Section 8-602

BASIC PROVISIONS

8-602.1 Regular code. The regular code for access for people with disabilities (Title 24, Part 2, Vol. 1, Chapter 11B) shall be applied to qualified historical buildings or properties unless strict compliance with the regular code will threaten or destroy the historical significance or character-defining features of the building or property.

8-602.2 Alternative provisions. If the historical significance or character-defining features are threatened, alternative provisions for access may be applied pursuant to this chapter, provided the following conditions are met:

1. These provisions shall be applied only on an item-byitem or a case-by-case basis.

2. Documentation is provided, including meeting minutes or letters, stating the reasons for the application of the alternative provisions. Such documentation shall be retained in the permanent file of the enforcing agency.

8-603.1 Alternative minimum standards. The alternative minimum standards for alterations of qualified historical buildings or facilities are referenced in Section 202.5 of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, as incorporated and set forth in federal regulation 28 CFR Pt. 36.

8-603.2 Entry. These alternatives do not allow exceptions for the requirement of level landings in front of doors, except as provided in Section 8-603.4.

1. Access to any entrance used by the general public and no further than 200 feet (60 960 mm) from the primary entrance.

2. Access at any entrance not used by the general public but open and unlocked with directional signs at the primary entrance and as close as possible to, but no further than 200 feet (60 960 mm) from, the primary entrance.

3. The accessible entrance shall have a notification system. Where security is a problem, remote monitoring may be used.

8-603.3 Doors. Alternatives listed in order of priority are:

1. Single-leaf door which provides a minimum 30 inches (762 mm) of clear opening.

2. Single-leaf door which provides a minimum 29 ¹ /2 inches (749 mm) clear opening

3. Double door, one leaf of which provides a minimum 29 ¹ /2 inches (749 mm) clear opening.

4. Double doors operable with a power-assist device to provide a minimum 29 ¹ /2 inches (749 mm) clear opening when both doors are in the open position.

8-603.4 Power-assisted doors. Power-assisted door or doors may be considered an equivalent alternative to level landings, strikeside clearance and door-opening forces required by the regular code.

8-603.5 Toilet rooms. In lieu of separate-gender toilet facilities as required in the regular code, an accessible unisex toilet facility may be designated.

8-603.6 Exterior and interior ramps and lifts. Alternatives listed in order of priority are:

1. A lift or a ramp of greater than standard slope but no greater than 1:10, for horizontal distances not to exceed 5 feet (1525 mm). Signs shall be posted at upper and lower levels to indicate steepness of the slope.

2. Access by ramps of 1:6 slope for horizontal distance not to exceed 13 inches (330 mm). Signs shall be posted at upper and lower levels to indicate steepness of the slope.

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ACCESSIBILITY