Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey
Published simultaneously in Canada
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, (978) 750-8400, fax (978) 646-8600, or on the web at www.copyright.com. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, (201) 748-6011, fax (201) 748-6008, or online at www.wiley.com/go/permissions.
Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty: While the publisher and author have used their best efforts in preparing this book, they make no representations or warranties with the respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher nor the author shall be liable for damages arising herefrom.
For general information about our other products and services, please contact our Customer Care Department within the United States at (800) 762-2974, outside the United States at (317) 572-3993 or fax (317) 572-4002.
Wiley publishes in a variety of print and electronic formats and by print-on-demand. Some material included with standard print versions of this book may not be included in e-books or in print-on-demand. If this book refers to media such as a CD or DVD that is not included in the version you purchased, you may download this material at http://booksupport.wiley.com. For more information about Wiley products, visit www.wiley.com.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data:
Names: Kent, Janis, author.
Title: ADA in details: interpreting the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act
Standards for Accessible Design/Janis Kent.
Description: Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, 2017. | Includes index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2017005373 (print) | LCCN 2017000444 (ebook) | ISBN
9781119277583 (cloth) | ISBN 9781119277590 (Adobe PDF) | ISBN
9781119277606 (ePub)
Subjects: LCSH: United States. Americans with Disabilities Act of 2010. |
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017005373
Preface
How to Use this Book
A Word to the Wise and Others
While I have been working with these details for more years than I can count, tweaking, correcting, and adding more information, there always seems to be some small item that is not quite right. Please do reference the applicable codes and regulations before using the information—that’s why the Sources are there. There are additional exceptions in the source material as well, that may not be notated within these pages. Be aware that the Administrative Authority for local jurisdictions, may have modified these provisions and interpretations, although it should not be less stringent than the ADA. And then of course, there is the continual refining of gray areas with court interpretations, which could have further implications. Also, federal government projects have slightly differing requirements under the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) for facilities that use federal funds for design, build, or alteration, or are leased by a federal agency. The Act was initially passed in 1968 and modified, expanded, and updated over the years. depending on whether the branch is GSA, DOD, or USPS, with HUD temporarily adopting the ADA, with eleven exceptions, as an equivalent standard for UFAS. So use this book as a starting point.
Another item to note that has come up numerous times. When referencing standards such as BHMA, ANSI, ASME, ASTM, ICC/IBC, and NFPA, I am purposefully not referencing the most current version of each. The reason is that both the Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation do not provide ‘blanket approval’ to these standards, but rather review specific referenced editions that need to be complied with at a minimum. So depending upon local jurisdiction requirements, you may need to comply with more than one edition. If there is a conflict with a newer version, the older Director of the Federal Register approved edition takes precedence. This is discussed in the Scoping section – ADA Chapter 1: Application and Administration, 105 Referenced Standards.
Although this book was originally created for projects within California, it has grown and expanded to include all projects under the Americans with Disabilities Act—for projects outside of California, just ignore the blue print, whether blue text or blue strike-out lines. Remember, the local Administrative Authority may have other parameters for the project location that you would need to consider and overlay on top of this information.
Items in black are per the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act Standards (ADAS), which became mandatory March 15, 2012, with the exception of pools and spas for transient lodging, which received an extension until January 31, 2013, and are the minimum of what we need to comply with. If the black text has no blue strike-out line, the 2016 California Building Code (CBC) is either in conformance with the ADA Standards, or ADAS takes precedence because it is more stringent and provides for greater access than CBC. Items in blue are CBC only, where CBC is more stringent, or provides more parameters, or doesn’t allow (if there is a strike-out) the less restrictive/less access standards of ADAS.
And last, but definitely not the very least, remember that our population has close to 20% with some form of disability, and by the time we hit 65 that percentage increases to over half per the U.S. Census Bureau Report of July 2012. With this last census, the percentage of the overall population with disabilities has stabilized, unlike previous projections, but the actual percentage of people with severe disabilities has increased. So making our environment accessible is a huge priority for us all!
Overall Background
Accessibility for places of public accommodation has two components: The first is meeting the requirements for the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards (ADAS), and the second is meeting requirements for local jurisdictions, whether city, county, or state. The ADA is a civil rights act and is subject to interpretation by the courts. The second component is subject to code review with the Administrative Authority having jurisdiction. A facility needs to comply with both, and if one is more stringent, providing greater access than the other, it would be the one that rules. All new buildings and alterations that are post-ADA need to comply, with very few exceptions. Existing buildings that are pre-ADA need to have barriers removed—where this is considered readily achievable—for places of public accommodation and commercial buildings. Public buildings—city, county, or state—are required to provide program accessibility rather than barrier removal for existing facilities. As of March 15, 2012, new portions were integrated into the regulations. These elements, if they already existed, would be required to have barriers removed where readily achievable for places of public accommodation, or to be part of a transition plan for public entities. Facilities that were built after the 1991 ADA went into effect should have complied. If not, noncomplying elements would need to be fixed according to the new Standards—it would not be considered barrier removal.
Acknowledgments
I wish to thank all of those people, or as many as I can, who have generously offered support and encouragement over the years, as well as their expertise. Their assistance before, during, and particularly at the end of the process with comments and proofing of this book was particularly invaluable. Many of these people are experts in their own right and work for public or federal agencies, while others are in private practice and consulting.
I am grateful for the endless and often ongoing conversations that I have had on different aspects of Accessibility and their interpretations, and wish to specifically thank – A. Bauman, P. Bishop, F. Bostrom, K. Braitmayer, J. Brogan, J. Clancy, T. Durbrow, V. Fletcher, R. Halloran, C. Hansen, B. Hecker, J. Hoewisch, T. Kohut, M. Krinsky, M. Mazz, W. & P. Meyer, M. O’Brien, J. Orland, R. Pace, J. Pecht, S. Sabatini, E. Steinfeld, E. Takahashi, J. Terry, S. Toji, and everyone else, including those at the U.S. Access Board and my local AIA chapters.
And last but not least, David and Kiara and Jenn, who had to put up with me during this process. I thank you all!
CHAPTER 1
Accessible Routes
| Items in black are where ADAS provides for greater access or where ADAS and CBC are equivalent | Items in blue are where California provides greater access | Outside of California ignore blue text and the blue [strikeout] line itself—everything in black pertains |
ACCESSIBLE ROUTES & CLEARANCES
Accessible routes or paths of travel in new and existing projects are essential aspects of Accessible design. If you cannot even get to an area, no matter how accessible that portion is, it will still not be accessible. Not only is the route or path itself required to be accessible, but there are a variety of component requirements that make it accessible. This chapter will look at a broad view of these elements and their specific requirements.
General Notes
A minimum of one accessible route within the site connects all site arrival points from the public right of way and public transportation stops, to accessible parking, accessible loading zones, accessible building elements and spaces on the site, and required building entrances
If the only means of access is a vehicular way with no pedestrian access, then an accessible route is not required to connect the site arrival points with the building entries, but instead from the accessible parking and passenger drop-off areas to the building entries
The accessible route is located in the same general area and coincides with the circulation path, but does not include stairs or escalators [nor can it pass thru kitchens, restrooms, storage rooms, or closets, unless explicitly permitted by Chapter 10 of the CBC]
Qualified historical buildings that are allowed exemptions for alterations are required to have one minimum accessible path of travel from the public right of way to the entry
Note: Path of travel is a concept that only applies to alterations and existing buildings. It not only includes the area where pedestrians move—such as corridors, hallways, lobbies, sidewalks, ramps, parking access aisles, walkways, doorways, and elevators—but, by definition, it also includes the restrooms, phones, and drinking fountains. Generally a path of travel connects an exterior approach, to an entry, to an altered area. The required width and height meet the same requirements as accessible routes. The term path of travel is used when providing an approach to an altered area that is required to be upgraded using 20% of the construction costs for proportional spending. CFR § 36.403(e) and § 35.151(b)(4)(ii):
A path of travel includes a continuous, unobstructed way of pedestrian passage by means of which the altered area may be approached, entered, and exited, and which connects the altered area with an exterior approach (including sidewalks, streets, and parking areas), an entrance to the facility, and other parts of the facility.
An accessible path of travel may consist of walks and sidewalks, curb ramps, and other interior or exterior pedestrian ramps; clear floor paths through lobbies, corridors, rooms, and other improved areas; parking access aisles; elevators and lifts; or a combination of these elements.
For the purposes of this section, the concept of path of travel also includes the restrooms, telephones, and drinking fountains serving the altered area.
A minimum of one accessible route within the building/facility connects all accessible entries with all accessible spaces and elements connected by a circulation path unless specifically exempted
Both manual and powered revolving doors/gates/turnstiles are not part of an accessible route, although they can be considered part of a common use circulation path
In new construction with over 10,000 SF per floor where elevators are required, a vertical accessible route is provided within 200 LF of each stairway and escalator; in existing projects when new stairs or escalators are added (if not used only for emergency egress), a vertical accessible route is also provided per CBC
Accessible routes are not required to connect [mezzanines in one-story buildings, or] levels and stories within places of public accommodation that are less than 3 stories or multi-story buildings with less than 3,000 SF per each floor, unless they are offices of health care providers or shopping centers/malls, with a few other exceptions [per CBC]
Accessible routes connect required clear floor spaces at accessible elements—one full unobstructed side of the clear floor space adjoins the accessible route or overlaps the route where not prohibited
Units in self-storage facilities that are not required to be accessible are not required to be located on an accessible route
Route Clearances
Sidewalks and exterior walkways are a minimum of 36″ clear [only if restrictions exist caused by right-of-way, natural barriers, or other existing conditions causing an unreasonable hardship, otherwise it is 48″ minimum clear per CBC]
If the overhang of parked cars intrudes upon the minimum required clear width of sidewalks or walkways, then wheelstops, bollards, or some other means must be provided to prevent encroachment into the minimum required clear walkway width
The accessible route [preferably] does not go behind parking spaces, with the exception of the specific space the person is parked in [per CBC]
Walking surfaces are 36″ minimum clear [if it is an aisle serving 1 side (ie, check stand, employee work area, food service, fixed seating, tables, or counters) per CBC]
Aisles serving 2 sides are 44″ minimum clear per CBC
Routes to the accessible toilet compartments in multi-user restrooms are 44″ minimum clear except at doors per CBC
Corridors are 44″ minimum clear if serving 10 or more people and 36″ minimum if serving less than 10 people per CBC
Protrusions of 24″ maximum in length parallel to the direction of travel can reduce the route from 36″ minimum down to a 32″ clear width if separated by a distance of at least 48″ between each occurrence of the protrusion
Protrusions more than 24″ in length parallel to the direction of travel, as well as openings more than 24″ in depth, are required to have a clear width of 36″ minimum
In multi-user restrooms, the area in front of the accessible toilet stall door is [42″ minimum clear for a latch approach][48″ minimum clear for push side approach and 60″ minimum clear for pull approach per CBC]
Ambulatory compartments with latch side approach have a minimum clear route width of [42][44″ per CBC]
Note: Accessible route is a term used to describe a route taken by pedestrians that is accessible for people with limited mobility meeting specific requirements. With a few exceptions, the accessible route connects the accessible parking spaces and accessible passenger loading zones with the public right of way, and public transportation stops to the accessible building entrance and to accessible elements and spaces both on the site and within the building including each story and mezzanine. The term path of travel is generally used for existing projects and is also accessible.
If spaces and elements are connected by a circulation path, then for the most part they are also required to be connected by an accessible route, preferably in the same vicinity. If spaces or elements are accessible, they are located on an accessible route and are to coincide or be in the same general area as circulation paths. Accessible routes are comprised of walking surfaces with a 5% maximum slope, doorways, pedestrian ramps, curb ramps excluding their flared sides, elevators, and lifts. Revolving doors, gates, and turnstiles are not part of an accessible route, although they are part of a circulation path. An accessible route is considered to be a volume of 80″ minimum clear height. The minimum width is 36″ per ADAS whereas in California it is 48″ on the exterior, 44″ on double-loaded and 36″ on single-loaded interior routes. There are further width requirements for U-turns, doorways, and passing spaces. This required minimum clear width of an accessible route cannot be reduced by any protruding objects.
Accessible Route Clear Widths
Assembly Areas
Accessible routes directly connect performance areas to assembly seating if a circulation path directly connects both areas
Performance areas have an accessible route connecting the performance area to ancillary areas used by performers unless it is a place of public accommodation with less than 3 stories or a multi-story building with less than 3,000 SF per each story;[orchestra pits and similar performance areas are considered to be a level and are required to be inter-connected per CBC]
Public Multi-Family Housing Dwelling Units
According to HUD’s May 23, 2014, deeming document, ADAS can be used as an alternative accessibility standard for projects under their jurisdiction, with some exceptions. For housing, the exception allowed by ADAS for common use areas not serving mobility feature dwelling units per 203.8, is not allowed, and all common use areas are required to be accessible unless there is another specific exception that applies.
In multi-family residential facilities built by or on behalf of a public entity, common spaces not serving mobility dwelling units [nor serving units with adaptable features] are not required to be accessible or on an accessible route [per CBC]
Within the mobility feature dwelling unit, the accessible route connects all spaces with the exception of unfinished attics and basements
All rooms in a mobility feature dwelling unit are located on an accessible route, and have a turning space, which includes all bathrooms and walk-in closets, with the exception of small exterior spaces with 30″ maximum in one direction
If there is only one accessible route thru the dwelling unit, it does not pass thru bathrooms, closets, or similar spaces
Employee Only Areas
Employee work areas [and work stations] are located on a common use circulation path and are able to be approached, entered, and exited [excepting portions that are less than 300 SF and elevated 7″ or more for the space to function][per CBC]
Within employee work [station] areas, a common use circulation path exists that complies with accessible route requirements for clear widths, door requirements, slope, and floor height change components; unless it is an exterior work area fully exposed to the weather, or if it is an integral component of work area equipment, [or if the area is less than 1,000 SF and defined by permanent partitions, counters, casework, or furnishing] although these areas are still required to be on an accessible route just not within [per CBC]
Employee work stations are on an accessible route and spaces and elements within are on a common use circulation path complying with means of egress, floor surface and change in level requirements, and clear width at doors per CBC
Machinery spaces used only by service personnel for maintenance, repair, or occasional monitoring are not required to comply or be on an accessible route
Common use circulation paths within employee work areas can be reduced in width by work area equipment if it is required for the equipment to function
Note: Circulation path is a general term. It can be a common use circulation path within an employee work area, which has several specific exceptions, or just a circulation path in general. Circulation paths are where pedestrians move from one place to another, and do not necessarily mean they are accessible. Circulation paths thru vehicular ways and unpaved paths are required to either be designed to be accessible or have an accessible route nearby.
Stairs are considered vertical circulation paths, which obviously are not accessible for the majority of people with mobility issues. There still are requirements such as tread/riser dimensions, nosing profiles, and handrails to assist people who can navigate stairs. If a vertical circulation path leads to an accessible area or element, there is to be an accessible route within the same general area—whether lift, elevator, or ramp—unless there is a specific exemption. The accessible route can overlap the circulation path or be separate in the same area.
Compliant protruding objects can project into a circulation path if they do not protrude into the minimum required clearance of an accessible route, if it does overlap the circulation path.
Circulation Path. An exterior or interior way of passage provided for pedestrian travel, including but not limited to, walks, hallways, courtyards, elevators, platform lifts, ramps, stairways, and landings.
Common Use. Interior or exterior circulation paths, rooms, spaces, or elements that are not for public use and are made available for the shared use of two or more people.
SOURCES – RELEVANT CODES AND STANDARDS
2010 ADA Sources:
106.5 Definitions – Defined Terms – Circulation Path
106.5 Common use
203 General Exceptions
203.4 Limited Access Spaces
203.5 Machinery Spaces
203.8 Residential Facilities
203.9 Employee Work Areas
206 Accessible Routes
206.2.1 Where Required – Site Arrival Points
206.2.2 Where Required – Within a Site
206.2.3 Where Required – Multi-Story Buildings and Facilities
206.2.4 Where Required – Spaces and Elements
206.2.6 Where Required – Performance Areas
206.2.8 Where Required – Employee Work Areas
206.3 Location
206.4.5 excep Entrances – Tenant Spaces
305.6 Clear Floor Or Ground Space – Approach
305.7 Maneuvering Clearance
402.2 Accessible Routes – Components
403.5 Walking Surfaces – Clearances
403.5.1 Clear Width
403.5.3 Passing Spaces
404.2.1 Doors, Doorways, and Gates – Manual Doors, Doorways, and Manual Gates – Revolving Doors, Gates, and Turnstiles
404.2.3 Clear Width
404.3.7 Automatic and Power-Assisted Doors and Gates – Revolving Doors, Revolving Gates, and Turnstiles
502.7 Parking Spaces – Relationship to Accessible Routes
604.8.1.2 Water Closets and Toilet Compartments – Toilet Compartments – Wheelchair Accessible Compartments – Doors
11B-809.2Residential Dwelling Units – Accessible Routes
11B-809.2.1Location
11B-809.2.2Turning Space
CLEAR FLOOR, TURNING, & MANEUVERING SPACES
General Notes
Maneuvering, turning, and clear floor spaces are level with a maximum slope of 1:48 (2.083%) with no height changes greater than ½″—with ¼″ vertical + an additional ¼″ beveled with a 1:2 maximum slope
Maneuvering, turning, and clear floor spaces require a firm, stable, and slip resistant surface and can use knee/toe clearance under objects with a clear height of 27″ minimum, which can extend 25″ maximum under an element
T-shaped turning spaces can use knee and toe clearance on one of the three ends of the T only
One full unobstructed side of a clear floor or turning space adjoins an accessible route or another clear floor space [and can overlap the accessible route unless specifically prohibited per CBC]
Turning Spaces
Accessible routes with a clear width of less than 60″ have either a 60″ × 60″ minimum clear passing space, or a T intersection where 2 walking surfaces meet and extend 48″ minimum beyond the intersection in all 3 directions of the T every 200 LF maximum
60″ x 60″ Passing Space
T-Shaped Intersection Passing Space
A clear floor space is generally 30″ × 48″ unless located in an alcove or otherwise restricted on all or part of 3 sides
If the required clear floor space is confined for more than half of its distance along all or part of 3 sides, the space increases—alcoves more than 24″ deep for forward approach increase from 30″ to 36″ × 48″ minimum, and those more than 15″ deep for parallel approach increase to 30″ × 60″
Obstructed Clear Floor Spaces
In multi-user restrooms, doors cannot swing into a required clear floor space for any fixture, but can swing into turning spaces [12″ maximum unless it is the accessible compartment door, which does not have any limitations per CBC]
In single user restrooms, doors can swing into clear floor spaces of fixtures and the turning space if there is a 30″ × 48″ clear floor space beyond the arc of the door swing [in mobility dwelling units in public housing only—in all other single-user restrooms, doors can swing into clear floor spaces of fixtures if there is a 30″ × 48″ clear floor space beyond the arc of the door swing, but are limited to a 12″ maximum intrusion into the turning space itself per CBC]
Unobstructed Clear Floor Space
180° Turning Aisles Around An Element
Approach aisles with less than 42″ clear width leading to a 180° turn around an element with less than a 48″ width, have a minimum of 60″ clear at the end aisle
Approach aisles with a minimum of 42″ or more clear width leading to a 180° turn around an element with less than a 48″ width, have a minimum of 48″ clear at the end aisle
If the element is at least 48″ minimum in width, all of the aisles, including the end aisle, are to comply with the required clear widths for accessible routes
180° Turning Aisles Around an Element
SOURCES – RELEVANT CODES AND STANDARDS
2010 ADA Sources:
302 Floor or Ground Surfaces
303.3 Changes in Level – Beveled
304 Turning Space
305 Clear Floor or Ground Space
305.6 Approach
306 Knee and Toe Clearance
306.3.2 Knee Clearance – Maximum Depth
307.4 Protruding Objects – Vertical Clearance
403.5.2 Walking Surfaces – Clearances – Clear Width at Turn
403.5.3 Passing Spaces
407.2.1.3 Elevators – Elevator Landing Requirements – Call Controls – Clear Floor or Ground Space
603.2.3 Toilet and Bathing Rooms – Clearances – Door Swing
Advisory 407.2.1.3 Clear Floor or Ground Space
2016CBC Sources:
(Sources shown in blue italics differ from ADA)
11B-302Floor or Ground Surfaces
11B-303.3Changes in Level – Beveled
11B-304Turning Space
11B-305Clear Floor or Ground Space
11B-305.6Approach
11B-306Knee and Toe Clearance
11B-306.3.2Knee Clearance – Maximum Depth
11B-307.4Protruding Objects – Vertical Clearance
11B-403.5.2Walking Surfaces – Clearances – Clear Width at Turn
11B-403.5.3Passing Spaces
11B-407.2.1.3Elevators – Elevator Landing Requirements – Call Controls – Clear Floor or Ground Space
11B-603.2.3Toilet and Bathing Rooms – Clearances – Door Swing
WALKING SURFACES
General Notes
Ground and floor surfaces are stable, firm, and slip resistant, with the exceptions of sports activity areas and animal containment areas
A stable surface is one remaining unchanged when an applied force or contaminants are removed
A firm surface is one that resists deformation of either indentation or particles moving along its surface
A slip resistant surface provides enough friction when walking on the surface so that it is not slippery, whether it is wet or dry
Walking surfaces have a cross slope of 1:48 (2.083%) maximum with a slope of 1:20 (5%) or less in the direction of travel [with the exception of running slopes on sidewalks that are a maximum slope matching the grade of the adjacent street in the direction of travel per CBC]
Walking surfaces greater than a 1:20 slope are considered either curb ramps or pedestrian ramps
Level area is defined as having a maximum slope in any direction of 1:48 (2.083%)
Sloped walkways have a level area (1:48 or less) of 60″ minimum in the direction of travel for the full width of the walkway at every 400 LF maximum per CBC
Walking surfaces with an abrupt change in level exceeding 4″ at the edge require a 6″ minimum height curb, or if a handrail or guard rail is provided, a guide rail can be centered a minimum of 2″ to 4″ maximum above the walking surface or sidewalk—this is not required along an adjacent vehicular way per CBC
Changes in level can be vertical up to ¼″ maximum height, and changes between ¼″ to ½″ are to have a bevel with a maximum slope of 1:2 (≈ 26.6° from the horizontal); changes in level more than ½″ are to comply with requirements for ramps, except within areas of sports activities and animal containment areas
Thresholds have a maximum height change of ½″ with ¼″ vertical and from ¼″ to ½″ a 1:2 maximum slope – existing thresholds [can be ¾″ with a 1:2 maximum bevel on each side][comply with the ½″ maximum height differential per CBC]
Carpet and carpet tiles have ½″ maximum height pile and are securely attached to the floor with firm or no cushion/pad, and with all exposed edges trimmed and fastened to the floor
The carpet edge trim is required to have ½″ maximum surface differential to the adjacent floor with a maximum of ¼″ vertical and an additional ¼″ at a 1:2 slope [—if the edge is ¼″maximum, no edge treatment is required per CBC]
Level Changes
Openings in ground and floor surfaces are ½″ maximum whether in grates, tree wells, or between pavers, with the exceptions of the elevator/lift hoistway edge to the car platform edge, as well as the rail flanges on circulation paths at boarding platforms where the paths cross tracks
Elongated openings located on walking surfaces are ½″ maximum with the ½″ slot openings perpendicular to the direction of travel
Shower floors have a 1:48 maximum slope and drains in showers have grates flush with the adjacent floor surface with openings of ¼″ maximum per CBC
Openings In Floor & Ground Surfaces
SOURCES – RELEVANT CODES AND STANDARDS
2010 ADA Sources:
302.1 Floor or Ground Surfaces – General
302.2 Carpet
302.3 Openings
303 Changes in Level
305.2 Clear Floor or Ground Space – Floor or Ground Surfaces
403.3 Walking Surfaces – Slope
404.2.5 Doors, Doorways, and Gates – Manual Doors, Doorways, and Manual Gates – Thresholds
404.3.3 Automatic and Power-Assisted Doors and Gates – Thresholds
407.4.3 Elevators – Elevator Car Requirements – Platform to Hoistway Clearance
410.4 Platform Lifts – Platform to Runway Clearance
Protruding objects can project into a circulation path but cannot reduce the minimum required clear width on an accessible route or path of travel
Objects can project from a vertical surface into the circulation path 4″ maximum when the leading edge is more than 27″ above finished floor (AFF) and less than 80″ AFF, unless there is a cane detectable barrier
Note: Lavatories can be a protruding object, depending upon the restroom layout and approach. If the leading edge is greater than 27″ AFF and if the approach is from the front, it is fine. This would be similar to the typical single user restroom where the lavatory shares the same plumbing wall as the toilet, or if the lavatory is placed in an alcove.
If there is enough space for a side approach, then the lavatory could be considered a protruding object requiring a cane detectable barrier. If the lavatory is placed precisely so its leading edge is at 27″ AFF, by definition it would not be considered a hazardous protruding object, since it is not greater than 27″ AFF—the definition of limitations on protruding objects.California requires the front edge of a lavatory to be at a minimum of 29″ AFF; therefore, if there is enough space for a side approach, it does require a cane detectable barrier.
Objects can project any amount if the leading edge is either greater than 80″ AFF or 27″ or less AFF; otherwise, a cane detectable barrier is required
Protruding Objects
At doorways, no projections are allowed into the required clear opening width below 34″ AFF and 4″ maximum projection between 34″ AFF and 80″ AFF, with the exception of alterations for a ⅝″ door stop on the latch side
Casement and awning type windows cannot project into a circulation path more than 4″ if their leading edge is greater than 27″ AFF and less than 80″ without a cane detectable barrier
Protruding Objects – Windows
Handrails are allowed to protrude from the face of the wall 4½″ maximum, [and 3½″ maximum into the required clear width on both sides of ramps, with the exception of residential ramps at public multi-family housing if at the minimum width of 36″, with no protrusion in the required clear width at stairs per CBC]
Surface mounted fire extinguishers generally protrude more than 4″, requiring a cane detectable barrier if the leading edge is greater than 27″ AFF or grade
Post-Mounted Objects
Post-mounted objects can overhang circulation paths 12″ maximum when the leading edge is above 27″ AFF and below 80″ AFF, unless there is a cane detectable barrier
Sloping portions only of stair handrails can project from a post more than 12″
Edges of post-mounted objects have ⅛″ minimum radius corners if less than 80″ above grade per CBC
Post-Mounted Objects
Double post-mounted objects can have 12″ maximum clear between posts if the leading edge is greater than 27″ AFF and less than 80″ AFF; otherwise, a cane detectable barrier is required
Double Post-Mounted Objects
Overhanging Objects
Overhanging objects provide 80″ minimum clear below or the leading edge is 27″ maximum AFF
Door stops and closers are located 78″ minimum clear AFF
Staircases that are open below onto a circulation path require a cane detectable barrier where the underside of the stairs is greater than 27″ and less than 80″ AFF or grade