Guidance on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

Analysis and Com menta ry on the 201 0 A DAStandards Standards, at section 4.1.3(8)(b)(i), require 4.6.6, require at least one passenger loading at least one of the direct connections to zone to be accessible. Sections 209.2.1 and be accessible. The 2010 Standards, at 503 of the 2010 Standards, require facilities section 206.4.2, require all of these direct such as airport passenger terminals that have connections to be accessible. long, continuous passenger loading zones to provide one accessible passenger loading 209 and 503 Passenger Loading Zones zone in every continuous 100 linear feet of and Bus Stops loading zone space. The 1991 Standards and the 2010 Standards both include technical Passenger Loading Zones at Medical Care requirements for the vehicle pull-up space and Long-Term Care Facilities. Sections (96 inches wide minimum and 20 feet long 6.1 and 6.2 of the 1991 Standards and minimum). Accessible passenger loading section 209.3 of the 2010 Standards require zones must have an access aisle that is 60 medical care and long-term care facilities, inches wide minimum and extends the full where the period of stay exceeds 24 hours, length of the vehicle pull-up space. The 1991 to provide at least one accessible passenger Standards permit the access aisle to be on loading zone at an accessible entrance. The the same level as the vehicle pull-up space, 1991 Standards also require a canopy or roof or on the sidewalk. The 2010 Standards overhang at this passenger loading zone. require the access aisle to be on the same The 2010 Standards do not require a canopy level as the vehicle pull-up space and to be or roof overhang. marked so as to discourage parking in the access aisle. Commenters urged the Department to reinstate the requirement for a canopy or roof Commenters expressed concern that certain overhang at accessible passenger loading covered entities, particularly airports, cannot zones at medical care and long-term care accommodate the requirements of the 2010 facilities. While the Department recognizes Standards to provide passenger loading that a canopy or roof overhang may afford zones, and urged a revision that would useful protection from inclement weather require one accessible passenger loading conditions to everyone using a facility, it is zone located in reasonable proximity to each not clear that the absence of such protection building entrance served by the curb. would impede access by individuals with disabilities. Therefore, the Department Commenters raised a variety of issues about declined to reinstate that requirement. the requirements at section 503 of the 2010 Standards stating that the requirements for Passenger Loading Zones. Where an access aisle, width, length, and marking passenger loading zones are provided, the of passenger loading zones are not clear, 1991 Standards, at sections 4.1.2(5) and do not fully meet the needs of individuals Department of Justice Guidance on the 2010 Standards: Titles II and III - 89