Guidance on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

Analysis and Commenta ry o n the 2010 ADAStandards spaces and companion seats as required the wheelchair space may overlap the by sections 221.2.1.1, 221.2.1.2 and 221.3. “extra” circulation path width. Where a main In addition, the remaining seating areas circulation path is located behind a row of not located in boxes must also contain the seats that contains a wheelchair space and number of wheelchair and companion seating the wheelchair space is entered from the locations specified in the 2010 Standards rear, the aisle in front of the row may need based on the total number of seats in the to be wider in order not to block the required entire facility excluding luxury boxes, club circulation path to the other seats in the boxes and suites. row, or a mid-row opening may need to be provided to access the required circulation Wheelchair Space Overlap in Assembly path to the other seats. Areas. Section 4.33.3 of the 1991 Standards and the 2010 Standards, at sections 402, Line of Sight and Dispersion of 403.5.1, 802.1.4, and 802.1.5, require Wheelchair Spaces in Assembly Areas. walkways that are part of an accessible Section 4.33.3 of the 1991 Standards route to have a 36-inch minimum clear width. requires wheelchair spaces and companion Section 802.1.5 of the 2010 Standards seats to be an integral part of any fixed specifically prohibits accessible routes from seating plan in assembly areas and to overlapping wheelchair spaces. This change provide individuals with disabilities a choice is consistent with the technical requirements of admission prices and lines of sight for accessible routes, since the clear width comparable to those available to other of accessible routes cannot be obstructed spectators. Section 4.33.3 also requires by any object. The 2010 Standards also wheelchair spaces and companion seats to specifically prohibit wheelchair spaces from be dispersed in assembly areas with more overlapping circulation paths. An advisory than 300 seats. Under the 1991 Standards, note clarifies that this prohibition applies sports facilities typically located some only to the circulation path width required wheelchair spaces and companion seats on by applicable building codes and fire and each accessible level of the facility. In 1994, life safety codes since the codes prohibit the Department issued official guidance obstructions in the required width of assembly interpreting the requirement for comparable aisles. lines of sight in the 1991 Standards to mean wheelchair spaces and companion seats Section 802.1.5 of the 2010 Standards in sports stadia and arenas must provide provides that where a main circulation path is patrons with disabilities and their companions located in front of a row of seats that contains with lines of sight over standing spectators to a wheelchair space and the circulation the playing field or performance area, where path is wider than required by applicable spectators were expected to stand during building codes and fire and life safety codes, events. See “Accessible Stadiums,” 112 - Guidance on the 2010 Standards: Titles II and III Department of Justice