Temporary buildingsand facilities are not of permanent construc-tion but are extensively used or are essentialfor public use for a period of time. Examples oftemporary buildings or facilities covered bythese guidelines include, but are not limited to:reviewing stands, temporary classrooms,bleacher areas, exhibit areas, temporarybanking facilities, temporary health screeningservices, or temporary safe pedestrian passage-ways around a construction site. Structures,

sites and equipment directly associated withthe actual processes of construction, such asscaffolding, bridging, materials hoists, orconstruction trailers are not included.

(5) General Exceptions.

(a) In new construction, a person or entity isnot required to meet fully the requirements ofthese guidelines where that person or entitycan demonstrate that it is structurally imprac-ticable to do so. Full compliance will be consid-ered structurally impracticable only in thoserare circumstances when the unique charac-teristics of terrain prevent the incorporation ofaccessibility features. If full compliance withthe requirements of these guidelines is struc-turally impracticable, a person or entity shallcomply with the requirements to the extent itis not structurally impracticable. Any portionof the building or facility which can be madeaccessible shall comply to the extent that it isnot structurally impracticable.

(b) Accessibility is not required to (i) obser-vation galleries used primarily for securitypurposes; or (ii) in non-occupiable spacesaccessed only by ladders, catwalks, crawlspaces, very narrow passageways, or freight(non-passenger) elevators, and frequented onlyby service personnel for repair purposes; suchspaces include, but are not limited to, elevatorpits, elevator penthouses, piping or equipmentcatwalks.

4.1.2 Accessible Sites and ExteriorFacilities: New Construction. An accessiblesite shall meet the following minimum require-ments:

(1) At least one accessible route complyingwith 4.3 shall be provided within the boundaryof the site from public transportation stops,accessible parking spaces, passenger loadingzones if provided, and public streets or side-walks, to an accessible building entrance.

(2) At least one accessible route complyingwith 4.3 shall connect accessible buildings,accessible facilities, accessible elements, andaccessible spaces that are on the same site.

(3) All objects that protrude from surfaces orposts into circulation paths shall comply with4.4.

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(4) Ground surfaces along accessible routesand in accessible spaces shall comply with 4.5.

(5) (a) If parking spaces are provided forself-parking by employees or visitors, or both,then accessible spaces complying with 4.6shall be provided in each such parking area inconformance with the table below. Spacesrequired by the table need not be provided inthe particular lot. They may be provided in adifferent location if equivalent or greateraccessibility, in terms of distance from anaccessible entrance, cost and convenience isensured.

RequiredTotal Parking Minimum Number

in Lot of Accessible Spaces

1 to 25 126 to 50 251 to 75 376 to 100 4101 to 150 5151 to 200 6201 to 300 7301 to 400 8401 to 500 9501 to 1000 2 percent of total

1001 and over 20, plus 1 for each100 over 1000

Except as provided in (b), access aisles adja-cent to accessible spaces shall be 60 in (1525mm) wide minimum.

(b) One in every eight accessible spaces, butnot less than one, shall be served by an accessaisle 96 in (2440 mm) wide minimum and shallbe designated “van accessible” as required by4.6.4. The vertical clearance at such spacesshall comply with 4.6.5. All such spaces maybe grouped on one level of a parking structure.

EXCEPTION: Provision of all required parkingspaces in conformance with “Universal Park-ing Design” (see appendix A4.6.3) is permitted.

(c) If passenger loading zones are provided,then at least one passenger loading zone shallcomply with 4.6.6.

(d) At facilities providing medical care andother services for persons with mobilityimpairments, parking spaces complying with4.6 shall be provided in accordance with

4.1.2(5)(a) except as follows:

(i) Outpatient units and facilities: 10percent of the total number of parking spacesprovided serving each such outpatient unit orfacility;

(ii) Units and facilities that specialize intreatment or services for persons with mobil-ity impairments: 20 percent of the total num-ber of parking spaces provided serving eachsuch unit or facility.

(e)* Valet parking: Valet parking facilitiesshall provide a passenger loading zone com-plying with 4.6.6 located on an accessibleroute to the entrance of the facility. Para-graphs 5(a), 5(b), and 5(d) of this section donot apply to valet parking facilities.

(6) If toilet facilities are provided on a site,then each such public or common use toiletfacility shall comply with 4.22. If bathingfacilities are provided on a site, then eachsuch public or common use bathing facilityshall comply with 4.23.

For single user portable toilet or bathing unitsclustered at a single location, at least 5% butno less than one toilet unit or bathing unitcomplying with 4.22 or 4.23 shall be installedat each cluster whenever typical inaccessibleunits are provided.

Accessible units shall be identified by theInternational Symbol of Accessibility.

EXCEPTION: Portable toilet units at construc-tion sites used exclusively by constructionpersonnel are not required to comply with4.1.2(6).

(7) Building Signage. Signs which designatepermanent rooms and spaces shall complywith 4.30.1, 4.30.4, 4.30.5 and 4.30.6. Othersigns which provide direction to, or informa-tion about, functional spaces of the buildingshall comply with 4.30.1, 4.30.2, 4.30.3, and4.30.5. Elements and spaces of accessiblefacilities which shall be identified by theInternational Symbol of Accessibility andwhich shall comply with 4.30.7 are:

(a) Parking spaces designated as reservedfor individuals with disabilities;

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(b) Accessible passenger loading zones;

(c) Accessible entrances when not all areaccessible (inaccessible entrances shall havedirectional signage to indicate the route to thenearest accessible entrance);

(d) Accessible toilet and bathing facilitieswhen not all are accessible.

4.1.3 Accessible Buildings: NewConstruction. Accessible buildings andfacilities shall meet the following minimumrequirements:

(1) At least one accessible route complyingwith 4.3 shall connect accessible building orfacility entrances with all accessible spacesand elements within the building or facility.

(2) All objects that overhang or protrude intocirculation paths shall comply with 4.4.

(3) Ground and floor surfaces along acces-sible routes and in accessible rooms andspaces shall comply with 4.5.

(4) Interior and exterior stairs connectinglevels that are not connected by an elevator,ramp, or other accessible means of verticalaccess shall comply with 4.9.

(5)* One passenger elevator complying with4.10 shall serve each level, including mezza-nines, in all multi-story buildings and facilitiesunless exempted below. If more than oneelevator is provided, each full passengerelevator shall comply with 4.10.

EXCEPTION 1: Elevators are not required infacilities that are less than three stories or thathave less than 3000 square feet per storyunless the building is a shopping center, ashopping mall, or the professional office of ahealth care provider, or another type of facilityas determined by the Attorney General. Theelevator exemption set forth in this paragraphdoes not obviate or limit in any way the obliga-tion to comply with the other accessibilityrequirements established in section 4.1.3. Forexample, floors above or below the accessibleground floor must meet the requirements ofthis section except for elevator service. If toiletor bathing facilities are provided on a level notserved by an elevator, then toilet or bathingfacilities must be provided on the accessible

ground floor. In new construction if a buildingor facility is eligible for this exemption but afull passenger elevator is nonetheless planned,that elevator shall meet the requirements of4.10 and shall serve each level in the building.A full passenger elevator that provides servicefrom a garage to only one level of a building orfacility is not required to serve other levels.

EXCEPTION 2: Elevator pits, elevator pent-houses, mechanical rooms, piping or equip-ment catwalks are exempted from this require-ment.

EXCEPTION 3: Accessible ramps complyingwith 4.8 may be used in lieu of an elevator.

EXCEPTION 4: Platform lifts (wheelchair lifts)complying with 4.11 of this guideline andapplicable state or local codes may be used inlieu of an elevator only under the followingconditions:

(a) To provide an accessible route to aperforming area in an assembly occupancy.(b) To comply with the wheelchair viewingposition line-of-sight and dispersion require-ments of 4.33.3.

(c) To provide access to incidental occupi-able spaces and rooms which are not open tothe general public and which house no morethan five persons, including but not limited toequipment control rooms and projectionbooths.

(d) To provide access where existing siteconstraints or other constraints make use of aramp or an elevator infeasible.

(6) Windows: (Reserved).

(7) Doors:

(a) At each accessible entrance to a buildingor facility, at least one door shall comply with4.13.

(b) Within a building or facility, at least onedoor at each accessible space shall complywith 4.13.

(c) Each door that is an element of anaccessible route shall comply with 4.13.

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(d) Each door required by 4.3.10, Egress,shall comply with 4.13.

(8) In new construction, at a minimum, therequirements in (a) and (b) below shall besatisfied independently:

(a)(i) At least 50% of all public entrances(excluding those in (b) below) must be acces-sible. At least one must be a ground floorentrance. Public entrances are any entrancesthat are not loading or service entrances.

(ii) Accessible entrances must be providedin a number at least equivalent to the numberof exits required by the applicable building/firecodes. (This paragraph does not require anincrease in the total number of entrancesplanned for a facility.)

(iii) An accessible entrance must be pro-vided to each tenancy in a facility (for example,individual stores in a strip shopping center).

One entrance may be considered as meetingmore than one of the requirements in (a).Where feasible, accessible entrances shall bethe entrances used by the majority of peoplevisiting or working in the building.

(b)(i) In addition, if direct access is providedfor pedestrians from an enclosed parkinggarage to the building, at least one directentrance from the garage to the building mustbe accessible.

(ii) If access is provided for pedestriansfrom a pedestrian tunnel or elevated walkway,one entrance to the building from each tunnelor walkway must be accessible.

One entrance may be considered as meetingmore than one of the requirements in (b).

Because entrances also serve as emergencyexits whose proximity to all parts of buildingsand facilities is essential, it is preferable thatall entrances be accessible.

(c) If the only entrance to a building, ortenancy in a facility, is a service entrance, thatentrance shall be accessible.

(d) Entrances which are not accessible shallhave directional signage complying with 4.30.1,

4.30.2, 4.30.3, and 4.30.5, which indicates thelocation of the nearest accessible entrance.

(9)* In buildings or facilities, or portions ofbuildings or facilities, required to be acces-sible, accessible means of egress shall beprovided in the same number as required forexits by local building/life safety regulations.Where a required exit from an occupiable levelabove or below a level of accessible exit dis-charge is not accessible, an area of rescueassistance shall be provided on each such level(in a number equal to that of inaccessiblerequired exits). Areas of rescue assistanceshall comply with 4.3.11. A horizontal exit,meeting the requirements of local building/lifesafety regulations, shall satisfy the require-ment for an area of rescue assistance.

EXCEPTION: Areas of rescue assistance arenot required in buildings or facilities having asupervised automatic sprinkler system.

(10)* Drinking Fountains:

(a) Where only one drinking fountain isprovided on a floor there shall be a drinkingfountain which is accessible to individuals whouse wheelchairs in accordance with 4.15 andone accessible to those who have difficultybending or stooping. (This can be accommo-dated by the use of a “hi-lo” fountain; byproviding one fountain accessible to those whouse wheelchairs and one fountain at a standardheight convenient for those who have difficultybending; by providing a fountain accessibleunder 4.15 and a water cooler; or by such othermeans as would achieve the required accessi-bility for each group on each floor.)

(b) Where more than one drinking fountainor water cooler is provided on a floor, 50% ofthose provided shall comply with 4.15 andshall be on an accessible route.

(11) Toilet Facilities: If toilet rooms areprovided, then each public and common usetoilet room shall comply with 4.22. Other toiletrooms provided for the use of occupants ofspecific spaces (i.e., a private toilet room forthe occupant of a private office) shall be adapt-able. If bathing rooms are provided, then eachpublic and common use bathroom shallcomply with 4.23. Accessible toilet rooms andbathing facilities shall be on an accessibleroute.

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Number of each type Number of telephonesof telephone provided required to comply with

on each floor 4.31.2 through 4.31.81

1 or more single unit 1 per floor

1 bank2 1 per floor

2 or more banks2 1 per bank. Accessibleunit may be installed as asingle unit in proximity(either visible or withsignage) to the bank.At least one public tele-phone per floor shall meetthe requirements for aforward reach telephone3.

1 Additional public telephones may be installedat any height. Unless otherwise specified,accessible telephones may be either forward orside reach telephones.

2 A bank consists of two or more adjacentpublic telephones, often installed as a unit.

3 EXCEPTION: For exterior installations only, ifdial tone first service is available, then a sidereach telephone may be installed instead of therequired forward reach telephone (i.e., onetelephone in proximity to each bank shallcomply with 4.31).

(b)* All telephones required to be accessibleand complying with 4.31.2 through 4.31.8 shallbe equipped with a volume control. In addition,25 percent, but never less than one, of all otherpublic telephones provided shall be equippedwith a volume control and shall be dispersedamong all types of public telephones, includingclosed circuit telephones, throughout thebuilding or facility. Signage complying withapplicable provisions of 4.30.7 shall be pro-vided.

(c) The following shall be provided in accor-dance with 4.31.9:

(i) if a total number of four or more publicpay telephones (including both interior andexterior phones) is provided at a site, and atleast one is in an interior location, then at leastone interior public text telephone shall beprovided.

(ii) if an interior public pay telephone isprovided in a stadium or arena, in a conventioncenter, in a hotel with a convention center, or

(12) Storage, Shelving and Display Units:

(a) If fixed or built-in storage facilities suchas cabinets, shelves, closets, and drawers areprovided in accessible spaces, at least one ofeach type provided shall contain storage spacecomplying with 4.25. Additional storage may beprovided outside of the dimensions required by4.25.

(b) Shelves or display units allowingself-service by customers in mercantile occu-pancies shall be located on an accessible routecomplying with 4.3. Requirements for acces-sible reach range do not apply.

(13) Controls and operating mechanisms inaccessible spaces, along accessible routes, oras parts of accessible elements (for example,light switches and dispenser controls) shallcomply with 4.27.

(14) If emergency warning systems areprovided, then they shall include both audiblealarms and visual alarms complying with 4.28.Sleeping accommodations required to complywith 9.3 shall have an alarm system complyingwith 4.28. Emergency warning systems inmedical care facilities may be modified to suitstandard health care alarm design practice.

(15) Detectable warnings shall be provided atlocations as specified in 4.29.

(16) Building Signage:

(a) Signs which designate permanent roomsand spaces shall comply with 4.30.1, 4.30.4,4.30.5 and 4.30.6.

(b) Other signs which provide direction to orinformation about functional spaces of thebuilding shall comply with 4.30.1, 4.30.2,4.30.3, and 4.30.5.

EXCEPTION: Building directories, menus, andall other signs which are temporary are notrequired to comply.

(17) Public telephones:

(a) If public pay telephones, public closedcircuit telephones, or other public telephonesare provided, then they shall comply with4.31.2 through 4.31.8 to the extent required bythe following table:


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in a covered mall, at least one interior publictext telephone shall be provided in the facility.

(iii) if a public pay telephone is located in oradjacent to a hospital emergency room, hospi-tal recovery room, or hospital waiting room,one public text telephone shall be provided ateach such location.

(d) Where a bank of telephones in theinterior of a building consists of three or morepublic pay telephones, at least one public paytelephone in each such bank shall be equippedwith a shelf and outlet in compliance with4.31.9(2).

(18) If fixed or built-in seating or tables(including, but not limited to, study carrels andstudent laboratory stations), are provided inaccessible public or common use areas, atleast five percent (5%), but not less than one, ofthe fixed or built-in seating areas or tables shallcomply with 4.32. An accessible route shalllead to and through such fixed or built-inseating areas, or tables.

(19)* Assembly areas:

(a) In places of assembly with fixed seatingaccessible wheelchair locations shall complywith 4.33.2, 4.33.3, and 4.33.4 and shall beprovided consistent with the following table:

Capacity of Seating Number of Requiredin Assembly Areas Wheelchair Locations

4 to 25 126 to 50 251 to 300 4301 to 500 6over 500 6, plus 1 additional space

for each total seatingcapacity increase of 100

In addition, one percent, but not less than one,of all fixed seats shall be aisle seats with noarmrests on the aisle side, or removable orfolding armrests on the aisle side. Each suchseat shall be identified by a sign or marker.Signage notifying patrons of the availability ofsuch seats shall be posted at the ticket office.Aisle seats are not required to comply with4.33.4.

(b) This paragraph applies to assembly areaswhere audible communications are integral tothe use of the space (e.g., concert and lecturehalls, playhouses and movietheaters, meetingrooms, etc.). Such assembly areas, if (1) theyaccommodate at least 50 persons, or if theyhave audio-amplification systems, and (2) theyhave fixed seating, shall have a permanentlyinstalled assistive listening system complyingwith 4.33. For other assembly areas, a perma-nently installed assistive listening system, oran adequate number of electrical outlets orother supplementary wiring necessary tosupport a portable assistive listening systemshall be provided. The minimumnumber of receivers to be provided shall beequal to 4 percent of the total number of seats,but in no case less than two. Signage comply-ing with applicable provisions of 4.30 shall beinstalled to notify patrons of the availability of alistening system.

(20) Where automated teller machines (ATMs)are provided, each ATM shall comply with therequirements of 4.34 except where two or moreare provided at a location, then only one mustcomply.

EXCEPTION: Drive-up-only automated tellermachines are not required to comply with4.27.2, 4.27.3 and 4.34.3.

(21) Where dressing and fitting rooms areprovided for use by the general public, patients,customers or employees, 5 percent, but neverless than one, of dressing rooms for each typeof use in each cluster of dressing rooms shallbe accessible and shall comply with 4.35.

Examples of types of dressing rooms are thoseserving different genders or distinct anddifferent functions as in different treatment orexamination facilities.

4.1.4 (Reserved).

4.1.5 Accessible Buildings: Additions.Each addition to an existing building or facilityshall be regarded as an alteration. Each spaceor element added to the existing building orfacility shall comply with the applicable provi-sions of 4.1.1 to 4.1.3, Minimum Requirements(for New Construction) and the applicabletechnical specifications of 4.2 through 4.35 andsections 5 through 10. Each addition that


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affects or could affect the usability of an areacontaining a primary function shall complywith 4.1.6(2).

4.1.6 Accessible Buildings: Alterations.

(1) General. Alterations to existing buildingsand facilities shall comply with the following:

(a) No alteration shall be undertaken whichdecreases or has the effect of decreasingaccessibility or usability of a building or facilitybelow the requirements for new construction atthe time of alteration.

(b) If existing elements, spaces, or commonareas are altered, then each such alteredelement, space, feature, or area shall complywith the applicable provisions of 4.1.1 to 4.1.3Minimum Requirements (for New Construc-tion). If the applicable provision for new con-struction requires that an element, space, orcommon area be on an accessible route, thealtered element, space, or common area is notrequired to be on an accessible route except asprovided in 4.1.6(2) (Alterations to an AreaContaining a Primary Function.)

(c) If alterations of single elements, whenconsidered together, amount to an alteration ofa room or space in a building or facility, theentire space shall be made accessible.

(d) No alteration of an existing element,space, or area of a building or facility shallimpose a requirement for greater accessibilitythan that which would be required for newconstruction. For example, if the elevators andstairs in a building are being altered and theelevators are, in turn, being made accessible,then no accessibility modifications are requiredto the stairs connecting levels connected by theelevator. If stair modifications to correct unsafeconditions are required by other codes, themodifications shall be done in compliance withthese guidelines unless technically infeasible.

(e) At least one interior public text telephonecomplying with 4.31.9 shall be provided if:

(i) alterations to existing buildings orfacilities with less than four exterior or interiorpublic pay telephones would increase the totalnumber to four or more telephones with atleast one in an interior location; or

(ii) alterations to one or more exterior orinterior public pay telephones occur in anexisting building or facility with four or morepublic telephones with at least one in aninterior location.

(f) If an escalator or stair is planned orinstalled where none existed previously andmajor structural modifications are necessaryfor such installation, then a means of acces-sible vertical access shall be provided thatcomplies with the applicable provisions of 4.7,4.8, 4.10, or 4.11.

(g) In alterations, the requirements of4.1.3(9), 4.3.10 and 4.3.11 do not apply.

(h)* Entrances: If a planned alteration entailsalterations to an entrance, and the building hasan accessible entrance, the entrance beingaltered is not required to comply with 4.1.3(8),except to the extent required by 4.1.6(2). If aparticular entrance is not made accessible,appropriate accessible signage indicating thelocation of the nearest accessible entrance(s)shall be installed at or near the inaccessibleentrance, such that a person with disabilitieswill not be required to retrace the approachroute from the inaccessible entrance.

(i) If the alteration work is limited solely tothe electrical, mechanical, or plumbing system,or to hazardous material abatement, or auto-matic sprinkler retrofitting, and does notinvolve the alteration of any elements or spacesrequired to be accessible under these guide-lines, then 4.1.6(2) does not apply.

(j) EXCEPTION: In alteration work, if compli-ance with 4.1.6 is technically infeasible, thealteration shall provide accessibility to themaximum extent feasible. Any elements orfeatures of the building or facility that are beingaltered and can be made accessible shall bemade accessible within the scope of the alter-ation.

Technically Infeasible. Means, with respect toan alteration of a building or a facility, that ithas little likelihood of being accomplishedbecause existing structural conditions wouldrequire removing or altering a load-bearingmember which is an essential part of thestructural frame; or because other existingphysical or site constraints prohibitmodification or addition of elements, spaces, or

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features which are in full and strict compliancewith the minimum requirements for newconstruction and which are necessary toprovide accessibility.

(k) EXCEPTION:

(i) These guidelines do not require theinstallation of an elevator in an altered facilitythat is less than three stories or has less than3,000 square feet per story unless the buildingis a shopping center, a shopping mall, theprofessional office of a health care provider, oranother type of facility as determined by theAttorney General.

(ii) The exemption provided in paragraph (i)does not obviate or limit in any way the obliga-tion to comply with the other accessibilityrequirements established in these guidelines.For example, alterations to floors above orbelow the ground floor must be accessibleregardless of whether the altered facility has anelevator. If a facility subject to the elevatorexemption set forth in paragraph (i) nonethe-less has a full passenger elevator, that elevatorshall meet, to the maximum extent feasible, theaccessibility requirements of these guidelines.

(2) Alterations to an Area Containing aPrimary Function: In addition to the require-ments of 4.1.6(1), an alteration that affects orcould affect the usability of or access to an areacontaining a primary function shall be made soas to ensure that, to the maximum extentfeasible, the path of travel to the altered areaand the restrooms, telephones, and drinkingfountains serving the altered area, are readilyaccessible to and usable by individuals withdisabilities, unless such alterations are dispro-portionate to the overall alterations in terms ofcost and scope (as determined under criteriaestablished by the Attorney General).

(3) Special Technical Provisions for Alter-ations to Existing Buildings and Facilities:

(a) Ramps: Curb ramps and interior orexterior ramps to be constructed on sites or inexisting buildings or facilities where spacelimitations prohibit the use of a 1:12 slope orless may have slopes and rises as follows:

(i) A slope between 1:10 and 1:12 is allowedfor a maximum rise of 6 inches.

(ii) A slope between 1:8 and 1:10 is allowedfor a maximum rise of 3 inches. A slope steeperthan 1:8 is not allowed.

(b) Stairs: Full extension of handrails atstairs shall not be required in alterations wheresuch extensions would be hazardous orimpossible due to plan configuration.

(c) Elevators:

(i) If safety door edges are provided inexisting automatic elevators, automatic doorreopening devices may be omitted (see 4.10.6).

(ii) Where existing shaft configuration ortechnical infeasibility prohibits strict compli-ance with 4.10.9, the minimum car plan dimen-sions may be reduced by the minimum amountnecessary, but in no case shall the inside cararea be smaller than 48 in by 48 in.

(iii) Equivalent facilitation may be providedwith an elevator car of different dimensionswhen usability can be demonstrated and whenall other elements required to be accessiblecomply with the applicable provisions of 4.10.For example, an elevator of 47 in by 69 in (1195mm by 1755 mm) with a door opening on thenarrow dimension, could accommodate thestandard wheelchair clearances shown inFigure 4.

(d) Doors:

(i) Where it is technically infeasible tocomply with clear opening width requirementsof 4.13.5, a projection of 5/8 in maximum willbe permitted for the latch side stop.

(ii) If existing thresholds are 3/4 in high orless, and have (or are modified to have) abeveled edge on each side, they may remain.

(e) Toilet Rooms:

(i) Where it is technically infeasible tocomply with 4.22 or 4.23, the installation of atleast one unisex toilet/bathroom per floor,located in the same area as existing toiletfacilities, will be permitted in lieu of modifyingexisting toilet facilities to be accessible. Eachunisex toilet room shall contain one watercloset complying with 4.16 and one lavatorycomplying with 4.19, and the door shall have aprivacy latch.

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(ii) Where it is technically infeasible toinstall a required standard stall (Fig. 30(a)), orwhere other codes prohibit reduction of thefixture count (i.e., removal of a water closet inorder to create a double-wide stall), eitheralternate stall (Fig.30(b)) may be provided in lieuof the standard stall.

(iii) When existing toilet or bathing facilitiesare being altered and are not made accessible,signage complying with 4.30.1, 4.30.2, 4.30.3,4.30.5, and 4.30.7 shall be provided indicatingthe location of the nearest accessible toilet orbathing facility within the facility.

(f) Assembly Areas:

(i) Where it is technically infeasible todisperse accessible seating throughout analtered assembly area, accessible seating areasmay be clustered. Each accessible seating areashall have provisions for companion seatingand shall be located on an accessible route thatalso serves as a means of emergency egress.

(ii) Where it is technically infeasible to alterall performing areas to be on an accessibleroute, at least one of each type of performingarea shall be made accessible.

(g) Platform Lifts (Wheelchair Lifts): Inalterations, platform lifts (wheelchair lifts)complying with 4.11 and applicable state orlocal codes may be used as part of an acces-sible route. The use of lifts is not limited to thefour conditions in exception 4 of 4.1.3(5)

(h) Dressing Rooms: In alterations wheretechnical infeasibility can be demonstrated, onedressing room for each sex on each level shallbe made accessible. Where only unisex dress-ing rooms are provided, accessible unisexdressing rooms may be used to fulfill thisrequirement.

4.1.7 Accessible Buildings: HistoricPreservation.

(1) Applicability:

(a) General Rule. Alterations to a qualifiedhistoric building or facility shall comply with4.1.6 Accessible Buildings: Alterations, theapplicable technical specifications of 4.2

through 4.35 and the applicable special applica-tion sections 5 through 10 unless it is deter-mined in accordance with the procedures in4.1.7(2) that compliance with the requirementsfor accessible routes (exterior and interior),ramps, entrances, or toilets would threaten ordestroy the historic significance of the buildingor facility in which case the alternative require-ments in 4.1.7(3) may be used for the feature.

EXCEPTION: (Reserved).

(b) Definition. A qualified historic building orfacility is a building or facility that is:

(i) Listed in or eligible for listing in theNational Register of Historic Places; or

(ii) Designated as historic under an appro-priate State or local law.

(2) Procedures:

(a) Alterations to Qualified Historic Buildingsand Facilities Subject to Section 106 of theNational Historic Preservation Act:

(i) Section 106 Process. Section 106 of theNational Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C.470 f) requires that a Federal agency withjurisdiction over a Federal, federally assisted, orfederally licensed undertaking consider theeffects of the agency’s undertaking on buildingsand facilities listed in or eligible for listing inthe National Register of Historic Places and givethe Advisory Council on Historic Preservation areasonable opportunity to comment on theundertaking prior to approval of the undertak-ing.

(ii) ADA Application. Where alterations areundertaken to a qualified historic building orfacility that is subject to section 106 of theNational Historic Preservation Act, the Federalagency with jurisdiction over the undertakingshall follow the section 106 process. If the StateHistoric Preservation Officer or AdvisoryCouncil on Historic Preservation agrees thatcompliance with the requirements for acces-sible routes (exterior and interior), ramps,entrances, or toilets would threaten or destroythe historic significance of the building orfacility, the alternative requirements in 4.1.7(3)may be used for the feature.

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(b) Alterations to Qualified Historic Build-ings and Facilities Not Subject to Section 106of the National Historic Preservation Act.Where alterations are undertaken to a qualifiedhistoric building or facility that is not subjectto section 106 of the National Historic Preser-vation Act, if the entity undertaking the alter-ations believes that compliance with therequirements for accessible routes (exteriorand interior), ramps, entrances, or toiletswould threaten or destroy the historic signifi-cance of the building or facility and that thealternative requirements in 4.1.7(3) should beused for the feature, the entity should consultwith the State Historic Preservation Officer. Ifthe State Historic Preservation Officer agreesthat compliance with the accessibility require-ments for accessible routes (exterior andinterior), ramps, entrances or toilets wouldthreaten or destroy the historical significanceof the building or facility, the alternative re-quirements in 4.1.7(3) may be used.

(c) Consultation With Interested Persons.Interested persons should be invited to partici-pate in the consultation process, includingState or local accessibility officials, individualswith disabilities, and organizations represent-ing individuals with disabilities.

(d) Certified Local Government HistoricPreservation Programs. Where the State His-toric Preservation Officer has delegated theconsultation responsibility for purposes of thissection to a local government historic preserva-tion program that has been certified in accor-dance with section 101(c) of the NationalHistoric Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C.470a (c)) and implementing regulations (36 CFR61.5), the responsibility may be carried out bythe appropriate local government body orofficial.

(3) Historic Preservation: Minimum Require-ments:

(a) At least one accessible route complyingwith 4.3 from a site access point to an acces-sible entrance shall be provided.

EXCEPTION: A ramp with a slope no greaterthan 1:6 for a run not to exceed 2 ft (610 mm)may be used as part of an accessible route toan entrance.

(b) At least one accessible entrance comply-ing with 4.14 which is used by the public shallbe provided.

EXCEPTION: If it is determined that no en-trance used by the public can comply with4.14, then access at any entrance not used bythe general public but open (unlocked) withdirectional signage at the primary entrancemay be used. The accessible entrance shallalso have a notification system. Where securityis a problem, remote monitoring may be used.

(c) If toilets are provided, then at least onetoilet facility complying with 4.22 and 4.1.6shall be provided along an accessible route thatcomplies with 4.3. Such toilet facility may beunisex in design.

(d) Accessible routes from an accessibleentrance to all publicly used spaces on at leastthe level of the accessible entrance shall beprovided. Access shall be provided to all levelsof a building or facility in compliance with 4.1whenever practical.

(e) Displays and written information, docu-ments, etc., should be located where they canbe seen by a seated person. Exhibits andsignage displayed horizontally (e.g., openbooks), should be no higher than 44 in (1120mm) above the floor surface.

NOTE: The technical provisions of sections 4.2through 4.35 are the same as those of theAmerican National Standard Institute’s docu-ment A117.1-1980, except as noted in the text.

4.2 Space Allowance and ReachRanges.

4.2.1* Wheelchair Passage Width. Theminimum clear width for single wheelchairpassage shall be 32 in (815 mm) at a point and36 in (915 mm) continuously (see Fig. 1 and24(e)).

4.2.2 Width for Wheelchair Passing. Theminimum width for two wheelchairs to pass is60 in (1525 mm) (see Fig. 2).

4.2.3* Wheelchair Turning Space. The spacerequired for a wheelchair to make a 180-degreeturn is a clear space of 60 in (1525 mm)

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diameter (see Fig. 3(a)) or a T-shaped space (seeFig. 3(b)).

4.2.4* Clear Floor or Ground Spacefor Wheelchairs.

4.2.4.1 Size and Approach. The minimumclear floor or ground space required to accom-modate a single, stationary wheelchair andoccupant is 30 in by 48 in (760 mm by 1220mm) (see Fig. 4(a)). The minimum clear floor orground space for wheelchairs may be posi-tioned for forward or parallel approach to anobject (see Fig. 4(b) and (c)). Clear floor orground space for wheelchairs may be part of theknee space required under some objects.

4.2.4.2 Relationship of Maneuvering Clear-ance to Wheelchair Spaces. One fullunobstructed side of the clear floor or groundspace for a wheelchair shall adjoin or overlapan accessible route or adjoin another wheel-chair clear floor space. If a clear floor space islocated in an alcove or otherwise confined onall or part of three sides, additional maneuver-ing clearances shall be provided as shown inFig. 4(d) and (e).

4.2.4.3 Surfaces for Wheelchair Spaces.Clear floor or ground spaces for wheelchairsshall comply with 4.5.

4.2.5* Forward Reach. If the clear floor spaceonly allows forward approach to an object, themaximum high forward reach allowed shall be48 in (1220 mm) (see Fig. 5(a)). The minimumlow forward reach is 15 in (380 mm). If the highforward reach is over an obstruction, reach andclearances shall be as shown in Fig. 5(b).

4.2.6* Side Reach. If the clear floor spaceallows parallel approach by a person in awheelchair, the maximum high side reachallowed shall be 54 in (1370 mm) and the lowside reach shall be no less than 9 in (230 mm)above the floor (Fig. 6(a) and (b)). If the sidereach is over an obstruction, the reach andclearances shall be as shown in Fig 6(c).

4.3 Accessible Route.

4.3.1* General. All walks, halls, corridors,aisles, skywalks, tunnels, and other spaces

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that are part of an accessible route shallcomply with 4.3.

4.3.2 Location.

(1) At least one accessible route within theboundary of the site shall be provided frompublic transportation stops, accessible parking,and accessible passenger loading zones, andpublic streets or sidewalks to the accessiblebuilding entrance they serve. The accessibleroute shall, to the maximum extent feasible,coincide with the route for the general public.

(2) At least one accessible route shall connectaccessible buildings, facilities, elements, andspaces that are on the same site.

(3) At least one accessible route shall connectaccessible building or facility entrances with allaccessible spaces and elements and with allaccessible dwelling units within the building orfacility.

(4) An accessible route shall connect at leastone accessible entrance of each accessible

dwelling unit with those exterior and interiorspaces and facilities that serve the accessibledwelling unit.

4.3.3 Width. The minimum clear width of anaccessible route shall be 36 in (915 mm) exceptat doors (see 4.13.5 and 4.13.6). If a person in awheelchair must make a turn around anobstruction, the minimum clear width of theaccessible route shall be as shown in Fig. 7(a)and (b).

4.3.4 Passing Space. If an accessible routehas less than 60 in (1525 mm) clear width,then passing spaces at least 60 in by 60 in(1525 mm by 1525 mm) shall be located atreasonable intervals not to exceed 200 ft (61m). A T-intersection of two corridors or walksis an acceptable passing place.

4.3.5 Head Room. Accessible routes shallcomply with 4.4.2.

4.3.6 Surface Textures. The surface of anaccessible route shall comply with 4.5.

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4.3.7 Slope. An accessible route with arunning slope greater than 1:20 is a ramp andshall comply with 4.8. Nowhere shall the crossslope of an accessible route exceed 1:50.

4.3.8 Changes in Levels. Changes in levelsalong an accessible route shall comply with4.5.2. If an accessible route has changes inlevel greater than 1/2 in (13 mm), then a curb

ramp, ramp, elevator, or platform lift (as permit-ted in 4.1.3 and 4.1.6) shall be provided thatcomplies with 4.7, 4.8, 4.10, or 4.11, respec-tively. An accessible route does not includestairs, steps, or escalators. See definition of“egress, means of” in 3.5.

4.3.9 Doors. Doors along an accessible routeshall comply with 4.13.

4.3.7 Slope

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4.3.10* Egress. Accessible routes serving anyaccessible space or element shall also serve asa means of egress for emergencies or connectto an accessible area of rescue assistance.

4.3.11 Areas of Rescue Assistance.

4.3.11.1 Location and Construction. Anarea of rescue assistance shall be one of thefollowing:

(1) A portion of a stairway landing within asmokeproof enclosure (complying with localrequirements).

(2) A portion of an exterior exit balconylocated immediately adjacent to an exitstairway when the balcony complies withlocal requirements for exterior exit balconies.Openings to the interior of the building lo-cated within 20 feet (6 m) of the area of rescue

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assistance shall be protected with fire assem-blies having a three-fourths hour fireprotection rating.

(3) A portion of a one-hour fire-resistive cor-ridor (complying with local requirements forfire-resistive construction and for openings)located immediately adjacent to an exitenclosure.

(4) A vestibule located immediately adjacentto an exit enclosure and constructed to thesame fire-resistive standards as required forcorridors and openings.

(5) A portion of a stairway landing within anexit enclosure which is vented to the exteriorand is separated from the interior of the build-ing with not less than one-hour fire-resistivedoors.

(6) When approved by the appropriate localauthority, an area or a room which is sepa-rated from other portions of the building by asmoke barrier. Smoke barriers shall have afire-resis-tive rating of not less than one hourand shall completely enclose the area or room.Doors in the smoke barrier shall be tight-fittingsmoke- and draft-control assemblies having afire-protection rating of not less than 20 min-utes and shall be self-closing or automaticclosing. The area or room shall be providedwith an exit directly to an exit enclosure. Wherethe room or area exits into an exit enclosurewhich is required to be of more than one-hourfire-resistive construction, the room or areashall have the same fire-resistive construction,including the same opening protection, asrequired for the adjacent exit enclosure.

(7) An elevator lobby when elevator shaftsand adjacent lobbies are pressurized as re-quired for smokeproof enclosures by local reg-ulations and when complying with require-ments herein for size, communication, andsignage. Such pressurization system shall beactivated by smoke detectors on each floor lo-cated in a manner approved by the appropriatelocal authority. Pressurization equipment andits duct work within the building shall be sep-arated from other portions of the building by aminimum two-hour fire-resistive construction.

4.3.11.2 Size. Each area of rescue assistanceshall provide at least two accessible areaseach being not less than 30 inches by 48inches (760 mm by 1220 mm). The area of

rescue assistance shall not encroach on anyrequired exit width. The total number of such30-inch by 48-inch (760 mm by 1220 mm)areas per story shall be not less than one forevery 200 persons of calculated occupant loadserved by the area of rescue assistance.

EXCEPTION: The appropriate local authoritymay reduce the minimum number of 30-inchby 48-inch (760 mm by 1220 mm) areas to onefor each area of rescue assistance on floorswhere the occupant load is less than 200.

4.3.11.3* Stairway Width. Each stairwayadjacent to an area of rescue assistance shallhave a minimum clear width of 48 inchesbetween handrails.

4.3.11.4* Two-way Communication. Amethod of two-way communication, with bothvisible and audible signals, shall be providedbetween each area of rescue assistance andthe primary entry. The fire department orappropriate local authority may approve alocation other than the primary entry.

4.3.11.5 Identification. Each area of rescueassistance shall be identified by a sign whichstates “AREA OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE” anddisplays the international symbol of accessi-bility. The sign shall be illuminated when exitsign illumination is required. Signage shallalso be installed at all inaccessible exits andwhere otherwise necessary to clearly indicatethe direction to areas of rescue assistance. Ineach area of rescue assistance, instructionson the use of the area under emergencyconditions shall be posted adjoining thetwo-way communication system.

4.4 Protruding Objects.

4.4.1* General. Objects projecting from walls(for example, telephones) with their leadingedges between 27 in and 80 in (685 mm and2030 mm) above the finished floor shall pro-trude no more than 4 in (100 mm) into walks,halls, corridors, passageways, or aisles (see Fig.8(a)). Objects mounted with their leading edgesat or below 27 in (685 mm) above the finishedfloor may protrude any amount (see Fig. 8(a)and (b)). Free-standing objects mounted onposts or pylons may overhang 12 in (305 mm)maximum from 27 in to 80 in (685 mm to 2030mm) above the ground or finished floor (see Fig.

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8(c) and (d)). Protruding objects shall notreduce the clear width of an accessible route ormaneuvering space (see Fig. 8(e)).

4.4.2 Head Room. Walks, halls, corridors,passageways, aisles, or other circulationspaces shall have 80 in (2030 mm) minimumclear head room (see Fig. 8(a)). If verticalclearance of an area adjoining an accessibleroute is reduced to less than 80 in (nominaldimension), a barrier to warn blind orvisually-impaired persons shall be provided(see Fig. 8(c-1)).

4.5 Ground and Floor Surfaces.

4.5.1* General. Ground and floor surfacesalong accessible routes and in accessiblerooms and spaces including floors, walks,ramps, stairs, and curb ramps, shall be stable,firm, slip-resistant, and shall comply with 4.5.

4.5.2 Changes in Level. Changes in level upto 1/4 in (6 mm) may be vertical and withoutedge treatment (see Fig. 7(c) ). Changes in levelbetween 1/4 in and 1/2 in (6 mm and 13 mm)


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shall be beveled with a slope no greater than1:2 (see Fig. 7(d) ). Changes in level greaterthan 1/2 in (13 mm) shall be accomplished bymeans of a ramp that complies with 4.7 or 4.8.

4.5.3* Carpet. If carpet or carpet tile is usedon a ground or floor surface, then it shall besecurely attached; have a firm cushion, pad, orbacking, or no cushion or pad; and have a levelloop, textured loop, level cut pile, or level cut/uncut pile texture. The maximum pile thick-ness shall be 1/2 in (13 mm) (see Fig. 8(f)).Exposed edges of carpet shall be fastened tofloor surfaces and have trim along the entirelength of the exposed edge. Carpet edge trimshall comply with 4.5.2.

4.5.4 Gratings. If gratings are located inwalking surfaces, then they shall have spacesno greater than 1/2 in (13 mm) wide in onedirection (see Fig. 8(g)). If gratings have elon-gated openings, then they shall be placed sothat the long dimension is perpendicular to thedominant direction of travel (see Fig. 8(h)).

4.6 Parking and Passenger LoadingZones.

4.6.1 Minimum Number. Parking spacesrequired to be accessible by 4.1 shall complywith 4.6.2 through 4.6.5. Passenger loadingzones required to be accessible by 4.1 shallcomply with 4.6.5 and 4.6.6.

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4.6.2 Location. Accessible parking spacesserving a particular building shall be located onthe shortest accessible route of travel fromadjacent parking to an accessible entrance. Inparking facilities that do not serve a particularbuilding, accessible parking shall be locatedon the shortest accessible route of travel to anaccessible pedestrian entrance of the parkingfacility. In buildings with multiple accessibleentrances with adjacent parking, accessibleparking spaces shall be dispersed and locatedclosest to the accessible entrances.

4.6.3* Parking Spaces. Accessible parkingspaces shall be at least 96 in (2440 mm) wide.Parking access aisles shall be part of an acces-sible route to the building or facility entranceand shall comply with 4.3. Two accessibleparking spaces may share a common accessaisle (see Fig. 9). Parked vehicle overhangsshall not reduce the clear width of an acces-sible route. Parking spaces and access aislesshall be level with surface slopes not exceed-ing 1:50 (2%) in all directions.

4.6.4* Signage. Accessible parking spacesshall be designated as reserved by a signshowing the symbol of accessibility (see4.30.7). Spaces complying with 4.1.2(5)(b) shallhave an additional sign “Van-Accessible”mounted below the symbol of accessibility.Such signs shall be located so they cannot beobscured by a vehicle parked in the space.

4.6.5* Vertical Clearance. Provide minimumvertical clearance of 114 in (2895 mm) ataccessible passenger loading zones and alongat least one vehicle access route to such areasfrom site entrance(s) and exit(s). At parkingspaces complying with 4.1.2(5)(b), provideminimum vertical clearance of 98 in (2490mm) at the parking space and along at leastone vehicle access route to such spaces fromsite entrance(s) and exit(s).

4.6.6 Passenger Loading Zones. Passengerloading zones shall provide an access aisle atleast 60 in (1525 mm) wide and 20 ft (240in)(6100 mm) long adjacent and parallel to thevehicle pull-up space (see Fig. 10). If there arecurbs between the access aisle and the vehiclepull-up space, then a curb ramp complying with4.7 shall be provided. Vehicle standing spacesand access aisles shall be level with surface

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slopes not exceeding 1:50 (2%) in all directions.

4.7 Curb Ramps.

4.7.1 Location. Curb ramps complying with4.7 shall be provided wherever an accessibleroute crosses a curb.

4.7.2 Slope. Slopes of curb ramps shallcomply with 4.8.2. The slope shall be measuredas shown in Fig. 11. Transitions from ramps towalks, gutters, or streets shall be flush andfree of abrupt changes. Maximum slopes ofadjoining gutters, road surface immediatelyadjacent to the curb ramp, or accessible routeshall not exceed 1:20.

4.7.3 Width. The minimum width of a curbramp shall be 36 in (915 mm), exclusive offlared sides.

4.7.4 Surface. Surfaces of curb ramps shallcomply with 4.5.

4.7.5 Sides of Curb Ramps. If a curb ramp islocated where pedestrians must walk acrossthe ramp, or where it is not protected byhandrails or guardrails, it shall have flaredsides; the maximum slope of the flare shall be1:10 (see Fig. 12(a)). Curb ramps with returned

curbs may be used where pedestrians wouldnot normally walk across the ramp (see Fig.12(b)).

4.7.6 Built-up Curb Ramps. Built-up curbramps shall be located so that they do notproject into vehicular traffic lanes (see Fig. 13).

4.7.7 Detectable Warnings. A curb ramp shallhave a detectable warning complying with4.29.2. The detectable warning shall extend thefull width and depth of the curb ramp.

4.7.8 Obstructions. Curb ramps shall belocated or protected to prevent their obstructionby parked vehicles.

4.7.9 Location at Marked Crossings. Curbramps at marked crossings shall be whollycontained within the markings, excluding anyflared sides (see Fig. 15).

4.7.10 Diagonal Curb Ramps. If diagonal (orcorner type) curb ramps have returned curbs orother well-defined edges, such edges shall beparallel to the direction of pedestrian flow. Thebottom of diagonal curb ramps shall have 48 in(1220 mm) minimum clear space as shown inFig. 15(c) and (d). If diagonal curb ramps areprovided at marked crossings, the 48 in (1220mm) clear space shall be within the markings(see Fig. 15(c) and (d)). If diagonal curb rampshave flared sides, they shall also have at least a24 in (610 mm) long segment of straight curblocated on each side of the curb ramp andwithin the marked crossing (see Fig. 15(c)).

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4.7.11 Islands. Any raised islands in cross-ings shall be cut through level with the street orhave curb ramps at both sides and a level areaat least 48 in (1220 mm) long between the curbramps in the part of the island intersected bythe crossings (see Fig. 15(a) and (b)).

4.8 Ramps.

4.8.1* General. Any part of an accessible routewith a slope greater than 1:20 shall be consid-ered a ramp and shall comply with 4.8.

4.8.2* Slope and Rise. The least possibleslope shall be used for any ramp. The maximumslope of a ramp in new construction shall be1:12. The maximum rise for any run shall be 30in (760 mm) (see Fig. 16). Curb ramps and

ramps to be constructed on existing sites or inexisting buildings or facilities may have slopesand rises as allowed in 4.1.6(3)(a) if spacelimitations prohibit the use of a 1:12 slope orless.

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4.8.3 Clear Width. The minimum clear widthof a ramp shall be 36 in (915 mm).

4.8.4* Landings. Ramps shall have levellandings at bottom and top of each ramp andeach ramp run. Landings shall have the follow-ing features:

(1) The landing shall be at least as wide as theramp run leading to it.

(2) The landing length shall be a minimum of60 in (1525 mm) clear.

(3) If ramps change direction at landings, theminimum landing size shall be 60 in by 60 in(1525 mm by 1525 mm).

(4) If a doorway is located at a landing, then thearea in front of the doorway shall comply with4.13.6.

4.8.5* Handrails. If a ramp run has a risegreater than 6 in (150 mm) or a horizontalprojection greater than 72 in (1830 mm), then itshall have handrails on both sides. Handrailsare not required on curb ramps or adjacent toseating in assembly areas. Handrails shallcomply with 4.26 and shall have the followingfeatures:

(1) Handrails shall be provided along bothsides of ramp segments. The inside handrail onswitchback or dogleg ramps shall always becontinuous.

(2) If handrails are not continuous, they shallextend at least 12 in (305 mm) beyond the topand bottom of the ramp segment and shall beparallel with the floor or ground surface (seeFig. 17).

(3) The clear space between the handrail andthe wall shall be 1 - 1/2 in (38 mm).

(4) Gripping surfaces shall be continuous.

(5) Top of handrail gripping surfaces shall bemounted between 34 in and 38 in (865 mm and965 mm) above ramp surfaces.

(6) Ends of handrails shall be either roundedor returned smoothly to floor, wall, or post.

(7) Handrails shall not rotate within theirfittings.

4.8.6 Cross Slope and Surfaces. The crossslope of ramp surfaces shall be no greater than1:50. Ramp surfaces shall comply with 4.5.

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4.8.7 Edge Protection. Ramps and landingswith drop-offs shall have curbs, walls, railings,or projecting surfaces that prevent people fromslipping off the ramp. Curbs shall be a mini-mum of 2 in (50 mm) high (see Fig. 17).

4.8.8 Outdoor Conditions. Outdoor rampsand their approaches shall be designed so thatwater will not accumulate on walking surfaces.

4.9 Stairs.

4.9.1* Minimum Number. Stairs required tobe accessible by 4.1 shall comply with 4.9.

4.9.2 Treads and Risers. On any given flight ofstairs, all steps shall have uniform riser heightsand uniform tread widths. Stair treads shall beno less than 11 in (280 mm) wide, measuredfrom riser to riser (see Fig. 18(a)). Open risersare not permitted.

4.9.3 Nosings. The undersides of nosings shallnot be abrupt. The radius of curvature at theleading edge of the tread shall be no greaterthan 1/2 in (13 mm). Risers shall be sloped orthe underside of the nosing shall have an anglenot less than 60 degrees from the horizontal.Nosings shall project no more than 1-1/2 in (38mm) (see Fig. 18).

4.9.4 Handrails. Stairways shall have hand-rails at both sides of all stairs. Handrails shallcomply with 4.26 and shall have the followingfeatures:

(1) Handrails shall be continuous along bothsides of stairs. The inside handrail onswitchback or dogleg stairs shall always becontinuous (see Fig. 19(a) and (b)).

(2) If handrails are not continuous, they shallextend at least 12 in (305 mm) beyond the topriser and at least 12 in (305 mm) plus the widthof one tread beyond the bottom riser. At the top,the extension shall be parallel with the floor orground surface. At the bottom, the handrailshall continue to slope for a distance of thewidth of one tread from the bottom riser; theremainder of the extension shall be horizontal(see Fig. 19(c) and (d)). Handrail extensionsshall comply with 4.4.

(3) The clear space between handrails andwall shall be 1-1/2 in (38 mm).

(4) Gripping surfaces shall be uninterruptedby newel posts, other construction elements, orobstructions.

(5) Top of handrail gripping surface shall bemounted between 34 in and 38 in (865 mm and965 mm) above stair nosings.

(6) Ends of handrails shall be either roundedor returned smoothly to floor, wall or post.

(7) Handrails shall not rotate within theirfittings.

4.9.5 Detectable Warnings at Stairs.(Reserved).

4.9.6 Outdoor Conditions. Outdoor stairs andtheir approaches shall be designed so thatwater will not accumulate on walking surfaces.

4.10 Elevators.

4.10.1 General. Accessible elevators shall beon an accessible route and shall comply with4.10 and with the ASME A17.1-1990, SafetyCode for Elevators and Escalators. Freightelevators shall not be considered as meetingthe requirements of this section unless theonly elevators provided are used as combina-tion passenger and freight elevators for thepublic and employees.

4.10.2 Automatic Operation. Elevator opera-tion shall be automatic. Each car shall beequipped with a self-leveling feature that willautomatically bring the car to floor landingswithin a tolerance of 1/2 in (13 mm) under ratedloading to zero loading conditions. Thisself-leveling feature shall be automatic andindependent of the operating device and shallcorrect the overtravel or undertravel.

4.10.3 Hall Call Buttons. Call buttons inelevator lobbies and halls shall be centered at42 in (1065 mm) above the floor. Such callbuttons shall have visual signals to indicatewhen each call is registered and when each callis answered. Call buttons shall be a minimumof 3/4 in (19 mm) in the smallest dimension.The button designating the up direction shallbe on top. (See Fig. 20.) Buttons shall be raisedor flush. Objects mounted beneath hall callbuttons shall not project into the elevatorlobby more than 4 in (100 mm).

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4.10.4 Hall Lanterns. A visible and audiblesignal shall be provided at each hoistwayentrance to indicate which car is answering acall. Audible signals shall sound once for the updirection and twice for the down direction orshall have verbal annunciators that say “up” or“down.” Visible signals shall have the followingfeatures:

(1) Hall lantern fixtures shall be mounted sothat their centerline is at least 72 in (1830 mm)above the lobby floor. (See Fig. 20.)

(2) Visual elements shall be at least 2-1/2 in(64 mm) in the smallest dimension.

(3) Signals shall be visible from the vicinity ofthe hall call button (see Fig. 20). In-car lanternslocated in cars, visible from the vicinity of hallcall buttons, and conforming to the aboverequirements, shall be acceptable.

4.10.5 Raised and Braille Characters onHoistway Entrances. All elevator hoistwayentrances shall have raised and Braille floordesignations provided on both jambs. Thecenterline of the characters shall be 60 in (1525mm) above finish floor. Such characters shallbe 2 in (50 mm) high and shall comply with4.30.4. Permanently applied plates are accept-able if they are permanently fixed to the jambs.(See Fig. 20).

4.10.6* Door Protective and ReopeningDevice. Elevator doors shall open and closeautomatically. They shall be provided with areopening device that will stop and reopen a cardoor and hoistway door automatically if thedoor becomes obstructed by an object orperson. The device shall be capable of complet-ing these operations without requiring contactfor an obstruction passing through the openingat heights of 5 in and 29 in (125 mm and 735mm) above finish floor (see Fig. 20). Doorreopening devices shall remain effective for atleast 20 seconds. After such an interval, doorsmay close in accordance with the requirementsof ASME A17.1-1990.

4.10.7* Door and Signal Timing for HallCalls. The minimum acceptable time fromnotification that a car is answering a call untilthe doors of that car start to closeshall be calculated from the following equation:

T = D/(1.5 ft/s) or T = D/(445 mm/s)

where T total time in seconds and D distance(in feet or millimeters) from a point in the lobbyor corridor 60 in (1525 mm) directly in front ofthe farthest call button controlling that car tothe centerline of its hoistway door (see Fig. 21).For cars with in-car lanterns, T begins when thelantern is visible from the vicinity of hall callbuttons and an audible signal is sounded. Theminimum acceptable notification time shall be5 seconds.

4.10.8 Door Delay for Car Calls. The mini-mum time for elevator doors to remain fullyopen in response to a car call shall be 3 sec-onds.

4.10.9 Floor Plan of Elevator Cars. The floorarea of elevator cars shall provide space forwheelchair users to enter the car, maneuver

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within reach of controls, and exit from the car.Acceptable door opening and inside dimensionsshall be as shown in Fig. 22. The clearancebetween the car platform sill and the edge ofany hoistway landing shall be no greater than1-1/4 in (32 mm).

4.10.10 Floor Surfaces. Floor surfaces shallcomply with 4.5.

4.10.11 Illumination Levels. The level ofillumination at the car controls, platform, andcar threshold and landing sill shall be at least 5footcandles (53.8 lux).

4.10.12* Car Controls. Elevator controlpanels shall have the following features:

(1) Buttons. All control buttons shall be atleast 3/4 in (19 mm) in their smallest dimen-sion. They shall be raised or flush.

(2) Tactile, Braille, and Visual Control Indica-tors. All control buttons shall be designated byBraille and by raised standard alphabet charac-ters for letters, arabic characters for numerals,or standard symbols as shown in Fig. 23(a), andas required in ASME A17.1-1990. Raised andBraille characters and symbols shall complywith 4.30. The call button for the main entryfloor shall be designated by a raised star at theleft of the floor designation (see Fig. 23(a)). Allraised designations for control buttons shall beplaced immediately to the left of the button towhich they apply. Applied plates, permanently

attached, are an acceptable means to provideraised control designations. Floor buttonsshall be provided with visual indicators toshow when each call is registered. The visualindicators shall be extinguished when eachcall is answered.

(3) Height. All floor buttons shall be nohigher than 54 in (1370 mm) above the finishfloor for side approach and 48 in (1220 mm)for front approach. Emergency controls,including the emergency alarm and emergencystop, shall be grouped at the bottom of thepanel and shall have their centerlines no lessthan 35 in (890 mm) above the finish floor (seeFig. 23(a) and (b)).

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(4) Location. Controls shall be located on afront wall if cars have center opening doors,and at the side wall or at the front wall next tothe door if cars have side opening doors (seeFig. 23(c) and (d)).

4.10.13* Car Position Indicators. Inelevator cars, a visual car position indicatorshall be provided above the car control panelor over the door to show the position of theelevator in the hoistway. As the car passes orstops at a floor served by the elevators, thecorresponding numerals shall illuminate,

and an audible signal shall sound. Numeralsshall be a minimum of 1/2 in (13 mm) high.The audible signal shall be no less than 20decibels with a frequency no higher than 1500Hz. An automatic verbal announcement of thefloor number at which a car stops or which acar passes may be substituted for the audiblesignal.

4.10.14* Emergency Communications.If provided, emergency two-way communica-tion systems between the elevator and a pointoutside the hoistway shall comply with ASME

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A17.1-1990. The highest operable part of atwo-way communication system shall be amaximum of 48 in (1220 mm) from the floor ofthe car. It shall be identified by a raised symboland lettering complying with 4.30 and locatedadjacent to the device. If the system uses ahandset then the length of the cord from thepanel to the handset shall be at least 29 in (735mm). If the system is located in a closedcompartment the compartment door hardwareshall conform to 4.27, Controls and OperatingMechanisms. The emergency intercommunica-tion system shall not require voice communi-cation.

4.11 Platform Lifts (WheelchairLifts).

4.11.1 Location. Platform lifts (wheelchairlifts) permitted by 4.1 shall comply with therequirements of 4.11.

4.11.2* Other Requirements. If platform lifts(wheelchair lifts) are used, they shall complywith 4.2.4, 4.5, 4.27, and ASME A17.1 SafetyCode for Elevators and Escalators, SectionXX, 1990.

4.11.3 Entrance. If platform lifts are usedthen they shall facilitate unassisted entry,operation, and exit from the lift in compliancewith 4.11.2.

4.12 Windows.

4.12.1* General. (Reserved).

4.12.2* Window Hardware. (Reserved).

4.13 Doors.

4.13.1 General. Doors required to be acces-sible by 4.1 shall comply with the require-ments of 4.13.

4.13.2 Revolving Doors and Turnstiles.Revolving doors or turnstiles shall not be theonly means of passage at an accessible en-trance or along an accessible route. An acces-sible gate or door shall be provided adjacentto the turnstile or revolving door and shall beso designed as to facilitate the same usepattern.

4.13.3 Gates. Gates, including ticket gates,shall meet all applicable specifications of 4.13.

4.13.4 Double-Leaf Doorways. If doorwayshave two independently operated door leaves,then at least one leaf shall meet the specifica-tions in 4.13.5 and 4.13.6. That leaf shall be anactive leaf.

4.13.5 Clear Width. Doorways shall have aminimum clear opening of 32 in (815 mm) withthe door open 90 degrees, measured betweenthe face of the door and the opposite stop (seeFig. 24(a), (b), (c), and (d)). Openings more than24 in (610 mm) in depth shall comply with4.2.1 and 4.3.3 (see Fig. 24(e)).

EXCEPTION: Doors not requiring full userpassage, such as shallow closets, may havethe clear opening reduced to 20 in (510 mm)minimum.

4.13.6 Maneuvering Clearances at Doors.Minimum maneuvering clearances at doorsthat are not automatic or power-assisted shallbe as shown in Fig. 25. The floor or groundarea within the required clearances shall belevel and clear.

EXCEPTION: Entry doors to acute care hospi-tal bedrooms for in-patients shall be exemptedfrom the requirement for space at the latchside of the door (see dimension “x” in Fig. 25) ifthe door is at least 44 in (1120 mm) wide.

4.13.7 Two Doors in Series. The minimumspace between two hinged or pivoted doors inseries shall be 48 in (1220 mm) plus the widthof any door swinging into the space. Doors inseries shall swing either in the same directionor away from the space between the doors (seeFig. 26).

4.13.8* Thresholds at Doorways. Thresholdsat doorways shall not exceed 3/4 in (19 mm) inheight for exterior sliding doors or 1/2 in (13mm) for other types of doors. Raised thresh-olds and floor level changes at accessibledoorways shall be beveled with a slope nogreater than 1:2 (see 4.5.2).

4.13.9* Door Hardware. Handles, pulls,latches, locks, and other operating devices onaccessible doors shall have a shape that is

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easy to grasp with one hand and does notrequire tight grasping, tight pinching, ortwisting of the wrist to operate. Lever-operatedmechanisms, push-type mechanisms, andU-shaped handles are acceptable designs.When sliding doors are fully open, operatinghardware shall be exposed and usable fromboth sides. Hardware required for accessibledoor passage shall be mounted no higherthan 48 in (1220 mm) above finished floor.

4.13.10* Door Closers. If a door has a closer,then the sweep period of the closer shall beadjusted so that from an open position of 70degrees, the door will take at least 3 secondsto move to a point 3 in (75 mm) from the latch,measured to the leading edge of the door.

4.13.11* Door Opening Force. The maximumforce for pushing or pulling open a door shallbe as follows:

(1) Fire doors shall have the minimumopening force allowable by the appropriateadministrative authority.

(2) Other doors.

(a) exterior hinged doors: (Reserved).

(b) interior hinged doors: 5 lbf (22.2N)

(c) sliding or folding doors: 5 lbf (22.2N)

These forces do not apply to the force requiredto retract latch bolts or disengage other devicesthat may hold the door in a closed position.

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4.13.12* Automatic Doors and Power-Assisted Doors. If an automatic door is used,then it shall comply with ANSI/BHMAA156.10-1985. Slowly opening, low-powered,automatic doors shall comply with ANSIA156.19-1984. Such doors shall not open toback check faster than 3 seconds and shallrequire no more than 15 lbf (66.6N) to stopdoor movement. If a power-assisted door isused, its door-opening force shall comply with4.13.11 and its closing shall conform to therequirements in ANSI A156.19-1984.

4.14 Entrances.

4.14.1 Minimum Number. Entrances re-quired to be accessible by 4.1 shall be part ofan accessible route complying with 4.3. Suchentrances shall be connected by an accessibleroute to public transportation stops, to acces-sible parking and passenger loading zones,and to public streets or sidewalks if available(see 4.3.2(1)). They shall also be connected byan accessible route to all accessible spaces orelements within the building or facility.

4.14.2 Service Entrances. A service entranceshall not be the sole accessible entranceunless it is the only entrance to a building orfacility (for example, in a factory or garage).

4.15 Drinking Fountains and WaterCoolers.

4.15.1 Minimum Number. Drinking foun-tains or water coolers required to be accessibleby 4.1 shall comply with 4.15.

4.15.2* Spout Height. Spouts shall be nohigher than 36 in (915 mm), measured fromthe floor or ground surfaces to the spout outlet(see Fig. 27(a)).

4.15.3 Spout Location. The spouts ofdrinking fountains and water coolers shall beat the front of the unit and shall direct thewater flow in a trajectory that is parallel ornearly parallel to the front of the unit. Thespout shall provide a flow of water at least 4 in(100 mm) high so as to allow the insertion of acup or glass under the flow of water. On anaccessible drinking fountain with a round or

oval bowl, the spout must be positioned so theflow of water is within 3 in (75 mm) of the frontedge of the fountain.

4.15.4 Controls. Controls shall comply with4.27.4. Unit controls shall be front mounted orside mounted near the front edge.

4.15.5 Clearances.

(1) Wall- and post-mounted cantilevered unitsshall have a clear knee space between thebottom of the apron and the floor or ground atleast 27 in (685 mm) high, 30 in (760 mm) wide,and 17 in to 19 in (430 mm to 485 mm) deep(see Fig. 27(a) and (b)). Such units shall alsohave a minimum clear floor space 30 in by 48in (760 mm by 1220 mm) to allow a person in awheelchair to approach the unit facing forward.

(2) Free-standing or built-in units not havinga clear space under them shall have a clearfloor space at least 30 in by 48 in (760 mm by1220 mm) that allows a person in a wheelchairto make a parallel approach to the unit (see Fig.27(c) and (d)). This clear floor space shallcomply with 4.2.4.

4.16 Water Closets.

4.16.1 General. Accessible water closets shallcomply with 4.16.

4.16.2 Clear Floor Space. Clear floor spacefor water closets not in stalls shall comply withFig. 28. Clear floor space may be arranged toallow either a left-handed or right-handedapproach.

4.16.3* Height. The height of water closetsshall be 17 in to 19 in (430 mm to 485 mm),measured to the top of the toilet seat (see Fig.29(b)). Seats shall not be sprung to return to alifted position.

4.16.4* Grab Bars. Grab bars for waterclosets not located in stalls shall comply with4.26 and Fig. 29. The grab bar behind the watercloset shall be 36 in (915 mm) minimum.

4.16.5* Flush Controls. Flush controls shallbe hand operated or automatic and shallcomply with 4.27.4. Controls for flush valves

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shall be mounted on the wide side of toiletareas no more than 44 in (1120 mm) above thefloor.

4.16.6 Dispensers. Toilet paper dispensersshall be installed within reach, as shown inFig. 29(b). Dispensers that control delivery, orthat do not permit continuous paper flow,shall not be used.

4.17 Toilet Stalls.

4.17.1 Location. Accessible toilet stalls shallbe on an accessible route and shall meet therequirements of 4.17.

4.17.2 Water Closets. Water closets inaccessible stalls shall comply with 4.16.

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4.17.3* Size and Arrangement. The size andarrangement of the standard toilet stall shallcomply with Fig. 30(a), Standard Stall. Stan-dard toilet stalls with a minimum depth of 56in (1420 mm) (see Fig. 30(a)) shall havewall-mounted water closets. If the depth of astandard toilet stall is increased at least 3 in(75 mm), then a floor-mounted water closetmay be used. Arrangements shown for stan-dard toilet stalls may be reversed to alloweither a left- or right-hand approach. Additionalstalls shall be provided in conformance with4.22.4.

EXCEPTION: In instances of alteration workwhere provision of a standard stall (Fig. 30(a))

is technically infeasible or where plumbingcode requirements prevent combining existingstalls to provide space, either alternate stall(Fig. 30(b)) may be provided in lieu of thestandard stall.

4.17.4 Toe Clearances. In standard stalls, thefront partition and at least one side partitionshall provide a toe clearance of at least 9 in(230 mm) above the floor. If the depth of thestall is greater than 60 in (1525 mm), then thetoe clearance is not required.

4.17.5* Doors. Toilet stall doors, includingdoor hardware, shall comply with 4.13. If toiletstall approach is from the latch side of the stalldoor, clearance between the door side of the

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stall and any obstruction may be reduced to aminimum of 42 in (1065 mm) (Fig. 30).

4.17.6 Grab Bars. Grab bars complying withthe length and positioning shown in Fig. 30(a),(b), (c), and (d) shall be provided. Grab bars maybe mounted with any desired method as long asthey have a gripping surface at the locationsshown and do not obstruct the required clearfloor area. Grab bars shall comply with 4.26.

4.18 Urinals.

4.18.1 General. Accessible urinals shallcomply with 4.18.

4.18.2 Height. Urinals shall be stall-type orwall-hung with an elongated rim at a maximumof 17 in (430 mm) above the finish floor.

4.18.3 Clear Floor Space. A clear floor space30 in by 48 in (760 mm by 1220 mm) shall beprovided in front of urinals to allow forwardapproach. This clear space shall adjoin oroverlap an accessible route and shall complywith 4.2.4. Urinal shields that do not extendbeyond the front edge of the urinal rim may beprovided with 29 in (735 mm) clearance be-tween them.

4.18.4 Flush Controls. Flush controls shall behand operated or automatic, and shall complywith 4.27.4, and shall be mounted no more than44 in (1120 mm) above the finish floor.

4.19 Lavatories and Mirrors.

4.19.1 General. The requirements of 4.19 shallapply to lavatory fixtures, vanities, and built-inlavatories.

4.19.2 Height and Clearances. Lavatoriesshall be mounted with the rim or countersurface no higher than 34 in (865 mm) abovethe finish floor. Provide a clearance of at least29 in (735 mm) above the finish floor to thebottom of the apron. Knee and toe clearanceshall comply with Fig. 31.

4.19.3 Clear Floor Space. A clear floor space30 in by 48 in (760 mm by 1220 mm) complyingwith 4.2.4 shall be provided in front of a lavatoryto allow forward approach. Such clear floor

space shall adjoin or overlap an accessibleroute and shall extend a maximum of 19 in(485 mm) underneath the lavatory (see Fig. 32).

4.19.4 Exposed Pipes and Surfaces. Hotwater and drain pipes under lavatories shall beinsulated or otherwise configured to protectagainst contact. There shall be no sharp orabrasive surfaces under lavatories.

4.19.5 Faucets. Faucets shall comply with4.27.4. Lever-operated, push-type, and elec-tronically controlled mechanisms are ex-amples of acceptable designs. If self-closing

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valves are used the faucet shall remain openfor at least 10 seconds.

4.19.6* Mirrors. Mirrors shall be mountedwith the bottom edge of the reflecting surfaceno higher than 40 in (1015 mm) above thefinish floor (see Fig. 31).

4.20 Bathtubs.

4.20.1 General. Accessible bathtubs shallcomply with 4.20.

4.20.2 Floor Space. Clear floor space in frontof bathtubs shall be as shown in Fig. 33.

4.20.3 Seat. An in-tub seat or a seat at thehead end of the tub shall be provided as shownin Fig. 33 and 34. The structural strength ofseats and their attachments shall comply with4.26.3. Seats shall be mounted securely andshall not slip during use.

4.20.4 Grab Bars. Grab bars complying with4.26 shall be provided as shown in Fig. 33 and34.

4.20.5 Controls. Faucets and other controlscomplying with 4.27.4 shall be located asshown in Fig. 34.

4.20.6 Shower Unit. A shower spray unitwith a hose at least 60 in (1525 mm) long thatcan be used both as a fixed shower head andas a hand-held shower shall be provided.

4.20.7 Bathtub Enclosures. If provided,enclosures for bathtubs shall not obstructcontrols or transfer from wheelchairs ontobathtub seats or into tubs. Enclosures onbathtubs shall not have tracks mounted ontheir rims.

4.21 Shower Stalls.

4.21.1* General. Accessible shower stallsshall comply with 4.21.

4.21.2 Size and Clearances. Except asspecified in 9.1.2, shower stall size and clearfloor space shall comply with Fig. 35(a) or (b).The shower stall in Fig. 35(a) shall be 36 in by36 in (915 mm by 915 mm). Shower stallsrequired by 9.1.2 shall comply with Fig. 57(a)

or (b). The shower stall in Fig. 35(b) will fit intothe space required for a bathtub.

4.21.3 Seat. A seat shall be provided inshower stalls 36 in by 36 in (915 mm by 915mm) and shall be as shown in Fig. 36. The seatshall be mounted 17 in to 19 in (430 mm to485 mm) from the bathroom floor and shallextend the full depth of the stall. In a 36 in by36 in (915 mm by 915 mm) shower stall, theseat shall be on the wall opposite the controls.Where a fixed seat is provided in a 30 in by 60in minimum (760 mm by 1525 mm) showerstall, it shall be a folding type and shall bemounted on the wall adjacent to the controlsas shown in Fig. 57. The structural strength ofseats and their attachments shall comply with4.26.3.

4.21.4 Grab Bars. Grab bars complying with4.26 shall be provided as shown in Fig. 37.

4.21.5 Controls. Faucets and other controlscomplying with 4.27.4 shall be located asshown in Fig. 37. In shower stalls 36 in by 36in (915 mm by 915 mm), all controls, faucets,and the shower unit shall be mounted on theside wall opposite the seat.

4.21.6 Shower Unit. A shower spray unitwith a hose at least 60 in (1525 mm) long thatcan be used both as a fixed shower head andas a hand-held shower shall be provided.

EXCEPTION: In unmonitored facilities wherevandalism is a consideration, a fixed showerhead mounted at 48 in (1220 mm) above theshower floor may be used in lieu of ahand-held shower head.

4.21.7 Curbs. If provided, curbs in showerstalls 36 in by 36 in (915 mm by 915 mm) shallbe no higher than 1/2 in (13 mm). Showerstalls that are 30 in by 60 in (760 mm by 1525mm) minimum shall not have curbs.

4.21.8 Shower Enclosures. If provided,enclosures for shower stalls shall not obstructcontrols or obstruct transfer from wheelchairsonto shower seats.

4.22 Toilet Rooms.

4.22.1 Minimum Number. Toilet facilitiesrequired to be accessible by 4.1 shall comply

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with 4.22. Accessible toilet rooms shall be onan accessible route.

4.22.2 Doors. All doors to accessible toiletrooms shall comply with 4.13. Doors shall notswing into the clear floor space required forany fixture.

4.22.3* Clear Floor Space. The accessiblefixtures and controls required in 4.22.4, 4.22.5,4.22.6, and 4.22.7 shall be on an accessibleroute. An unobstructed turning space comply-ing with 4.2.3 shall be provided within anaccessible toilet room. The clear floor space atfixtures and controls, the accessible route, andthe turning space may overlap.

4.22.4 Water Closets. If toilet stalls areprovided, then at least one shall be a standard

toilet stall complying with 4.17; where 6 ormore stalls are provided, in addition to thestall complying with 4.17.3, at least one stall36 in (915 mm) wide with an outward swing-ing, self-closing door and parallel grab barscomplying with Fig. 30(d) and 4.26 shall beprovided. Water closets in such stalls shallcomply with 4.16. If water closets are not installs, then at least one shall comply with4.16.

4.22.5 Urinals. If urinals are provided, thenat least one shall comply with 4.18.

4.22.6 Lavatories and Mirrors. If lavatoriesand mirrors are provided, then at least one ofeach shall comply with 4.19.

4.22.7 Controls and Dispensers.If controls, dispensers, receptacles, or other

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equipment are provided, then at least one ofeach shall be on an accessible route and shallcomply with 4.27.

4.23 Bathrooms, Bathing Facilities,and Shower Rooms.

4.23.1 Minimum Number. Bathrooms,bathing facilities, or shower rooms required tobe accessible by 4.1 shall comply with 4.23and shall be on an accessible route.

4.23.2 Doors. Doors to accessible bathroomsshall comply with 4.13. Doors shall not swinginto the floor space required for any fixture.

4.23.3* Clear Floor Space. The accessiblefixtures and controls required in 4.23.4, 4.23.5,4.23.6, 4.23.7, 4.23.8, and 4.23.9 shall be on anaccessible route. An unobstructed turning

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space complying with 4.2.3 shall be providedwithin an accessible bathroom. The clear floorspaces at fixtures and controls, the accessibleroute, and the turning space may overlap.

4.23.4 Water Closets. If toilet stalls areprovided, then at least one shall be a standardtoilet stall complying with 4.17; where 6 ormore stalls are provided, in addition to thestall complying with 4.17.3, at least one stall36 in (915 mm) wide with an outward swing-ing, self-closing door and parallel grab barscomplying with Fig. 30(d) and 4.26 shall beprovided. Water closets in such stalls shallcomply with 4.16. If water closets are not installs, then at least one shall comply with 4.16.

4.23.5 Urinals. If urinals are provided, then atleast one shall comply with 4.18.

4.23.6 Lavatories and Mirrors. If lavatoriesand mirrors are provided, then at least one ofeach shall comply with 4.19.

4.23.7 Controls and Dispensers. If controls,dispensers, receptacles, or other equipmentare provided, then at least one of each shall beon an accessible route and shall comply with4.27.

4.23.8 Bathing and Shower Facilities. Iftubs or showers are provided, then at least oneaccessible tub that complies with 4.20 or atleast one accessible shower that complies with4.21 shall be provided.

4.23.9* Medicine Cabinets. If medicinecabinets are provided, at least one shall belocated with a usable shelf no higher than 44in (1120 mm) above the floor space. The floorspace shall comply with 4.2.4.

4.24 Sinks.

4.24.1 General. Sinks required to be acces-sible by 4.1 shall comply with 4.24.

4.24.2 Height. Sinks shall be mounted withthe counter or rim no higher than 34 in (865mm) above the finish floor.

4.24.3 Knee Clearance. Knee clearance thatis at least 27 in (685 mm) high, 30 in (760 mm)wide, and 19 in (485 mm) deep shall be pro-

vided underneath sinks.

4.24.4 Depth. Each sink shall be a maximumof 6-1/2 in (165 mm) deep.

4.24.5 Clear Floor Space. A clear floor spaceat least 30 in by 48 in (760 mm by 1220 mm)complying with 4.2.4 shall be provided in frontof a sink to allow forward approach. The clearfloor space shall be on an accessible route andshall extend a maximum of 19 in (485 mm)underneath the sink (see Fig. 32).

4.24.6 Exposed Pipes and Surfaces. Hotwater and drain pipes exposed under sinksshall be insulated or otherwise configured soas to protect against contact. There shall beno sharp or abrasive surfaces under sinks.

4.24.7 Faucets. Faucets shall comply with4.27.4. Lever-operated, push-type, touch-type,or electronically controlled mechanisms areacceptable designs.

4.25 Storage.

4.25.1 General. Fixed storage facilities suchas cabinets, shelves, closets, and drawersrequired to be accessible by 4.1 shall complywith 4.25.

4.25.2 Clear Floor Space. A clear floor spaceat least 30 in by 48 in (760 mm by 1220 mm)complying with 4.2.4 that allows either aforward or parallel approach by a person usinga wheelchair shall be provided at accessiblestorage facilities.

4.25.3 Height. Accessible storage spacesshall be within at least one of the reach rangesspecified in 4.2.5 and 4.2.6 (see Fig. 5 and Fig6). Clothes rods or shelves shall be a maxi-mum of 54 in (1370 mm) above the finish floorfor a side approach. Where the distance fromthe wheelchair to the clothes rod or shelfexceeds 10 in (255 mm) (as in closets withoutaccessible doors) the height and depth to therod or shelf shall comply with Fig. 38(a) andFig. 38(b).

4.25.4 Hardware. Hardware for accessiblestorage facilities shall comply with 4.27.4.Touch latches and U-shaped pulls are accept-able.

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4.26 Handrails, Grab Bars, and Tuband Shower Seats.

4.26.1* General. All handrails, grab bars, andtub and shower seats required to be accessibleby 4.1, 4.8, 4.9, 4.16, 4.17, 4.20 or 4.21 shallcomply with 4.26.

4.26.2* Size and Spacing of Grab Bars andHandrails. The diameter or width of thegripping surfaces of a handrail or grab bar shallbe 1-1/4 in to 1-1/2 in (32 mm to 38 mm), or theshape shall provide an equivalent grippingsurface. If handrails or grab bars are mountedadjacent to a wall, the space between the walland the grab bar shall be 1-1/2 in (38 mm) (seeFig. 39(a), (b), (c), and (e)). Handrails may belocated in a recess if the recess is a maximumof 3 in (75 mm) deep and extends at least 18 in(455 mm) above the top of the rail (see Fig.39(d)).

4.26.3 Structural Strength. The structuralstrength of grab bars, tub and shower seats,fasteners, and mounting devices shall meet thefollowing specification:

(1) Bending stress in a grab bar or seatinduced by the maximum bending momentfrom the application of 250 lbf (1112N) shall be

less than the allowable stress for the materialof the grab bar or seat.

(2) Shear stress induced in a grab bar or seatby the application of 250 lbf (1112N) shall beless than the allowable shear stress for thematerial of the grab bar or seat. If the connec-tion between the grab bar or seat and itsmounting bracket or other support is consid-ered to be fully restrained, then direct andtorsional shear stresses shall be totaled for thecombined shear stress, which shall not exceedthe allowable shear stress.

(3) Shear force induced in a fastener ormounting device from the application of 250 lbf(1112N) shall be less than the allowable lateralload of either the fastener or mounting deviceor the supporting structure, whichever is thesmaller allowable load.

(4) Tensile force induced in a fastener by adirect tension force of 250 lbf (1112N) plus themaximum moment from the application of 250lbf (1112N) shall be less than the allowablewithdrawal load between the fastener and thesupporting structure.

(5) Grab bars shall not rotate within theirfittings.

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4.26.4 Eliminating Hazards. A handrail orgrab bar and any wall or other surface adjacentto it shall be free of any sharp or abrasiveelements. Edges shall have a minimum radiusof 1/8 in (3.2 mm).

4.27 Controls and OperatingMechanisms.

4.27.1 General. Controls and operatingmechanisms required to be accessible by 4.1shall comply with 4.27.

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4.27.2 Clear Floor Space. Clear floor spacecomplying with 4.2.4 that allows a forward or aparallel approach by a person using a wheel-chair shall be provided at controls, dispensers,receptacles, and other operable equipment.

4.27.3* Height. The highest operable part ofcontrols, dispensers, receptacles, and otheroperable equipment shall be placed within atleast one of the reach ranges specified in 4.2.5and 4.2.6. Electrical and communicationssystem receptacles on walls shall be mountedno less than 15 in (380 mm) above the floor.

EXCEPTION: These requirements do not applywhere the use of special equipment dictatesotherwise or where electrical and communica-tions systems receptacles are not normallyintended for use by building occupants.

4.27.4 Operation. Controls and operatingmechanisms shall be operable with one handand shall not require tight grasping, pinching,or twisting of the wrist. The force required toactivate controls shall be no greater than 5 lbf(22.2 N).

4.28 Alarms.

4.28.1 General. Alarm systems required to beaccessible by 4.1 shall comply with 4.28. At aminimum, visual signal appliances shall beprovided in buildings and facilities in each ofthe following areas: restrooms and any othergeneral usage areas (e.g., meeting rooms),hallways, lobbies, and any other area forcommon use.

4.28.2* Audible Alarms. If provided, audibleemergency alarms shall produce a sound thatexceeds the prevailing equivalent sound level inthe room or space by at least 15 dbA or exceedsany maximum sound level with a duration of 60seconds by 5 dbA, whichever is louder. Soundlevels for alarm signals shall not exceed 120dbA.

4.28.3* Visual Alarms. Visual alarm signalappliances shall be integrated into the buildingor facility alarm system. If single stationaudible alarms are provided then singlestation visual alarm signals shall be provided.Visual alarm signals shall have the followingminimum photometric and location features:

(1) The lamp shall be a xenon strobe type orequivalent.

(2) The color shall be clear or nominal white(i.e., unfiltered or clear filtered white light).

(3) The maximum pulse duration shall betwo-tenths of one second (0.2 sec) with amaximum duty cycle of 40 percent. The pulseduration is defined as the time interval be-tween initial and final points of 10 percent ofmaximum signal.

(4) The intensity shall be a minimum of 75candela.

(5) The flash rate shall be a minimum of 1Hz and a maximum of 3 Hz.

(6) The appliance shall be placed 80 in (2030mm) above the highest floor level within thespace or 6 in (152 mm) below the ceiling,whichever is lower.

(7) In general, no place in any room or spacerequired to have a visual signal applianceshall be more than 50 ft (15 m) from the signal(in the horizontal plane). In large rooms andspaces exceeding 100 ft (30 m) across, withoutobstructions 6 ft (2 m) above the finish floor,such as auditoriums, devices may be placedaround the perimeter, spaced a maximum 100ft (30 m) apart, in lieu of suspending appli-ances from the ceiling.

(8) No place in common corridors or hall-ways in which visual alarm signalling appli-ances are required shall be more than 50 ft(15 m) from the signal.

4.28.4* Auxiliary Alarms. Units and sleepingaccommodations shall have a visual alarmconnected to the building emergency alarmsystem or shall have a standard 110-voltelectrical receptacle into which such an alarmcan be connected and a means by which asignal from the building emergency alarmsystem can trigger such an auxiliary alarm.When visual alarms are in place the signalshall be visible in all areas of the unit orroom. Instructions for use of the auxiliaryalarm or receptacle shall be provided.

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4.29 Detectable Warnings.

4.29.1 General. Detectable warnings requiredby 4.1 and 4.7 shall comply with 4.29.

4.29.2* Detectable Warnings on WalkingSurfaces. Detectable warnings shall consist ofraised truncated domes with a diameter ofnominal 0.9 in (23 mm), a height of nominal0.2 in (5 mm) and a center-to-center spacing ofnominal 2.35 in (60 mm) and shall contrastvisually with adjoining surfaces, eitherlight-on-dark, or dark-on-light.

The material used to provide contrast shall bean integral part of the walking surface. Detect-able warnings used on interior surfaces shalldiffer from adjoining walking surfaces inresiliency or sound-on-cane contact.

4.29.3 Detectable Warnings on DoorsTo Hazardous Areas. (Reserved).

4.29.4 Detectable Warnings at Stairs.(Reserved).

4.29.5 Detectable Warnings atHazardous Vehicular Areas. If a walkcrosses or adjoins a vehicular way, and thewalking surfaces are not separated by curbs,railings, or other elements between the pedes-trian areas and vehicular areas, the boundarybetween the areas shall be defined by a con-tinuous detectable warning which is 36 in (915mm) wide, complying with 4.29.2.

4.29.6 Detectable Warnings atReflecting Pools. The edges of reflecting poolsshall be protected by railings, walls, curbs, ordetectable warnings complying with 4.29.2.

4.29.7 Standardization. (Reserved).

4.30 Signage.

4.30.1* General. Signage required to beaccessible by 4.1 shall comply with theapplicable provisions of 4.30.

4.30.2* Character Proportion. Letters andnumbers on signs shall have a width-to-heightratio between 3:5 and 1:1 and a stroke-width-to-height ratio between 1:5 and 1:10.

4.30.3 Character Height. Characters andnumbers on signs shall be sized according tothe viewing distance from which they are tobe read. The minimum height is measuredusing an upper case X. Lower case charac-ters are permitted.

Height Above MinimumFinished Floor Character Height

Suspended or Projected 3 in (75 mm)Overhead in minimum

compliance with 4.4.2

4.30.4* Raised and Brailled Charactersand Pictorial Symbol Signs(Pictograms). Letters and numerals shall beraised 1/32 in, upper case, sans serif or simpleserif type and shall be accompanied withGrade 2 Braille. Raised characters shall be atleast 5/8 in (16 mm) high, but no higher than 2in (50 mm). Pictograms shall be accompaniedby the equivalent verbal description placeddirectly below the pictogram. The borderdimension of the pictogram shall be 6 in (152mm) minimum in height.

4.30.5* Finish and Contrast. The charac-ters and background of signs shall be egg-shell, matte, or other non-glare finish. Charac-ters and symbols shall contrast with theirbackground --either light characters on a darkbackground or dark characters on a lightbackground.

4.30.6 Mounting Location and Height.Where permanent identification is providedfor rooms and spaces, signs shall be installedon the wall adjacent to the latch side of thedoor. Where there is no wall space to the latchside of the door, including at double leafdoors, signs shall be placed on the nearestadjacent wall. Mounting height shall be 60 in(1525 mm) above the finish floor to thecenterline of the sign. Mounting location forsuch signage shall be so that a person mayapproach within 3 in (76 mm) of signagewithout encountering protruding objects orstanding within the swing of a door.

4.30.7* Symbols of Accessibility.

(1) Facilities and elements required to beidentified as accessible by 4.1 shall use theinternational symbol of accessibility. The

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symbol shall be displayed as shown in Fig.43(a) and (b).

(2) Volume Control Telephones. Telephonesrequired to have a volume control by4.1.3(17)(b) shall be identified by a signcontaining a depiction of a telephone handsetwith radiating sound waves.

(3) Text Telephones. Text telephones requiredby 4.1.3(17)(c) shall be identified by the inter-national TDD symbol (Fig 43(c)). In addition, ifa facility has a public text telephone, direc-tional signage indicating the location of thenearest text telephone shall be placed adja-cent to all banks of telephones which do notcontain a text telephone. Such directionalsignage shall include the international TDDsymbol. If a facility has no banks of tele-phones, the directional signage shall beprovided at the entrance (e.g., in a buildingdirectory).

(4) Assistive Listening Systems. In assemblyareas where permanently installed assistivelistening systems are required by 4.1.3(19)(b)the availability of such systems shall beidentified with signage that includes theinternational symbol of access for hearingloss (Fig 43(d)).

4.30.8* Illumination Levels. (Reserved).

4.31 Telephones.

4.31.1 General. Public telephones required tobe accessible by 4.1 shall comply with 4.31.

4.31.2 Clear Floor or Ground Space. Aclear floor or ground space at least 30 in by 48in (760 mm by 1220 mm) that allows either aforward or parallel approach by a person usinga wheelchair shall be provided at telephones(see Fig. 44). The clear floor or ground spaceshall comply with 4.2.4. Bases, enclosures, andfixed seats shall not impede approaches totelephones by people who use wheelchairs.

4.31.3* Mounting Height. The highestoperable part of the telephone shall be withinthe reach ranges specified in 4.2.5 or 4.2.6.

4.31.4 Protruding Objects. Telephonesshall comply with 4.4.

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4.31.5 Hearing Aid Compatible andVolume Control Telephones Requiredby 4.1.

(1) Telephones shall be hearing aid compat-ible.

(2) Volume controls, capable of a minimumof 12 dbA and a maximum of 18 dbA above

normal, shall be provided in accordance with4.1.3. If an automatic reset is provided then18 dbA may be exceeded.

4.31.6 Controls. Telephones shall havepushbutton controls where service for suchequipment is available.

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4.31.7 Telephone Books. Telephone books, ifprovided, shall be located in a position thatcomplies with the reach ranges specified in4.2.5 and 4.2.6.

4.31.8 Cord Length. The cord from thetelephone to the handset shall be at least 29 in(735 mm) long.

4.31.9* Text Telephones Requiredby 4.1.

(1) Text telephones used with a pay telephoneshall be permanently affixed within, or adja-cent to, the telephone enclosure. If an acousticcoupler is used, the telephone cord shall besufficiently long to allow connection of the texttelephone and the telephone receiver.

(2) Pay telephones designed to accommodatea portable text telephone shall be equippedwith a shelf and an electrical outlet within oradjacent to the telephone enclosure. Thetelephone handset shall be capable of beingplaced flush on the surface of the shelf. Theshelf shall be capable of accommodating a texttelephone and shall have 6 in (152 mm) mini-mum vertical clearance in the area where thetext telephone is to be placed.

(3) Equivalent facilitation may be provided.For example, a portable text telephone may bemade available in a hotel at the registrationdesk if it is available on a 24-hour basis for usewith nearby public pay telephones. In thisinstance, at least one pay telephone shallcomply with paragraph 2 of this section. Inaddition, if an acoustic coupler is used, thetelephone handset cord shall be sufficientlylong so as to allow connection of the texttelephone and the telephone receiver. Direc-tional signage shall be provided and shallcomply with 4.30.7.

4.32 Fixed or Built-in Seating andTables.

4.32.1 Minimum Number. Fixed or built-inseating or tables required to be accessible by4.1 shall comply with 4.32.

4.32.2 Seating. If seating spaces for people inwheelchairs are provided at fixed tables orcounters, clear floor space complying with 4.2.4shall be provided. Such clear floor space shall

not overlap knee space by more than 19 in(485 mm) (see Fig. 45).

4.32.3 Knee Clearances. If seating forpeople in wheelchairs is provided at tables orcounters, knee spaces at least 27 in (685 mm)high, 30 in (760 mm) wide, and 19 in (485 mm)deep shall be provided (see Fig. 45).

4.32.4* Height of Tables or Counters.The tops of accessible tables and countersshall be from 28 in to 34 in (710 mm to 865mm) above the finish floor or ground.

4.33 Assembly Areas.

4.33.1 Minimum Number. Assembly andassociated areas required to be accessible by4.1 shall comply with 4.33.

4.33.2* Size of Wheelchair Locations. Eachwheelchair location shall provide minimumclear ground or floor spaces as shown in Fig.46.

4.33.3* Placement of Wheelchair Locations.Wheelchair areas shall be an integral part ofany fixed seating plan and shall be provided soas to provide people with physical disabilitiesa choice of admission prices and lines of sightcomparable to those for members of thegeneral public. They shall adjoin an accessibleroute that also serves as a means of egress incase of emergency. At least one companionfixed seat shall be provided next to eachwheelchair seating area. When the seatingcapacity exceeds 300, wheelchair spaces shallbe provided in more than one location.Readily removable seats may be installed inwheelchair spaces when the spaces are notrequired to accommodate wheelchair users.

EXCEPTION: Accessible viewing positionsmay be clustered for bleachers, balconies, andother areas having sight lines that requireslopes of greater than 5 percent. Equivalentaccessible viewing positions may be locatedon levels having accessible egress.

4.33.4 Surfaces. The ground or floor atwheelchair locations shall be level and shallcomply with 4.5.

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unobstructed clear floor space at the farthestprotrusion of the automated teller machine orsurround is not more than 10 in (255 mm), themaximum height above the finished floor orgrade shall be 54 in (1370 mm).

(b) Reach Depth More Than 10 in (255 mm).Where the reach depth to the operable parts ofany control as measured from the verticalplane perpendicular to the edge of the unob-structed clear floor space at the farthestprotrusion of the automated teller machine orsurround is more than 10 in (255 mm), themaximum height above the finished floor orgrade shall be as follows:

Reach Depth Maximum HeightIn Mm In Mm10 255 54 137011 280 531/2 136012 305 53 134513 330 521/2 133514 355 511/2 131015 380 51 129516 405 501/2 128517 430 50 127018 455 491/2 125519 485 49 124520 510 481/2 123021 535 471/2 120522 560 47 119523 585 461/2 118024 610 46 1170

(3) Forward and Parallel Approach. If both aforward and parallel approach are possible,operable parts of controls shall be placedwithin at least one of the reach ranges inparagraphs (1) or (2) of this section.

(4) Bins. Where bins are provided, for enve-lopes, waste paper, or other purposes, at leastone of each type provided shall comply withthe applicable reach ranges in paragraph (1),(2), or (3) of this section.

EXCEPTION: Where a function can be per-formed in a substantially equivalent mannerby using an alternate control, only one of thecontrols needed to perform that function isrequired to comply with this section. If thecontrols are identified by tactile markings,such markings shall be provided on bothcontrols.

4.34.4 Controls. Controls for user activationshall comply with 4.27.4.

4.33.5 Access to Performing Areas.An accessible route shall connect wheelchairseating locations with performing areas, includ-ing stages, arena floors, dressing rooms, lockerrooms, and other spaces used by performers.

4.33.6* Placement of Listening Systems.If the listening system provided serves indi-vidual fixed seats, then such seats shall belocated within a 50 ft (15 m) viewing distance ofthe stage or playing area and shall have acomplete view of the stage or playing area.

4.33.7* Types of Listening Systems.Assistive listening systems (ALS) are intendedto augment standard public address and audiosystems by providing signals which can bereceived directly by persons with specialreceivers or their own hearing aids and whicheliminate or filter background noise. The typeof assistive listening system appropriate for aparticular application depends on the charac-teristics of the setting, the nature of the pro-gram, and the intended audience. Magneticinduction loops, infra-red and radio frequencysystems are types of listening systems whichare appropriate for various applications.

4.34 Automated Teller Machines.

4.34.1 General. Each automated tellermachine required to be accessible by 4.1.3shall be on an accessible route and shallcomply with 4.34.

4.34.2 Clear Floor Space. The automatedteller machine shall be located so that clearfloor space complying with 4.2.4 is provided toallow a person using a wheelchair to make aforward approach, a parallel approach, orboth, to the machine.

4.34.3 Reach Ranges.

(1) Forward Approach Only. If only a forwardapproach is possible, operable parts of allcontrols shall be placed within the forwardreach range specified in 4.2.5.

(2) Parallel Approach Only. If only a parallelapproach is possible, operable parts of controlsshall be placed as follows:

(a) Reach Depth Not More Than 10 in (255mm). Where the reach depth to the operableparts of all controls as measured from thevertical plane perpendicular to the edge of the

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4.34.5 Equipment for Persons with VisionImpairments. Instructions and all informationfor use shall be made accessible to and inde-pendently usable by persons with visionimpairments.

4.35 Dressing and Fitting Rooms.

4.35.1 General. Dressing and fitting roomsrequired to be accessible by 4.1 shall complywith 4.35 and shall be on an accessible route.

4.35.2 Clear Floor Space. A clear floor spaceallowing a person using a wheelchair to makea 180-degree turn shall be provided in everyaccessible dressing room entered through aswinging or sliding door. No door shall swinginto any part of the turning space. Turningspace shall not be required in a private dress-ing room entered through a curtained openingat least 32 in (815 mm) wide if clear floor spacecomplying with section 4.2 renders the dressingroom usable by a person using a wheelchair.

4.35.3 Doors. All doors to accessible dressingrooms shall be in compliance with section 4.13.

4.35.4 Bench. Every accessible dressing roomshall have a 24 in by 48 in (610 mm by 1220mm) bench fixed to the wall along the longerdimension. The bench shall be mounted 17 into 19 in (430 mm to 485 mm) above the finishfloor. Clear floor space shall be provided along-side the bench to allow a person using awheelchair to make a parallel transfer onto thebench. The structural strength of the bench andattachments shall comply with 4.26.3. Whereinstalled in conjunction with showers, swim-ming pools, or other wet locations, water shallnot accumulate upon the surface of the benchand the bench shall have a slip-resistantsurface.

4.35.5 Mirror. Where mirrors are provided indressing rooms of the same use, then in anaccessible dressing room, a full-length mirror,measuring at least 18 in wide by 54 in high(460 mm by 1370 mm), shall be mounted in aposition affording a view to a person on thebench as well as to a person in a standingposition.

NOTE: Sections 4.1.1 through 4.1.7 and sec-tions 5 through 10 are different from ANSIA117.1 in their entirety and are printed instandard type.

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5. RESTAURANTS ANDCAFETERIAS.

5.1* General. Except as specified or modifiedin this section, restaurants and cafeterias shallcomply with the requirements of 4.1 to 4.35.Where fixed tables (or dining counters wherefood is consumed but there is no service) areprovided, at least 5 percent, but not less thanone, of the fixed tables (or a portion of thedining counter) shall be accessible and shallcomply with 4.32 as required in 4.1.3(18). Inestablishments where separate areas aredesignated for smoking and non-smokingpatrons, the required number of accessiblefixed tables (or counters) shall be proportion-ally distributed between the smoking andnon-smoking areas. In new construction, andwhere practicable in alterations, accessiblefixed tables (or counters) shall be distributedthroughout the space or facility.

5.2 Counters and Bars. Where food ordrink is served at counters exceeding 34 in(865 mm) in height for consumption by cus-tomers seated on stools or standing at thecounter, a portion of the main counter whichis 60 in (1525 mm) in length minimum shall beprovided in compliance with 4.32 or serviceshall be available at accessible tables withinthe same area.

5.3 Access Aisles. All accessible fixed tablesshall be accessible by means of an access aisleat least 36 in (915 mm) clear between paralleledges of tables or between a wall and the tableedges.

5.4 Dining Areas. In new construction, alldining areas, including raised or sunken diningareas, loggias, and outdoor seating areas, shallbe accessible. In non-elevator buildings, anaccessible means of vertical access to themezzanine is not required under the followingconditions: 1) the area of mezzanine seatingmeasures no more than 33 percent of the areaof the total accessible seating area; 2) the sameservices and decor are provided in an acces-sible space usable by the general public; and, 3)the accessible areas are not restricted to use bypeople with disabilities. In alterations, accessi-bility to raised or sunken dining areas, or to allparts of outdoor seating areas is not requiredprovided that the same services and decor areprovided in an accessible space usable by thegeneral public and are not restricted to use bypeople with disabilities.

5.5 Food Service Lines. Food servicelines shall have a minimum clear width of 36 in(915 mm), with a preferred clear width of 42 in(1065 mm) to allow passage around a personusing a wheelchair. Tray slides shall bemounted no higher than 34 in (865 mm) abovethe floor (see Fig. 53). If self-service shelves are

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provided, at least 50 percent of each type mustbe within reach ranges specified in 4.2.5 and4.2.6.

5.6 Tableware and Condiment Areas.Self-service shelves and dispensing devices fortableware, dishware, condiments, food andbeverages shall be installed to comply with 4.2(see Fig. 54).

5.7 Raised Platforms. In banquet rooms orspaces where a head table or speaker’s lecternis located on a raised platform, the platformshall be accessible in compliance with 4.8 or4.11. Open edges of a raised platform shall beprotected by placement of tables or by a curb.

5.8 Vending Machines and OtherEquipment. Spaces for vending machines andother equipment shall comply with 4.2 andshall be located on an accessible route.

5.9 Quiet Areas. (Reserved).

6. MEDICAL CAREFACILITIES.

6.1 General. Medical care facilities includedin this section are those in which peoplereceive physical or medical treatment or careand where persons may need assistance inresponding to an emergency and where theperiod of stay may exceed twenty-four hours.In addition to the requirements of 4.1 through4.35, medical care facilities and buildings shallcomply with 6.

(1) Hospitals - general purpose hospitals,psychiatric facilities, detoxification facilities --At least 10 percent of patient bedrooms andtoilets, and all public use and common useareas are required to be designed and con-structed to be accessible.

(2) Hospitals and rehabilitation facilities thatspecialize in treating conditions that affectmobility, or units within either that specializein treating conditions that affect mobility - Allpatient bedrooms and toilets, and all publicuse and common use areas are required to bedesigned and constructed to be accessible.

(3) Long term care facilities, nursing homes-- At least 50 percent of patient bedrooms andtoilets, and all public use and common useareas are required to be designed and con-structed to be accessible.

(4) Alterations to patient bedrooms.

(a) When patient bedrooms are being addedor altered as part of a planned renovation of anentire wing, a department, or other discretearea of an existing medical facility, a percent-age of the patient bedrooms that are beingadded or altered shall comply with 6.3. Thepercentage of accessible rooms provided shallbe consistent with the percentage of roomsrequired to be accessible by the applicablerequirements of 6.1(1), 6.1(2), or 6.1(3), untilthe number of accessible patient bedrooms inthe facility equals the overall number thatwould be required if the facility were newlyconstructed. (For example, if 20 patient bed-rooms are being altered in the obstetricsdepartment of a hospital, 2 of the alteredrooms must be made accessible. If, within thesame hospital, 20 patient bedrooms are beingaltered in a unit that specializes in treatingmobility impairments, all of the altered roomsmust be made accessible.) Where toilet/bath-rooms are part of patient bedrooms which areadded or altered and required to be accessible,each such patient toilet/bathroom shall complywith 6.4.

(b) When patient bedrooms are being addedor altered individually, and not as part of analteration of the entire area, the altered patientbedrooms shall comply with 6.3, unless either:a) the number of accessible rooms provided inthe department or area containing the alteredpatient bedroom equals the number of acces-sible patient bedrooms that would be requiredif the percentage requirements of 6.1(1), 6.1(2),or 6.1(3) were applied to that department orarea; or b) the number of accessible patientbedrooms in the facility equals the overallnumber that would be required if the facilitywere newly constructed. Where toilet/bath-rooms are part of patient bedrooms which areadded or altered and required to be accessible,each such toilet/bathroom shall comply with6.4.

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6.2 Entrances. At least one accessible en-trance that complies with 4.14 shall be pro-tected from the weather by canopy or roofoverhang. Such entrances shall incorporate apassenger loading zone that complies with4.6.6.

6.3 Patient Bedrooms. Provide accessiblepatient bedrooms in compliance with 4.1through 4.35. Accessible patient bedroomsshall comply with the following:

(1) Each bedroom shall have a door thatcomplies with 4.13.

EXCEPTION: Entry doors to acute care hospi-tal bedrooms for in-patients shall be exemptedfrom the requirement in 4.13.6 for maneuver-ing space at the latch side of the door if thedoor is at least 44 in (1120 mm) wide.

(2) Each bedroom shall have adequate spaceto provide a maneuvering space that complieswith 4.2.3. In rooms with 2 beds, it is prefer-able that this space be located between beds.

(3) Each bedroom shall have adequate spaceto provide a minimum clear floor space of 36 in(915 mm) along each side of the bed and toprovide an accessible route complying with4.3.3 to each side of each bed.

6.4 Patient Toilet Rooms. Where toilet/bathrooms are provided as a part of a patientbedroom, each patient bedroom that is re-quired to be accessible shall have an acces-sible toilet/bath room that complies with 4.22or 4.23 and shall be on an accessible route.

7. BUSINESS ANDMERCANTILE.

7.1 General. In addition to the requirementsof 4.1 to 4.35, the design of all areas used forbusiness transactions with the public shallcomply with 7.

7.2 Sales and Service Counters,Teller Windows, InformationCounters.

(1) In department stores and miscellaneousretail stores where counters have cash regis-ters and are provided for sales or distributionof goods or services to the public, at least oneof each type shall have a portion of thecounter which is at least 36 in (915mm) inlength with a maximum height of 36 in (915mm) above the finish floor. It shall be on anaccessible route complying with 4.3. Theaccessible counters must be dispersedthroughout the building or facility. In alter-ations where it is technically infeasible toprovide an accessible counter, an auxiliarycounter meeting these requirements may beprovided.

(2) At ticketing counters, teller stations in abank, registration counters in hotels andmotels, box office ticket counters, and othercounters that may not have a cash register butat which goods or services are sold or distrib-uted, either:

(i) a portion of the main counter which isa minimum of 36 in (915 mm) in length shallbe provided with a maximum height of 36 in(915 mm); or

(ii) an auxiliary counter with a maximumheight of 36 in (915 mm) in close proximity tothe main counter shall be provided; or

(iii) equivalent facilitation shall beprovided (e.g., at a hotel registration counter,equivalent facilitation might consist of: (1)provision of a folding shelf attached to themain counter on which an individual withdisabilities can write, and (2) use of the spaceon the side of the counter or at the conciergedesk, for handing materials back and forth).

All accessible sales and service counters shallbe on an accessible route complying with 4.3.

(3)* Assistive Listening Devices. (Reserved)

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7.3* Check-out Aisles.

(1) In new construction, accessible check-outaisles shall be provided in conformance withthe table below:

Total Check-out Minimum NumberAisles of of Accessible

Each Design Check-out Aisles(of each design)

1 - 4 15 - 8 28 - 15 3

over 15 3, plus 20% ofadditional aisles

EXCEPTION: In new construction, where theselling space is under 5000 square feet, onlyone check-out aisle is required to be accessible.

EXCEPTION: In alterations, at least onecheck-out aisle shall be accessible in facilitiesunder 5000 square feet of selling space. Infacilities of 5000 or more square feet of sellingspace, at least one of each design of check-outaisle shall be made accessible when altereduntil the number of accessible check-out aislesof each design equals the number required innew construction.

Examples of check-out aisles of different“design” include those which are specificallydesigned to serve different functions. Different“design” includes but is not limited to thefollowing features - length of belt or no belt; orpermanent signage designating the aisle as anexpress lane.

(2) Clear aisle width for accessible check-outaisles shall comply with 4.2.1 and maximumadjoining counter height shall not exceed 38 in(965 mm) above the finish floor. The top of thelip shall not exceed 40 in (1015 mm) above thefinish floor.

(3) Signage identifying accessible check-outaisles shall comply with 4.30.7 and shall bemounted above the check-out aisle in the samelocation where the check-out number or type ofcheck-out is displayed.

7.4 Security Bollards. Any device used toprevent the removal of shopping carts fromstore premises shall not prevent access oregress to people in wheelchairs. An alternate

entry that is equally convenient to that pro-vided for the ambulatory population is accept-able.

8. LIBRARIES.

8.1 General. In addition to the requirements of4.1 to 4.35, the design of all public areas of alibrary shall comply with 8, including readingand study areas, stacks, reference rooms,reserve areas, and special facilities or collec-tions.

8.2 Reading and Study Areas. At least 5percent or a minimum of one of each element offixed seating, tables, or study carrels shallcomply with 4.2 and 4.32. Clearances betweenfixed accessible tables and between studycarrels shall comply with 4.3.

8.3 Check-Out Areas. At least one lane at eachcheck-out area shall comply with 7.2(1). Anytraffic control or book security gates or turn-stiles shall comply with4.13.

8.4 Card Catalogs and MagazineDisplays. Minimum clear aisle space at cardcatalogs and magazine displays shall complywith Fig. 55. Maximum reach height shallcomply with 4.2, with a height of 48 in (1220mm) preferred irrespective of approach allowed.

8.5 Stacks. Minimum clear aisle width betweenstacks shall comply with 4.3, with a minimumclear aisle width of 42 in (1065 mm) preferredwhere possible. Shelf height in stack areas isunrestricted (see Fig. 56).

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9. ACCESSIBLE TRANSIENTLODGING.

(1) Except as specified in the special techni-cal provisions of this section, accessibletransient lodging shall comply with theapplicable requirements of 4.1 through 4.35.Transient lodging includes facilities or por-tions thereof used for sleeping accommoda-tions, when not classed as a medical carefacility.

9.1 Hotels, Motels, Inns, BoardingHouses, Dormitories, Resorts andOther Similar Places of TransientLodging.

9.1.1 General. All public use and commonuse areas are required to be designed andconstructed to comply with section 4(Accessible Elements and Spaces: Scope andTechnical Requirements).

EXCEPTION: Sections 9.1 through 9.4 do notapply to an establishment located within abuilding that contains not more than fiverooms for rent or hire and that is actuallyoccupied by the proprietor of such establish-ment as the residence of such proprietor.

9.1.2 Accessible Units, Sleeping Rooms,and Suites. Accessible sleeping rooms orsuites that comply with the requirements of9.2 (Requirements for Accessible Units,Sleeping Rooms, and Suites) shall be providedin conformance with the table below. Inaddition, in hotels, of 50 or more sleepingrooms or suites, additional accessible sleepingrooms or suites that include a roll-in showershall also be provided in conformance with thetable below. Such accommodations shallcomply with the requirements of 9.2, 4.21, andFigure 57(a) or (b).

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Number of Accessible Rooms withRooms Rooms Roll-in Showers

1 to 25 126 to 50 251 to 75 3 176 to 100 4 1101 to 150 5 2151 to 200 6 2201 to 300 7 3301 to 400 8 4401 to 500 9 4, plus one for each

additional 100over 400

501 to 1000 2% of total1001 and over 20 plus 1 for

each 100over 1000

9.1.3 Sleeping Accommodations for Per-sons with Hearing Impairments.In addition to those accessible sleeping roomsand suites required by 9.1.2, sleeping rooms

and suites that comply with 9.3 (Visual Alarms,Notification Devices, and Telephones) shall beprovided in conformance with the followingtable:

Number of AccessibleElements Elements

1 to 25 126 to 50 251 to 75 3

76 to 100 4101 to 150 5151 to 200 6201 to 300 7301 to 400 8401 to 500 9

501 to 1000 2% of total1001 and over 20 plus 1 for

each 100 over 1000

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9.1.4 Classes of Sleeping Accommodations.

(1) In order to provide persons with disabili-ties a range of options equivalent to thoseavailable to other persons served by the facility,sleeping rooms and suites required to beaccessible by 9.1.2 shall be dispersed amongthe various classes of sleeping accommoda-tions available to patrons of the place of tran-sient lodging. Factors to be considered includeroom size, cost, amenities provided, and thenumber of beds provided.

(2) Equivalent Facilitation. For purposes ofthis section, it shall be deemed equivalentfacilitation if the operator of a facility elects tolimit construction of accessible rooms to thoseintended for multiple occupancy, provided thatsuch rooms are made available at the cost of asingle occupancy room to an individual withdisabilities who requests a single-occupancyroom.

9.1.5. Alterations to Accessible Units,Sleeping Rooms, and Suites. When sleepingrooms are being altered in an existing facility,or portion thereof, subject to the requirementsof this section, at least one sleeping room orsuite that complies with the requirements of9.2 (Requirements for Accessible Units, Sleep-ing Rooms, and Suites) shall be provided foreach 25 sleeping rooms, or fraction thereof, ofrooms being altered until the number of suchrooms provided equals the number required tobe accessible with 9.1.2. In addition, at leastone sleeping room or suite that complies withthe requirements of 9.3 (Visual Alarms, Notifi-cation Devices, and Telephones) shall beprovided for each 25 sleeping rooms, or fractionthereof, of rooms being altered until the num-ber of such rooms equals the number requiredto be accessible by 9.1.3.

9.2 Requirements for AccessibleUnits, Sleeping Rooms and Suites.

9.2.1 General. Units, sleeping rooms, andsuites required to be accessible by 9.1 shallcomply with 9.2.

9.2.2 Minimum Requirements. An accessibleunit, sleeping room or suite shall be on an

accessible route complying with 4.3 and havethe following accessible elements and spaces.

(1) Accessible sleeping rooms shall have a 36in (915 mm) clear width maneuvering spacelocated along both sides of a bed, except thatwhere two beds are provided, this requirementcan be met by providing a 36 in (915 mm) widemaneuvering space located between the twobeds.

(2) An accessible route complying with 4.3shall connect all accessible spaces and ele-ments, including telephones, within the unit,sleeping room, or suite. This is not intended torequire an elevator in multi-story units as longas the spaces identified in 9.2.2(6) and (7) areon accessible levels and the accessible sleepingarea is suitable for dual occupancy.

(3) Doors and doorways designed to allowpassage into and within all sleeping rooms,suites or other covered units shall comply with4.13.

(4) If fixed or built-in storage facilities such ascabinets, shelves, closets, and drawers areprovided in accessible spaces, at least one ofeach type provided shall contain storage spacecomplying with 4.25. Additional storage may beprovided outside of the dimensions required by4.25.

(5) All controls in accessible units, sleepingrooms, and suites shall comply with 4.27.

(6) Where provided as part of an accessibleunit, sleeping room, or suite, the followingspaces shall be accessible and shall be on anaccessible route:

(a) the living area.

(b) the dining area.

(c) at least one sleeping area.

(d) patios, terraces, or balconies.

EXCEPTION: The requirements of 4.13.8 and4.3.8 do not apply where it is necessary toutilize a higher door threshold or a change inlevel to protect the integrity of the unit fromwind/water damage. Where this exceptionresults in patios, terraces or balconies that arenot at an accessible level, equivalent facilitation

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shall be provided. (E.g., Equivalent facilitationat a hotel patio or balcony might consist ofproviding raised decking or a ramp to provideaccessibility).

(e) at least one full bathroom (i.e., one with awater closet, a lavatory, and a bathtub orshower).

(f) if only half baths are provided, at leastone half bath. (g) carports, garages or parkingspaces.

(7) Kitchens, Kitchenettes, or Wet Bars.When provided as accessory to a sleepingroom or suite, kitchens, kitchenettes, wetbars, or similar amenities shall be accessible.Clear floor space for a front or parallel ap-proach to cabinets, counters, sinks, andappliances shall be provided to comply with4.2.4. Countertops and sinks shall be mountedat a maximum height of 34 in (865 mm) abovethe floor. At least fifty percent of shelf space incabinets or refrigerator/freezers shall be withinthe reach ranges of 4.2.5 or 4.2.6 and spaceshall be designed to allow for the operation ofcabinet and/or appliance doors so that allcabinets and appliances are accessible andusable. Controls and operating mechanismsshall comply with 4.27.

(8) Sleeping room accommodations forpersons with hearing impairments required by9.1 and complying with 9.3 shall be provided inthe accessible sleeping room or suite.

9.3 Visual Alarms, NotificationDevices and Telephones.

9.3.1 General. In sleeping rooms required tocomply with this section, auxiliary visualalarms shall be provided and shall comply with4.28.4. Visual notification devices shall also beprovided in units, sleeping rooms and suites toalert room occupants of incoming telephonecalls and a door knock or bell. Notificationdevices shall not be connected to auxiliaryvisual alarm signal appliances. Permanentlyinstalled telephones shall have volume con-trols complying with 4.31.5; an accessibleelectrical outlet within 4 ft (1220 mm) of atelephone connection shall be provided tofacilitate the use of a text telephone.

9.3.2 Equivalent Facilitation. For purposesof this section, equivalent facilitation shallinclude the installation of electrical outlets(including outlets connected to a facility’scentral alarm system) and telephone wiring insleeping rooms and suites to enable personswith hearing impairments to utilize portablevisual alarms and communication devicesprovided by the operator of the facility.

9.4 Other Sleeping Rooms and Suites.Doors and doorways designed to allow passageinto and within all sleeping units or othercovered units shall comply with 4.13.5.

9.5 Transient Lodging in HomelessShelters, Halfway Houses, TransientGroup Homes, and Other SocialService Establishments.

9.5.1 New Construction. In new constructionall public use and common use areas arerequired to be designed and constructed tocomply with section 4. At least one of eachtype of amenity (such as washers, dryers andsimilar equipment installed for the use ofoccupants) in each common area shall beaccessible and shall be located on an acces-sible route to any accessible unit or sleepingaccommodation.

EXCEPTION: Where elevators are not providedas allowed in 4.1.3(5), accessible amenities arenot required on inaccessible floors as long asone of each type is provided in common areason accessible floors.

9.5.2 Alterations.

(1) Social service establishments which arenot homeless shelters:

(a) The provisions of 9.5.3 and 9.1.5 shallapply to sleeping rooms and beds.

(b) Alteration of other areas shall be consis-tent with the new construction provisions of9.5.1.

(2) Homeless shelters. If the followingelements are altered, the following require-ments apply:

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(a) at least one public entrance shall allow aperson with mobility impairments to approach,enter and exit including a minimum clear doorwidth of 32 in (815 mm).

(b) sleeping space for homeless persons asprovided in the scoping provisions of 9.1.2shall include doors to the sleeping area with aminimum clear width of 32 in (815 mm) andmaneuvering space around the beds for per-sons with mobility impairments complyingwith 9.2.2(1).

(c) at least one toilet room for each genderor one unisex toilet room shall have a mini-mum clear door width of 32 in (815 mm),minimum turning space complying with 4.2.3,one water closet complying with 4.16, onelavatory complying with 4.19 and the door shallhave a privacy latch; and, if provided, at leastone tub or shower shall comply with 4.20 or4.21, respectively.

(d) at least one common area which aperson with mobility impairments canapproach, enter and exit including a minimumclear door width of 32 in (815 mm).

(e) at least one route connecting elements(a), (b), (c) and (d) which a person with mobilityimpairments can use including minimum clearwidth of 36 in (915 mm), passing space comply-ing with 4.3.4, turning space complying with4.2.3 and changes in levels complying with4.3.8.

(f) homeless shelters can comply with theprovisions of (a)-(e) by providing the aboveelements on one accessible floor.

9.5.3. Accessible Sleeping Accommodationsin New Construction. Accessible sleepingrooms shall be provided in conformance withthe table in 9.1.2 and shall comply with 9.2Accessible Units, Sleeping Rooms and Suites(where the items are provided). Additionalsleeping rooms that comply with 9.3 SleepingAccommodations for Persons with HearingImpairments shall be provided in conformancewith the table provided in 9.1.3.

In facilities with multi-bed rooms or spaces, apercentage of the beds equal to the tableprovided in 9.1.2 shall comply with 9.2.2(1).

10. TRANSPORTATIONFACILITIES

10.1 General. Every station, bus stop, busstop pad, terminal, building or other transpor-tation facility, shall comply with the applicableprovisions of 4.1 through 4.35, sections 5through 9, and the applicable provisions ofthis section. The exceptions for elevators in4.1.3(5) exception 1 and 4.1.6(1)(k) do notapply to a terminal, depot, or other stationused for specified public transportation, or anairport passenger terminal, or facilities subjectto Title II.

10.2 Bus Stops and Terminals.

10.2.1 New Construction.

(1) Where new bus stop pads are constructedat bus stops, bays or other areas where a lift orramp is to be deployed, they shall have a firm,stable surface; a minimum clear length of 96inches (measured from the curb or vehicleroadway edge) and a minimum clear width of60 inches (measured parallel to the vehicleroadway) to the maximum extent allowed bylegal or site constraints; and shall be con-nected to streets, sidewalks or pedestrianpaths by an accessible route complying with4.3 and 4.4. The slope of the pad parallel to theroadway shall, to the extent practicable, be thesame as the roadway. For water drainage, amaximum slope of 1:50 (2%) perpendicular tothe roadway is allowed.

(2) Where provided, new or replaced busshelters shall be installed or positioned so asto permit a wheelchair or mobility aid user toenter from the public way and to reach alocation, having a minimum clear floor area of30 inches by 48 inches, entirely within theperimeter of the shelter. Such shelters shall beconnected by an accessible route to theboarding area provided under paragraph (1) ofthis section.

(3) Where provided, all new bus routeidentification signs shall comply with 4.30.5.In addition, to the maximum extent practicable,all new bus route identification signs shallcomply with 4.30.2 and 4.30.3. Signs that are

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sized to the maximum dimensions permittedunder legitimate local, state or federal regula-tions or ordinances shall be considered incompliance with 4.30.2 and 4.30.3 for pur-poses of this section.

EXCEPTION: Bus schedules, timetables, ormaps that are posted at the bus stop or busbay are not required to comply with thisprovision.

10.2.2 Bus Stop Siting and Alterations.

(1) Bus stop sites shall be chosen such that,to the maximum extent practicable, the areaswhere lifts or ramps are to be deployed complywith section 10.2.1(1) and (2).

(2) When new bus route identification signsare installed or old signs are replaced, theyshall comply with the requirements of10.2.1(3).

10.3 Fixed Facilities and Stations.

10.3.1 New Construction. New stations inrapid rail, light rail, commuter rail, intercitybus, intercity rail, high speed rail, and otherfixed guideway systems (e.g., automatedguideway transit, monorails, etc.) shall complywith the following provisions, as applicable.

(1) Elements such as ramps, elevators orother circulation devices, fare vending or otherticketing areas, and fare collection areas shallbe placed to minimize the distance whichwheelchair users and other persons whocannot negotiate steps may have to travelcompared to the general public. The circula-tion path, including an accessible entranceand an accessible route, for persons withdisabilities shall, to the maximum extentpracticable, coincide with the circulation pathfor the general public. Where the circulationpath is different, signage complying with4.30.1, 4.30.2, 4.30.3, 4.30.5, and 4.30.7(1)shall be provided to indicate direction to andidentify the accessible entrance and accessibleroute.

(2) In lieu of compliance with 4.1.3(8), at leastone entrance to each station shall comply with4.14, Entrances. If different entrances to astation serve different transportation fixedroutes or groups of fixed routes, at least oneentrance serving each group or route shall

comply with 4.14, Entrances. All accessibleentrance shall, to the maximum extent practi-cable, coincide with those used by the majorityof the general public.

(3) Direct connections to commercial, retail,or residential facilities shall have an accessibleroute complying with 4.3 from the point ofconnection to boarding platforms and alltransportation system elements used by thepublic. Any elements provided to facilitatefuture direct connections shall be on anaccessible route connecting boarding plat-forms and all transportation system elementsused by the public.

(4) Where signs are provided at entrances tostations identifying the station or the entrance,or both, at least one sign at each entrance shallcomply with 4.30.4 and 4.30.6. Such signsshall be placed in uniform locations at en-trances within the transit system to themaximum extent practicable.

EXCEPTION: Where the station has no definedentrance, but signage is provided, then theaccessible signage shall be placed in a centrallocation.

(5) Stations covered by this section shallhave identification signs complying with4.30.1, 4.30.2, 4.30.3, and 4.30.5. Signs shall beplaced at frequent intervals and shall be clearlyvisible from within the vehicle on both sideswhen not obstructed by another train. Whenstation identification signs are placed close tovehicle windows (i.e., on the side opposite fromboarding) each shall have the top of the highestletter or symbol below the top of the vehiclewindow and the bottom of the lowest letter orsymbol above the horizontal mid-line of thevehicle window.

(6) Lists of stations, routes, or destinationsserved by the station and located on boardingareas, platforms, or mezzanines shall complywith 4.30.1, 4.30.2, 4.30.3, and 4.30.5. Aminimum of one sign identifying the specificstation and complying with 4.30.4 and 4.30.6shall be provided on each platform or boardingarea. All signs referenced in this paragraphshall, to the maximum extent practicable, beplaced in uniform locations within the transitsystem.

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(7)* Automatic fare vending, collection andadjustment (e.g., add-fare) systems shallcomply with 4.34.2, 4.34.3, 4.34.4, and 4.34.5.At each accessible entrance such devices shallbe located on an accessible route. If self-service fare collection devices are provided forthe use of the general public, at least oneaccessible device for entering, and at least onefor exiting, unless one device serves bothfunctions, shall be provided at each accessiblepoint of entry or exit. Accessible fare collectiondevices shall have a minimum clear openingwidth of 32 in; shall permit passage of a wheel-chair; and, where provided, coin or card slotsand controls necessary foroperation shall comply with 4.27. Gates whichmust be pushed open by wheelchair or mobilityaid users shall have a smooth continuoussurface extending from 2 inches above the floorto 27 inches above the floor and shall complywith 4.13. Where the circulation path does notcoincide with that used by the general public,accessible fare collection systems shall belocated at or adjacent to the accessible point ofentry or exit.

(8) Platform edges bordering a drop-off andnot protected by platform screens or guardrails shall have a detectable warning. Suchdetectable warnings shall comply with 4.29.2and shall be 24 inches wide running the fulllength of the platform drop-off.

(9) In stations covered by this section,rail-to-platform height in new stations shall becoordinated with the floor height of newvehicles so that the vertical difference,measured when the vehicle is at rest, is withinplus or minus 5/8 inch under normal passen-ger load conditions. For rapid rail, light rail,commuter rail, high speed rail, and intercityrail systems in new stations, the horizontalgap, measured when the new vehicle is at rest,shall be no greater than 3 in. For slow movingautomated guideway “people mover” transitsystems, the horizontal gap in new stationsshall be no greater than 1 in.

EXCEPTION 1: Existing vehicles operating innew stations may have a vertical differencewith respect to the new platform within plus orminus 1-1/2 in.

EXCEPTION 2: In light rail, commuter rail andintercity rail systems where it is not operation-ally or structurally feasible to meet thehorizontal gap or vertical difference

requirements, mini-high platforms, car-borneor platform-mounted lifts, ramps or bridgeplates, or similar manually deployed devices,meeting the applicable requirements of 36 C.F.R.part 1192, or 49 C.F.R. part 38 shall suffice.

(10) Stations shall not be designed orconstructed so as to require persons withdisabilities to board or alight from a vehicle ata location other than one used by the generalpublic.

(11) Illumination levels in the areas wheresignage is located shall be uniform and shallminimize glare on signs. Lighting alongcirculation routes shall be of a type andconfiguration to provide uniform illumination.

(12) Text Telephones: The following shall beprovided in accordance with 4.31.9:

(a) If an interior public pay telephone isprovided in a transit facility (as defined by theDepartment of Transportation) at least oneinterior public text telephone shall be providedin the station.

(b) Where four or more public pay tele-phones serve a particular entrance to a railstation and at least one is in an interiorlocation, at least one interior public texttelephone shall be provided to serve thatentrance. Compliance with this sectionconstitutes compliance with section4.1.3(17)(c).

(13) Where it is necessary to cross tracks toreach boarding platforms, the route surfaceshall be level and flush with the rail top at theouter edge and between rails, except for amaximum 2-1/2 inch gap on the inner edge ofeach rail to permit passage of wheel flanges.Such crossings shall comply with 4.29.5.Where gap reduction is not practicable, anabove-grade or below-grade accessible routeshall be provided.

(14) Where public address systems areprovided to convey information to the public interminals, stations, or other fixed facilities, ameans of conveying the same or equivalentinformation to persons with hearing loss orwho are deaf shall be provided.

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(15) Where clocks are provided for use by thegeneral public, the clock face shall be unclut-tered so that its elements are clearly visible.Hands, numerals, and/or digits shall contrastwith the background either light-on-dark ordark-on-light. Where clocks are mountedoverhead, numerals and/or digits shall complywith 4.30.3. Clocks shall be placed in uniformlocations throughout the facility and system tothe maximum extent practicable.

(16) Where provided in below grade stations,escalators shall have a minimum clear width of32 inches. At the top and bottom of eachescalator run, at least two contiguous treadsshall be level beyond the comb plate before therisers begin to form. All escalator treads shallbe marked by a strip of clearly contrastingcolor, 2 inches in width, placed parallel to andon the nose of each step. The strip shall be of amaterial that is at least as slip resistant as theremainder of the tread. The edge of the treadshall be apparent from both ascending anddescending directions.

(17) Where provided, elevators shall beglazed or have transparent panels to allow anunobstructed view both in to and out of thecar. Elevators shall comply with4.10.

EXCEPTION: Elevator cars with a clear floorarea in which a 60 inch diameter circle can beinscribed may be substituted for the minimumcar dimensions of 4.10, Fig. 22.

(18) Where provided, ticketing areas shallpermit persons with disabilities to obtain aticket and check baggage and shall complywith 7.2.

(19) Where provided, baggage check-in andretrieval systems shall be on an accessibleroute complying with 4.3, and shall have spaceimmediately adjacent complying with 4.2. Ifunattended security barriers are provided, atleast one gate shall comply with 4.13. Gateswhich must be pushed open by wheelchair ormobility aid users shall have a smooth con-tinuous surface extending from 2 inches abovethe floor to 27 inches above the floor.

10.3.2 Existing Facilities: Key Stations.

(1) Rapid, light and commuter rail keystations, as defined under criteria establishedby the Department of Transportation in sub-part C of 49 CFR part 37 and existing intercityrail stations shall provide at least one acces-sible route from an accessible entrance tothose areas necessary for use of the transpor-tation system.

(2) The accessible route required by 10.3.2(1)shall include the features specified in 10.3.1(1),(4)-(9), (11)-(15), and (17)-(19).

(3) Where technical infeasability in existingstations requires the accessible route to leadfrom the public way to a paid area of the transitsystem, an accessible fare collection system,complying with 10.3.1(7), shall be providedalong such accessible route.

(4) In light rail, rapid rail and commuter railkey stations, the platform or a portion thereofand the vehicle floor shall be coordinated sothat the vertical difference, measured when thevehicle is at rest, is within plus or minus 1-1/2inches under all normal passenger loadconditions, and the horizontal gap, measuredwhen the vehicle is at rest, is no greater than 3inches for at least one door of each vehicle orcar required to be accessible by 49 CFR part37.

EXCEPTION 1: Existing vehicles retrofitted tomeet the requirements of 49 CFR 37.93(one-car-per-train rule) shall be coordinatedwith the platform such that, for at least onedoor, the vertical difference between thevehicle floor and the platform, measured whenthe vehicle is at rest with 50% normal passen-ger capacity, is within plus or minus 2 inchesand the horizontal gap is no greater than 4inches.

EXCEPTION 2: Where it is not structurally oroperationally feasible to meet the horizontalgap or vertical difference requirements,mini-high platforms, car-borne or platformmounted lifts, ramps or bridge plates, orsimilar manually deployed devices, meeting theapplicable requirements of 36 CFR part 1192,or 49 CFR part 38, shall suffice.

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(5) New direct connections to commercial,retail, or residential facilities shall, to themaximum extent feasible, have an accessibleroute complying with 4.3 from the point ofconnection to boarding platforms and alltransportation system elements used by thepublic. Any elements provided to facilitatefuture direct connections shall be on anaccessible route connecting boarding plat-forms and all transportation system elementsused by the public.

10.3.3 Existing Facilities: Alterations.

(1) For the purpose of complying with4.1.6(2) Alterations to an Area Containing aPrimary Function, an area of primary functionshall be as defined by applicable provisions of49 C.F.R. 37.43(c) (Department ofTransportation’s ADA Rule) or 28 C.F.R. 36.403(Department of Justice’s ADA Rule).

10.4 Airports.

10.4.1 New Construction.

(1) Elements such as ramps, elevators orother vertical circulation devices, ticketingareas, security checkpoints, or passengerwaiting areas shall be placed to minimize thedistance which wheelchair users and otherpersons who cannot negotiate steps may haveto travel compared to the general public.

(2) The circulation path, including an acces-sible entrance and an accessible route, forpersons with disabilities shall, to the maxi-mum extent practicable, coincide with thecirculation path for the general public. Wherethe circulation path is different, directionalsignage complying with 4.30.1, 4.30.2, 4.30.3and 4.30.5 shall be provided which indicatesthe location of the nearest accessible entranceand its accessible route.

(3) Ticketing areas shall permit persons withdisabilities to obtain a ticket and checkbaggage and shall comply with 7.2.

(4) Where public pay telephones are pro-vided, and at least one is at an interior loca-tion, a public text telephone shall be providedin compliance with 4.31.9. Additionally, if fouror more public pay telephones are located in

any of the following locations, at least onepublic text telephone shall also be provided inthat location:

(a) a main terminal outside thesecurity areas;

(b) a concourse within the securityareas; or

(c) a baggage claim area in a terminal.

Compliance with this section constitutescompliance with section 4.1.3(17)(c).

(5) Baggage check-in and retrieval systemsshall be on an accessible route complying with4.3, and shall have space immediately adjacentcomplying with 4.2.4. If unattended securitybarriers are provided, at least one gate shallcomply with 4.13. Gates which must bepushed open by wheelchair or mobility aidusers shall have a smooth continuous surfaceextending from 2 inches above the floor to 27inches above the floor.

(6) Terminal information systems whichbroadcast information to the general publicthrough a public address system shall providea means to provide the same or equivalentinformation to persons with a hearing loss orwho are deaf. Such methods may include, butare not limited to, visual paging systems usingvideo monitors and computer technology. Forpersons with certain types of hearing losssuch methods may include, but are not limitedto, an assistive listening system complyingwith 4.33.7.

(7) Where clocks are provided for use by thegeneral public the clock face shall be unclut-tered so that its elements are clearly visible.Hands, numerals, and/or digits shall contrastwith their background either light-on-dark ordark-on-light. Where clocks are mountedoverhead, numerals and/or digits shall complywith 4.30.3. Clocks shall be placed in uniformlocations throughout the facility to the maxi-mum extent practicable.

(8) Security Systems. (Reserved).

10.5 Boat and Ferry Docks.(Reserved).

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APPENDIX

This appendix contains materials of anadvisory nature and provides additionalinformation that should help the reader tounderstand the minimum requirements of theguidelines or to design buildings or facilitiesfor greater accessibility. The paragraph num-bers correspond to the sections or paragraphsof the guideline to which the material relatesand are therefore not consecutive (for example,A4.2.1 contains additional information relevantto 4.2.1). Sections of the guidelines for whichadditional material appears in this appendixhave been indicated by an asterisk. Nothing inthis appendix shall in any way obviate anyobligation to comply with the requirements ofthe guidelines itself.

A2.2 Equivalent Facilitation. Specificexamples of equivalent facilitation are foundin the following sections:

4.1.6(3)(c) Elevators in Alterations4.31.9 Text Telephones7.2 Sales and Service

Counters, Teller Windows,Information Counters

9.1.4 Classes of SleepingAccommodations

9.2.2(6)(d) Requirements for AccessibleUnits, Sleeping Rooms, andSuites

A4.1.1 Application.

A4.1.1(3) Areas Used Only by Employeesas Work Areas. Where there are a series ofindividual work stations of the same type (e.g.,laboratories, service counters, ticket booths),5%, but not less than one, of each type of workstation should be constructed so that anindividual with disabilities can maneuverwithin the work stations. Rooms housingindividual offices in a typical office buildingmust meet the requirements of the guidelinesconcerning doors, accessible routes, etc. butdo not need to allow for maneuvering spacearound individual desks. Modificationsrequired to permit maneuvering within thework area may be accomplished as a reason-able accommodation to individual employeeswith disabilities under Title I of the ADA.Consideration should also be given to placingshelves in employee work areas at aconvenient height for accessibility or

installing commercially available shelvingthat is adjustable so that reasonable accom-modations can be made in the future.

If work stations are made accessible theyshould comply with the applicable provisionsof 4.2 through 4.35.

A4.1.2 Accessible Sites and ExteriorFacilities: New Construction.

A4.1.2(5)(e) Valet Parking. Valet parking isnot always usable by individuals with disabili-ties. For instance, an individual may use atype of vehicle controls that render the regu-lar controls inoperable or the driver’s seat ina van may be removed. In these situations,another person cannot park the vehicle. It isrecommended that some self-parking spacesbe provided at valet parking facilities forindividuals whose vehicles cannot be parkedby another person and that such spaces belocated on an accessible route to the en-trance of the facility.

A4.1.3 Accessible Buildings: NewConstruction.

A4.1.3(5) Only full passenger elevators arecovered by the accessibility provisions of 4.10.Materials and equipment hoists, freight eleva-tors not intended for passenger use, dumbwait-ers, and construction elevators are not coveredby these guidelines. If a building is exempt fromthe elevator requirement, it is not necessary toprovide a platform lift or other means of verti-cal access in lieu of an elevator.

Under Exception 4, platform lifts are allowedwhere existing conditions make it impracticalto install a ramp or elevator. Such conditionsgenerally occur where it is essential to provideaccess to small raised or lowered areas wherespace may not be available for a ramp. Ex-amples include, but are not limited to, raisedpharmacy platforms, commercial offices raisedabove a sales floor, or radio and news booths.

A4.1.3(9) Supervised automatic sprinklersystems have built in signals for monitoringfeatures of the system such as the opening andclosing of water control valves, the powersupplies for needed pumps, water tank levels,and for indicating conditions that will impairthe satisfactory operation of the sprinklersystem.

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Because of these monitoring features, super-vised automatic sprinkler systems have a highlevel of satisfactory performance and responseto fire conditions.

A4.1.3(10) If an odd number of drinkingfountains is provided on a floor, the require-ment in 4.1.3(10)(b) may be met by roundingdown the odd number to an even number andcalculating 50% of the even number. Whenmore than one drinking fountain on a floor isrequired to comply with 4.15, those fountainsshould be dispersed to allow wheelchair usersconvenient access. For example, in a largefacility such as a convention center that haswater fountains at several locations on a floor,the accessible water fountains should belocated so that wheelchair users do not haveto travel a greater distance than other peopleto use a drinking fountain.

A4.1.3(17)(b) In addition to the requirementsof section 4.1.3(17)(b), the installation ofadditional volume controls is encouraged.Volume controls may be installed on anytelephone.

A4.1.3(19)(a) Readily removable or foldingseating units may be installed in lieu ofproviding an open space for wheelchair users.Folding seating units are usually two fixedseats that can be easily folded into a fixedcenter bar to allow for one or two open spacesfor wheelchair users when necessary. Theseunits are more easily adapted than removableseats which generally require the seat to beremoved in advance by the facility manage-ment.

Either a sign or a marker placed on seatingwith removable or folding arm rests is requiredby this section. Consideration should be givenfor ensuring identification of such seats in adarkened theater. For example, a marker whichcontrasts (light on dark or dark on light) andwhich also reflects light could be placed on theside of such seating so as to be visible in alighted auditorium and also to reflect lightfrom a flashlight.

A4.1.6 Accessible Buildings:Alterations.

A4.1.6(1)(h) When an entrance is beingaltered, it is preferable that those entrancesbeing altered be made accessible to theextent feasible.

A4.2 Space Allowances and ReachRanges.

A4.2.1 Wheelchair Passage Width.

(1) Space Requirements for Wheelchairs.Many persons who use wheelchairs need a 30in (760 mm) clear opening width for doorways,gates, and the like, when the latter are enteredhead-on. If the person is unfamiliar with abuilding, if competing traffic is heavy, if suddenor frequent movements are needed, or if thewheelchair must be turned at an opening, thengreater clear widths are needed. For mostsituations, the addition of an inch of leeway oneither side is sufficient. Thus, a minimum clearwidth of 32 in (815 mm) will provide adequateclearance. However, when an opening or arestriction in a passageway is more than 24 in(610 mm) long, it is essentially a passagewayand must be at least 36 in (915 mm) wide.

(2) Space Requirements for Use of WalkingAids. Although people who use walking aidscan maneuver through clear width openings of32 in (815 mm), they need 36 in (915 mm) widepassageways and walks for comfortable gaits.Crutch tips, often extending down at a wideangle, are a hazard in narrow passagewayswhere they might not be seen by other pedestri-ans. Thus, the 36 in (915 mm) width provides asafety allowance both for the person with adisability and for others.

(3) Space Requirements for Passing. Able-bodied persons in winter clothing, walking

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straight ahead with arms swinging, need 32 in(815 mm) of width, which includes 2 in (50mm) on either side for sway, and another 1 in(25 mm) tolerance on either side for clearingnearby objects or other pedestrians. Almost allwheelchair users and those who use walkingaids can also manage within this 32 in (815mm) width for short distances. Thus, twostreams of traffic can pass in 64 in (1625 mm)in a comfortable flow. Sixty inches (1525 mm)provides a minimum width for a somewhatmore restricted flow. If the clear width is lessthan 60 in (1525 mm), two wheelchair userswill not be able to pass but will have to seek awider place for passing. Forty-eight inches(1220 mm) is the minimum width needed foran ambulatory person to pass anonambulatory or semi-ambulatory person.Within this 48 in (1220 mm) width, the ambula-tory person will have to twist to pass a wheel-chair user, a person with a service animal, or a

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semi-ambulatory person. There will be littleleeway for swaying or missteps (see Fig. A1).

A4.2.3 Wheelchair Turning Space.These guidelines specify a minimum space of60 in (1525 mm) diameter or a 60 in by 60 in(1525 mm by 1525 mm) T-shaped space for apivoting 180-degree turn of a wheelchair. Thisspace is usually satisfactory for turningaround, but many people will not be able toturn without repeated tries and bumping intosurrounding objects. The space shown in Fig.A2 will allow most wheelchair users to com-plete U-turns without difficulty.

A4.2.4 Clear Floor or Ground Space forWheelchairs. The wheelchair and user shownin Fig. A3 represent typical dimensions for alarge adult male. The space requirements inthis guideline are based upon maneuveringclearances that will accommodate most wheel-chairs. Fig. A3 provides a uniform reference fordesign not covered by this guideline.

A4.2.5 & A4.2.6 Reach. Reach ranges forpersons seated in wheelchairs may be furtherclarified by Fig. A3(a). These drawings ap-proximate in the plan view the informationshown in Fig. 4, 5, and 6.

A4.3 Accessible Route.

A4.3.1 General.

(1) Travel Distances. Many people withmobility impairments can move at only veryslow speeds; for many, traveling 200 ft (61 m)could take about 2 minutes. This assumes arate of about 1.5 ft/s (455 mm/s) on levelground. It also assumes that the traveler wouldmove continuously. However, on trips over 100ft (30 m), disabled people are apt to rest fre-quently, which substantially increases theirtrip times. Resting periods of 2 minutes forevery 100 ft (30 m) can be used to estimatetravel times for people with severely limitedstamina. In inclement weather, slow progressand resting can greatly increase a disabledperson’s exposure to the elements.

(2) Sites. Level, indirect routes or those withrunning slopes lower than 1:20 can sometimesprovide more convenience than direct routeswith maximum allowable slopes or with ramps.

A4.3.10 Egress. Because people with dis-abilities may visit, be employed or be a resi-dent in any building, emergency managementplans with specific provisions to ensure theirsafe evacuation also play an essential role infire safety and life safety.

A4.3.11.3 Stairway Width. A 48 in (1220mm) wide exit stairway is needed to allowassisted evacuation (e.g., carrying a person ina wheelchair) without encroaching on the exitpath for ambulatory persons.

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A4.3.11.4 Two-way Communication. It isessential that emergency communication notbe dependent on voice communications alonebecause the safety of people with hearing orspeech impairments could be jeopardized. Thevisible signal requirement could be satisfiedwith something as simple as a button in thearea of rescue assistance that lights, indicat-ing that help is on the way, when the mes-sage is answered at the point of entry.

A4.4 Protruding Objects.

A4.4.1 General. Service animals are trainedto recognize and avoid hazards. However, mostpeople with severe impairments of vision usethe long cane as an aid to mobility. The twoprincipal cane techniques are the touchtechnique, where the cane arcs from side toside and touches points outside both shoul-ders; and the diagonal technique, where thecane is held in a stationary position diagonallyacross the body with the cane tip touching orjust above the ground at a point outside oneshoulder and the handle or grip extending to apoint outside the other shoulder. The touchtechnique is used primarily in uncontrolledareas, while the diagonal technique is usedprimarily in certain limited, controlled, andfamiliar environments. Cane users are oftentrained to use both techniques.

Potential hazardous objects are noticed only ifthey fall within the detection range of canes(see Fig. A4). Visually impaired people walkingtoward an object can detect an overhang if itslowest surface is not higher than 27 in (685mm). When walking alongside protrudingobjects, they cannot detect overhangs. Sinceproper cane and service animal techniqueskeep people away from the edge of a path orfrom walls, a slight overhang of no more than 4in (100 mm) is not hazardous.

A4.5 Ground and Floor Surfaces.

A4.5.1 General. People who have difficultywalking or maintaining balance or who usecrutches, canes, or walkers, and those withrestricted gaits are particularly sensitive toslipping and tripping hazards. For such people,a stable and regular surface is necessary forsafe walking, particularly on stairs. Wheel-chairs can be propelled most easily on sur-faces that are hard, stable, and regular. Soft

loose surfaces such as shag carpet, loose sandor gravel, wet clay, and irregular surfaces suchas cobblestones can significantly impedewheelchair movement.

Slip resistance is based on the frictional forcenecessary to keep a shoe heel or crutch tip fromslipping on a walking surface under conditionslikely to be found on the surface. While thedynamic coefficient of friction during walkingvaries in a complex and non-uniform way, thestatic coefficient of friction, which can bemeasured in several ways, provides a closeapproximation of the slip resistance of asurface. Contrary to popular belief, someslippage is necessary to walking, especially forpersons with restricted gaits; a truly “non-slip”surface could not be negotiated.

The Occupational Safety and Health Adminis-tration recommends that walking surfaceshave a static coefficient of friction of 0.5. Aresearch project sponsored by the Architecturaland Transportation Barriers Compliance Board(Access Board) conducted tests with personswith disabilities and concluded that a highercoefficient of friction was needed by suchpersons. A static coefficient of friction of 0.6 isrecommended for accessible routes and 0.8 forramps.

It is recognized that the coefficient of frictionvaries considerably due to the presence ofcontaminants, water, floor finishes, and otherfactors not under the control of the designer orbuilder and not subject to design and construc-tion guidelines and that compliance would bedifficult to measure on the building site. Never-theless, many common building materialssuitable for flooring are now labeled withinformation on the static coefficient of friction.While it may not be possible to compare oneproduct directly with another, or to guarantee aconstant measure, builders and designers areencouraged to specify materials with appropri-ate values. As more products include informa-tion on slip resistance, improved uniformity inmeasurement and specification is likely. TheAccess Board’s advisory guidelines on SlipResistant Surfaces provides additional infor-mation on this subject.

Cross slopes on walks and ground or floorsurfaces can cause considerable difficulty inpropelling a wheelchair in a straight line.

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A4.5.3 Carpet. Much more needs to be donein developing both quantitative and qualitativecriteria for carpeting (i.e., problems associatedwith texture and weave need to be studied).However, certain functional characteristics arewell established. When both carpet and pad-ding are used, it is desirable to have minimummovement (preferably none) between the floorand the pad and the pad and the carpet whichwould allow the carpet to hump or warp. Inheavily trafficked areas, a thick, soft (plush)pad or cushion, particularly in combinationwith long carpet pile, makes it difficult forindividuals in wheelchairs and those withother ambulatory disabilities to get about. Firmcarpeting can be achieved through properselection and combination of pad and carpet,sometimes with the elimination of the pad orcushion, and with proper installation.Carpeting designed with a weave that causesa zig-zag effect when wheeled across isstrongly discouraged.

A4.6 Parking and Passenger LoadingZones.

A4.6.3 Parking Spaces. The increasing useof vans with side-mounted lifts or ramps bypersons with disabilities has necessitatedsome revisions in specifications for parkingspaces and adjacent access aisles. Thetypical accessible parking space is 96 in(2440 mm) wide with an adjacent 60 in (1525mm) access aisle. However, this aisle does notpermit lifts or ramps to be deployed and stillleave room for a person using a wheelchair orother mobility aid to exit the lift platform orramp. In tests conducted with actual lift/van/wheelchair combinations, (under aBoard-sponsored Accessible Parking andLoading Zones Project) researchers found thata space and aisle totaling almost 204 in (5180mm) wide was needed to deploy a lift and exitconveniently. The “van accessible” parkingspace required by these guidelines provides a96 in (2440 mm) wide space with a 96 in (2440mm) adjacent access aisle which is just wideenough to maneuver and exit from a sidemounted lift. If a 96 in (2440 mm) access aisleis placed between two spaces, two “vanaccessible” spaces are created. Alternatively,if the wide access aisle is provided at the endof a row (an area often unused), it may bepossible to provide the wide access aislewithout additional space (see Fig. A5(a)).

A sign is needed to alert van users to thepresence of the wider aisle, but the space isnot intended to be restricted only to vans.

“Universal” Parking Space Design. An alter-native to the provision of a percentage ofspaces with a wide aisle, and the associatedneed to include additional signage, is the useof what has been called the “universal”parking space design. Under this design, allaccessible spaces are 132 in (3350 mm) widewith a 60 in (1525 mm) access aisle (see Fig.A5(b)). One advantage to this design is that

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no additional signage is needed because allspaces can accommodate a van with aside-mounted lift or ramp. Also, there is nocompetition between cars and vans for spacessince all spaces can accommodate either.Furthermore, the wider space permits vehiclesto park to one side or the other within the 132in (3350 mm) space to allow persons to exitand enter the vehicle on either the driver orpassenger side, although, in some cases, thiswould require exiting or entering without amarked access aisle.

An essential consideration for any design ishaving the access aisle level with the parkingspace. Since a person with a disability, usinga lift or ramp, must maneuver within theaccess aisle, the aisle cannot include a rampor sloped area. The access aisle must beconnected to an accessible route to theappropriate accessible entrance of a buildingor facility. The parking access aisle musteither blend with the accessible route or havea curb ramp complying with 4.7. Such a curbramp opening must be located within theaccess aisle boundaries, not within theparking space boundaries. Unfortunately,many facilities are designed with a ramp thatis blocked when any vehicle parks in theaccessible space. Also, the required dimen-sions of the access aisle cannot be restrictedby planters, curbs or wheel stops.

A4.6.4 Signage. Signs designating parkingplaces for disabled people can be seen from adriver’s seat if the signs are mounted highenough above the ground and located at thefront of a parking space.

A4.6.5 Vertical Clearance. High-top vans,which disabled people or transportationservices often use, require higher clearances inparking garages than automobiles.

A4.8 Ramps.

A4.8.1 General. Ramps are essential forwheelchair users if elevators or lifts are notavailable to connect different levels. However,some people who use walking aids havedifficulty with ramps and prefer stairs.

A4.8.2 Slope and Rise. Ramp slopes be-tween 1:16 and 1:20 are preferred. The abilityto manage an incline is related to both itsslope and its length. Wheelchair users with

disabilities affecting their arms or with lowstamina have serious difficulty using inclines.Most ambulatory people and most people whouse wheelchairs can manage a slope of 1:16.Many people cannot manage a slope of 1:12 for30 ft (9 m).

A4.8.4 Landings. Level landings are essen-tial toward maintaining an aggregate slopethat complies with these guidelines. A ramplanding that is not level causes individualsusing wheelchairs to tip backward or bottomout when the ramp is approached.

A4.8.5 Handrails. The requirements for stairand ramp handrails in this guideline are foradults. When children are principal users in abuilding or facility, a second set of handrails atan appropriate height can assist them and aidin preventing accidents.

A4.9 Stairs.

A4.9.1 Minimum Number. Only interior andexterior stairs connecting levels that are notconnected by an elevator, ramp, or otheraccessible means of vertical access have tocomply with 4.9.

A4.10 Elevators.

A4.10.6 Door Protective and ReopeningDevice. The required door reopening devicewould hold the door open for 20 seconds if thedoorway remains obstructed. After 20 seconds,the door may begin to close. However, ifdesigned in accordance with ASMEA17.1-1990, the door closing movement couldstill be stopped if a person or object exertssufficient force at any point on the door edge.

A4.10.7 Door and Signal Timing for HallCalls. This paragraph allows variation in thelocation of call buttons, advance time forwarning signals, and the door-holding periodused to meet the time requirement.

A4.10.12 Car Controls. Industry-widestandardization of elevator control paneldesign would make all elevators significantlymore convenient for use by people with severevisual impairments. In many cases, it will bepossible to locate the highest control onelevator panels within 48 in (1220 mm) fromthe floor.

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A4.10.13 Car Position Indicators. A specialbutton may be provided that would activate theaudible signal within the given elevator onlyfor the desired trip, rather than maintainingthe audible signal in constant operation.

A4.10.14 Emergency Communications. Adevice that requires no handset is easier touse by people who have difficulty reaching.Also, small handles on handset compartmentdoors are not usable by people who havedifficulty grasping.

Ideally, emergency two-way communicationsystems should provide both voice and visualdisplay intercommunication so that personswith hearing impairments and persons withvision impairments can receive informationregarding the status of a rescue. A voiceintercommunication system cannot be theonly means of communication because it isnot accessible to people with speech andhearing impairments. While a voice intercom-munication system is not required, at aminimum, the system should provide both anaudio and visual indication that a rescue ison the way.

A4.11 Platform Lifts (WheelchairLifts).

A4.11.2 Other Requirements. Inclinedstairway chairlifts, and inclined and verticalplatform lifts (wheelchair lifts) are availablefor short-distance, vertical transportation ofpeople with disabilities. Care should be takenin selecting lifts as some lifts are not equallysuitable for use by both wheelchair users andsemi-ambulatory individuals.

A4.12 Windows.

A4.12.1 General. Windows intended to beoperated by occupants in accessible spacesshould comply with 4.12.

A4.12.2 Window Hardware. Windowsrequiring pushing, pulling, or lifting to open(for example, double-hung, sliding, or case-ment and awning units without cranks)should require no more than 5 lbf (22.2 N) toopen or close. Locks, cranks, and otherwindow hardware should comply with 4.27.

A4.13 Doors.

A4.13.8 Thresholds at Doorways. Thresh-olds and surface height changes in doorwaysare particularly inconvenient for wheelchairusers who also have low stamina or restric-tions in arm movement because complexmaneuvering is required to get over the levelchange while operating the door.

A4.13.9 Door Hardware. Some disabledpersons must push against a door with theirchair or walker to open it. Applied kickplateson doors with closers can reduce requiredmaintenance by withstanding abuse fromwheelchairs and canes. To be effective, theyshould cover the door width, less approxi-mately 2 in (51 mm), up to a height of 16 in(405 mm) from its bottom edge and be cen-tered across the width of the door.

A4.13.10 Door Closers. Closers with delayedaction features give a person more time tomaneuver through doorways. They are particu-larly useful on frequently used interior doorssuch as entrances to toilet rooms.

A4.13.11 Door Opening Force. Althoughmost people with disabilities can exert at least5 lbf (22.2N), both pushing and pulling from astationary position, a few people with severedisabilities cannot exert 3 lbf (13.13N). Al-though some people cannot manage theallowable forces in this guideline and manyothers have difficulty, door closers must havecertain minimum closing forces to close doorssatisfactorily. Forces for pushing or pullingdoors open are measured with a push-pullscale under the following conditions:

(1) Hinged doors: Force applied perpendicu-lar to the door at the door opener or 30 in (760mm) from the hinged side, whichever is fartherfrom the hinge.

(2) Sliding or folding doors: Force appliedparallel to the door at the door pull or latch.

(3) Application of force: Apply force graduallyso that the applied force does not exceed theresistance of the door. In high-rise buildings,air-pressure differentials may require a modifi-cation of this specification in order to meetthe functional intent.

A4.11 Platform Lifts (Wheelchair Lifts)

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A4.13.12 Automatic Doors andPower-Assisted Doors. Sliding automaticdoors do not need guard rails and are moreconvenient for wheelchair users and visuallyimpaired people to use. If slowly openingautomatic doors can be reactivated before theirclosing cycle is completed, they will be moreconvenient in busy doorways.

A4.15 Drinking Fountains andWater Coolers.

A4.15.2 Spout Height. Two drinking foun-tains, mounted side by side or on a singlepost, are usable by people with disabilitiesand people who find it difficult to bend over.

A4.15 Drinking Fountains and Water Coolers

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A4.16 Water Closets.

A4.16.3 Height. Height preferences for toiletseats vary considerably among disabled people.Higher seat heights may be an advantage tosome ambulatory disabled people, but are oftena disadvantage for wheelchair users andothers. Toilet seats 18 in (455 mm) high seemto be a reasonable compromise. Thick seatsand filler rings are available to adapt standardfixtures to these requirements.

A4.16.4 Grab Bars. Fig. A6(a) and (b) showthe diagonal and side approaches most com-monly used to transfer from a wheelchair to awater closet. Some wheelchair users cantransfer from the front of the toilet while othersuse a 90-degree approach. Most people whouse the two additional approaches can also useeither the diagonal approach or the sideapproach.

A4.16.5 Flush Controls. Flush valves andrelated plumbing can be located behind wallsor to the side of the toilet, or a toilet seat lidcan be provided if plumbing fittings are directlybehind the toilet seat. Such designs reduce thechance of injury and imbalance caused byleaning back against the fittings. Flush con-trols for tank-type toilets have a standardizedmounting location on the left side of the tank(facing the tank). Tanks can be obtained byspecial order with controls mounted on theright side. If administrative authorities requireflush controls for flush valves to be located in aposition that conflicts with the location of therear grab bar, then that bar may be split orshifted toward the wide side of the toilet area.

A4.17 Toilet Stalls.

A4.17.3 Size and Arrangement. Thissection requires use of the 60 in (1525 mm)standard stall (Figure 30(a)) and permits the36 in (915 mm) or 48 in (1220 mm) widealternate stall (Figure 30(b)) only in alter-ations where provision of the standard stall istechnically infeasible or where local plumbingcodes prohibit reduction in the number offixtures. A standard stall provides a clearspace on one side of the water closet to enablepersons who use wheelchairs to perform aside or diagonal transfer from the wheelchairto the water closet. However, some personswith disabilities who use mobility aids suchas walkers, canes or crutches are better able

to use the two parallel grab bars in the 36 in(915 mm) wide alternate stall to achieve astanding position.

In large toilet rooms, where six or more toiletstalls are provided, it is therefore requiredthat a 36 in (915 mm) wide stall with parallelgrab bars be provided in addition to thestandard stall required in new construction.The 36 in (915 mm) width is necessary toachieve proper use of the grab bars; widerstalls would position the grab bars too farapart to be easily used and narrower stallswould position the grab bars too close to thewater closet. Since the stall is primarilyintended for use by persons using canes,crutches and walkers, rather than wheel-chairs, the length of the stall could be conven-tional. The door, however, must swing out-ward to ensure a usable space for people whouse crutches or walkers.

A4.17.5 Doors. To make it easier for wheel-chair users to close toilet stall doors, doorscan be provided with closers, spring hinges, ora pull bar mounted on the inside surface ofthe door near the hinge side.

A4.19 Lavatories and Mirrors.

A4.19.6 Mirrors. If mirrors are to be used byboth ambulatory people and wheelchair users,then they must be at least 74 in (1880 mm)high at their topmost edge. A single full lengthmirror can accommodate all people, includingchildren.

A4.21 Shower Stalls.

A4.21.1 General. Shower stalls that are 36 inby 36 in (915 mm by 915 mm) wide provideadditional safety to people who have difficultymaintaining balance because all grab bars andwalls are within easy reach. Seated people usethe walls of 36 in by 36 in (915 mm by 915mm) showers for back support. Shower stallsthat are 60 in (1525 mm) wide and have nocurb may increase usability of a bathroom bywheelchair users because the shower areaprovides additional maneuvering space.

A4.22 Toilet Rooms.

A4.22.3 Clear Floor Space. In many smallfacilities, single-user restrooms may be theonly facilities provided for all building users.

A4.16 Water Closets

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In addition, the guidelines allow the use of“unisex” or “family” accessible toilet rooms inalterations when technical infeasibility can bedemonstrated. Experience has shown that theprovision of accessible “unisex” or single-userrestrooms is a reasonable way to provideaccess for wheelchair users and any atten-dants, especially when attendants are of theopposite sex. Since these facilities haveproven so useful, it is often considered advan-tageous to install a “unisex” toilet room innew facilities in addition to making themulti-stall restrooms accessible, especially inshopping malls, large auditoriums, andconvention centers.

Figure 28 (section 4.16) provides minimumclear floor space dimensions for toilets inaccessible “unisex” toilet rooms. The dottedlines designate the minimum clear floorspace, depending on the direction of approach,required for wheelchair users to transfer ontothe water closet. The dimensions of 48 in(1220 mm) and 60 in (1525 mm), respectively,correspond to the space required for the twocommon transfer approaches utilized bywheelchair users (see Fig. A6). It is importantto keep in mind that the placement of thelavatory to the immediate side of the watercloset will preclude the side approach transferillustrated in Figure A6(b).

To accommodate the side transfer, the spaceadjacent to the water closet must remainclear of obstruction for 42 in (1065 mm) fromthe centerline of the toilet (Figure 28) and thelavatory must not be located within this clearspace. A turning circle or T-turn, the clear floorspace at the lavatory, and maneuvering spaceat the door must be considered when deter-mining the possible wall locations. A privacylatch or other accessible means of ensuringprivacy during use should be provided at thedoor.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. In new construction, accessible single-userrestrooms may be desirable in some situa-tions because they can accommodate a widevariety of building users. However, theycannot be used in lieu of making themulti-stall toilet rooms accessible as required.

2. Where strict compliance to the guidelinesfor accessible toilet facilities is technicallyinfeasible in the alteration of existing facili-ties, accessible “unisex” toilets are a reason-able alternative.

3. In designing accessible single-userrestrooms, the provisions of adequate spaceto allow a side transfer will provide accommo-dation to the largest number of wheelchairusers.

A4.22 Toilet Rooms

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A4.23 Bathrooms, Bathing Facilities,and Shower Rooms.

A4.23.3 Clear Floor Space. Figure A7shows two possible configurations of a toiletroom with a roll-in shower. The specific showershown is designed to fit exactly within thedimensions of a standard bathtub. Since theshower does not have a lip, the floor space canbe used for required maneuvering space. Thiswould permit a toilet room to be smaller thanwould be permitted with a bathtub and stillprovide enough floor space to be consideredaccessible. This design can provide accessibil-ity in facilities where space is at a premium(i.e., hotels and medical care facilities). Thealternate roll-in shower (Fig. 57b) also providessufficient room for the “T-turn” and does notrequire plumbing to be on more than one wall.

A4.23.9 Medicine Cabinets. Other alterna-tives for storing medical and personal careitems are very useful to disabled people.Shelves, drawers, and floor-mounted cabinetscan be provided within the reach ranges ofdisabled people.

A4.26 Handrails, Grab Bars, and Tuband Shower Seats.

A4.26.1 General. Many disabled people relyheavily upon grab bars and handrails tomaintain balance and prevent serious falls.Many people brace their forearms betweensupports and walls to give them more leverageand stability in maintaining balance or forlifting. The grab bar clearance of 1-1/2 in (38mm) required in this guideline is a safetyclearance to prevent injuries resulting fromarms slipping through the openings. It alsoprovides adequate gripping room.

A4.26.2 Size and Spacing of Grab Barsand Handrails. This specification allows foralternate shapes of handrails as long as theyallow an opposing grip similar to that pro-vided by a circular section of 1-1/4 in to 1-1/2in (32 mm to 38 mm).

A4.27 Controls and OperatingMechanisms.

A4.27.3 Height. Fig. A8 further illustrates

A4.23 Bathrooms, Bathing Facilities, and Shower Rooms

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mandatory and advisory control mountingheight provisions for typical equipment.

Electrical receptacles installed to serve indi-vidual appliances and not intended for regularor frequent use by building occupants are notrequired to be mounted within the specifiedreach ranges. Examples would be receptaclesinstalled specifically for wall-mounted clocks,refrigerators, and microwave ovens.

A4.28 Alarms.

A4.28.2 Audible Alarms. Audible emergencysignals must have an intensity and frequencythat can attract the attention of individuals whohave partial hearing loss. People over 60 yearsof age generally have difficulty perceivingfrequencies higher than 10,000 Hz. An alarmsignal which has a periodic element to itssignal, such as single stroke bells (clang-pause-clang- pause), hi-low (up-down-up-down)and fast whoop (on-off-on-off) are best. Avoidcontinuous or reverberating tones. Select asignal which has a sound characterized bythree or four clear tones without a great dealof “noise” in between.

A4.28.3 Visual Alarms. The specifications inthis section do not preclude the use of zoned orcoded alarm systems.

A4.28.4 Auxiliary Alarms. Locating visualemergency alarms in rooms where persons whoare deaf may work or reside alone can ensurethat they will always be warned when anemergency alarm is activated. To be effective,such devices must be located and oriented sothat they will spread signals and reflectionsthroughout a space or raise the overall lightlevel sharply. However, visual alarms alone arenot necessarily the best means to alert sleep-ers. A study conducted by Underwriters Labo-ratory (UL) concluded that a flashing lightmore than seven times brighter was required(110 candela v. 15 candela, at the samedistance) to awaken sleepers as was needed toalert awake subjects in a normal daytimeilluminated room.

For hotel and other rooms where people arelikely to be asleep, a signal-activated vibratorplaced between mattress and box spring orunder a pillow was found by UL to be muchmore effective in alerting sleepers. Manyreadily available devices are sound-activated

so that they could respond to an alarm clock,clock radio, wake-up telephone call or roomsmoke detector. Activation by a building alarmsystem can either be accomplished by aseparate circuit activating an auditory alarmwhich would, in turn, trigger the vibrator or bya signal transmitted through the ordinary110-volt outlet. Transmission of signalsthrough the power line is relatively simple andis the basis of common, inexpensive remotelight control systems sold in many departmentand electronic stores for home use. So-called“wireless” intercoms operate on the sameprincipal.

A4.29 Detectable Warnings.

A4.29.2 Detectable Warnings on WalkingSurfaces. The material used to provide con-trast should contrast by at least 70%. Contrastin percent is determined by:

Contrast = [(B1 - B2)/B1] x 100

where B1 = light reflectance value (LRV) of thelighter area and B2 = light reflectance value(LRV) of the darker area.

Note that in any application both white andblack are never absolute; thus, B1 neverequals 100 and B2 is always greater than 0.

A4.30 Signage.

A4.30.1 General. In building complexes wherefinding locations independently on a routinebasis may be a necessity (for example, collegecampuses), tactile maps or prerecorded instruc-tions can be very helpful to visually impairedpeople. Several maps and auditory instructionshave been developed and tested for specificapplications. The type of map or instructionsused must be based on the information to becommunicated, which depends highly on thetype of buildings or users.

Landmarks that can easily be distinguished byvisually impaired individuals are useful asorientation cues. Such cues include changes inillumination level, bright colors, unique pat-terns, wall murals, location of special equip-ment or other architectural features.

Many people with disabilities have limitationsin movement of their heads and reducedperipheral vision. Thus, signage positioned

A4.28 Alarms

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perpendicular to the path of travel is easiest forthem to notice. People can generally distin-guish signage within an angle of 30 degrees toeither side of the centerlines of their faceswithout moving their heads.

A4.30.2 Character Proportion. The legibilityof printed characters is a function of theviewing distance, character height, the ratio ofthe stroke width to the height of the character,the contrast of color between character andbackground, and print font. The size of charac-ters must be based upon the intended viewingdistance. A severely nearsighted person mayhave to be much closer to recognize a characterof a given size than a person with normal visualacuity.

A4.30.4 Raised and Brailled Charactersand Pictorial Symbol Signs (Pictograms).The standard dimensions for literary Brailleare as follows:

Dot diameter .059 in.

Inter-dot spacing .090 in.

Horizontal separationbetween cells .241 in.

Vertical separationbetween cells .395 in.

Raised borders around signs containing raisedcharacters may make them confusing to readunless the border is set far away from thecharacters. Accessible signage with descriptivematerials about public buildings, monuments,and objects of cultural interest may notprovide sufficiently detailed and meaningfulinformation. Interpretive guides, audio tapedevices, or other methods may be more effec-tive in presenting such information.

A4.30.5 Finish and Contrast. An eggshellfinish (11 to 19 degree gloss on 60 degreeglossimeter) is recommended. Research indi-cates that signs are more legible for personswith low vision when characters contrast withtheir background by at least 70 percent.Contrast in percent shall be determined by:

Contrast = [(B1 - B2)/B1] x 100

where B1 = light reflectance value (LRV) ofthe lighter area and B2 = light reflectancevalue (LRV) of the darker area.

Note that in any application both white andblack are never absolute; thus, B1 neverequals 100 and B2 is always greater than 0.

The greatest readability is usually achievedthrough the use of light-colored characters orsymbols on a dark background.

A4.30.7 Symbols of Accessibility forDifferent Types of Listening Systems.Paragraph 4 of this section requires signageindicating the availability of an assistivelistening system. An appropriate messageshould be displayed with the internationalsymbol of access for hearing loss since thissymbol conveys general accessibility forpeople with hearing loss. Some suggestionsare:

INFRAREDASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEM

AVAILABLE----PLEASE ASK----

AUDIO LOOP IN USETURN T-SWITCH FOR

BETTER HEARING----OR ASK FOR HELP----

FMASSISTIVE LISTENINGSYSTEM AVAILABLE----PLEASE ASK----

The symbol may be used to notify persons ofthe availability of other auxiliary aids andservices such as: real time captioning, cap-tioned note taking, sign language interpret-ers, and oral interpreters.

A4.30.8 Illumination Levels. Illuminationlevels on the sign surface shall be in the 100to 300 lux range (10 to 30 footcandles) andshall be uniform over the sign surface. Signsshall be located such that the illuminationlevel on the surface of the sign is not signifi-cantly exceeded by the ambient light orvisible bright lighting source behind or infront of the sign.

A4.30 Signage

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A4.31 Telephones.

A4.31.3 Mounting Height. In localities wherethe dial-tone first system is in operation, callscan be placed at a coin telephone through theoperator without inserting coins. The operatorbutton is located at a height of 46 in (1170 mm)if the coin slot of the telephone is at 54 in (1370mm). A generally available public telephonewith a coin slot mounted lower on the equip-ment would allow universal installation oftelephones at a height of 48 in (1220 mm) orless to all operable parts.

A4.31.9 Text Telephones. A public texttelephone may be an integrated text telephonepay phone unit or a conventional portable texttelephone that is permanently affixed within, oradjacent to, the telephone enclosure. In orderto be usable with a pay phone, a text telephonewhich is not a single integrated text telephonepay phone unit will require a shelf largeenough (10 in (255mm) wide by 10 in (255 mm)deep with a 6 in (150 mm) vertical clearanceminimum) to accommodate the device, anelectrical outlet, and a power cord. Movable orportable text telephones may be used toprovide equivalent facilitation. A text telephoneshould be readily available so that a personusing it may access the text telephone easilyand conveniently. As currently designedpocket-type text telephones for personal use donot accommodate a wide range of users. Suchdevices would not be considered substantiallyequivalent to conventional text telephones.However, in the future as technology developsthis could change.

A4.32 Fixed or Built-in Seatingand Tables.

A4.32.4 Height of Tables or Counters.Different types of work require different table orcounter heights for comfort and optimal perfor-mance. Light detailed work such as writingrequires a table or counter close to elbowheight for a standing person. Heavy manualwork such as rolling dough requires a counteror table height about 10 in (255 mm) belowelbow height for a standing person. This prin-ciple of high/low table or counter heights alsoapplies for seated persons; however, the limitingcondition for seated manual work is clearanceunder the table or counter.

Table A1 shows convenient counter heights forseated persons. The great variety of heights forcomfort and optimal performance indicates aneed for alternatives or a compromise in heightif people who stand and people who sit will beusing the same counter area.

Table A1Convenient Heights of Tables

and Counters for Seated People1

Short TallWomen Men

Conditions of Use in mm in mm

Seated in a wheelchair:Manual work-Desk or removablearmrests 26 660 30 760

Fixed, full-size armrests2 323 815 323 815Light, detailed work:Desk or removablearmrests 29 735 34 865

Fixed, full-size armrests2 323 815 34 865Seated in a 16 in (405 mm)high chair:Manual work 26 660 27 685Light, detailed work 28 710 31 785

1All dimensions are based on a work-surfacethickness of 1 1/2 in (38 mm) and a clearanceof 1 1/2 in (38 mm) between legs and theunderside of a work surface.

2This type of wheelchair arm does not interferewith the positioning of a wheelchair under awork surface.

3This dimension is limited by the height of thearmrests: a lower height would be preferable.Some people in this group prefer lower worksurfaces, which require positioning the wheel-chair back from the edge of the counter.

A4.33 Assembly Areas.

A4.33.2 Size of Wheelchair Locations.Spaces large enough for two wheelchairs allowpeople who are coming to a performancetogether to sit together.

A4.33.3 Placement of WheelchairLocations. The location of wheelchair areascan be planned so that a variety of positions

A4.31 Telephones

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within the seating area are provided. This willallow choice in viewing and price categories.

Building/life safety codes set minimumdistances between rows of fixed seats withconsideration of the number of seats in a row,the exit aisle width and arrangement, and thelocation of exit doors. “Continental” seating,with a greater number of seats per row and a

commensurate increase in row spacing andexit doors, facilitates emergency egress for allpeople and increases ease of access tomid-row seats especially for people who walkwith difficulty. Consideration of this positiveattribute of “continental” seating should beincluded along with all other factors in thedesign of fixed seating areas.

Induction LoopTransmitter: Transducerwired to induction looparound listening area.Receiver: Self-containedinduction receiver orpersonal hearing aidwith telecoil.

Cost-EffectiveLow MaintenanceEasy to useUnobtrusiveMay be possible tointegrate into existingpublic address system.

Some hearing aids canfunction as receivers.

Signal spills over toadjacent rooms.

Susceptible to electricalinterference.

Limited portabilityInconsistent signalstrength

Head position affectssignal strength.

Lack of standards forinduction coilperformance.

Meeting areasTheatersChurches and TemplesConference roomsClassroomsTV viewing

FMTransmitter: Flashlight-sized worn by speaker.

Receiver: With personalhearing aid via DAI orinduction neck-loop and

telecoil; or self-contain-ed with earphone(s).

Highly portableDifferent channels allowuse by different groupswithin the same room.

High user mobilityVariable for large rangeof hearing losses.

High cost of receiversEquipment fragileEquipment obtrusiveHigh maintenanceExpensive to maintainCustom fitting toindividual user may berequired.

ClassroomsTour groupsMeeting areasOutdoor eventsOne-on-one

InfraredTransmitter: Emitter inline-of- sight withreceiver.

Receiver: Self-contained.Or with personal hearingaid via DAI or inductionneckloop and telecoil.

System TypicalApplications

Advantages Disadvantages

Easy to useInsures privacy orconfidentiality

Moderate costCan often be integratedinto existing publicaddress system.

Line-of-sight requiredbetween emitter andreceiver.

Ineffective outdoorsLimited portabilityRequires installation

Source: Rehab Brief, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, Washington, DC, Vol. XII, No. 10, (1990).

Table A2. Summary of Assistive Listening Devices

TheatersChurches and TemplesAuditoriumsMeetings requiringconfidentiality

TV viewing

Table A2. Summary of Assistive Listening Devices

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A4.33.6 Placement of ListeningSystems. A distance of 50 ft (15 m) allows aperson to distinguish performers’ facialexpressions.

A4.33.7 Types of Listening Systems. Anassistive listening system appropriate for anassembly area for a group of persons or wherethe specific individuals are not known inadvance, such as a playhouse, lecture hall ormovie theater, may be different from the systemappropriate for a particular individual providedas an auxiliary aid or as part of a reasonableaccommodation. The appropriate device for anindividual is the type that individual can use,whereas the appropriate system for an assemblyarea will necessarily be geared toward the“average” or aggregate needs of variousindi-viduals. A listening system that can be usedfrom any seat in a seating area is the most flexibleway to meet this specification. Earphone jackswith variable volume controls can benefit onlypeople who have slight hearing loss and do nothelp people who use hearing aids. At the presenttime, magnetic induction loops are the mostfeasible type of listening system for people whouse hearing aids equipped with “T-coils,” butpeople without hearing aids or those with hearingaids not equipped with inductive pick-ups cannotuse them without special receivers. Radio fre-quency systems can be extremely effective andinexpensive. People without hearing aids can usethem, but people with hearing aids need a specialreceiver to use them as they are presently de-signed. If hearing aids had a jack to allow aby-pass of microphones, then radio frequencysystems would be suitable for people with andwithout hearing aids. Some listening systems maybe subject to interference from other equipmentand feedback from hearing aids of people who areusing the systems. Such interference can becontroll-ed by careful engineering design thatanticipates feedback sources in the surroundingarea.

Table A2, reprinted from a National Institute ofDisability and Rehabilitation Research “RehabBrief,” shows some of the advantages and disad-vantages of different types of assistive listeningsystems. In addition, the Architectural andTransportation Barriers Compliance Board(Access Board) has published a pamphlet onAssistive Listening Systems which lists demon-stration centers across the country wheretechnical assistance can be obtained in selectingand installing appropriate systems. The state of

New York has also adopted a detailed technicalspecification which may be useful.

A5.0 Restaurants and Cafeterias.

A5.1 General. Dining counters (where there isno service) are typically found in small carry-outrestaurants, bakeries, or coffee shops and mayonly be a narrow eating surface attached to awall. This section requires that where such adining counter is provided, a portion of thecounter shall be at the required accessible height.

A7.0 Business and Mercantile.

A7.2(3) Assistive Listening Devices. At allsales and service counters, teller windows, boxoffices, and information kiosks where a physicalbarrier separates service personnel and custom-ers, it is recommended that at least one perma-nently installed assistive listening device comply-ing with 4.33 be provided at each location orseries. Where assistive listening devices areinstalled, signage should be provided identifyingthose stations which are so equipped.

A7.3 Check-out Aisles. Section 7.2 refers tocounters without aisles; section 7.3 concernscheck-out aisles. A counter without an aisle (7.2)can be approached from more than one directionsuch as in a convenience store. In order to use acheck-out aisle (7.3), customers must enter adefined area (an aisle) at a particular point, payfor goods, and exit at a particular point.

A10.3 Fixed Facilities and Stations

A10.3.1(7) Route Signs. One means ofmaking control buttons on fare vending ma-chines usable by persons with vision impair-ments is to raise them above the surroundingsurface. Those activated by a mechanical motionare likely to be more detectable. If farecardvending, collection, and adjustment devices aredesigned to accommodate farecards having onetactually distinctive corner, then a person whohas a vision impairment will insert the card withgreater ease. Token collection devices that aredesigned to accommodate tokens which areperforated can allow a person to distinguish morereadily between tokens and common coins.Thoughtful placement of accessible gates andfare vending machines in relation to inaccessibledevices will make their use and detection easierfor all persons with disabilities.

A5.0 Restaurants and Cafeterias

[56 FR 35592, July 26, 1991, as amended by Order No. 1679-93, 58 FR 17522, Apr. 5, 1993; OrderNo. 1836-94, 59 FR 2675, Jan. 18, 1994]

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1991 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

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Transcript of 1991 ADA Standards for Accessible Design