Guidance on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

Analysis and Commenta ry o n the 2010 ADAStandards As with any new technology, all users must and constructed buildings and facilities and have time to become acquainted with how altered portions of existing buildings and to use destination-oriented elevators. The facilities be accessible. Sections 206.2.7(1) Department will monitor the use of this new and (2) of the 2010 Standards add two technology and work with the Access Board exceptions that exempt small press boxes so that there is not a decrease in accessibility that are located in bleachers with entrances as a result of permitting this new technology on only one level, and small press boxes that to be installed. are free-standing structures elevated 12 feet or more above grade, from the accessible Accessible Routes to Tiered Dining Areas route requirement when the aggregate area in Sports Facilities. The 1991 Standards, at of all press boxes in a sports facility does not sections 4.1.3(1) and 5.4, and section 206.2.5 exceed 500 square feet. The Department of the 2010 Standards require an accessible anticipates that this change will significantly route to be provided to all dining areas in reduce the economic impact on smaller new construction, including raised or sunken sports facilities, such as those associated dining areas. The 2010 Standards add a new with high schools or community colleges. exception for tiered dining areas in sports facilities. Dining areas in sports facilities Public Entrances. The 1991 Standards, at are typically integrated into the seating bowl sections 4.1.3(8) and 4.1.6(1)(h), require at and are tiered to provide adequate lines of least fifty percent (50%) of public entrances sight for individuals with disabilities. The new to be accessible. Additionally, the 1991 exception requires accessible routes to be Standards require the number of accessible provided to at least 25 percent (25%) of the public entrances to be equivalent to the tiered dining areas in sports facilities. Each number of exits required by applicable tier must have the same services and the building and fire codes. With very few accessible routes must serve the accessible exceptions, building and fire codes require seating. at least two exits to be provided from spaces within a building and from the building itself. Accessible Routes to Press Boxes. The Therefore, under the 1991 Standards where 1991 Standards, at sections 4.1.1(1) and two public entrances are planned in a newly 4.1.3(1), cover all areas of newly constructed constructed facility, both entrances are facilities required to be accessible, and required to be accessible. require an accessible route to connect accessible entrances with all accessible Instead of requiring accessible entrances spaces and elements within the facility. based on the number of public entrances Section 201.1 of the 2010 Standards provided or the number of exits required requires that all areas of newly designed (whichever is greater), section 206.4.1 82 - Guidance on the 2010 Standards: Titles II and III Department of Justice