Guidance on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

Analysis and Com menta ry on the 201 0 A DAStandards be located in the same general area as 207 Accessible Means of Egress general circulation paths. Designing newly constructed interior accessible routes to General. The 1991 Standards at sections coincide with or to be located in the same 4.1.3(9); 4.1.6(1)(g); and 4.3.10 establish area as general circulation paths will not scoping and technical requirements for typically present a difficult design challenge accessible means of egress. Section and is expected to impose limited design 207.1 of the 2010 Standards reference the constraints. The change will have no impact International Building Code (IBC) for scoping on exterior accessible routes. The 1991 and technical requirements for accessible Standards and the 2010 Standards also means of egress. require accessible routes to be located in the interior of the facility where general The 1991 Standards require the same circulation paths are located in the interior number of accessible means of egress to be of the facility. The revision affects a limited provided as the number of exits required by number of buildings. applicable building and fire codes. The IBC requires at least one accessible means of Location of Accessible Routes to Stages. egress and at least two accessible means The 1991 Standards at section 4.33.5 require of egress where more than one means of an accessible route to connect the accessible egress is required by other sections of the seating and the performing area. building code. The changes in the 2010 Section 206.2.6 of the 2010 Standards Standards are expected to have minimal requires the accessible route to directly impact since the model fire and life safety connect the seating area and the accessible codes, which are adopted by all of the states, seating, stage, and all areas of the stage, contain equivalent requirements with respect where a circulation path directly connects to the number of accessible means of egress. the seating area and the stage. Both the 1991 Standards and the 2010 Standards The 1991 Standards require areas of rescue also require an accessible route to connect assistance or horizontal exits in facilities the stage and ancillary areas, such as with levels above or below the level of exit dressing rooms, used by performers. The discharge. Areas of rescue assistance are 2010 Standards do not require an additional spaces that have direct access to an exit, accessible route to be provided to the stair, or enclosure where individuals who stage. Rather, the changes specify where are unable to use stairs can go to call for the accessible route to the stage, which is assistance and wait for evacuation. The 2010 required by the 1991 Standards, must be Standards incorporate the requirements located. established by the IBC. The IBC requires an evacuation elevator designed with standby power and other safety features that can Department of Justice Guidance on the 2010 Standards: Titles II and III - 85