[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 220 (Tuesday, November 16, 1999)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 62248-62538] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 99-29250] [[Page 62247]] _______________________________________________________________________ Part II Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board _______________________________________________________________________ 36 CFR Parts 1190 and 1191 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities; Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Guidelines; Proposed Rule Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 220 / Tuesday, November 16, 1999 / Proposed Rules [[Page 62248]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ARCHITECTURAL AND TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS COMPLIANCE BOARD 36 CFR Parts 1190 and 1191 [Docket No. 99-1] RIN 3014-AA20 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities; Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Guidelines AGENCY: Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. ACTION: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) is proposing to revise and update its accessibility guidelines for buildings and facilities covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA). These guidelines cover new construction and alterations and serve as the basis for enforceable standards issued by other Federal agencies. As a result of this revision and update, the guidelines for the ADA and ABA are consolidated in one Code of Federal Regulations part. The guidelines for the ABA also cover buildings and facilities leased by Federal agencies. The Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation are responsible for issuing standards based on the Access Board's guidelines under the ADA. ABA standards are issued by the Department of Defense, General Services Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Postal Service. DATES: Comments should be received by March 15, 2000. The Access Board will hold two public hearings on the proposed guidelines. The dates, times, and locations of the public hearings will be published in a subsequent document in the Federal Register. ADDRESSES: Comments should be sent to the Office of Technical and Information Services, Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, 1331 F Street, NW., suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004- 1111. Fax number (202) 272-5447. E-mail comments should be sent to [email protected]. Comments sent by e-mail will be considered only if they include the full name and address of the sender in the text. Comments will be available for inspection at the above address from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on regular business days. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marsha Mazz (on the ADA Accessibility Guidelines) and Jim Pecht (on the ABA Accessibility Guidelines) Office of Technical and Information Services, Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, 1331 F Street, NW., suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004-1111. Telephone numbers (202) 272-5434 extension 121 or extension 128 (voice); (202) 272-5449 (TTY). E-mail address: TA@access- board.gov. These are not toll free numbers. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Availability of Copies and Electronic Access This document is available on the Board's Internet site in HTML and PDF formats (http://www.access-board.gov/ada-aba/guidenprm.htm). Persons who want a copy in an alternate format (cassette tape, Braille, large print, or Ascii disk) may order one copy at no cost by calling the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board's (Access Board) automated publications order line (202) 272-5434, by pressing 2 on the telephone keypad, then 1, and requesting publication S-36 (ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines Notice of Proposed Rulemaking). Persons using a TTY should call (202) 272-5449. Please record a name, address, telephone number and request publication S-36 and specify the type of format. Statutory Background The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) recognizes and protects the civil rights of people with disabilities and is modeled after earlier landmark laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race and gender. The ADA requires that buildings and facilities be accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. The ADA establishes accessibility requirements for new construction and alterations of State and local government facilities under title II and places of public accommodation and commercial facilities under title III. The law requires that the Access Board issue minimum guidelines to assist the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) in establishing accessibility standards under titles II and III. These standards must be consistent with the Access Board's guidelines. The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA) (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.) requires that facilities designed, built, altered or leased with certain Federal funds be accessible to persons with disabilities. Similar to its responsibility under the ADA, the Access Board is charged with developing and maintaining minimum guidelines for accessible facilities that serve as the basis for enforceable standards issued by four standard-setting agencies. The standard-setting agencies are the Department of Defense (DOD), the General Services Administration (GSA), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Rulemaking History On July 26, 1991, the Access Board published the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG).1 On the same day, the Department of Justice published its final regulations implementing title III of the ADA which incorporated ADAAG.2 The Access Board amended ADAAG to include additional requirements specifically applicable to transportation facilities on September 6, 1991 3 which DOT incorporated into its final ADA regulations.4 The Access Board modified ADAAG, and DOJ and DOT modified their standards on two occasions: to revise specifications for automatic teller machines (July 15, 1993) and to suspend requirements for detectable warnings at curb ramps, hazardous vehicular areas, and reflecting pools (April 12, 1994; July 29, 1996; November 23, 1998).5 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ 56 FR 35408, 36 CFR Part 1191. \2\ 56 FR 35544, 28 CFR Part 36. \3\ 56 FR 45500. \4\ 56 FR 45584, 49 CFR Parts 37 and 38. \5\ 58 FR 38204, 59 FR 17442, and 63 FR 64836. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Access Board published amendments to ADAAG on January 13, 1998, that cover State and local government facilities and building elements designed for children's use.6 The amendments for State and local government facilities add a section on judicial, legislative, and regulatory facilities which covers access to restricted and secured entrances, security systems, assembly seating, speakers' platforms, and to courtroom spaces. Another section covers detention and correctional facilities which provides scoping and technical requirements for accessible cells. In addition to these two new sections, ADAAG was amended to address elevators, entrances, TTYs, sales and service counters, and airport security systems in State and local government facilities. As originally published, ADAAG provided specifications based only on adult dimensions. The [[Page 62249]] amendments for building elements designed for children's use provide alternate specifications based on children's dimensions for drinking fountains, water closets, toilet stalls, lavatories and sinks, and built-in seating and tables. The technical requirements permit departures from existing ADAAG specifications for elements designed for use primarily by children instead of adults. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \6\ 63 FR 2000 and 63 FR 2060. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- In 1994, the Board established an advisory committee to conduct a complete review of the guidelines and to recommend changes. The ADAAG Review Advisory Committee consisted of 22 members representing the design and construction industry, the building code community, State and local government entities, and people with disabilities.7 The committee was charged with reviewing ADAAG in its entirety and making recommendations to the Board on: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \7\ The American Council of the Blind, the American Institute of Architects, the Arc, Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association, Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Building Owners and Managers Association International, Council of American Building Officials, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association, International Conference of Building Officials, International Facility Management Association, Maryland Association of the Deaf, National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards, National Easter Seal Society, National Fire Protection Association, National Institute of Building Sciences, Regional Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers, Southern Building Code Congress International, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Virginia Building and Code Officials Association, and the World Institute on Disability. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------improving the format and usability of ADAAG; reconciling differences between ADAAG and national consensus standards, including model codes and industry standards; updating ADAAG to reflect technological developments and to continue to meet the needs of persons with disabilities; and coordinating future ADAAG revisions with national standards and model code organizations. The advisory committee organized itself into subcommittees and met extensively over a two year period. Non-members were invited to participate in subcommittee meetings. The advisory committee followed a consensus-based process for the adoption of recommended changes to ADAAG which included a process for the submission of dissenting opinions. The advisory committee's work culminated in publication of a final report, ``Recommendations for a New ADAAG'' (September, 1996), which is available from the Board. Vice President Albert Gore recognized the work of the advisory committee and its constructive relationship with the Board and presented both entities with his ``Hammer Award'' which recognizes exemplary reinvention of the Federal government. The award commended the manner in which a variety of public and private sector interests were brought together to update the guidelines. The advisory committee's report recommends changes to both the format and substance of ADAAG. The Board developed minimum guidelines for federally funded facilities covered by the ABA in 1982 that served as the basis for the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS). To further the goal of uniform standards, the Board is proposing to update these minimum guidelines based on the revisions to ADAAG. This will establish consistency between both guidelines so that the public and private sectors are held to a similar level of accessibility. This will facilitate compliance where a facility is subject to both the ADA and the ABA, such as a State or local government facility built with Federal money. The Board's minimum guidelines do not directly impact the public. Instead they provide a minimum baseline for other Federal departments responsible for issuing enforceable standards. Each Federal department responsible for issuing and maintaining standards based on the Board's guidelines under the ADA or the ABA is represented on the Board. Representatives of these departments serve as Board members and staff liaisons and have been closely involved in the development of this proposed rule. Through this process, the Board and the standard-setting agencies coordinated extensively to seek consensus to minimize any differences between the Board's guidelines and their eventual standards. General Issues The ADAAG Review Advisory Committee recommended significant changes to the format and style of ADAAG. In fact, their recommendations completely reorganize much of ADAAG. The changes were recommended to provide a guideline that is organized and written in a manner that can be more readily understood, interpreted and applied. The recommended changes would also make the arrangement and format of ADAAG more consistent with model building codes and industry standards. This will make it easier for designers of the many facilities that will be required to comply both with the ADAAG and the locally adopted codes to understand how to comply with both sets of provisions. Changes include: removal of text language that is non-mandatory in nature for inclusion as advisory information nearby the text it comments on; inclusion in written text of requirements otherwise provided only in figures; clearer delineation between scoping requirements, which indicate what has to be accessible, from technical requirements, which specify how access is to be achieved; organizing technical sections into chapters according to the type of element or space; streamlining the guidelines by integrating special occupancy chapters (except for transportation facilities) into the main body of the document; revising the substance of scoping and technical provisions to better meet the needs of people with disabilities, to recognize technological developments, and to reconcile differences from national consensus standards; and utilizing a decimal-based, numeric-only numbering system, consistent with that used by the model codes and utilizing, to the extent possible, identical chapter and section numbers as ICC/ANSI A117.1 for the comparable subject matter. Some changes are recommended in order to make the provisions in ADAAG more technically consistent with model building codes and industry standards. The advisory committee coordinated closely with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A117 Committee, which was in the process of updating its standard. This is a national consensus standard that provides technical requirements for accessible buildings and facilities. The Council of American Building Officials (CABO) was represented on the advisory committee. CABO, which functions as a coordinating body among model code organizations, serves as the Secretariat for the A117 Committee. CABO has been incorporated into the International Codes Council (ICC). While ADAAG requirements derive in large part from an earlier version of the ANSI standard, there are considerable differences between them. Both the advisory committee and the ANSI committee sought to reconcile these differences to harmonize the revised ADAAG with the ICC/ANSI A117.1-1998 standard. The Board reviewed all recommendations from the advisory committee and has adopted most of them with some changes of its own. In addition, the Board has developed new figures to illustrate various provisions and provided new advisory notes that [[Page 62250]] provide information currently contained in the appendix to ADAAG. In removing non-mandatory information from the text of the guidelines, the advisory committee made various recommendations on information that should be included in advisory notes. The Board has taken these recommendations into account in developing advisory notes for this proposed rule. The application and scoping requirements (Chapters 1 and 2) for facilities covered by the ADA have been used as the basis for updating application and scoping requirements for facilities subject to the ABA. The technical requirements of this rule, as revised according to the advisory committee recommendations, are referenced by both scoping documents. In addition, the Board has included scoping and technical requirements for accessible residential facilities. These requirements are based on updated provisions for residential facilities contained in the ICC/ANSI A117.1-1998 standard. These requirements represent an addition to ADAAG, which currently does not address such facilities. Also, they will serve to update requirements for dwelling units in the minimum guidelines for federally funded facilities upon which UFAS is based. Section-by-Section Analysis The following discussion covers the three parts of this rule. Part I covers the application and scoping requirements for facilities covered by the ADA (Chapters 1 and 2). This section of the analysis explains substantive differences between the revised guidelines and the current ADAAG. All changes proposed are based on recommendations from the advisory committee unless otherwise noted. Part II addresses the application and scoping requirements for facilities covered by the ABA. This section explains changes from the scoping and application requirements of Part I that are specific to federally funded facilities. Part III discusses the technical requirements (Chapters 3 through 11) that are referenced by both ADA and ABA scoping documents. These requirements are based on recommendations from the advisory committee. As in Part I, the discussion in Part III explains substantive differences between the current ADAAG and the revised guidelines. The Board has posed a number of questions in this section. The Board includes questions in the preamble usually because it wants to solicit additional information about an item before considering a specific requirement. Part I: ADA Application and Scoping Chapter 1: Application and Administration This chapter states general principles that recognize the purpose of the guidelines (101), provisions for adults and children (102), equivalent facilitation (103), conventions (104), referenced standards (105), and definitions (106). Chapter 1 simplifies and reorganizes similar provisions contained in ADAAG sections 1, 2, and 3. The Board has removed the term ``fixed'' in the revised guidelines for editorial purposes of clarity and consistency. The term is used in the current ADAAG to describe some elements, such as tables and storage, but not other types of covered elements. The Board understands that DOJ will clarify the application of the guidelines to fixed elements in its rulemaking to update its standards for consistency with the revised guidelines. 104 Conventions Section 104.1 notes that all dimensions not stated as a ``maximum'' or ``minimum'' are absolute. All dimensions, including absolute dimensions, are ``subject to conventional industry tolerances.'' This corresponds with provisions in ADAAG 3.1 and 3.2 for graphic conventions and dimensional tolerances except for one change. ADAAG 3.2 recognizes conventional building industry tolerances ``for field conditions.'' The reference to ``field conditions'' has been removed to accommodate a wider variety of unavoidable tolerances other than those that occur on a construction site, namely manufacturing processes that are not true ``field'' situations. For example, acrylic molded plumbing fixtures, such as shower stalls, often have a slight draft or taper so that they can be drawn from their molds; this slight taper does not adversely affect accessibility and is a necessary consequence of this particular manufacturing process. ``Conventional industry tolerances'' is intended to refer to tolerances in construction and manufacturing, but not design. The Board has clarified the calculation of percentages in section 104.2. This provision states that one is to round up to the next whole number when calculating ratios or percentages in determining the minimum number of required accessible elements or facilities. Where the required size or dimension of an element or facilities involves ratios or percentages, rounding down for values less than one half is permitted. 105 Referenced Standards Section 105 lists the industry standards referenced in the guidelines. It also clarifies that where there is a difference between a provision of the guidelines and the referenced standards, the provision of the guidelines shall apply. 106 Definitions Various defined terms and definitions have been revised, removed or added. The following definitions have been removed because they contain information more appropriately covered in technical requirements or are not considered necessary due to other text changes: ``access aisle,'' ``accessible element,'' ``accessible space,'' ``adaptability,'' ``clear,'' ``clear floor space,'' ``multi-family dwelling,'' and ``site improvement.'' Several definitions have been simplified by removing information contained in scoping or technical requirements or have been revised for consistency with model code definitions. These include: ``accessible route,'' ``automatic door,'' ``area of rescue assistance,'' ``controls and operating mechanisms'' (which have been changed to ``area of refuge'' and ``operable parts,'' respectively), ``dwelling unit,'' ``facility,'' ``means of egress,'' ``occupiable,'' ``sign,'' ``story,'' and ``transient lodging.'' Defined terms added to this section include: ``characters,'' ``children's use,'' ``destination-oriented elevator,'' ``employee work areas,'' ``mail boxes,'' ``pictogram,'' ``project,'' ``public entrance,'' ``qualified historic building or facility,'' ``self-service storage facility,'' ``technically infeasible,'' ``wheelchair,'' and ``wheelchair space.'' Chapter 2: Scoping Requirements This chapter provides scoping requirements for spaces and elements required to be accessible in new construction and alterations. Chapter 2 replaces the minimum requirements sections of ADAAG 4.1. As revised, this section of the guidelines differs from ADAAG in that it integrates the scoping for exterior sites and interior facilities. ADAAG addresses scoping for exterior sites and interior facilities in separate subsections (4.1.2 and 4.1.3, respectively). ADAAG also currently has some scoping provisions intermingled with various technical provisions outside of 4.1. All scoping provisions are now located in Chapter 2. 201 Application This section contains provisions for the general scope of the guidelines and is substantively consistent with [[Page 62251]] application provisions in ADAAG 4.1.1(1), (2), and (4). 202 Existing Buildings and Facilities This section provides for the application of the guidelines to additions and alterations. Section 202.2 (Additions) clarifies the intent in ADAAG 4.1.5 that each addition meet the requirements of the guidelines for new construction and also refers to requirements for additions that affect or could affect areas containing a primary function. Section 202.3 contains general scoping requirements for alterations, which are currently addressed in ADAAG 4.1.6(1). Alterations scoping provisions and technical provisions specific to certain elements and spaces in ADAAG 4.1.6(1) and 4.1.6(3) are not included in this general application section. Instead these provisions have been relocated to the relevant scoping or technical provisions for the element or space. Many of these provisions in ADAAG provide alternate specifications where ``technical infeasibility'' is encountered. However, these specifications present a false ``cap'' to the degree of departure since compliance is actually required to the degree it is technically feasible which may be above or below the level of access recognized in the specification. Consequently, in the revised guidelines, alternate criteria that have been retained have been made applicable to alterations generally and are not limited to instances of technical infeasibility. As revised, the guidelines do not contain the provision currently in ADAAG 4.1.6(1)(c) which requires an entire space to be accessible when alterations of single elements, considered together, amount to an alteration of a room or space. The advisory committee considered this provision vague and difficult to enforce since it does not indicate the precise number of altered single elements that would trigger full compliance for a room or space. In view of the basic scoping requirements for alterations, the Board agrees this provision can be removed without affecting accessibility. Section 202.4 addresses requirements for alterations affecting primary function areas that are consistent with those in ADAAG 4.1.6(2) except for one change. ADAAG 4.1.6 (1)(i) clarifies that the requirement does not apply to work limited solely to electrical, mechanical, or plumbing systems; hazardous material abatement; or automatic sprinkler retrofitting if the work does not involve alteration of elements or spaces required to be accessible. While the advisory committee did not recommend removing this clarification, the Board has removed it as information more appropriately contained in the Department of Justice's (DOJ) implementing regulations. The DOJ regulations further address alterations to areas containing a primary function, including the type of alterations that trigger the requirement for an accessible path of travel.8 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \8\ 28 CFR 36.403. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Section 202.5 clarifies that scoping for alterations, including alterations to areas containing a primary function, applies to qualified historic buildings and facilities, but permits an exception where such alterations would threaten or destroy the historic significance of the building or facility as determined by the State Historic Preservation Officer or Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. This simplifies ADAAG 4.1.7 and removes advisory information from the text of the requirement. Special provisions for specific elements and spaces in ADAAG 4.1.7(3) have been moved to appropriate scoping and technical requirements in the revised guidelines. 203 General Exceptions The structure of the revised guidelines reinforces the principle that under the general scoping, all portions of sites and facilities are subject to the guidelines unless otherwise noted. This section contains exceptions to the general scoping provisions in 201. Most provisions are substantively the same as those in ADAAG 4.1.1(5) as amended for State and local government buildings, including those addressing construction sites (203.2), raised areas (203.4), limited access spaces (203.5), equipment spaces (203.6), single occupant structures (203.7), and detention and correctional facilities (203.8). There are two substantive changes involving the ``structural impracticability'' exception and residential facilities (203.9). ADAAG 4.1.1(5)(a) provides an exception for new construction where it can be demonstrated that full compliance is ``structurally impracticable'' due to rare circumstances or the uniqueness of the terrain. The advisory committee recommended removing this exception because it felt that the challenges posed by unique environmental or terrain features can be overcome by good design. Further, such an exception is not recognized by any of the model building codes. Despite the fact that the exception for ``structural impracticability'' has been removed from ADAAG, it still exists in the Department of Justice (DOJ) implementing regulations. See 28 CFR 36.401(c). The term is defined in that same section and provides a narrowly drawn exception for ``unique characteristics of terrain.'' It was removed from ADAAG because the Board made every effort not to duplicate provisions that are in the DOJ regulations. The revised guidelines also include an exception in 203.9 under which access is not required to common use areas that do not serve dwelling units required to be accessible. 203.3 Employee Work Areas ADAAG 4.1.1(3) requires access to, but not fully within, employee work areas in part because title I of the ADA generally treats access for employees with disabilities as an individual accommodation. The Board intends the word ``employee'' in the term employee work areas to include individuals covered in the definition of employee found in title I of the ADA, as well as other individuals who perform employee- type duties such as independent contractors and volunteers. Employee spaces used for purposes other than job-related tasks, such as break rooms, lounges, and locker rooms are not considered ``work areas'' and must be fully accessible. Other areas that must be fully accessible include, but are not limited to, vending areas, cafeterias, and auditoriums regardless of whether they are restricted to employees. Work areas that also function as public use space, such as patient exam rooms, must be fully accessible for public access, but fixtures and controls within the work area used only by employees are not required to be accessible. Section 203.3 of the revised guidelines retains this exception for areas used only as work areas. Work areas must be accessible for ``approach, entry, and exit,'' which means location on an accessible route so that people with disabilities can enter and exit the space. The Board interprets this provision as requiring an accessible route to work areas, including complying entry doors or gates. Maneuvering space, including wheelchair turning space, is not required within the work area, and elements within the work area are not required to comply. Also, the Board has added a definition for ``employee work areas'' in section 106 to clarify the limited application of this provision. The coverage of ``employee work areas'' in section 203.3, like ADAAG 4.1.1(3), means that an accessible route is not required to individual work stations within the area. For example, [[Page 62252]] an accessible route is required to a restaurant kitchen or the manufacturing space of a plant but not to individual work stations, regardless of the number of stations or the size of the work area. The advisory committee recommended that ADAAG be changed to require an accessible route to each ``individual work station'' instead of to ``work areas.'' Other than the connecting route, work stations would not be required to be accessible. The advisory committee recommended this change for consistency with model building codes which, unlike ADAAG, do not provide a similar exception for work areas. The advisory committee considered that contemporary building and fire codes, for general fire and life safety purposes, have always required in new construction and alterations that a path of travel serving individual work stations be provided for exiting in an emergency. In complying with the code, this path of travel would end up complying with most if not all of the accessible route requirements in ADAAG. The advisory committee therefore considered that changing ADAAG to require an accessible route serving individual work stations would not have dramatic impact. This aspect of the model building codes, as well as general exceptions for equipment and other spaces in section 203, would serve to limit the overall impact of this change in the advisory committee's view. Further, the requirement for an ``accessible route'' to such elements, as opposed to access for ``approach, entry, and exit'' to certain spaces was considered clearer and more easily interpreted. The Board is committed to harmonizing the ADAAG requirements with the requirements of the model codes and believes that covered entities should apply the recommendations of the advisory committee in most situations, particularly in traditional places of public accommodation, in office buildings, and in schools. However, the Board is concerned that the adoption of this requirement as the minimum level of compliance may prove to be unworkable in some employment settings. Therefore, the Board has not included the advisory committee's recommendations in this proposed rule. However, the Board is considering whether to include the advisory committee's language in the final rule. To facilitate this decision, the Board is seeking responses to the following questions: Question 1: ADAAG requires that an accessible route be provided to employee work areas, but not to individual work stations. What obstacles have people with disabilities encountered as a result of this provision? Question 2: The Board is interested in learning what the impact might be if ADAAG requires access to ``individual work stations'' rather than to ``employee work areas.'' For example, how would a facility otherwise be designed and built in the absence of this revised requirement in ADAAG? Any comparative analysis should be based on a design that reflects compliance with contemporary codes, such as the model building codes, and typical design practice. In other words, aspects of an accessible route that would otherwise be provided as a typical design consideration or that would have to be provided in order to comply with a contemporary building code would not be sources of real impact. Question 3: Are there specific types of individual work stations, not otherwise exempt from access by section 203, that could not be served by an accessible route? Question 4: The phrase ``areas used only by employees as work areas'' has been misinterpreted or considered unclear. If this requirement is retained in the final rule, how should it be clarified to prevent misinterpretation? If a requirement for work stations is included in the final rule, is the term ``individual employee work stations'' sufficiently specific or is further clarification, qualification, or definition needed? The revised guidelines differ from ADAAG in that they require employee work areas to be equipped with visual alarms where audible alarms are provided. In effect, this will require visual alarm appliances in most work areas. Where work areas are enclosed by opaque doors and walls, visual alarm appliances will be necessary to provide the required alarm coverage. However, where work areas have translucent walls or doors, carefully placed alarm appliances in adjoining corridors or other spaces can cover the work area. This is a change from current ADAAG, which requires visual alarms in common use and public use spaces, but not in those spaces that serve only as a work area. The Board proposes this change because it is an issue of life safety and because installation of visual alarms after construction can be difficult and expensive. However, in addition to an accessible connecting route, visual alarms would be the only accessible element required for a work area. The Board estimates that the aggregate cost associated with providing visual alarms in employee work areas for newly constructed buildings is approximately $16.3 million. This estimate is based on several assumptions: (a) an average office building size is 200,000 square feet with 200 square feet per office; (b) the cost of an alarm system complying with existing requirements is $225,000 and approximately 60 to 70 percent of the area of the office building receives visual alarm coverage; (c) visual alarms will be needed in an additional 25 percent of the building area (50,000 square feet, 250 offices) to meet the proposed new requirement; (d) the additional cost for installing the visual alarms in employee work areas is $65,375 ($261 per office); (d) 250 office buildings (averaging 200,000 square feet) are newly constructed each year. Question 5: This provision would be applicable to both newly constructed buildings and existing buildings when alarm systems are replaced or upgraded, and these alterations affect the usability of the building. The Board does not provide an aggregate cost estimate for existing buildings when alarm systems are altered. The Board recognizes that this cost may greatly exceed the cost for newly constructed buildings. In order to better assess the overall cost of this provision, the Board seeks data on how frequently alarm systems are replaced or upgraded such that they would amount to an alteration and be subject to this provision. The Board has been advised that alarm systems may be replaced as often as every ten years. The reason given is that building owners desire to reduce insurance liability, as well as to provide state-of-the-art protection for building occupants. Is it correct to assume that alarm systems are replaced every ten years? The Board seeks information from businesses that provide fire alarm systems regarding the additional cost of providing visual alarms in employee work areas when alarm systems are replaced or upgraded. Please provide cost data for alarm systems with visual alarm coverage in all employee work areas compared to alarm systems complying with the existing requirements. Lastly, while an average building size is used in developing the cost estimate for newly constructed buildings, the Board seeks comment on whether the provision would have a disproportionate economic impact on small buildings or businesses. Question 6: Are there less costly alternatives to providing visual alarms in all employee work areas for employees who are deaf or are hard of hearing that provide a comparable level of life safety? Question 7: Concerns have been raised about limiting the number of [[Page 62253]] visual alarms for the benefit of people who are photosensitive, as further discussed below at section 702.3. In view of these various considerations, comment is sought on the appropriateness of this requirement, and information is requested on whether there are means available for deactivating individual visual appliances (which may be desired in accommodating employees who are photosensitive) without rendering the entire system ineffective. Section 203.9 clarifies that in residential facilities access is not required in common use areas not serving required accessible dwelling units. The Board added this provision because guidelines for residential facilities have been included in this rule. This provision would apply in situations where certain common use areas, such as laundry rooms, are intended to serve a portion of dwelling units. 204 Protruding Objects 205 Operable Parts Sections 204 and 205 are substantively consistent with scoping requirements for protruding objects in ADAAG 4.1.2(3) and 4.1.3(2) and for controls and operating mechanisms in ADAAG 4.1.3(13). 206 Accessible Routes ADAAG addresses scoping for accessible routes in several areas (4.1.2, 4.1.3, and 4.3). The revised guidelines bring these requirements together into one subsection (206.2) to clarify the requirement for accessible routes from site arrival points, within the site and within buildings and facilities, and to spaces and elements. The revised guidelines more clearly recognize various elements as components of accessible routes. Thus, this section integrates scoping for entrances (206.4), doors and doorways (206.5), elevators (206.6), and wheelchair (platform) lifts (206.7). Changes from ADAAG include: clarification that an accessible pedestrian route is not required where only a vehicular way not serving pedestrians is provided (206.2.1 and 206.2.2, exceptions); emphasis on the provision of an ``accessible route'' between floors as opposed to an ``elevator'' so that elevator exceptions in ADAAG 4.1.3(5) are relocated to the requirement for an accessible route (206.2.3); clarification that in assembly areas an accessible route is not required to serve seating that does not contain wheelchair spaces or designated aisle seats required to be on an accessible route (206.2.3, exception 6); clarification that an accessible route between seating and performance areas is required where a direct connection is provided (206.2.6); clarification that where the circulation path is interior, the accessible route must be interior as well (206.3); removal of the requirement in ADAAG 4.1.3(8) that accessible entrances be provided in a number at least equal to the number of exits required because entrances and exits serve different functions and should not be linked in scoping requirements; removal of a requirement in ADAAG 5.7 for an accessible route to raised platforms in banquet rooms since it is premised on elements (head tables and speaker's lecterns) that often are not fixed; extending the scope of requirements for security check points and security barriers for airports and certain State and local government facilities to cover all types of facilities that provide security check points and barriers (206.8); and removal of ADAAG exception 4(d) to 4.1.3(5) that allows the use of wheelchair lifts where ``existing site constraints or other constraints make use of a ramp or an elevator infeasible'' since this is not considered warranted in new construction. In addition, several substantive changes are provided that pertain to elevators (206.6). These include recognition of two alternatives to the traditional type of elevator required by ADAAG and the addition of a requirement for altered elevators. Destination-oriented elevators are different from typical elevators in that they provide a means of indicating the desired floor at the location of the call button, usually through a key pad, instead of a control panel inside the car. Responding cars are programmed for maximum efficiency by reducing the number of stops any passenger experiences. ADAAG does not specifically address this type of elevator, which was not widely in use when ADAAG was first published. The revised guidelines require compliance with newly added technical requirements in 407.3 where destination-oriented elevators are provided instead of traditional types of elevators. There are differences in the technical requirements provided in section 407. For example, standard elevators must provide audible and visual car position indicators that identify floors as they are passed. With destination-oriented elevators, audible and visual indicators must be provided indicating the car destination both when the car arrives in response to the call and when it arrives at the floor destination. The revised guidelines also permit installation of limited-use/ limited-application (LULA) elevators in buildings and facilities not required to have a standard elevator. This type of elevator is characterized by a smaller car among other things. The revised guidelines provide technical requirements in 407.4 and require compliance with the industry safety standard (ASME/ANSI A17.1, Part XXV). The advisory committee recommended addressing LULAs because it considered such elevators a more viable option in situations where a standard elevator is not required. The advisory committee reasoned that some vertical access (via a LULA elevator) is preferable to none. Question 8: Consistent with ADAAG, the revised guidelines provide an exception for private sector facilities based on the number of stories or the square footage per floor (206.2.3, exception 1). A much narrower exception is permitted for State and local government facilities (206.2.3, exception 2). Are there situations where the use of LULA's should be permitted instead of a standard elevator in certain small State or local government facilities? A requirement has been added at 206.6.1 that when an elevator is altered, all elevators programmed to respond to the same hall call control shall be brought into compliance so that persons with disabilities are not limited to the use of one car at multi-car elevator banks. 207 Accessible Means of Egress Requirements for accessible means of egress have been modified for consistency with model building codes and standards, including addition of a new requirement that an elevator be provided as an accessible means of egress in buildings with four or more stories above or below the exit discharge level. The requirement in ADAAG 4.1.3(9) that accessible means of egress be provided in the ``same number'' of required exits has been changed to require at least two accessible means of egress where more than one means of egress is required. The requirement in ADAAG 4.1.3(10) that accessible routes also serve as required exits has been removed because not all accessible routes necessarily have to serve as a required means of egress in order to provide a reasonable minimum level of safety. The reference to ``areas of rescue assistance'' has been changed to ``areas of refuge'' for consistency with model [[Page 62254]] codes. Exceptions from the requirement for areas of refuge in facilities that are altered or those equipped with supervised automatic sprinkler system have been retained. A new exception clarifies that areas of refuge are not required in open parking garages since the open design permits smoke to escape. 208 Parking Spaces The revised guidelines maintain the general scoping of ADAAG in 4.1.2(5) but refer to parking spaces generally, instead of to ``self- parking by visitors, employees, or both.'' The Board has added an exception in 208.1 for parking spaces used exclusively for buses, trucks, delivery vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, and vehicular impound and motor pool lots where lots accessed by the public are provided with an accessible passenger loading zone. ADAAG 4.1.2(5)(d) requires a higher level of scoping for outpatient units and facilities (10%) and those that ``specialize in treatment or services for persons with mobility impairments'' (20%). Sections 208.2.1 and 208.2.2 preserve these scoping requirements but clarify their application to visitor and patient parking (so as to exclude employee parking); ``hospital outpatient facilities'' (10%); and ``rehabilitation facilities and outpatient physical therapy facilities'' (20%). The advisory committee had recommended removing the 10% requirement for outpatient facilities because it questioned the technical basis for it and because the term ``outpatient facility'' is too broad and can be misapplied to doctors' offices and clinics. Instead of removing this requirement, the Board has clarified its application by limiting it to outpatient facilities located in hospitals. The requirement for ``rehabilitation facilities'' is intended to cover facilities providing physical rehabilitation, but not those facilities providing other types of rehabilitation, such as drug or alcohol rehabilitation. New scoping provisions for residential facilities have been added. Section 208.2.3 provides access to at least one parking space for each accessible dwelling unit where parking is provided. Two percent of any additional parking spaces provided for residents must be accessible. Additionally, guest parking must be made accessible in accordance with Table 208.2. In 208.4.2 dispersion is required throughout all types of parking provided for dwelling units required to be accessible unless equal or greater accessibility is otherwise achieved. Requirements for identification of accessible spaces in 208.3 allow spaces not to be identified (i.e., reserved solely for use by people with disabilities) where five or fewer spaces in one parking lot are provided. This was recommended by the advisory committee in order to mitigate the impact of a reserved space in very small lots and is based on the model building codes. Identification of spaces is not required at residential facilities where parking spaces are assigned to specific dwelling units. The requirement for the ``van accessible'' designation has been removed to clarify that both car and van drivers can use such spaces, as was the original intent of ADAAG. ADAAG 4.1.2(5)(e) allows an accessible passenger loading zone instead of accessible parking spaces at facilities with valet parking. This provision has been removed for several reasons. Valet parking often is not available at all hours a facility is open or may be later removed altogether. Further, vehicles specially equipped for persons with disabilities may not be usable by other drivers. 209 Passenger Loading Zones This section requires that where a passenger loading zone is provided, at least one portion within every continuous 100 feet of loading zone space must be accessible. This replaces the requirement in ADAAG 4.1.5(c) for only one accessible passenger loading zone per site. The new requirement is responsive to facilities, such as airports, where many or long continuous passenger loading zones are provided. The advisory committee recommended that all passenger loading zones be required to be accessible. However, the proposed requirement addresses situations where continuous loading zones are provided and balances the needs of people with disabilities and the costs associated with adding an additional lane for accessible passenger loading. 210 Stairways This provision requires all stairs that are part of a means of egress to comply with the guidelines. ADAAG 4.1.3(4) requires compliance only at stairs connecting levels not connected by a vertical means of access. The advisory committee recommended this change for consistency with model building codes that recognize the importance of accessible safety features in successfully exiting by stairs. Accessible features in stairways will benefit individuals with mobility impairments, as well as other individuals with and without disabilities. An exception is provided for alterations. Under this exception, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route are not required to comply (except for handrails) due to the potential difficulty of altering stairs for compliance within existing space limitations. 211 Drinking Fountains and Water Coolers This provision requires that where one drinking fountain or water cooler is provided on a site, floor, or within a secured area, access shall be provided for both people who use wheelchairs and for standing persons. Where more than one drinking fountain is provided, 50% are required to be wheelchair accessible and 50% are required to be accessible to standing persons (with rounding up or down permitted where an odd number of units is provided). While substantively consistent with ADAAG 4.1.3(10), this section clarifies the application to exterior units and the coverage of units accessible to standing persons where more than one unit is provided. The advisory committee recommended that the guidelines not address access for standing persons because no technical criteria are provided and because it believed that most drinking fountains would accommodate people who have difficulty bending. The Board believes that access for people who may have difficulty bending or stooping should be retained and has included technical requirements for such access (see 602.7). 212 Sinks, Kitchens, Kitchenettes, and Wet Bars A requirement has been added that where sinks are provided in accessible spaces, at least 5% (but not less than one) must be accessible, except for mop or service sinks, which are exempt. While ADAAG provides technical requirements for sinks in 4.24, it does not indicate the minimum number required to be accessible. New scoping provisions for kitchens, kitchenettes, and wet bars are generally consistent with transient lodging requirements in ADAAG 9.2.2(7). The revised guidelines extend the application to kitchens, kitchenettes, and wet bars provided, without regard to the type of facility. 213 Toilet and Bathing Facilities This section is consistent with ADAAG scoping provisions in 4.1.3(11), 4.22, and 4.23 except for one substantive change. Where multiple single-user toilet rooms are clustered at a single location and contain fixtures in excess of the minimum required number of plumbing fixtures, at least 5% of toilet rooms (but not less than one) for [[Page 62255]] each use at each cluster is required to be accessible (213.2, exception 4). ADAAG, which does not specifically address this situation, requires access to all such toilet rooms. The advisory committee recommended this scoping provision as more appropriate since this arrangement is common in facilities such as medical facilities. Additionally, revisions have been made to clarify that: access is not required for toilet or bathing facilities in transient lodging guest rooms (except for the clearance of entry doors), patient or resident sleeping rooms in medical care facilities, holding or housing cells in detention and correctional facilities, or dwelling units that are not required to be accessible (213.2, exceptions 5, 6, 7, and 8); unisex bathing rooms must contain at least one accessible shower or bathtub (213.2.1); and where only one lavatory is provided, it shall not be located in an accessible toilet compartment (213.3.4). 214 Laundry Equipment A new scoping provision has been added for laundry equipment and applies to laundry facilities wherever provided. For example, if a transient lodging facility provides laundry facilities for guests, they must be accessible and contain one or more accessible washers and dryers. This section also addresses the need for accessible laundry facilities in, or serving, accessible dwelling units and is necessary since the revised guidelines address residential facilities. Where washing machines or clothes dryers are provided in spaces required to be accessible, at least one of each type is required to be accessible. 215 Emergency Alarm Systems The requirement for emergency alarm systems is consistent with ADAAG 4.1.3(14). The ADAAG exception that allows such systems to be modified in medical care facilities to suit health care alarm practice has been revised as an exception to the charging statement for the technical section on fire alarm systems (702.1). The advisory committee had recommended that the provision be limited to fire alarm systems for consistency with model codes such as National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 72-G. The committee also recommended that an exception for alterations be provided that would require compliance with the requirement for visual alarms only where an alarm system is upgraded or replaced or a new one installed. Instead, the Board is proposing to retain the substance of the current requirement since compliance with any requirement in alterations is required to the extent it is ``technically feasible.'' Given the scope of the work, replacement of a fire alarm system is considered an alteration, not normal maintenance. However, certain upgrades are alterations only if they affect the usability of a room or space. The usability of the space is not affected when a few failing appliances are replaced. The Board has limited the requirement for visual appliances to fire alarm systems instead of ``emergency warning systems.'' In addition, the Board has added a scoping provision that requires other types of alarm systems to be equipped with audible and visual signals but has not provided any technical criteria for these signals. Question 9: The Board seeks information on facility alarm systems (other than fire alarm systems) that do not instruct occupants to evacuate the facility but provide other warning information, such as those used for tornado warnings and other emergencies. Recommendations are requested on the technical criteria appropriate for the audible and visual signals for such alarm systems, particularly where differentiation from fire alarm system signals is important. 216 Signs This provision retains the substance of scoping for exterior and interior signs in ADAAG 4.1.2(7) and 4.1.3(16). Several editorial changes are included for clarification. Scoping for tactile signs is modified to apply to ``permanent'' room or space designations in order to clarify coverage of signs that are not likely to change. The Board has added an exception stating that signs designating building addresses or building names are not required to meet requirements for tactile signs. These revisions are consistent with the Board's interpretation of ADAAG. ADAAG 4.1.7(3)(e) includes a provision for qualified historic facilities which recommends that exhibits and signs displayed horizontally should be no higher than 44 inches above the floor so as to be accessible to be people seated in wheelchairs. The advisory committee recommended that this provision be made mandatory or relocated to an advisory note. The Board believes this specification and its limited application to qualified historic facilities merits further evaluation before adopting it as a mandatory requirement. Consequently, this provision is not included in the revised guidelines. 217 Telephones Scoping provisions for public pay telephones providing wheelchair access and volume controls are substantively consistent with ADAAG 4.1.3(17)(a) and (b). The Board has provided clarification in 217.1 that scoping applies to one of each type of pay phone provided, including, but not limited to, coin-operated and coinless public pay phones. For example, access is not limited to credit card phones where coin-operated phones are also provided or vice versa. As recommended by the advisory committee, an exception at 217.3 indicates that, where all phones are equipped with volume controls, identifying signage is not required. Significant changes are proposed for the provision of TTYs. TTYs are devices that provide access to telephones for people who have hearing or speech impairments. At the advisory committee's recommendation, the preferred term ``TTY'' has been used instead of the term ``text telephone'' or ``TDD'; the definition of TTY in section 106 explains that the term is synonymous with ``text telephones'' and encompasses devices known as ``TDDs,'' a term which stands for ``telecommunication display devices'' (or ``telecommunication devices for deaf persons''). ADAAG 4.1.3(17)(c) generally requires that at least one TTY be provided on a site where four or more public pay telephones are provided (and at least one is interior). The advisory committee and the Board consider this requirement inadequate because it does not take into account large sites such as college campuses and shopping malls where people who need TTYs are limited to one TTY- equipped phone. The revised scoping at 217.4 states that in private buildings (i.e., places of public accommodation and commercial facilities) where four or more pay phones are provided at a bank, within a floor, building, or on a site, a TTY is required at each such location. Consistent with previous amendments to ADAAG for State and local government facilities, a lower threshold is provided for public buildings, where one pay telephone on a floor or within a public use area of a building triggers the requirement for a TTY. An exception for the requirement at banks (271.4.1) makes optional TTYs at banks that are within 200 feet of, and on the same floor as, a bank with a TTY. This exception allows reasonable dispersion without triggering a requirement for additional TTYs. The revised provision does not limit scoping to where at least one pay telephone is interior since TTYs for exterior application are readily available. A new scoping provision is provided for rest stops, emergency roadside stops, and service plazas that requires a TTY [[Page 62256]] where at least one public pay telephone is provided since telecommunications can be critical at such locations and searching for off-highway TTYs would be impractical. Due to the increased scoping, a TTY requirement specific to stadiums, arenas, conventions centers, etc. in ADAAG 4.1.3(17)(c)(ii) has been removed. Scoping requirements for hospitals and the secured areas of detention and correctional facilities have been retained. In addition to the advisory committee's recommendations, Board changes include: adding a requirement for TTY signage where directional signs for public pay telephones is provided (271.4.9.2); and exempting phone banks with TTYs from the requirement for shelves and outlets for portable TTYs (217.5). 218 Transportation Facilities This provision requires transportation facilities to comply with Chapter 10. Transportation is the one occupancy type (in addition to the chapter the Board has added on residential facilities) that the advisory committee recommended remain a separate chapter. Scoping for other occupancy types covered in ADAAG sections 5 though 12 have been integrated into Chapter 2. 219 Assistive Listening Systems This section covers requirements for assistive listening systems and receivers in assembly areas. Section 219.2 requires an assistive listening system in each assembly area where audible communication is integral to the space and audio amplification is provided. However, in courtrooms, this requirement also applies where audio amplification is not provided, consistent with ADAAG as amended for judicial facilities. This provision is substantively different from ADAAG 4.1.3(19) in three respects. First, ADAAG requires assistive listening systems in assembly areas without audio amplification if the seating capacity is 50 or more, and the revised guidelines do not, except in courtrooms (regardless of seating capacity). Second, ADAAG's requirement is conditioned on the provision of fixed seats; the revised guidelines would apply to assembly areas with fixed seating and those without. Third, ADAAG requires that assembly areas not subject to the requirement for a ``permanent'' system be equipped with the necessary electrical outlets and wiring for a portable system; the revised guidelines do not specify a ``permanent'' system and do not require outlets and wiring for portable systems. These also represent changes from the advisory committee's report, which recommended a scoping provision generally consistent with ADAAG. The Board is proposing these changes because it believes that any assembly area with audio amplification should be equipped with an assistive listening system whether or not seating is fixed. The Board removed the requirement in ADAAG for outlets and wiring because adequate electrical support is generally available in these assembly occupancies and because the provision of a portable system is more appropriately covered by the DOJ regulation, which contains requirements for the provision of auxiliary aids and services necessary to ensure effective communication. 9 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \9\ 28 CFR 36.303 and 28 CFR 35.160. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Section 219.3 specifies the minimum number of receivers according to a sliding scale. This is a change from the flat 4% requirement in ADAAG 4.1.3(19) and was recommended by the advisory committee based on actual and anecdotal evidence that the current requirement exceeds the demand especially in large facilities. Scoping of 4% is maintained for a seating capacity up to 500 seats; seating above this number is reduced to 3.5% (501 to 1000 seats), 2.75% (1001 to 2000 seats), and 1% (over 2000 seats). The revised guidelines include a requirement which is not in ADAAG that a portion of receivers (25% but no less than 2) be compatible with hearing aids. In effect, this requires provision of neck loops, which are the only type of receiver that can be used comfortably with all models of hearing aids equipped with a telecoil. 220 Automatic Teller Machines and Fare Machines This provision is consistent with ADAAG 4.1.3(20) with respect to automatic teller machines, but it also addresses ``fare vending, collection, or adjustment machines,'' which are only addressed by ADAAG where provided in transportation facilities. 221 Assembly Seating This section is substantively different from ADAAG requirements and advisory committee recommendations for wheelchair, companion, and designated aisle seating. Section 221.1 lists the types of assembly areas covered: ``a motion picture house, theater, concert hall, stadium, arena, auditorium, convention center, lecture hall, courtroom, legislative chamber, or similar assembly area.'' This approach of defining the section's coverage by providing a list of exemplary covered entities is a departure from that in the existing ADAAG 4.1.3(19), which describes covered entities as ``places of assembly with fixed seating.'' By limiting coverage to the listed entities and ``other similar assembly areas,'' the revised guidelines clarify that assembly areas like libraries or restaurants are not required to comply with the requirements of 221. Section 221.2 revises the number of wheelchair spaces required (Table 221.2.1). For a seating capacity up to 50 spaces, the requirement is the same as ADAAG 4.1.3(19). For a seating capacity of 51 to 150 seats, 4 wheelchair spaces are required, and for a seating capacity of 151 to 300 spaces, 5 wheelchair spaces are required. The remainder of the table coincides with ADAAG. The advisory committee recommended the scoping increase (although it recommended that 5 wheelchair spaces be provided starting at 101 seats instead of 151). Also, the advisory committee recommended that scoping for a seating capacity over 500 be reduced from 1% to 0.5% based on anecdotal information on usage. The Board is not persuaded by this anecdotal information and is proposing to retain the ADAAG requirement of 1%. Section 221.2 also states that wheelchair spaces shall be provided in each luxury box, club box, and suite. This is consistent with Department of Justice interpretations of ADAAG that treat each such box or suite as a discrete assembly area. Wheelchair spaces must be integrated into the general bowl design and seating plan and cannot be set aside on a separate platform or level where there is little or no other seating. Integration of wheelchair spaces will provide opportunities for social interaction with persons sitting in the closest seats. The advisory committee recommended that wheelchair spaces be clustered and specified the number of wheelchair clusters permitted, which, in effect, served to govern the minimum level of dispersion. The advisory committee also recommended a reduced level of dispersion where sight lines require more than one step for a rise in elevation between rows and in alterations where dispersion is not technically feasible. The Board has not adopted this recommendation. The Board has included requirements for dispersion as a technical requirement (see 802). Section 221.3 contains a requirement included by the Board that a companion seat be provided for each wheelchair space and that this seat be readily removable to create an additional wheelchair space. This is consistent with current interpretations of the [[Page 62257]] requirement for one companion seat to be provided next to each wheelchair seating area. However, ADAAG 4.33.3 requires companion seats to be fixed but does allow readily removable seats to be installed in wheelchair spaces. The revised provision will afford greater flexibility in seating arrangements by allowing the choice of either a companion seat or another wheelchair space next to each required wheelchair space. The Board considered other options for addressing problems presented by fixed companion seating. Those options included: requiring a lesser number of fixed companion seats than wheelchair spaces in larger assembly areas; requiring that a specified number of wheelchair spaces be designated to accommodate a group of three or more persons using wheelchairs; or opting for no change from the requirement in the current ADAAG. The requirement for readily removable companion seating was chosen for simplicity, because it promotes greater flexibility in the seating configurations. However, the Board has included an exception providing that fixed companion seating is permitted in assembly areas with a capacity of 300 or fewer seats. This exception is provided because the requirement for removable companion seats would have a disproportionate impact on smaller assembly facilities where no more than five wheelchair and companion spaces are required. Question 10: The Board seeks information on the impact of the requirement that each wheelchair space have an adjacent companion seat that can be removed to provide an adjoining wheelchair space. Of particular interest are recommendations on design solutions or alternative scoping requirements that will mitigate the space impact while affording a similar level of flexibility in seating arrangements. Question 11: The Board believes that readily removable seats should provide a companion with virtually the same experience in terms of comfort and usability as fixed seats in the same assembly facility. What specific characteristics should the readily removable seat have when compared to other seats? While a metal folding chair is not equivalent to a plush theater-style seat, is it sufficiently comparable to a bleacher seat? Section 221.4 requires that 1% of seats be designated aisle seats. At least 25% of the designated aisles seats must be on an accessible route, and the remainder no more than two rows from an accessible route. ADAAG 4.1.3(19) provides a similar requirement that 1% of seats be aisle seats with removable, folding, or no armrests. This requirement is intended to serve people who may have difficulty walking between rows of seats, use assistive devices for ambulation, or wish to transfer from wheeled mobility aids. The advisory committee did not recommend retaining this requirement because, with respect to wheelchair transfers, questions arise about the proximate storage of mobility aids and the potential obstruction of aisles by mobility aids. Further, the advisory committee noted that ADAAG did not require an accessible route to such seats, which brought into question the usefulness of this requirement for people wishing to transfer from wheelchairs to seats. The Board has included a requirement for a portion of aisle seats to be on accessible routes for people using wheelchairs who wish to transfer to seats. Since aisle seats also benefit people who have difficulty walking, including between rows of seats, but who can use stairs, the remainder of seats can be separated from the accessible route by no more than two rows. Question 12: At least 1% of seats must be designated aisle seats that have folding or removable armrests or no armrests. The Board seeks information on the cost and related design impacts of locating at least 25% of these designated aisle seats on an accessible route and of locating the remainder of such seats no more than two rows from an accessible route. Section 221.5 provides a new requirement that where elevators or wheelchair lifts are provided on an accessible route to wheelchair spaces or designated aisle seats, they shall be provided in ``such number, capacity, and speed'' in order to provide a level of service equivalent to that provided in the same seating area to patrons who can use stairs or other means of vertical access. The Board added this requirement to ensure an equal level of convenience between accessible seating and inaccessible seating. Architects plan for efficient ingress and egress when they design assembly facilities, particularly stadiums. Designers should have available circulation data that is part of the architectural program and design. Generally, designers of new facilities have sufficient knowledge of the travel time between points (e.g., between the entry gate and seats or between the seats and concession stands) to comply with this requirement for equivalent vertical access. 222 Dressing, Fitting, and Locker Rooms This provision is generally consistent with ADAAG 4.1.3(21), but it also specifically references locker rooms in order to clarify the intended application. An exception permitting unisex facilities for altered dressing, fitting, or locker rooms derives from a similar provision in ADAAG 4.1.6 (3)(h). 223 Medical Care Facility Patient or Resident Sleeping Rooms This provision is substantively the same as ADAAG 6.1 in providing scoping for patient or resident sleeping rooms. The revised guidelines clarify coverage of ``licensed medical and long-term care facilities.'' The description of the facilities covered has been simplified by removing the ADAAG reference to medical facilities ``where persons may need assistance in responding to an emergency,'' as the advisory committee considered this portion of the description not useful. Scoping for alterations and additions in ADAAG 6.1(4) has been simplified in stating that the minimum percentage is to be based on the total number of sleeping rooms added or altered. While section 223 specifies the minimum number of sleeping rooms required to be accessible in medical care facilities, it does not specify dispersion among different types of sleeping rooms. The Board believes that accessible bedrooms should be dispersed among all units or departments providing overnight stay and among different classes of rooms, such as private, semi-private, etc. Industry practice and needs assessment can be used to further determine the distribution. For example, a greater number of accessible sleeping rooms might be located in general surgical units than in pediatric or obstetric wards. However, the use and designation of units or types of rooms often change over time as needed. Question 13: The Board seeks comment on how dispersion of accessible sleeping rooms can be effectively achieved and maintained in medical care facilities such as hospitals and long term care facilities. A requirement for such dispersion may be included in the final rule. 224 Transient Lodging Guest Rooms The minimum number of accessible guest rooms required has not been changed from that provided in ADAAG 9.1.2. However, Table 224.2 clarifies that guest rooms with roll-in showers are to be provided in addition to the basic number of required accessible [[Page 62258]] guest rooms. In addition, there are two substantive changes that are also based on the advisory committee's recommendations. First, section 224.3 is new and addresses the number of beds required to be accessible for situations such as homeless shelters, where a room may have a large number of beds. Scoping is provided in Table 224.3. Second, the Board has significantly revised the scoping provisions in section 224.4 for the number of guest rooms equipped with accessible communication features, including visual alarms and devices that provide visual notification of incoming telephone calls and door knocks or bells. ADAAG 9.1.3 provides a minimum number according to a sliding scale based on the total number of rooms provided. It requires 1 in 25 rooms to comply up to a guestroom count of 100. Scoping successively decreases to 1 for every 50 rooms for the next 101 to 200 rooms and to 1 for every 100 rooms for the next 201 to 500 rooms. For facilities with 501 to 1000 rooms, 2% of rooms must comply and where the room count exceeds 1000, the scoping drops to 1%. ADAAG 9.2.2(8) requires that all wheelchair accessible rooms be equipped with accessible communication features in addition to a number of rooms required to provide communication access only. The Board is proposing to increase the minimum number of rooms that provide accessible communication features to 50% of the total number of guest rooms provided. This increase is proposed for several reasons. The communication features addressed in this requirement address life safety in providing visual notification of fire alarms for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Higher scoping will also afford greater flexibility in the guest room assignment of people who are deaf or hard of hearing, particularly in light of revisions to technical requirements for visual alarms in section 702.3 that effectively preclude the use of portable visual alarm devices. Further, anecdotal evidence indicates that operational alternatives used in accommodating individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, including the use of portable devices and facility staff to directly alert guests of the need to evacuate the facility, are unreliable and ineffective. Question 14: Permanent installation of visual alarm appliances is considerably cheaper and easier to achieve as part of facility design and construction than as a retrofit. The Board requests information on the new construction cost difference between providing visual alarms and notification devices for incoming telephone calls and door knocks or bells according to the scoping in ADAAG 9.1.3 and the proposed 50% scoping requirement. Information is also sought on whether exceptions should be provided for altered facilities or additions. Question 15: It is the Board's understanding that some transient lodging facilities, particularly hotel chains, have adopted voluntary policies requiring permanently installed visual alarms in all or a majority of newly constructed guest rooms. Please provide information regarding those transient lodging facilities that have such a policy. Are there less costly alternatives to providing visual alarms in fifty percent of guest rooms that will provide guests who are deaf or are hard of hearing a comparable level of life safety? Section 224.5 requires dispersion of accessible rooms among the various classes of rooms provided, including room type, bed type, and other amenities to a degree comparable to the choices provided other guests. This is similar to a requirement in ADAAG 9.1.4(1). A clarification has been added that when complete dispersion is not possible due to the number of rooms required to be accessible, dispersion is to be provided in the following order of priority: room type, bed type, and amenities. The advisory committee recommended that the factors for dispersion were more appropriate for advisory information. The Board has retained this provision in the text of the rule since it contains mandatory direction. Consistent with the advisory committee's recommendation, section 224.5 also requires communication access in 50% of the wheelchair accessible guestrooms in addition to the requirement in section 224.4. This differs from ADAAG 9.2.2(8) which requires that all wheelchair accessible guestrooms be equipped with accessible communication features. 225 Self-Service Storage Facilities This is a new requirement recommended by the advisory committee. ADAAG does not specifically address self-service storage facilities, and many ADAAG users questioned how access should be provided. Scoping as provided in Table 225.1 is 5% but drops to 2% after the first 200 spaces. Accessible storage spaces are required to be dispersed among the various classes of units provided to the extent the number of accessible spaces allows. Where a facility is comprised of multiple buildings, accessible spaces can be clustered in one building. This provision addresses concerns raised by the self-storage industry regarding the number of entrances required to be accessible in facilities that may have more than fifty entrances to separate spaces. The advisory committee believed these unique circumstances warranted specific attention. 226 Dining and Work Surfaces Scoping for dining and work surfaces is consistent with ADAAG 4.1.3(18). This provision integrates requirements for dispersion and dining counters that derive from the section on restaurants and cafeterias in ADAAG 5.1 and 5.2, respectively. However, the revised guidelines apply the dispersion requirement generally to all dining and work surfaces, whereas ADAAG 5.1 requires dispersion only for restaurant and cafeteria seating. 227 Sales and Service Counters This section corresponds to requirements for business and mercantile facilities in ADAAG 7. Section 227.2 provides scoping for check-out aisles that is consistent with ADAAG 7.3. This scoping however is not limited to business and mercantile occupancies and applies to all facilities with check-out aisles. It replaces a requirement in ADAAG 8.3 specific to check-out areas in libraries that requires at least one lane at check-out areas to comply. There is a substantive change to exceptions from the scoping requirement. ADAAG 7.3 permits only one check-out aisle to be accessible where selling space is less than 5000 square feet. It also permits one check-out aisle of each design to be accessible in alterations of facilities with more than 5000 square feet of selling space. This is required until the number of accessible check-out aisles of each design equals the number required in new construction. The advisory committee recommended retaining these exceptions. However, the Board has removed the exception for facilities with less than 5000 square feet of selling space because small facilities rarely have more than one check-out aisle. In fact, small facilities generally have point of sales and service counters in lieu of check-out aisles. The exception for alterations has been retained but has been made generally applicable and is not limited to facilities with more than 5000 square feet of selling space. Requirements for identification of accessible check-out aisles in 227.2.1 includes a clarification that, where all check-out aisles are accessible, such identification is not required. Section 227.3 covers point of sales and service counters. This provision is consistent with ADAAG 7.2 except that no distinction is made between counters [[Page 62259]] with cash registers and those without, which the advisory committee considered insignificant. Requirements for food service lines in ADAAG 5.5 have been integrated into the scoping provision in 227.4. A new provision for queues and waiting lines at 227.5 clarifies that an accessible route is to be maintained where a defined circulation route is provided. A requirement for an accessible route through security bollards in ADAAG 7.4 has been clarified and relocated to section 206.8. Section 206.8 clarifies that security may not obstruct ingress or egress. 228 Storage Provisions for storage are consistent with those in ADAAG 4.1.3(12). Examples of the types of storage elements covered have been moved to an advisory note. A new provision is provided in 228.2 that requires at least 5% of lockers to be accessible. Requirements for self-service shelving in section 228.3 are consistent with ADAAG 4.1.3(12). The Board has removed a reference to display units because displays are not to be touched and therefore cannot be self-service. The requirement has been made generally applicable to all facilities types, not just mercantile occupancies, and effectively replaces requirements in ADAAG 8.5 specific to library stacks. A new provision is added for coat hooks and folding shelves in 228.4 to clarify, that where such elements are provided in toilet rooms or compartments, locker rooms, or dressing and fitting rooms, at least one of each type shall be accessible. 229 Depositories, Vending Machines, Change Machines, and Mail Boxes This provision represents a change from ADAAG 5.8 which addresses vending machines and other equipment in restaurants and cafeterias. ADAAG provides only for clear floor space at such equipment. Consistent with the advisory committee's recommendation, requirements have been added for wheelchair turning space and the location of operable controls within accessible reach ranges in accordance with section 309 at vending machines. In addition, the Board has added a requirement that operable controls meet the operating characteristics specified. The Board also has added specific references to ``depositories, change machines, and mail boxes'' and an exception that exempts drive-up only depositories from compliance. In view of the coverage of residential and other commercial facilities, the Board has included a provision that 5% of mail boxes be accessible where provided in an interior location. In residential facilities where interior or exterior mail boxes are provided on site, access is required to mail boxes serving dwelling units that are required to be accessible. The Board does not intend that this provision address U.S. Postal Service mail boxes in the public right-of-way because these elements may be provided in communities without accessible routes. 230 Windows The technical provisions for windows are reserved in ADAAG. Where glazed openings are provided for operation by the occupants of accessible spaces, the revised guidelines include a new provision which requires access to at least one glazed opening. In accessible rooms or spaces, access is also required to each glazed opening required by the administrative authority to be operable. The advisory committee and the Board reasoned that if windows are to be operable, they must be operable by all potential building occupants, including people with disabilities. Furthermore, new technology, including mechanical or electrical devices makes providing accessible windows possible. Section 230 requires that the operable parts of windows be accessible, but it does not address the height of glazed openings. Requirements for toilet room mirrors specify that the bottom edge of the reflecting surface be no more than 40 inches from the floor (section 603.3), and provisions for automatic teller machines require display screens to be visible from a point 40 inches above the center of the clear floor space in front of the machine (section 707.5.4). Question 16: Should a maximum sill height for the glazed area of those windows required to be accessible be specified in the final rule so that people who use wheelchairs, located on any floor, can look through the window to view ground level activities? If so, what should this height be? The Board also seeks information on any design requirements, practices, or considerations that would specify installation above an accessible height in certain occupancies for security or safety reasons, such as to guard against break-ins or to prevent improper use by building occupants, including children. Information is sought on any other design impacts, such as the use of the space or cavity below windows for mechanical or other building systems. 231 Two-Way Communication Systems In amending ADAAG to cover State and local government facilities, the Board added a requirement that where a two-way communication system is provided to gain admittance to a judicial, legislative, or regulatory facility, audible and visual signals must be provided. Also included was a requirement that handsets have a cord at least 29 inches long. In the revised guidelines, the Board has made this requirement applicable to all types of facilities where such two-way communication systems are provided. 232 Judicial Facilities This provision integrates scoping requirements for judicial facilities contained in ADAAG 11 without substantive change. Provisions in ADAAG 11 for legislative and regulatory facilities have been integrated into other scoping provisions of Chapter 2. 233 Detention and Correctional Facilities This section covers scoping for detention and correctional facilities, including the minimum number of holding and housing cells required to be accessible. These provisions are based on ADAAG 12 and have been edited to be consistent with the format of the revised guidelines. In addition, several substantive changes have been made. ADAAG 12.4.5 reserves scoping for accessible holding or housing cells in alterations. In publishing final amendments for State and local government facilities, the Board acknowledged that prison operators commenting on the proposed amendments urged that access not be required in altered correctional facilities because some existing facilities would not be able to support inmates with disabilities even if cells were made accessible. These comments also pointed to difficulties in complying due to design constraints unique to correctional facilities. In response, the Board had reserved a proposed scoping requirement for altered cells, but noted that public entities, including correctional entities, have an obligation to provide program access, as required by the Department of Justice (DOJ) title II regulations. Further, the Board noted that the program access requirement may effectively determine the degree of access necessary in an alteration. In the revised guidelines, the reserved provision has been replaced with an exception at 233.2 which states that in the alteration of holding or housing cells or rooms accessibility is required ``to the extent determined by the Attorney General.'' DOJ's title II regulation states that public entities must operate each service, program, or activity so that the service, program, or activity, when [[Page 62260]] viewed in its entirety, is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. DOJ may revise its title II regulation to provide more specific guidance as to the extent to which the requirements for accessible cells or rooms in detention and correctional facilities apply to alterations. A similar exception also is provided for special holding and housing cells or rooms in section 233.3. Exceptions are provided at F223.2 and F233.3 for corresponding provisions for detention and correctional facilities covered by the ABA. These exceptions, however, refer to applicable agency regulations implementing section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act for determining the extent to which access is required in the alterations of cells or rooms in detention and correctional facilities. The lack of a specific requirement for alterations to cells or rooms does not excuse a Federal agency or a federally funded entity from providing access to all of a prison's programs and services, when viewed in their entirety, if required under applicable section 504 regulations. In addition, two other changes have been made by the Board: guidance is provided on the number of beds required to be accessible within a room as specified for transient lodging facilities in Table 224.3; and scoping for accessible communication features in wheelchair accessible cells has been reduced from 100% to 50%, consistent with revised scoping for transient lodging facilities. 234 Accessible Residential Facilities The Board has added new scoping requirements for accessible residential housing covered by the ADA. This section requires that at least 5% (but no less than one) of the total number of dwelling units be accessible. An additional 2% minimum of the dwelling units are required to be equipped with accessible communication features but are not required to be wheelchair accessible. Dispersion of accessible units is required among the various types of units provided so that people with disabilities have choices of dwelling units comparable to and integrated with those available to other residents. Part II: ABA Application and Scoping This part provides application and scoping requirements for facilities covered by the ABA. The Board develops and maintains minimum guidelines for buildings and facilities covered by the ABA 10. These guidelines serve as the basis for standards issued by four standard-setting Federal agencies: the General Services Administration (GSA), the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Representatives of these agencies, as well as those of other departments, serve as Federal members of the Board. In this capacity, these agencies have coordinated closely with the Board in updating the ABA accessibility guidelines. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \10\ The ABA covers: (1) facilities constructed or altered by or on behalf of the United States; (2) facilities leased in whole or in part by the United States; (3) facilities financed in whole or in part by a grant or loan made by the United States, if such building or facility is subject to standards for design, construction, or alteration issued under authority of the law authorizing such grant or loan; and (4) facilities to be constructed under authority of the National Capital Transportation Act of 1965, or title III of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Regulation Compact. Notwithstanding the above, the ABA does not cover: a privately owned residential structure not leased by the Government for subsidized housing programs; or, any building or facility on a military installation designed and constructed primarily for use by military personnel without disabilities. The current ABA standard exempts various military facilities consistent with the statute (UFAS 4.1.4(2)); this exclusion has not been retained in the revised guidelines as it is more appropriately contained in the implementing regulations issued by the DOD and the other standard-setting agencies. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Board has based the ABA scoping and application sections on the revised ADA scoping and application sections of Part I. This will ensure greater consistency between both scoping documents and will serve to establish greater uniformity in the level of access among facilities covered by the ADA or the ABA. The Board previously adopted a resolution introduced by GSA to ensure that the level of accessibility established for federally funded facilities in this rulemaking meets or exceeds that proposed for the private sector and State and local government sectors under the ADA. To this end, differences or departures from the ADA scoping and application sections have been minimized. Most changes are necessary due to differences between the ABA and ADA statutes and regulations issued under them. For example, the ABA covers facilities leased by Federal agencies and the guidelines for the ABA reflect this statutory difference. The guidelines for the ADA and ABA are being consolidated in one part of the Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR Part 1191). The following discussion explains substantive differences from the application and scoping requirements for facilities covered by the ADA as discussed in Part I. F103 Modifications and Waivers The ABA recognizes a process under which covered entities may request a modification or waiver of the applicable standard. The standard-setting agencies may grant a modification or waiver upon a case-by-case determination that it is clearly necessary. This modification and waiver process is recognized in section F103 as a substitute to the provision for ``equivalent facilitation'' in section 103 provided for facilities subject to the ADA. F106 Definitions Several defined terms in section F106.5 differ from those in the ADA application section. These include ``dwelling unit'' and ``transient lodging'' which have been simplified and made mutually exclusive. Definitions for ``joint use'' and ``lease'' are included that pertain to provisions specific to the ABA covering leased facilities. Definitions of ``private building or facility'' and ``public building or facility'' are not included because these terms are used to distinguish between places of public accommodation and commercial facilities covered by title III of the ADA (private) and State and local government facilities covered by title II of the ADA (public). F202 Existing Buildings and Facilities F202.2 Additions Section F202.2 addresses additions to existing facilities and provides specific criteria for accessible routes, entrances, and toilet and bathing facilities that derive from the current standard, UFAS. These provisions have been retained but are not provided in the ADA scoping document. Provisions in this section for public pay telephones and drinking fountains have been included for consistency with a requirement in the ADA scoping document for an accessible path of travel for certain additions (202.2). F202.6 Leases The ABA requires access to facilities leased by Federal agencies. Section F202.6 contains scoping requirements for facilities that are newly leased by the Federal government, including new leases for facilities previously occupied by the Federal government. The negotiation of a new lease occurs when (1) the Federal government leases a facility that it did not occupy previously; or (2) an existing term ends and a new lease is negotiated for continued occupancy. The unilateral exercise of an option which is included [[Page 62261]] as one of the terms of a preexisting lease is not considered the negotiation of a new lease. Negotiations which do not result in a lease agreement are not covered by this section. Provisions in this section address joint-use areas, accessible routes, toilet and bathing facilities, parking, and other elements and spaces. Corresponding changes concerning coverage of leased facilities appear in the sections stating the purpose (F101) and the overall scope of the guidelines (F201.1). F234 Housing The proposed scoping provisions for dwelling units covered by the ABA are identical to those proposed for the ADA. However, UFAS 4.1.4(3) effectively allows the Department of Defense the option to modify units when the need arises as opposed to providing accessible units at the time of construction and to do so on an installation-by-installation basis. This flexibility allows the military departments to leave families without disabilities in accessible units and to modify units to suit the needs of families with disabilities. Question 17: Should a similar exception be included in the revised guidelines that would permit accessible dwelling units under control of the Department of Defense to be designed to be readily and easily modifiable to be accessible provided that modifications are accomplished on a first priority basis when a requirement is identified? Also, should a similar exception be provided that permits provision of access on an installation-by-installation basis? Other Differences from ADAAG Certain provisions or exceptions in the ADA scoping section applicable only to the private sector (i.e., places of public accommodation and commercial facilities) or recognized only by the ADA are not included in the ABA scoping section. These include: an exception that permits a limited level of access to work areas for approach, entry and exit and that does not otherwise require the area itself to be accessible (203.3); an exception from the requirement for an accessible route in private multi-level buildings and facilities that are less than three stories or that have less than 3,000 square feet per floor (206.2.3, Exception 1); TTY scoping provisions specific to private buildings (217.4.2.2 and 217.4.3.2); and an ADA exception from the requirement for accessible guest rooms for certain places of lodging that have five or fewer rooms for rent or hire (224.1, Exception). Part III: Technical Requirements Part III provides technical requirements (Chapters 3 through 11) that are referenced by the ADA and ABA application and scoping documents. These requirements are based on recommendations from the advisory committee unless otherwise noted. The following analysis describes substantive differences between the revised guidelines and ADAAG technical requirements. Chapter 3: Building Blocks Chapter 3 contains basic technical requirements considered to be the ``building blocks'' for accessibility as established by the guidelines. All sections of this chapter correspond to ADAAG requirements. They are referenced by scoping provisions in Chapter 2 and by the technical chapters (4 through 11). 302 Floor or Ground Surfaces This section is substantively similar to ADAAG 4.5. Section 302.1 requires floor or ground surfaces to be ``stable, firm, and slip resistant'' as does ADAAG 4.5.1. ADAAG however provides scoping language in this requirement that has not been included in 302.1. Instead, other technical sections, such as those for walking surfaces (403), ramps (405), and stairways (504) reference this requirement. ADAAG also applies the requirement generally to ``accessible rooms and spaces,'' a requirement that has not been retained in the revised guidelines because nearly all rooms and spaces must be accessible. Section 302.2 which addresses carpet is consistent with ADAAG 4.5.3. Section 302.3 covers openings and derives from ADAAG 4.5.4. This requirement has been revised to cover ``openings'' instead of ``gratings'' in order to cover all types of openings in a floor or ground surface that would be an impediment to mobility in addition to gratings, such as expansion joints and spaced wood decking. Clarification is also provided that this requirement does not apply to elevators or wheelchair lifts where an opening between the car and the floor level is necessary to operate the elevator. 303 Changes in Level This section is the same as ADAAG 4.5.2 except for editorial changes. 304 Wheelchair Turning Space Consistent with ADAAG 4.2.3, this section recognizes circular and T-shaped turning space and provides textual description of the size and dimensions for each contained in ADAAG Figure 3. Unlike ADAAG, this section clarifies that elements with knee and toe clearance can overlap turning space. It explains the extent to which overlap is permitted, limiting it to one segment of the T-shaped space. The overlap of circular turning space is not specifically limited although the maximum depth for knee and toe space has been increased from 19 to 25 inches as indicated in section 306. Additionally, clarification is provided that, in general, doors can swing into the turning space but that changes in level or slopes greater than 1:48 are not permitted within the space. 305 Clear Floor or Ground Space This section is consistent with ADAAG 4.2.4 and provides clarification that changes in level and slopes greater than 1:48 are not permitted within the clear floor or ground space. 306 Knee and Toe Clearance The revised guidelines provide specifications for knee and toe clearances as a basic ``building block.'' The specifications correspond to knee and toe clearances provided in ADAAG specifically for plumbed fixtures, including drinking fountains (4.15) and lavatories (4.19). The new format recognizes these clearances for other elements as well, such as tables and counters. There are two substantive changes. The maximum depth for the knee and toe space specified in 306.2.2 and 306.3.2 has been increased from 19 to 25 inches. The advisory committee recommended this change for consistency with an ADAAG specification in Figure 5(b) for obstructed reaches which recognizes a 25 inch maximum depth. The other change concerns removal of the ADAAG specification of a 29 inch minimum apron clearance at lavatories, which the advisory committee considered ineffective without a minimum depth. Further detail has been added about the clearance between the knee and toe space; this clearance is permitted to be reduced at a rate of 1 inch for each 6 inches in height. The advisory committee's intent was to describe in text the sloping profile of the space between knees and toes in ADAAG Figures 27(a) and 31. 307 Protruding Objects This section is substantively consistent with ADAAG 4.4 except for the addition of three exceptions. An exception to the requirement for protrusion limits in 307.2 permits handrails serving stairs and ramps to [[Page 62262]] protrude 4\1/2\ inches maximum from wall surfaces. This was recommended by the advisory committee to prevent conflict with model code requirements. An exception to the requirement for post-mounted objects in 307.3 exempts the sloping portions of ramp or stair handrails. The Board has added an exception to the requirement for vertical clearances in 307.4 that permits door closers and door stops to encroach up to 2 inches into the 80 inch minimum clearance. This exception clarifies a common question concerning standard size doors. This section uses the terms ``wall'' and ``post'' to provide a reference point for measuring protrusions. The terms are to be liberally construed. For example, a partition or a column is understood to provide a wall surface. 308 Reach Ranges This section is consistent with forward and side reach range requirements in ADAAG 4.2.5 and 4.2.6, including obstructed reaches. Forward reach ranges are 48 inches maximum and 15 inches minimum; side reach ranges are 54 inches maximum and 9 inches minimum. The advisory committee recommended that the side reach range, including obstructed reaches, be changed to those required for forward reaches. This recommendation was based on a report from the Little People of America which considered the 54 inch height beyond the reach for many people of short stature. The advisory committee also considered the 48 inch maximum for side reaches as preferable for people who use wheelchairs. The Board has not included this recommended change in the proposed rule because it believes a change to this long-standing provision requires further research. The reach range specifications apply to a wide variety of controls and elements, from gasoline dispensers to ATMs to information kiosks to off-street parking meters and self service parking payment and ticket machines. The Board believes information on the impact of the recommended change on these and other types of elements should be developed before proposing any reduction in the maximum side reach height. However, the most recent draft of the ICC/ ANSI A117.1-1998 does lower the high side reach to 48 inches, therefore, new codes based on this standard will be more stringent in this regard. The experience of the building industry and people with disabilities will provide an invaluable resource in subsequent revisions of ADAAG. 309 Operable Parts Requirements for operable parts are consistent with those for controls and operating mechanisms in ADAAG 4.27. Section 309.4 specifies that operable parts not require more than 5 pounds of force for operation. This long-standing specification appears sufficient for controls operated by the hand, such as door hardware, faucets, and push plates. However, anecdotal information indicates that a 5 pound maximum is too high for controls activated by a single finger, such as elevator call and control panel buttons, platform lift controls, telephone key pads, function keys for ATMs and fare machines, and controls for emergency communication equipment in areas of refuge, among others. Usability of such controls also may be affected by how far the button or key must be depressed (i.e., the stroke depth) for activation. Information indicates that most control buttons of keys can meet a 3.5 maximum pounds of force and a maximum stroke depth of \1/10\ inches. The Board is considering including these specifications in the final rule based on responses to the following questions. Question 18: Comment is sought on whether a maximum 3.5 pounds of force and a maximum \1/10\ inch stroke depth provide sufficient accessibility for the use of operable parts activated by a single finger. Question 19: The Board seeks information on any types of operable parts covered by the revised guidelines that cannot meet, or would be adversely affected by, a maximum 3.5 pounds activation force and maximum \1/10\ inch stroke depth. Chapter 4: Accessible Routes and Accessible Means of Egress In the revised guidelines, all components of accessible routes and means of egress have been combined into one chapter, including walking surfaces, doors, ramps, elevators, wheelchair lifts, and areas of refuge. Section 402 indicates that accessible routes consist of these components. 403 Walking Surfaces ``Walking Surfaces'' is a new term that has been introduced to refer to the portion of interior or exterior accessible routes existing between doors and doorways, ramps, elevators, or lifts. The requirements for walking surfaces derive from specifications for accessible routes in ADAAG 4.3 and are substantively the same in addressing floor or ground surfaces, slope, changes in level, clear width (including for turns around objects), wheelchair passing space, and protruding objects. There are three changes from technical requirements in ADAAG: the maximum cross slope has been changed from 1:50 to 1:48 throughout the revised guidelines for consistency with model building codes (403.3); a new specification has been added that requires a minimum linear separation of 48 inches between permitted reductions in the 36 inch minimum clear width (403.5); and for turns around objects, clarification has been added that, where a 60 inch minimum width at a turn is provided, the clear width of the connecting route can be 36 inches minimum instead of 42 inches minimum because 60 inches permits 360 degree maneuvering (403.5.1). Question 20: The revised guidelines, like the current ADAAG, provide technical criteria for handrails along stairs and ramps. Section 505 of the revised guidelines provide requirements for continuity, height, clearance, gripping surface, cross section, fittings, and extensions. Handrails provided at other locations, such as along corridors in medical care facilities and airports, are not subject to these criteria except at stairs and ramps. The Board seeks comment on whether handrails, where provided along circulation paths without a slope or steps, should be subject to the technical requirements in 505. Such a requirement may be included in the final rule. 404 Doors and Doorways This section provides requirements for doors and doorways which correspond to those in ADAAG 4.13. Requirements for entrances in ADAAG 4.14, which are basically scoping in nature, have been relocated to Chapter 2 as part of scoping provisions for accessible routes (206.4). Like ADAAG, requirements are provided for manual doors (404.2) and automatic doors (404.3). The Board has provided an exception in 404.2 for manual doors, doorways, and gates operated only by security personnel under which compliance with requirements for door hardware, closing speed, and door opening forces is not required. This exception is based on one provided in ADAAG for judicial facilities and detention and correctional facilities. For consistency, the Board has made this exception generally applicable to all facilities. Security personnel must have sole control of doors that are eligible for this exception. It would not be acceptable for security personnel to operate the doors for people with disabilities while others have independent access. A similar [[Page 62263]] exception is provided for automatic doors in 404.3. Section 404.2.3 addresses clear width and is different from ADAAG in several respects. An exception in ADAAG 4.13.5 that allows a 20 inch minimum clearance at doors not requiring full user passage has been removed because such doors are not part of an accessible route. Clarification has been provided on the protrusion of door hardware into the clear width. ADAAG indicates that the clear width is to be measured to the face of the door. However, the clear width requirement has been misinterpreted as prohibiting certain door hardware, such as panic bars, from protruding into this clearance. Language has been added which prohibits projections into the minimum clear width at heights below 34 inches; above this height (up to 80 inches), projections of 4 inches maximum are allowed. The Board has also editorially revised an exception that allows the latch side stop to protrude up to \5/8\ inch in alterations (404.2.3 Exception). In ADAAG, this exception is limited to cases of ``technical infeasibility.'' The Board has removed this qualification in this and other exceptions for alterations as noted in section 202 above. Section 404.2.4 specifies door maneuvering clearances which are consistent with ADAAG 4.13.6. However, ADAAG provides these specifications through illustration (Figure 25) and the revised guidelines, which provide all requirements in written text, use tables to provide this information (Tables 404.2.4.1 and 4042.4.2). Clarification is also provided for recessed doors. ADAAG Figure 25 requires that doors in alcoves provide clearance for a forward approach. This provision has led to questions about what constitutes an ``alcove.'' In 404.2.4.3, this requirement has been changed to apply specifically to ``recessed doors where the plane of the doorway is offset more than 8 inches from any obstruction within 18 inches measured laterally on the latch side of the door.'' Section 404.2.5 covers thresholds. A provision in ADAAG 413.8 that allows thresholds \3/4\ inch high maximum at exterior sliding doors has been removed because products are available that meet the \1/2\ inch high maximum specified for all other doors. An exception that permits in alterations a \3/4\ inch maximum threshold if beveled on both sides has been retained. In section 404.2.7, which covers door hardware, a minimum mounting height for door hardware (34 inches) has been added. This height corresponds with revisions to the required clear width at doors to clarify that limited projections into the clear width are acceptable above this height. The maximum height (48 inches) is consistent with ADAAG 4.13.9. The advisory committee also recommended an exception that would permit any location for locks used only for security purposes and not for normal operation. This would address certain doors that typically have locks located outside the specified reach range, such as doors without stiles that lock at the bottom edge. The Board has included an exception but has further refined its application to ``existing locks at existing glazed doors without stiles, existing overhead rolling doors or grilles, and similar existing doors or grilles that are designed with locks that are activated only at the top or bottom rail.'' The Board has limited this exception to existing doors or grilles because design solutions for accessible doors and gates are available in new construction. Closing speed is addressed by section 404.2.8 and corresponds to ADAAG 4.13.10. The required minimum closing speed for door closers is generally consistent with ADAAG, although the values differ due to changes in the measuring points. This revision was recommended by the advisory committee for consistency with the ICC/ANSI A117.1 standard. This section also includes a new provision for spring hinges, which offer little opening resistance and closing forces in the 1 to 2 pounds of force range. The requirement specifies that such hinges be adjusted so as to close from an open position of 70 degrees no faster than 1.5 seconds. Two new provisions are provided for door surfaces and vision lites. Section 404.2.10 requires that swing doors have a smooth surface on the push side that extends the full width of the door. This provision derives from the ANSI A117.1-1992 standard and is intended to permit wheelchair footrests to be used in pushing open doors without risking entrapment on the stile. Exceptions to this requirement are provided for certain types of doors, such as tempered glass doors without stiles. Section 404.2.11 requires that, where vision panels in or adjacent to doors are provided, the bottom of at least one glazed panel be no higher than 43 inches from the floor for access to people using wheelchairs or who are of short stature. This height permits hardware to remain at industry standard locations. The Board has added an exception for vision lites that are more than 66 inches from the floor or ground, measured to the lowest part. Section 404.3 addresses automatic doors. As in ADAAG 4.13.12, full- powered, low-energy, and power-assisted doors are addressed, and the industry standards (ANSI/BHMA 156.10 and 156.19) are referenced. The revised guidelines, as indicated in section 105.2, reference the most recent version of these standards (1996). Requirements in ADAAG 4.13.12 for door opening speed and forces have been removed since they are addressed by the referenced standards. Other differences from ADAAG include: clarification that the required 32 inch minimum clear opening applies to both power-on and power-failure modes and that the clear width for automatic doors is based on the clear opening provided by all leafs when simultaneously in the open position (404.3.1); addition of a requirement that maneuvering clearances specified for swing doors be provided at power-assisted doors since such doors are manually operated (404.3.2); addition of a requirement that labels and warning signs for automatic doors meet requirements in section 703.4 for non-tactile signage (404.3.6); and addition of a requirement by the Board that the clear break out opening for swinging or sliding automatic doors be at least 32 inches in emergency mode so that an accessible route through them is maintained in emergencies (404.3.7). 405 Ramps Requirements for ramps are based on those in ADAAG 4.8. Differences from ADAAG concern: removal of the requirement that ``the least possible [running] slope'' be used for any ramp, which is considered too vague from a compliance standpoint (the 1:12 maximum slope has been retained) (405.2); the maximum cross slope has been changed from 1:50 to 1:48 for consistency with model building codes (405.3); clarification is provided that changes in level other than the running and cross slopes are not permitted on ramp runs (405.4); clarification is added that the required clear width (36 inches minimum) is measured between the leading edge of handrails (405.5); clarification is provided that ramp landings cannot slope more than 1:48 or have any other change in level (405.7.1) and that ramp landings and door maneuvering clearances can overlap (405.7.5); and revision of the requirement for handrails so that it applies to any ramp with a rise greater than 6 inches but not to those with a horizontal projection [[Page 62264]] greater than 72 inches since it can discourage shallower slopes on short ramps (405.8). In addition, further specification is provided for edge protection in section 405.9. This section is clearer than ADAAG 4.8.7 in recognizing surface extensions beyond handrails (12 inches minimum) and in recognizing guards, curbs, or barriers that prevent passage of a 4 inch diameter sphere at the ground or floor surface. Exceptions are provided to clarify that edge protection is not required on curb ramps with flared sides or returned curbs, at stair or ramp openings at landings, or at landings that have a maximum \1/2\ inch drop-off within 10 inches horizontally of the minimum landing area. 406 Curb Ramps Requirements for curb ramps in the revised guidelines are consistent with those in ADAAG 4.7. Revisions made to requirements for ramps, such as the clarification that changes in level other than the running and cross slope are prohibited, apply to curb ramps as well. ADAAG originally contained a requirement in 4.7.7 that curb ramp surfaces have a raised distinctive pattern of truncated domes to serve as a warning detectable by cane or underfoot to alert people with vision impairments of the transition to vehicular ways. This warning was required for curb ramps in the belief that their sloped surfaces removed the tactile cue provided by the straight drop off of a curb. In response to concerns about the specification, which was based on research, the availability of complying products, proper maintenance such as snow and ice removal, usefulness, and safety concerns, the Board suspended this requirement jointly with the departments of Justice and Transportation in July 1994. This action suspended the requirements for detectable warnings at curb ramps, hazardous vehicular areas, and reflecting pools until July 26, 1996, pending the results of a research project on the need for detectable warnings at these locations and at vehicular-pedestrian intersections in the public right-of-way. The research project showed that vehicular-pedestrian intersections are very complex environments and that pedestrians who are blind or visually impaired use a combination of cues to detect intersections. The research project found that detectable warnings helped some pedestrians who are blind or visually impaired locate and identify curb ramps. However, the detectable warnings had only a modest impact on overall performance because, in their absence, pedestrians who are blind or visually impaired used other cues that might be available to detect the intersection. The research project indicated that there may be a need for additional cues at some types of intersections. The research project did not identify the specific conditions where such cues should be provided. The research project suggested that other technologies, which may be less costly and equally or more effective than detectable warnings, be explored for providing information about intersections. In 1996, the Access Board and the departments of Justice and Transportation extended the suspension of the detectable warning requirements to July 26, 1998, to allow the Board's ADAAG Review Advisory Committee to conduct its review of ADAAG and to make recommendations for revising and updating the document. The suspension has been extended to July 26, 2001. The advisory committee recommended that the requirement for detectable warnings at platform edges in transportation facilities be retained. The advisory committee also made specific recommendations for permitting equivalent tactile surfaces, and technology or other means to provide equivalent detectability of the platform edge as an alternative to the truncated dome surface (see discussion at section 705). The advisory committee did not make any recommendations regarding the provision of detectable warnings at other locations within a site. The advisory committee suggested that the appropriateness of providing detectable warnings at vehicular- pedestrian intersections in the public right-of-way should be established first, and the application to other locations within a site should be considered afterwards. The Board has not included a requirement for detectable warnings within a site (i.e., at hazardous vehicular areas or reflecting pools) or at curb ramps. Section 406.7 addresses curb ramps provided at pedestrian islands which is consistent with ADAAG 4.7.11 and requires clear floor space at the top of ramps. The Board has added further detail on the width and location of this space relative to the curb ramp. A requirement in ADAAG 4.7.8 that curb ramps be located or protected so as not to be obstructed by parked vehicles has been removed because it is not always possible to prevent such obstruction solely through curb ramp design; operational factors, such as local traffic laws and their enforcement are also a key factor. 407 Elevators Requirements for passenger elevators in ADAAG 4.10 are updated in section 407. Elevators must meet the industry safety code, ASME/ANSI A17.1, according to the most recent version (1993 with 1994 and 1995 addenda) as indicated in section 105.2. In addition to the types of passenger elevators recognized by ADAAG, the revised guidelines provide technical criteria for two new types of elevators destination-oriented elevators in 407.3 and limited-use/ limited-application (LULA) elevators in 407.4. A new subsection, 407.5, is also provided for existing elevators that are altered. Section 407.2 covers passenger elevators currently addressed by ADAAG. A reference in ADAAG 4.10.1 to ``combination passenger and freight elevators'' has been removed because the type of elevator this was intended to cover is generally considered a ``passenger elevator'' by the ASME Elevator Safety Code, which does not address ``combination'' elevators. A change is made to specifications for car size in section 407.2.8. ADAAG 4.10.9 recognizes two standard car configurations based on early industry conventions and provides a general performance standard requiring that users be able to enter the car, maneuver within reach of the controls, and exit from the car. The advisory committee considered these specifications too restrictive since they did not specify other standard configurations, such as the elongated hospital-type car, that are considered to meet the general performance standard. In Table 407.2.8, a greater variety of inner car dimensions are permitted. In addition to those specified by ADAAG, this table also permits cars with minimum inner dimensions of 54 by 80 inches and 60 by 60 inches. Other configurations that provide specified wheelchair turning space wholly within the car are also allowed. With respect to the clear width of the door opening, recognition of a \5/8\ inch tolerance is provided to accommodate common industry sizes using ``hard'' metric equipment sizes. Other revisions for standard elevators include: changing the height of call buttons from 42 inches ``centered'' to a range between 35 to 48 inches measured to each button centerline (407.2.2); adding requirements for the frequency (1500 Hz maximum) and decibel ranges (20 to 80 dBA) for hall call buttons (407.2.3) (while the advisory committee recommended that this be measured at the annunciator, the [[Page 62265]] Board is requiring measurement at the call button, closer to the user); specifying that the minimum size of visible hall signals be measured ``along the vertical centerline of the element,'' a Board change that takes into account triangular signals (407.2.3.2.2); revising requirements for tactile signs at hoistway entrances by specifying that the 60 inch height is measured to the baseline of the character (instead for the centerline) for consistency with other tactile signage requirements (407.2.4); adding a requirement that a tactile star be provided at the main entry level hoistway entrance, and removing language regarding the use of applied plates since it was considered advisory (407.2.4); adding requirements for car controls so that numbers are provided in ascending order and, in the case of multiple columns, read left to right (407.2.11.1); recognizing the use of keypads as an option to control panels (which provides an option in situations where it would be difficult to locate all buttons of a control panel within the specified reach range) and requiring that they follow the standard telephone keypad arrangement and have tactile characters (407.2.11.2); providing a maximum decibel level (80 dBA) for audible car position indicators (407.2.12.2); requiring car position indicators to provide automatic verbal announcements because of the ready availability of such indicators, and allowing audible signals only in slow-moving elevators having a maximum rated speed of 200 feet per minute (407.2.12.2); and requiring that ``essential'' information be presented in both tactile and visual form where instructions for the use of emergency communication equipment are provided (407.2.13). Question 21: The Board is considering requiring a frequency band width of 300 to 3000 Hz for hall signals (407.3.2) in the final rule and seeks comment on such a requirement as it would affect intelligibility for people who are hard of hearing and others. Information on the availability of products and costs of such a requirement is requested. Question 22: Section 407.2.13 addresses two-way emergency communication systems and requires that emergency signaling devices not be limited to voice communication. The Board seeks information and product literature on emergency communication devices and communication technologies that provide two-way communication in a manner accessible to people who are deaf and others who cannot use voice communication. The Board will consider adding a requirement for more interactive emergency communication devices that provide such access if they are presently available and if the costs and benefits can be demonstrated. The advisory committee also recommended lowering the maximum height for control buttons from 54 to 48 inches, consistent with its recommendations for reach ranges generally. This recommendation is based on a report from the Little People of America indicating that a 54 inch height is too high for most people of short stature. As discussed at section 308 above, the Board has not included this requirement. The advisory committee recognized a potential adverse impact of a lower maximum height on elevators with panels that must have a large number of buttons in a limited amount of space and recommended an exception that would allow the 54 inch maximum height for elevators with more than 16 stops. Section 407.3 provides technical requirements for destination- oriented elevators. These elevators are different from standard elevators in that passengers indicate their floor destination, typically using a keypad, when calling an elevator. The responding car is programmed by the time of arrival to the destination. This system allows more efficient utilization of elevators by reducing the number of stops per trip. The revised guidelines require that these elevators comply with the ASME/ANSI A17.1 safety standard and with most of the requirements for standard elevators in 407.2. Different specifications are provided for call buttons, hall signals, car controls, car position indicators, and hoistway entrance designations. Provisions specific to destination elevators require: keypads, where provided instead of call buttons, to have a standard phone keypad arrangement (407.3.1); different visible and audible car arrival signals for each car in a bank which correspond to those signals given when registering a call so users know which car is responding to their call (407.3.2); location of car controls, which typically include only emergency controls, within 35 to 48 inches from the floor (since fewer buttons are provided, the Board has retained the 48 inch maximum instead of the 54 inch maximum specified for other elevators) (407.3.3); visual display of each floor at which a car has been programmed to stop, and automatic verbal announcement of each floor the car stops at (407.3.4); and tactile identification of each car at the hoistway entrance so persons with vision impairments can identify the car responding to their call (407.3.5). The revised guidelines also provide technical requirements for LULA elevators. This type of elevator is typically smaller and slower than other passenger elevators and is used for low-traffic, low-rise installations, including residential facilities. The advisory committee recommended that this type of elevator be allowed where a standard elevator is not required. Since this kind of elevator requires less space and costs less, the advisory committee reasoned that LULAs will provide a more viable option in providing vertical access in multi- story buildings not required to have an elevator. The technical requirements for these elevators are provided in section 407.4. Where provided, LULAs would be required to comply with the applicable section of the safety code, ASME/ANSI A17.1, Chapter XXV. Most of the requirements are the same as those for other elevators except that LULAs are not subject to criteria for door timing, door delay, or car position indicators. Provisions that differ from those for other elevators concern doors, car size, and car controls. Low- energy power-operated swing doors are permitted as an alternative to sliding doors if they meet the ANSI/BHMA A156.19 standard and requirements in section 404 of this guideline. They are required to remain open for at least 20 seconds when activated. Sliding doors are subject to door operation requirements of other elevators. A smaller car size is permitted: 42 inches wide minimum and 54 inches deep minimum (with a 36 inch minimum width allowed for installations in existing facilities). Doors are required to be provided on the short dimension. While considerably smaller than other elevators, these dimensions are intended to approximate the maximum car size possible for this type of elevator. Car controls are subject to the same requirements as other elevators except that they must be installed on the side wall. The revised guidelines provide more detail than ADAAG on the requirements for existing elevators that are altered. Section 407.5 provides requirements for other elevators that are altered if full compliance with 407.2 is not undertaken. Such elevators are subject to most of the requirements for new construction, but a variety of allowances are included in 407.5 to recognize the potential difficulty of bringing existing equipment into full compliance. In [[Page 62266]] section 407.5.4, smaller cars are permitted if they are at least 36 inches wide and 54 inches deep with a clear floor area of at least 16 square feet. The advisory committee recommended that a 48 inch minimum depth be permitted, but the Board considers the 54 inch minimum depth more appropriate in accommodating a wider range of mobility aids, including scooters with a long wheel base. This specification replaces provisions in ADAAG 4.1.6(3)(c) permitting smaller sized cars. This section also: does not require call buttons to be raised or flush, unless new buttons are installed (407.5.1); does not require existing hall signals to meet new construction requirements for frequency (1500 Hz maximum) or decibel levels (20 to 80 dBA), unless new signals are installed (407.5.2); allows existing hoistway swing doors that are manually operated or automatic if they provide a 32 inch minimum clear width and have a maximum 5 pounds opening force, but requires that power-operated car doors not begin to close until the hoistway door is closed (407.5.3); removes an exception in ADAAG 4.16(3)(c) that allows existing safety door edges instead of automatic door reopening devices which the advisory committee considered of little benefit (407.5.3); allows existing control panels not to comply where a fully-compliant panel is provided (407.5.5.4); allows car control buttons to be recessed and provides flexibility in the location of tactile markings at existing control panels but requires that new panels fully comply (407.5.5); allows existing car position indicators not to comply (407.5.6); and requires that accessible elevators be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility unless all elevators in a building are accessible. 408 Wheelchair (Platform) Lifts Requirements for wheelchair lifts are consistent with those in ADAAG 4.11 in specifying ground and floor surfaces, clear floor space, and operable parts. Like ADAAG, the revised guidelines require compliance with the safety code for elevators and escalators, ASME/ANSI A17.1, but references the most recent edition as indicated in section 105.2. The final rule will reference the ASME/ANSI A18.1 Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts if the new standard is published prior to the publication of the final rule. The revised guidelines provide additional specifications for lift doors and gates in section 408.2 that are not contained in ADAAG. These additional specifications are designed to facilitate unassisted entry and exit. Wheelchair lifts with doors or gates on opposing sides generally facilitate lift use by permitting a forward approach to both entry and exit doors or gates. The revised guidelines require lifts that do not provide this ``pass through'' to have low energy, power-operated doors or gates that meet the applicable requirements of the ANSI/BHMA A156.19 standard. As with LULA elevators, doors or gates are required to remain open for at least 20 seconds when activated. 409 Accessible Means of Egress The advisory committee recommended revising the criteria for accessible means of egress to make them more consistent with model building codes and standards. These changes serve to provide more detail on the acceptable components of accessible means of egress. Section 409.1 recognizes that an accessible route complying with section 402 can be used as an accessible means of egress, except for wheelchair lifts, which are not permitted as part of accessible means of egress because they are not generally provided with standby power that would allow them to remain functional in emergencies when power is lost. New requirements are provided for the use of exit stairways and elevators that are part of an accessible means of egress when provided in conjunction with horizontal exits or areas of refuge meeting section 410. A horizontal exit is a fire-safety concept included in model building codes that in effect creates an area of refuge. For example, a story is divided into areas separated by a fire resistive wall. The fire door in the wall is the horizontal exit and, in the event of a fire, occupants can move away from the fire into the area that would be protected by the fire resistive wall (model code requirements are based on the assumption that fire will not occur in both areas simultaneously). Under section 409.2, exit stairways can serve as part of an accessible means of egress if they contain an area of refuge or if they can be accessed from either an area of refuge or a horizontal exit. Such stairways must also meet the requirements for stairways in section 504 and, as required by ADAAG, have a minimum clear width of 48 inches between handrails. The requirements for exit stairways are not applicable to facilities not required to have areas of refuge (i.e., those protected throughout by a supervised automatic sprinkler system and open parking garages) or to exit stairways that serve a single guest room. Exit stairways accessed from a horizontal exit are not required to provide the minimum 48 inch clear width. While typical elevators are not designed to be used during emergency evacuation, there are elevators that are designed with standby power and other features according to the elevator safety standard that can be used for evacuation. The revised guidelines require such elevators as part of an accessible means of egress in buildings where accessible floors are four or more stories above or below the level of exit discharge (section 207.2). This is consistent with model codes. Section 409.3 provides the technical criteria for these elevators and requires standby power so that emergency or other authorized personnel can use the elevator for evacuation after the loss of primary electrical power. These elevators must meet requirements for emergency operation and signaling devices in the elevator safety code (ASME/ANSI A17.1, Rule 211). These elevators must be accessed from a complying area of refuge or a horizontal access except in facilities equipped throughout with a supervised automatic sprinkler system or open parking garages, which are exempt from the requirement for areas of refuge. 410 Areas of Refuge The revised guidelines use the term ``areas of refuge'' instead of ``areas of rescue assistance'' and provides technical requirements that would replace those in ADAAG 4.3.11. The revised guidelines introduce some new requirements for areas of refuge and differ from ADAAG in not listing each type of space that can serve as an area of refuge. Requirements for location (410.2), construction (410.4), and smoke resistance (410.5) replace the space-specific criteria in ADAAG 4.3.11.1. Section 410.2 introduces a maximum travel distance to an area of refuge that is based on the travel distance permitted for the occupancy by the administrative authority. This section also clarifies that each area of refuge must have direct access to an exit stairway or evacuation elevator. Under section 410.4, smoke barriers separating areas of refuge from the rest of the floor must have a minimum one-hour fire-resistance rating, and doors in the smoke barrier must have a minimum 20 minute fire-resistance rating. These requirements and others pertaining to doors and openings, including those for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) coincide with those in ADAAG as specified for areas of rescue assistance based on their [[Page 62267]] location. Section 410.5 is more direct than ADAAG in requiring all areas of refuge to be designed to prevent the intrusion of smoke. This requirement does not apply to facilities protected throughout (including areas of refuge provided although not required) by a supervised automatic sprinkler system. Consistent with ADAAG, and the model codes, special design requirements dealing with intrusion of smoke is not required for areas of refuge located in exit stair enclosures. A story-level landing within a fire resistance rated exit enclosure will provide a satisfactory area for staging evacuation assistance. Section 410.5 also specifies that where an elevator lobby serves as an area of refuge, the hoistway and lobby must comply with requirements for smoke-proof enclosures (unless the elevators are in an area of refuge formed by a horizontal exit or smoke barrier). This is consistent with ADAAG, but the revised guidelines recognize the use of horizontal exits or smoke barriers in this situation. Also, requirements in ADAAG 4.1.3.1(7) for activation, fire ratings, and pressure differentials where elevator lobbies serve as areas of refuge have not been included in the revised guidelines because they are extensively addressed by contemporary building codes. Requirements for size (410.3), communication system (410.6), instructions (410.7), and identification (410.8) are consistent with ADAAG. Section 410.7 provides greater detail on the type of instructions required in areas of refuge. Instructions must include directions to other means of egress, urging people to use exit stairs if they can, information on evacuation assistance and how to summon it, and directions for using the required two-way communication system. Question 23: Section 410.6 requires that emergency communication systems have visible signals in addition to audible signals so that limited communication access is provided for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Use of two-way communication systems is recognized but not required. As with elevator communication systems, the Board seeks information and product literature on emergency communication devices and communication technologies that provide two-way communication in a manner accessible to people who are deaf and others who cannot use voice communication. The Board will consider adding a requirement for more interactive emergency communication devices that provide such access if they are presently available and if the costs and benefits can be demonstrated. Chapter 5: General Site and Building Elements Chapter 5 contains requirements for accessible parking and passenger loading zones, stairways, and handrails. 502 Parking Spaces This section is substantively consistent with ADAAG 4.6, except for changes concerning identification of van spaces and accessible routes. Requirements in 502.6 for the identification of spaces have been revised by adding a specific mounting height (60 inches above the ground measured to the bottom edge of the sign); ADAAG 4.6.4 requires signs to be located so that they are not ``obscured by a vehicle parking in the space.'' In addition, the requirement that van spaces be designated as ``Van-accessible'' has been removed. The advisory committee recommended this action because this designation has been misinterpreted as reserving spaces solely for van users when in fact it was intended only to identify those spaces better suited for van use. A requirement in ADAAG that parked vehicle overhangs not reduce the clear width of connecting accessible routes has been removed as it is redundant with the requirement for clear width. Other revisions have been made in sections 502.3 and 502.4 to clarify that: access aisles are to be marked; changes in level beyond the maximum 1:48 slope are not permitted for either the space or the access aisle; and the access aisle must be at the same level as the parking space. Requirements for the location of accessible parking in ADAAG 4.6.2 have been relocated to Chapter 2 at 208.4 since these provisions contain scoping information. 503 Passenger Loading Zones Requirements for passenger loading zones are based on those contained in ADAAG 4.6.6. Unlike the scoping provisions in 209, the technical criteria of this section have not been significantly changed. Requirements have been added in section 503.3 and 503.4 to clarify that: access aisles are to be marked; changes in level beyond the maximum 1:48 slope are not permitted for either the space or the access aisle; and the access aisle must be at the same level as the parking space. 504 Stairways Two new provisions have been added to the requirements for stairs contained in ADAAG 4.9. In section 504.2, a riser height of 4 to 7 inches is specified, consistent with some model codes and the ICC/ANSI A117.1 standard. ADAAG requires a uniform riser height but does not specify a dimension. Section 504.4 permits an allowable slope up to 1:48 for tread surfaces to allow for drainage and prohibits changes in level on treads. ADAAG does not address tread slope. 505 Handrails Requirements for handrails at ramps and stairs in ADAAG 4.9.4, 4.8.5, and 4.26 have been combined into one subsection in the revised guidelines. An exception in 505.2 from the requirement for handrails on both sides of aisle ramps has been expanded to include aisle stairs since the revised scoping for stairs is likely to cover stairs not covered by ADAAG. However, this exception has been limited to one handrail, whereas ADAAG currently exempts both handrails. In sections 505.3 and 505.4, revisions have been made to clarify that handrails are not required to be continuous at aisle seating and that the handrail height is to be consistent along a stairway or ramp. In section 505.5, the 1\1/2\ inch knuckle clearance in ADAAG has been changed from an absolute to a minimum dimension. The advisory committee recommended this change because an absolute or maximum clearance is intended to prevent entrapment; this rationale was considered more pertinent to grab bars than to handrails. Also, some building codes require a clearance greater than 1\1/2\ inches. Another difference concerns specifications for gripping surfaces in section 505.6. The revised guidelines specify what is considered a ``continuous'' gripping surface by defining allowable interruptions by handrail brackets or balusters. Under this provision, surface interruptions are not considered obstructions if they obstruct no more than 20% of the handrail length; have horizontal projections beyond the sides of the handrail at least 2\1/2\ inches below the bottom of the handrail; and edges have a \1/8\ inch minimum radius. Many questions have arisen about the ADAAG specification in 4.26.2 for handrail diameter of 1\1/4\ to 1\1/2\ inches (indicated in Figure 39 as the outside diameter) particularly in the use of pipe. Section 505.7 changes this range to 1\1/4\ to 2 inches and clarifies its application to the outside diameter. The advisory committee pointed to studies that show a larger cross-section is more graspable and allows a stronger grip. This section also provides more specific guidance on acceptable alternatives to the specified circular cross-section. Non- circular [[Page 62268]] cross-sections are permitted that have a perimeter dimension between 4 to 6\1/4\ inches and a cross-section diameter of 2\1/4\ inches maximum. Section 505.10 covers handrail extensions and clarifies that they are not required at handrails in aisles serving seating where handrails are necessarily discontinuous. Chapter 6 Plumbing Elements and Facilities Chapter 6 provides technical requirements for plumbed fixtures and toilet and bathing rooms and replaces those for such elements and spaces in ADAAG 4.15 through 4.24. Previously adopted amendments to ADAAG that provide alternate specifications for building elements designed for children's use are included in the revised guidelines. These specifications address drinking fountains, water closets, toilet compartments, lavatories and sinks. The provisions have been editorially revised to fit into the new format of the revised guidelines but remain substantively the same. As with the current ADAAG, these provisions are provided as exceptions to requirements that are based on adult dimensions. Use of the alternate specifications, while optional, will be driven where an element or space is designed specifically for children's use. The alternate specifications address clear floor space at drinking fountains (602.2), water closets and toilet compartments (604.1, 604.9), grab bar heights (609.3), and knee clearances at lavatories and sinks (606.2). ADAAG 4.1.3(11) permits toilet rooms provided for the use of occupants of specific spaces, such as the private toilet room for the occupant of a private office, to be ``adaptable.'' Adaptable refers to design that allows certain access features, such as grab bars, to be added or altered after construction when needed to accommodate a person with a disability. The revised guidelines retain this provision but provide more guidance on the type of spaces covered and on what constitutes ``adaptability'' throughout Chapter 6. Instead of relying on a general scoping provision as in current ADAAG, the revised guidelines provide a series of exceptions to technical criteria for doors to toilet and bathing rooms (603.2.3), toilet seat heights (604.4), grab bars at water closets (604.5), bathtubs (607.4), and showers (608.3), and lavatory knee clearance and counter heights (606.2, 606.3). These exceptions are applicable to toilet and bathing rooms ``for a single occupant, accessed only through a private office and not for common or public use.'' 602 Drinking Fountains and Water Coolers Requirements for drinking fountains and water coolers derive from those in ADAAG 4.15. Like ADAAG, a forward approach is required at wall- or post-mounted, cantilevered units in section 602.2. A parallel approach is permitted at other types of units, such as those that are floor-mounted. Question 24: A forward approach to drinking fountains provides easier access than a parallel approach. Should a forward approach, which includes knee and toe clearances below the unit, be required at all drinking fountains for adults that must be accessible? Such a requirement may be included in the final rule. It is also specified that clear floor space for either a forward or parallel approach ``be centered on the unit,'' a stipulation not contained in ADAAG but that is consistent with the intent of the clear floor space requirement for a forward approach. ADAAG 4.15.4 requires that controls meet operation requirements and be mounted at the front of the unit or on the side near the front edge. The revised guidelines require operable parts to meet section 309, which not only covers the operation requirements but also requires location within the applicable forward or side reach range. ADAAG 4.15.3 requires the spout to be at the front of the unit. Section 602.5 is more specific on the spout location and requires the location based on the approach provided; no more than 5 inches from the front edge (including bumpers) and at least 15 inches from the vertical support at units with a forward approach and 3\1/2\ inches maximum from the front edge (including bumpers) at units providing a side approach. Additional specification is provided for the water flow based on requirements in the ICC/ANSI A117.1 standard. Like ADAAG 4.15.3, the water flow must be at least 4 inches high to allow insertion of a cup or glass under the flow. ADAAG is more specific with respect to round or oval bowls, which are required to have spouts positioned so that the water flow is within 3 inches of the front edge of the unit. Section 602.6 of the revised guidelines specifies the maximum angle of the water flow measured horizontally relative to the front face of the unit (30 degrees where the spout is located within 3 inches from the front and 15 degrees where the spout is located within 3 to 5 inches from the front). The advisory committee recommended removing access requirements for people who have difficulty bending or stooping, in part because ADAAG does not provide any technical criteria for such access. The Board has retained a requirement for standing access at a portion of units and has provided in section 602.7 a requirement for the spout height (39 to 43 inches measured from the floor or ground to the spout outlet). This range is based on the height of certain drinking fountain models currently available in the marketplace. 603 Toilet and Bathing Rooms This section contains requirements for toilet and bathing rooms found in ADAAG 4.22 and 4.23 with several substantive revisions. Like ADAAG, section 603.2.3 prohibits doors from swinging into the clear floor space required for any fixture. However, an exception from this requirement has been provided for individual-use toilet and bathing rooms where clear floor space for an occupied wheelchair is provided beyond the arc of the door swing. The advisory committee felt that the rationale for the ADAAG requirement is most relevant to multi-user toilet or bathing facilities and that in single-user facilities, wheelchair space beyond the arc of the door swing is sufficient. This exception in no way affects the requirement in 603.2.1 for wheelchair turning space. That requirement is applicable to single- and multi-user toilet rooms. For those facilities designed to serve a single occupant accessed only through a private office and not for public or common use, a second exception allows the door to swing into fixture clear floor space where the swing of the door can be reversed. Section 603.4 provides a new requirement that coat hooks and fold-down shelves, where provided, be accessible. Coat hooks must be within the accessible reach ranges specified in section 308, and fold-down shelves are to be mounted from 40 to 48 inches above the floor. (This requirement is also restated for toilet compartments at 604.8.3.) In addition, a requirement for the height of mirrors in the ADAAG section on lavatories (4.19) has been relocated to this section at 603.3. 604 Water Closets and Toilet Compartments This section integrates requirements in ADAAG 4.16 and 4.17 for water closets and toilet compartments. Requirements in 604.2 through 604.7 apply to water closets, including those located in toilet compartments, and requirements in 604.8 are specific to toilet compartments. Section 604.9 provides criteria for toilet compartments designed according to children's [[Page 62269]] dimensions as an optional alternative to the requirements based on adult dimensions in section 604.8. Substantive changes are proposed for the location of water closets and clear floor space at water closets. Section 604.2 specifies that a water closet centerline be located 16 to 18 inches from the adjacent side wall. This differs from ADAAG which requires an 18 inch absolute dimension in 4.16.2 (Figure 28). The advisory committee considered the absolute dimension overly restrictive and pointed to early studies that indicate closer placement is acceptable. Section 604.3 requires that the clear floor space at water closets be at least 60 inches wide and 56 inches deep and prohibits any other obstruction or fixture other than the water closet, grab bars, and tissue dispensers from overlapping this space. ADAAG Figure 28 specifies the same clear floor space dimension but allows lavatories on the same plumbing wall to be mounted as close as 18 inches to the centerline of the water closet. In this case, ADAAG specifies clear floor space at the water closet 48 inches wide minimum (instead of 60 inches) and, in the case of a forward approach, at least 66 inches deep (instead of 56 inches). While the clear floor space at the lavatory ensures additional space near the water closet, the closer placement of the lavatory effectively prohibited space for side transfers to the water closet. In practice, the lavatory cannot be placed as close as shown in ADAAG Figure 28 due to the rear grab bar which must be at least 36 inches long unless the grab bar overlaps the lavatory. Also, the advisory committee noted that the lavatory should not be used to support the weight of a person transferring since lavatories are not required to provide structural support, and they do not provide adequate hand holds. For these reasons, the advisory committee recommended that fixtures, including lavatories, not be permitted to overlap the 60 inch wide space at water closets. This will allow space for side transfers at all accessible water closets. Under this change, the space saved by locating a lavatory closer to the water closet on the same plumbing wall could only be accomplished by recessing the lavatory so that it does not overlap the clear floor space at the water closet. Revisions are made to requirements for the rear grab bar, flush controls, and toilet paper dispensers. Consistent with ADAAG 4.16.4, the rear grab bar must be at least 36 inches long. However, section 604.5.2 permits a shorter grab bar of 24 inches if wall space is not available for a 36 inch grab bar. This provision will accommodate a recessed lavatory on the plumbing wall and thereby recover space in the toilet room. Section 604.6 requires flush controls to be within the accessible reach ranges (48 inches maximum for a forward approach) instead of the 44 inch maximum permitted by ADAAG 4.16.5. With respect to toilet paper dispensers, ADAAG 4.16.6 specifies a minimum height of 19 inches. Section 604.7 changes this dimension and provides further detail on the location. Dispensers must be 7 to 9 inches in front of the water closet (measured to the dispenser centerline) and must be between 15 and 48 inches above the floor and mounted so that there is a minimum clearance of 1\1/2\ inches below or 12 inches above the side grab bar. Most extra large dispensers do not meet these requirements because they block use of grab bars or are too low or too high to comply with ADAAG reach ranges. Toilet paper dispensers are subject to requirements for operable parts in 309.4 (operable with one hand without grasping, pinching, twisting of the wrist, or a force of more than 5 pounds). Section 604.8 provides requirements for toilet compartments. Section 604.8.1 covers wheelchair accessible compartments, and section 604.8.2 covers compartments providing access for people who are ambulatory. These requirements are based on those in ADAAG 4.17, 4.22.4, and 4.23.4. ADAAG 4.17.3 permits alternate smaller compartment designs in alterations where providing a standard wheelchair accessible stall is not technically feasible. These designs permit a considerably narrower compartment (36 or 48 inches instead of 60 inches minimum) in exchange for more depth (an additional 10 inches). These alternate designs are not included in the revised guidelines for two reasons. The advisory committee did not believe the alternate stall designs provide sufficient wheelchair access because they fail to accommodate the most common diagonal or side transfers. In addition, the Board has sought to limit alternate specifications based on technical infeasibility as discussed at section 202 above. Section 604.8 states that toilet compartments with more than one plumbing fixture are required to comply with requirements in section 603 for toilet rooms to ensure access to each fixture. For example, if a lavatory is located within a compartment, it would have to be installed so as not to overlap the minimum 60 inch wide clear floor space at the water closet and wheelchair turning space would be required within the compartment. Revisions to the requirements for water closets in section 604.2 through 604.7 apply to those located in toilet compartments as well. Wheelchair accessible compartments are based on the requirements for ``standard'' stalls in ADAAG 4.17 and Figure 30. Requirements for doors and toe clearance have been slightly modified. Section 604.8.1.2 requires doors to be self-closing and to have accessible door pulls on both sides of the door near the latch. These requirements are not provided in ADAAG and have been added to facilitate access. ADAAG 4.17.4 specifies toe clearance at least 9 inches high below a side and the front partition unless the stall is deeper than 60 inches. Section 604.8.1.4 addresses the minimum depth for this clearance (6 inches beyond the compartment-side face of the partition) which is consistent with other requirements for toe space. This section permits the toe space to be added to the compartment if partitions provide less than 9 inches clearance. Requirements in 604.8.2 for compartments providing ambulatory access are consistent with requirements in ADAAG 4.22.4 and 4.23.4 except for several changes. With respect to size, the section 604.8.2.1 of the revised guidelines specifies a minimum depth (60 inches) whereas ADAAG does not. Consistent with requirements for wheelchair accessible compartments, section 604.8.2.2 requires that compartment doors have an accessible pull on both sides near the latch. Also, compartment doors are prohibited from swinging into the minimum required compartment area, which may permit an inward swinging door where the compartment depth is sufficiently increased; ADAAG requires that such compartments have outward swinging doors. 605 Urinals Requirements for urinals are based on those in ADAAG 4.18. ADAAG requires an ``elongated'' rim of an unspecified dimension. The advisory committee considered this requirement as indistinguishable from standard rims and recommended its removal. The Board instead has sought to clarify this provision by specifying a minimum dimension of 13\1/2\ inches, measured from the outer face of the urinal rim to the back of the fixture. A requirement permitting a minimum clearance between urinal shields of 29 instead of 30 inches where shields do not extend beyond the rim has been removed. 606 Lavatories and Sinks The revised guidelines combine into one section technical criteria for [[Page 62270]] lavatories in ADAAG 4.19 and for sinks in ADAAG 4.24. Provisions for clear floor space in 606.2 revise several ADAAG requirements. The requirement for a minimum 29 inch high apron clearance has been removed because without a specified depth the effectiveness of this requirement is questionable. This change also makes the provision consistent with knee clearance requirements for other elements, such as tables and counters. Clarification has been added that the dip of the overflow can project into the knee and toe clearances since the effect on access is considered negligible. Clarification has been added, consistent with the Board's interpretation of ADAAG, that the required knee and toe clearance need only be applied to one bowl of a multi-bowl sink. The Board has removed a specification for sinks in ADAAG 4.24.4 for a maximum bowl depth of 6\1/2\ inches since required knee clearances and counter heights effectively govern this dimension. ADAAG requires that lavatory and sink faucets meet requirements for operable controls in ADAAG 4.27.4 and lists acceptable types (e.g., lever, push, electronically controlled). Section 606.4 requires compliance with 309, which not only covers operating characteristics but also accessible reach ranges. References to acceptable faucet types, which are non- mandatory in nature, have been relocated to an advisory note. 607 Bathtubs This section corresponds to requirements in ADAAG 4.20 with several revisions concerning clear floor space and shower spray units. Section 607.2 covers clear floor space and requires that it extend at least 12 inches beyond permanent seats provided at the head end of the bathtub. ADAAG Figure 33(b) does not require this additional space and permits the clear floor space to extend only to the end of the seat. This requirement was added so that sufficient space is available for persons using wheelchairs to more properly align themselves with the tub seat for transfer. In section 607.6, the minimum length of the hose for the shower spray unit has been reduced one inch to 59 inches to accommodate metric-based industry conventions. The Board has added a requirement that shower spray units have a water on/off control for greater access. In this section, clarification has been added that where a vertical bar is used to provide an adjustable-height shower unit, the bar must be installed so as not to obstruct the use of grab bars. Similar revisions to the requirements for shower spray units are provided for shower compartments as well in section 608.6. 608 Shower Compartments Like ADAAG 4.21, this section provides requirements for transfer- type showers and for roll-in showers. ADAAG Figure 57 shows a specific type of roll-in shower equipped with a seat that is required in a portion of accessible guest rooms in transient lodging facilities. This design is incorporated into section 608 and can be used in other types of facilities as well to provide an accessible shower compartment. Substantive changes have been made concerning water temperature, shower spray units, and curbs. Section 608.6 provides a new requirement for thermal shock protection (to 120 degrees Fahrenheit maximum). ADAAG 4.21.6 provides an exception that fixed shower heads 48 inches high maximum can be used instead of the required hand held unit in ``unmonitored facilities where vandalism is a consideration.'' This exception has been removed due to a lack of clarity on the types of facilities that qualify for this exception. Section 608.7 permits curbs up to \1/2\ inch provided that those above \1/4\ inch are beveled with a slope of 1:2 maximum. This differs from ADAAG 4.21.7 which permits such a curb (although without beveling) at transfer-type showers but not at roll-in showers. The advisory committee felt that a beveled curb will allow access into roll-in showers while permitting a change in level that can help keep water in the compartment, a common concern with roll-in showers. This provision is consistent with requirements for changes in level in section 303.3. Other revisions have been made to clarify that: where multiple grab bars are used instead of a single continuous grab bar from wall to wall, they must be installed at the same height (608.3); shower seats can be attachable or integral (608.4); controls, faucets, and shower spray units must be installed on the rear wall at showers with seats so that they are within reach from the seat (608.5); and shower spray units in transfer-type showers must be 15 inches maximum from either side of the centerline of the seat (608.5). 609 Grab Bars Grab bar specifications are consistent with those in ADAAG 4.26, including required mounting heights at toilet and bathing fixtures shown in ADAAG Figures 29, 30, 34, and 37. Like ADAAG 4.26.2, a diameter between 1 and 1\1/2\ inches is required, but section 609.2 provides further specifications for allowable shapes providing an equivalent gripping surface: a 2 inch maximum cross-section dimension, a perimeter dimension between 4 and 4-\11/16\ inches, and edges with a \1/8\ inch minimum radius. This section also provides a minimum clearance of 15 inches above grab bars (although a 1\1/2\ inch clearance is allowed between grab bars and shower controls, shower fittings, and other grab bars). Consistent with the ICC/ANSI A117.1 standard, clarification is provided in section 609.6 that grab bars can be installed in any manner that provides a gripping surface at the specified locations and that does not obstruct clear floor space. 610 Seats Requirements for bathtub and shower seats are based on ADAAG requirements in 4.20.3 and 4.21.3. Section 610.2 addresses bathtub seats and requires removable seats to be 15 inches deep minimum to 16 inches deep maximum and permanent head-end seats to be 15 inches deep minimum. A height of 17 to 19 inches is required. This differs from ADAAG which does not specify a width for removable seats or a height, and requires an absolute dimension of 15 inches for head-end seats. Section 610.3 covers shower seats and allows a rectangular shaped seat in addition to the L-shaped seat specified in ADAAG Figure 36. Rectangular seats, like removable tub seats, must be 15 inches deep minimum to 16 inches deep maximum. This section provides more specification than ADAAG for the size of L-shaped seats. ADAAG Figure 36 provides maximum dimensions for this type of seat. The revised guidelines provide minimum dimensions consistent with the ICC/ANSI A117.1 standard. A specification also has been added requiring that the seat extend from the back wall to a point within 3 inches of the compartment entry or seat wall width to reduce problems from water infiltration. The maximum distance of the seat from the seat wall has been increased from 1\1/2\ to 2\1/2\ inches. Question 25: The revised guidelines more clearly permit a choice between rectangular and L-shaped seats for transfer and roll-in shower stalls. Is one shape more usable and accessible than the other? 611 Laundry Equipment New requirements are provided for washing machines and clothes dryers, equipment ADAAG does not address. These requirements are based on the ICC/ANSI A117.1 standard. This section [[Page 62271]] requires clear floor space for a parallel approach (611.2), accessible operable parts (611.3), and the height of appliance openings: 34 inches maximum above the floor for top-loading machines and between 15 to 34 inches for front-loading machines (611.4). Chapter 7: Communication Elements and Features This chapter provides technical criteria for communication elements such as fire alarms, signs, telephones, assistive listening systems, and automatic teller machines (ATMs) and fare machines. Extensive revision of requirements is proposed for these elements, particularly fire alarm systems, signs, and ATMs and fare machines. 702 Fire Alarm Systems This section is vastly different from ADAAG 4.28 in providing updated and more detailed criteria for the visual component of fire alarm systems. The advisory committee based its recommendations on information developed by a coalition of organizations representing people who are deaf or hard of hearing or who have epilepsy, the fire alarm industry, and Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL). The recommendations represent the goal of updating specifications for alarms to improve protection of people who are deaf or hard of hearing while minimizing the effect on persons with photosensitive epilepsy. Through coordination with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and ANSI, which were represented on the advisory committee, the proposed criteria are virtually identical to updated requirements in the NFPA 72 (1996) and the ICC/ANSI A117.1 standards. Specifications for audible alarms in ADAAG 4.28.2 have been revised as well. The maximum sound level for alarms is reduced from 120 to 110 decibels as more appropriate and to guard against tinnitus. Question 26: ADAAG does not address the frequency of audible alarms. The Board requests information on the optimal frequency range for people who are hard of hearing. Responses should include, where possible, supporting data indicating the benefit to people who are hard of hearing and others. Requirements for visual alarms are provided in section 702.3. In section 702.3.1, the maximum flash rate has been reduced from 3 Hertz (Hz) to 2 Hz. Research conducted by the coalition found a minimum flash rate of 1 Hz to be the slowest rate that does not significantly increase reaction time of people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Flash rate is considered the primary factor affecting persons who are photosensitive. A 1 Hz flash rate is considered sufficient; an allowance up to 2 Hz is specified to allow a tolerance for manufacturing and field conditions. New language clarifies the parameters over which an appliance must meet the specified flash rate since changes in voltage can affect the flash rate. New criteria are provided in section 702.3.2 for light dispersion which address the required percentage of rated intensity at various angles from the visual appliance. The requirements, provided in table form (Tables 702.3.2.1 and 702.3.2.2) distinguish wall- and ceiling- mounted appliances and are based on UL 1971, Signaling Devices for the Hearing Impaired. ADAAG does not provide criteria for dispersion of visual alarms. Section 702.3.4 addresses the required location of appliances. Wall-mounted appliances are required to be 80 to 96 inches above the floor (measured to the bottom of the appliance), except that appliances that are part of a smoke detector are to be located 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling (measured to the top of the smoke detector). These revisions are consistent with NFPA 72, including the mounting height for smoke detectors. ADAAG 4.28.3 does not specifically address visual appliances integrated with smoke detectors and specifies an absolute height of 80 inches (or 6 inches below the ceiling, whichever is lower). However, photometric calculations of lamp intensity for mounting heights of 80 and 96 inches show only nominal differences and are practically equivalent. Further, the ADAAG height specification is considered too restrictive. Ceiling-installed appliances are required to be 30 feet maximum above the floor. Section 702.3.4 provides new requirements under which the minimum lamp intensity is determined by the size of the area served. These specifications serve to minimize the number of appliances in a room or space in order to prevent the cumulative flash rate of multiple strobes, which can affect people with photosensitive epilepsy. Multiple appliances are allowed only where coverage by a single appliance is not possible due to room size, shape, construction or furnishings. In this case, criteria are provided to prevent the effective flash rate from posing a hazard: placement of two appliances on opposing walls, synchronization of flashes, or minimum separation between appliances (55 feet in any 135-degree field of view) in rooms 80 feet by 80 feet or greater. The minimum required effective intensity is specified in table form (Tables 702.3.4.2 and 702.3.4.3) for wall-and ceiling- mounted appliances based on the size of the covered area and the permitted number of appliances. These specifications are based on NFPA 72 criteria. The minimum intensities are based on the rule that illumination from a light source will vary in proportion to the square of the distance to the light source. Combined with the dispersion requirements, a minimum 0.0375 lumens per square foot is provided throughout the covered areas. As such, appliances with an effective intensity of 15 candela are allowed in small spaces. ADAAG 4.28.3 requires a minimum 75 candela with a general maximum separation of 50 feet. The criteria of the table are based on location of wall-installed appliances at the midpoint of the longest side of the area served and the location of ceiling-installed appliances at the center point of the covered area. Alternate specifications for the minimum effective intensity are provided for appliances located elsewhere. Section 702.3.5 provides revised requirements for the spacing and intensity of appliances located in corridors. Corridors 20 feet or less in width are required to have appliances with a minimum effective intensity of 15 candela spaced from 50 to 100 feet apart and located no more than 15 feet from each end of the corridor. Interruptions in the concentrated viewing path, such as elevation changes, are to be treated as the end of the corridor. Corridors greater that 20 feet in width are treated like other spaces. This differs from ADAAG 4.28.3 which specifies a maximum corridor spacing of 50 feet and a minimum effective intensity of 75 candela. The intensity and greater spacing are permitted because the linear nature of corridors allows a direct view of appliances and the spacing requirements serve to minimize the number of appliances within view for the benefit of people who are photosensitive. Like ADAAG 4.28.4, criteria specific to visual alarms in guest rooms are provided. Significant changes have been made. ADAAG technical requirements for ``auxiliary'' alarms in effect permit use of portable types of alarms. Use of portable devices have proven unsatisfactory in that the responsibility for installing such devices has fallen to guests. Persons needing these devices also do not have the benefit of knowing whether the device is ready to function properly. Section 702.3.6 revises the criteria for guest room applications to [[Page 62272]] require permanent installation of visual alarms. Visual alarms activated by smoke detectors and the building fire alarm system, where provided, are required, and signaling must be supervised. One appliance can be used for activation by both smoke detectors and the building alarm system so long as the building alarm system is not activated by the smoke detector. This interconnection has not been embraced by the fire alarm industry due to technical differences between the two systems. However, this interconnection is only permitted where smoke detector activation does not trigger the building alarm system. Greater detail is also provided on the location of appliances. ADAAG 4.28.4 requires the signal to be ``visible in all areas of the unit.'' The revised guidelines, consistent with NFPA 72, specifies placement and intensity considered necessary to awake sleeping persons. Appliances must be no more than 16 feet from the location of the head end of the bed, measured horizontally. The Board has added clarification that appliances must be directly or indirectly visible in all parts of the sleeping room or suite. Appliances must have minimum effective intensity of 110 candela (if more than 2 feet below the ceiling) and 177 candela (if less than 2 feet below the ceiling). ADAAG requires a 75 candela minimum. The increased candela requirements are considered necessary to awaken people asleep, with an even greater increase provided for appliances closer to the ceiling. 703 Signs The technical section on signs, like the section on alarms, represent significant departures from ADAAG. This section provides more detailed requirements for signs than ADAAG 4.30. The technical criteria proposed were developed by the ANSI A117 Signage Task Force. The advisory committee recommended adoption of the task force's requirements with some modifications. The task force sought to update requirements for signs to improve access for the widest range of users and to provide specifications that were clear, direct, and less likely to be misinterpreted. While striving to prohibit undesirable design characteristics and to make more specific what constitutes accessible signs, the task force also wanted to provide requirements in a way that would allow considerable design flexibility. Requirements are provided for signs read by touch and for signs read visually. Scoping provisions in section 216 require permanent designation of permanent rooms and spaces to meet requirements for both tactile and visual access. This is a substantive change from ADAAG 4.1.3(16) which requires that such signs comply mainly with specifications for tactile access only. The signage task force considered this requirement insufficient for visual access. Section 703 requires both types of access but allows a choice: permanent signs can comply with section 703.2 which provides requirements for both tactile and visual access achievable in one sign or access can be provided separately through two signs, one that is tactile in accordance with 703.3 and one that is visual in accordance with 703.4. There are some differences between the requirements for combined tactile-visual signs and those provided separately, which represent slight compromises in the desired level considered necessary for signs providing both tactile and visual access. In either case, tactile signs are required to contain Braille complying with 703.5, and pictograms, where required to be tactile, must meet requirements in 703.6. Signs that provide direction to, or information about, spaces or facilities, are subject to the requirements in section 703.4 for visual access, which is consistent with ADAAG 4.1.3(16). Required symbols of access are provided in section 703.7. Requirements in 703.2 for signs providing both tactile and visual access specify: A non-glare finish and light-on-dark or dark-on-light contrast between characters and their background (703.2.1); Tactile characters raised at least \1/32\ inch with a minimum \3/8\ inch separation from raised borders or other decorative elements where provided (703.2.2); Tactile characters must be upper case, sans serif, \5/8\ to 2 inches high, and meet requirements for character width and stroke thickness (703.2.3); Minimum spacing between characters (703.2.4) and lines of text (703.2.5); and Sign mounting height (703.2.6) and location (703.2.7). The specifications for finish and contrast are similar to those in ADAAG 4.30.5 except that references to ``eggshell'' and ``matte'' as non-glare finishes have been removed because this is not always the case. For example, matte stainless steel is not generally considered ``non-glare.'' Requirements in 703.2 for tactile characters, character forms, and character and line spacing differ from ADAAG 4.30 in that: The minimum \3/8\ inch separation between raised characters and borders or other decorative elements is new and is designed to limit interference with tactile reading (703.2.2); Only sans serif fonts are allowed and italic, oblique, script and other highly decorative styles are clearly prohibited (ADAAG allows ``simple'' serif forms; a term without specific meaning in the industry that has been removed for both clarity and improved access) (703.2.3.2); The specified character width of 55% to 110% of the character height is slightly different than the 60% to 100% ADAAG requires, but the characters specified for determining the new proportions (upper case ``O'' for width and upper case ``I'' for height), which are based on industry convention, make the effect of this change negligible (703.2.3.3); The character height is based on the upper case ``I'' instead of the upper case ``X'' ADAAG specifies (703.2.3.4); A character (the upper case ``I'') is specified for determining stroke thickness (703.2.3.5); The maximum stroke thickness has been reduced from 20% to 15% of the character height since thinner strokes are easier to read tactually (703.2.3.5); More specific guidance is provided for the stroke thickness of raised characters with beveled or rounded cross sections in recognition that they are perceived visually by the full (i.e., base) dimension and tactually by the top dimensions (ADAAG requirements for stroke thickness do not apply to raised characters) (703.2.3.5); and Specifications for character spacing (\1/8\ to \3/8\ inches), with additional guidance for beveled or raised characters, and for line spacing (135% to 170% of character height) are new and address both visual and tactual legibility (703.2.4 and 703.2.5). There are changes in the mounting height and location of signs. Characters are required to be installed between 48 and 60 inches high measured from the baseline of characters. ADAAG 4.30.6 specifies tactile signs to be centered at 60 inches above the floor, a specification that was considered inadequate because it does not regulate the location of characters and can permit characters located outside the proper reach range. Like ADAAG, tactile signs are required on the latch side of doors or, if no wall space is available, on the nearest adjacent wall. An exception is provided for signs located on the push side of doors that have closers but that do not have devices that hold the door open. The revised guidelines requires that signs be located [[Page 62273]] on the right side at double doors, a more uniform location that can make them easier to locate tactually. Clear floor space of 18 by 18 inches minimum centered on the sign is required beyond the arc of the door swing, which clarifies the requirements in ADAAG 4.30.6 that signs be located so one can ``approach within 3 inches of signage without encountering protruding objects or standing within the swing of a door.'' Where separate tactile and visual signs are provided to convey the same information, the requirements for tactile-only signs in section 703.3 are different in several respects: There are no requirements for finish and contrast; A smaller character height of \1/2\ to \3/4\ inches is required (instead of \5/8\ to 2 inches as specified for combination signs and by ADAAG) because it is believed that smaller characters are easier to read tactually (703.3.2.4); Only a maximum stroke width (15%) is specified because information indicates that the thinnest possible stroke is preferred by people who read tactually (703.3.2.5); and Closer character spacing of \1/8\ to \1/4\ inches is required as preferable for tactual reading (spacing up to \3/8\ inches is allowed for combination tactile-visual signs) (703.3.3). Visual signs provided separately from tactile signs are held to different criteria considered optimal for visual legibility. Under section 703.4, these signs are subject to the same requirements for finish and contrast, character width, and line spacing. Criteria for raised letters, including mounting location, do not apply. Requirements for character forms and spacing, line spacing, and mounting height are considerably different: Lower case characters are permitted, as in ADAAG, because words in all upper case are considered difficult to read visually (703.4.2.1); ``Conventional'' character styles are specified, which can include fonts with serifs because serifs do not necessarily reduce visual readability, although italic, oblique, script and highly decorative forms are prohibited (ADAAG does not specify the style of non-tactile characters) (703.4.2.2); A range for the minimum character height of \5/8\ inch to more than 3 inches is specified in Table 703.4.2.4 according to sign height and the viewing distance, information much more detailed than ADAAG 4.30.3, which requires characters to be ``sized according to the viewing distance'' although a 3 inch minimum is specified for signs 80 inches or more above the floor (703.4.2.4); The maximum character stroke thickness (30% of the character height) is greater than that specified for tactile signs (15%) or in ADAAG (20%) (703.4.2.5); Character spacing between 10% to 35% of the character height differs from the spacing for tactile signs (703.4.3); and A minimum mounting height of 40 inches is required, which differs from the height of tactile signs and from ADAAG which does not address the height of visual signs (703.4.5). Consistent with ADAAG, tactile signs must contain Grade II Braille. Section 703.5 differs from ADAAG 4.30.4 by providing specific criteria for Braille, including dot height and base diameter, dot and cell separations (Table 703.5), location (below raised text), minimum spacing from raised characters (\1/4\ inch) and from raised borders (\3/8\ inch), and the height from the floor (40 to 60 inches measured from the baseline of Braille cells). Requirements for pictograms in 703.6 and required symbols of accessibility in 703.7 are consistent with corresponding provisions in ADAAG 4.30.4 and 4.30.7. 704 Telephones This section provides requirements for wheelchair access, volume controls, and TTYs. Substantive differences from requirements in ADAAG 4.31 concern volume controls, hearing aid compatibility, and TTYs. Section 704.3 requires volume controls that provide a gain up to at least 20 decibels and an intermediate gain of 12 decibels, and have an automatic reset. ADAAG 4.31.5 requires a gain between 12 to 18 decibels, which can be greater if an automatic reset is provided. The advisory committee recommended increasing the gain to 20 decibels and to require an automatic reset. The Board has revised the requirement for consistency with accessibility guidelines the Board issued under section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which provides a similar requirement for other types of phones. In rulemaking on the Telecommunications Act Accessibility Guidelines, persons who are hard of hearing reported having trouble using public pay telephones because of inadequate receiver amplification levels. Many comments to the docket supported adjustable amplification ranging from 18-25 decibels of gain as proposed in that rulemaking. However, several telephone manufacturers cited the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1996, which requires the Federal government to make use of technical specifications and practices established by private, voluntary standards-setting bodies, wherever possible. The ICC/ANSI A117.1-1998 standard requires certain public pay telephones to provide 12 decibels of gain minimum and up to 20 decibels maximum and that an automatic reset be provided. In recognition of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act, this amplification level was specified in the Telecommunications Act Accessibility Guidelines even though information was received in that rulemaking indicating a gain of 25 decibels is not a problem for current telephone technology. The requirement in section 704.3 of the revised guidelines is consistent with both the ICC/ANSI A117.1 standard and the Telecommunications Act Accessibility Guidelines. Under the Telecommunications Act, the Board intends to publish a market monitoring report. Should this market monitoring report show that persons who are deaf or hard of hearing continue to report having trouble using telephones because the level of amplification is not high enough, the Board may revisit this issue in the future. Question 27: The Board seeks information from pay telephone manufacturers and providers on the time frame necessary to produce products that meet the proposed specifications for volume control. Question 28: Mute features on public pay telephones can increase audibility by temporarily disconnecting the telephone's microphone while the user listens through the earpiece so that background noise is not amplified through the earpiece. The Board seeks information on the feasibility and cost of equipping new and existing public pay telephones with a mute button. Comment is sought on whether such a requirement should be included in the final rule. ADAAG 4.31.5 requires telephones to be compatible with hearing aids. This is required for all wheelchair accessible telephones and 25% of all other public pay telephones. The Board has removed this requirement as unnecessary because telephones made in or imported into the U.S. are already required to be compatible with hearing aids as a result of the Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1988. The Board has added requirements for telephones with TTYs in 704.4 to address wheelchair access. ADAAG 4.31.9 does not specifically require that telephones with TTYs be wheelchair accessible. As revised, the operable parts of both the TTY and the telephone must be accessible as required in section [[Page 62274]] 309, which specifies accessible reach ranges. Knee and toe space for a forward approach is required below the TTY, and when in use, the touch surface of the TTY keypad must be between 30 to 34 inches from the floor. This height will provide access for both people who use wheelchairs and those who do not. All TTYs are required to be wheelchair accessible, although an exception is provided for TTYs at telephones located in cubicles equipped with fixed seats. Under this exception, which applies only to assembly occupancies, half the number of TTYs are not required to be wheelchair accessible. Question 29: Requirements for TTYs do not address the height of display screens. Due to the typical character size displayed, users must be in close proximity to the screen. The Board seeks information on TTY screen heights that are appropriate for people who use wheelchairs and for standing persons and whether the requirement for ATM display screens is appropriate for TTYs as well. The Board may include a specification for the height of TTY display screens in the final rule. ADAAG 4.31.9(3) recognizes portable TTYs as an alternative to those permanently affixed to telephone enclosures in certain limited situations as an ``equivalent facilitation.'' Like other examples of equivalent facilitation, this provision has been removed. 705 Detectable Warnings The technical criteria for detectable warnings are consistent with those in ADAAG 4.29 and those required on the boarding platforms of transit stations in ADAAG 10.3.1(8). Provisions have been added concerning boarding platforms that generally recognize alternative tactile surfaces equally detectable underfoot or other designs or technologies that provide equal or superior drop-off warning. Provisions originally reserved in ADAAG concerning doors to hazardous areas (4.29.3) and stairs (4.29.4) have been removed. Provisions pertaining to hazardous vehicular areas (4.29.5), reflecting pools (4.29.6), and curb ramps (4.7.7) that were suspended are not retained in the revised guideline. 706 Assistive Listening Systems Like ADAAG 4.33, the revised guidelines recognize acceptable types of assistive listening systems such as induction loops, infrared systems, FM and AM radio frequency systems, hard-wired earphones, and other equivalent devices. ADAAG 4.33.6 requires that seats served by assistive listening systems be within a viewing distance of 50 feet from the performance area and have a complete view of the performance area. The distance requirement has been removed since it may not be appropriate in certain types of assembly areas, particularly large stadiums and arenas. The Board has removed the requirement for a ``complete view'' of the performance area because this implies that certain seats can be designated for use with assistive listening systems, which contradicts the intent of the revised guidelines that such access be available at most seats in an assembly area. Two requirements have been added for receivers. Receivers must have a \1/8\ inch standard mono jack (or equivalent adapters where other jacks are provided) so that users can use their own cabling as necessary. Receivers required to be compatible with hearing aids (25%) must be neck loops since this type interfaces with hearing aid T-coils. The advisory committee recommended allowing the use of ``compatible headsets.'' The Board has not included this recommendation since such headsets, while technically compatible with hearing aids, are not usable or comfortable with all types of hearing aids. The performance of assistive listening systems is a concern among users. The quality and capability of systems largely determine the quality of sound transmission. Sound quality, internal noise, signal- to-noise ratio, signal strength, and boost vary among products. As a result, some systems do not adequately meet the needs of people who are hard of hearing. For example, the boost of some products may amplify sound adequately for people with mild hearing loss but not for those with profound hearing loss. Currently, there are no guidelines or standards for the performance of assistive listening systems. In the belief that standards should be developed to provide guidance in selecting products of sufficient quality and capability, the Board funded a study on assistive listening systems that was completed in 1999. Conducted by the Lexington Center, this project included a collection of information on assistive listening systems, a review of the state-of-the-art with respect to assistive listening systems, and a survey of consumers, service providers, dispensers and manufacturers to determine how effective assistive listening systems are at present and what the major problems, limitations, and complaints are regarding existing systems. With this information, the researchers developed objective means for specifying the overall characteristics of any assistive listening system, from sound source to listener's ear, to be able to predict how well the system will work in practice and to determine objective criteria for establishing guidelines or recommendations for the use of assistive listening systems in public places. Consumers, manufacturers, and installers identified signal quality as the primary issue of concern. A wide range of other concerns were also expressed: Consumers voiced concerns about appropriate system and receiver type, coupling alternatives, compatibility with aids, interference, availability and logistics of use, and maintenance; Manufacturers, installers, and providers identified component cost and quality, microphone utilization, pre-processing strategies, compatibility across multiple systems, field strength, and standardization and regulation as issues. Researchers have developed Speech Transmission Index software that can assess ALS signal quality on-site using a multi-media laptop computer. The program will be available next year as a download from the Board's website. The Lexington Center will also develop and distribute a series of technical assistance bulletins for consumers, facility operators, and installers outlining its research, findings, and recommendations. Question 30: Comment is sought on the appropriateness of these criteria for assistive listening systems and their inclusion as technical requirements in the revised guidelines. Specifications based on these criteria may be included in the final rule. 707 Automatic Teller Machines and Fare Machines Requirements for automatic teller machines (ATMs) and fare machines have been extensively revised and expanded to provide more specific guidance on access to such equipment for people with vision impairments. Substantive changes are proposed to requirements for ATMs in ADAAG 4.34 and for transit station fare vending machines in ADAAG 10.3.1(7). Question 31: While section 707 specifically addresses ``automatic teller machines'' and ``fare vending machines,'' the Board is considering covering all types of interactive transaction machines, such as point-of-sale machines and information kiosks, among others. Information is requested on any possible design conflicts between the requirements of this section and any specific types of interactive transaction machines. The final rule may be modified to specifically address [[Page 62275]] unique characteristics of certain types of interactive transaction machines. Clear floor space requirements in section 707.2 are consistent with ADAAG. Section 707.3 requires operable parts to comply with section 309, which also covers accessible reach ranges. ADAAG 4.34.3 requires this as well but also provides specifications on side reach ranges specific to ATMs only. This criteria establishes maximum reach heights ranging from 46 to 54 inches that are based on the depths of reach ranging from 10 inches to 24 inches. For consistency with the rest of the revised guidelines, these specifications have been removed and the basic reach range specifications in 309 are applied. The revised guidelines require that operable parts must be differentiated by sound or touch prior to activation. An exception in ADAAG 4.34.3 clarifies that, where alternate controls are provided that allow a function to be performed in a substantially equivalent manner, only the controls for that function are required to be accessible. This exception has been removed as unnecessary since redundant operable parts that are accessible are generally acceptable in all cases. New specifications are provided so that access to input and output devices is provided for people with vision impairments. These requirements provide clearer guidance than ADAAG 4.34.5 which requires instructions and all information for use to be ``accessible to and independently usable by persons with vision impairments.'' The arrangement and tactile qualities are standardized for uniformity to facilitate use by people with little or no vision. Section 707.4 specifies: The same degree of privacy of input provided for all users (707.4.1); Tactually discernable key surfaces raised at least \1/25\ inch from the surrounding surface with outer edges having a radius no more than \1/50\ inch (707.4.2); A minimum \1/8\ inch separation between keys with function keys separated from numeric keys by at least triple the distance of separation provided between numeric keys (707.4.3); Arrangement of numeric keys according to the standard 12- key telephone keypad, with the number five key designated by a single raised dot (707.4.4); A standard arrangement, tactile marking, and color coding of function keys so that the keys are provided in the following order (left to right or top to bottom) with the tactile markings and color indicated: enter or proceed key (raised circle/ green), clear or correct key (raised vertical line or bar/ black), cancel (raised ex/ red), add value key (raised plus sign/ blue), decrease value key (raised minus sign/ yellow) (707.4.5). Question 32: The Board seeks comment on the appropriateness of these specified colors, particularly for people who are color blind. Question 33: ATMs often reject input when maximum time intervals are exceeded. Users are at risk of having the ATM card withheld and may encounter additional transaction charges due to repeated attempts to access the machine. Should the Board include a specific requirement that would allow users to extend the maximum time intervals between transactions beyond the amount of time typically allotted? Where possible, responses should include information on the availability of technology and on any impacts, including costs, in complying with such a requirement. The Board may consider including such a requirement in the final rule. Section 707.5 covers output devices and requires: The same degree of privacy of output provided for all users (707.5.1); Transaction prompts within each operation and verification of all user input (707.5.2 and 707.5.3); Visual and audible operating instructions that are initiated by the user, that have an expedited process for experienced users, and that have orientation features for users unfamiliar with the physical features of the machine (707.5.4); Video display screens to be visible from a point 40 inches above the center of the clear floor space in front of the machine (707.5.6); Characters of video display screens to be in a sans serif font, to be at least \3/16\ inch high, and to contrast with the background, either light-on-dark or dark-on-light (707.5.6.2); Paper currency to be dispensed in descending order with the lowest denomination on top (707.5.7); and Providing options for receipts in print, audible format, or both (707.5.8). Consistent with ICC/ANSI A117.1-1998, sections 707.4.1 and 707.5.1 specify that the same degree of privacy of input and output is to be available to all individuals using the system, and 707.5.5 specifies that audible instructions are to provided through a standard audio mini jack (which would allow individuals to listen to the information through a headset or ear piece), a telephone handset, a wireless transmission system, or another mechanism, all of which ensure privacy. The Board anticipates that alternative privacy systems will be activated by individuals that require them. Furthermore, the Board assumes that ear pieces, headsets, or other types of receivers will be personal equipment provided by end users. Earpieces are very small and can be carried in a shirt pocket or change purse. Question 34: The Board seeks comment on whether ATM manufacturers or banks intend to provide customers who need audio output receivers for accessing audible output. In addition, the Board seeks to know if customers would or currently do carry receivers or if they view providing their own receivers as an unreasonable expectation. Question 35: The Board seeks information on the availability of ATMs that meet the output requirements of section 707.5 and the impact, including costs and technological difficulties, in developing new products that comply. Information is also sought on the practice of redeploying ATM equipment and the impact of the output requirements on this practice. Specifically, what is the average lifespan of an ATM and how often might a single ATM be redeployed? 708 Two-Way Communication Systems This section provides criteria for two-way communication systems where they are provided to gain admittance to a facility or to restricted areas within a facility. These systems must provide audible and visual signals so that they are accessible to people with vision or hearing impairments. Where handsets are provided, the cord must be at least 29 inches long so that access is provided for people using wheelchairs. These requirements derive from those in ADAAG 11.1.3 for judicial, legislative, and regulatory facilities. Captioning The Department of Justice Title III regulation addresses access to auxiliary aids and services. Section 36.303(a) (28 CFR Part 36) provides that ``[a] public accommodation shall take those steps that may be necessary to ensure that no individual with a disability is excluded, denied services, segregated or otherwise treated differently than other individuals because of the absence of auxiliary aids and services, unless the public accommodation can demonstrate that taking those steps would fundamentally alter the nature of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations being offered or would result in an undue burden, i.e., significant difficulty or expense.'' The term ``auxiliary aids and [[Page 62276]] services'' includes, ``qualified interpreters, note takers, computer- aided transcription services, written materials, telephone handset amplifiers, assistive listening devices, assistive listening systems, telephones compatible with hearing aids, closed caption decoders, open and closed captioning, telecommunications devices for deaf persons (TDD's), videotext displays, or other effective methods of making aurally delivered materials available to individuals with hearing impairments.'' The Board is aware that several means of providing captioning for movie theaters are available. This includes both open-captioned and closed-captioned access to the audio information presented in movies. One method for making movies accessible is a system that synchronizes captions and action by projecting reverse text images onto a wall behind an audience. The reverse text is then reflected by transparent screens at individual seats where movie goers can read the script on the screen and view the movie through the screen simultaneously. This type of auxiliary aid and others may require built-in features to make them usable. The Board is aware that other innovative methods of providing accessible communications will soon be available. Question 36: The Board is interested in more information about various types of captioning as it relates to the built environment. Building operators, managers, consumers, and manufacturers are requested to provide information about what technical provisions are necessary to include in ADAAG to facilitate or augment the use of auxiliary aids such as captioning and videotext displays. People who are deaf or hard of hearing are particularly invited to comment on the various options for providing captioning that would best facilitate effective communication. Where necessary, the Board may include provisions for conduit, electrical service, screen anchoring devices at seats, or other requirements that make providing accessible communication possible in the built environment. Convenience Food Restaurants Convenience food restaurants, otherwise known as fast food restaurants, often provide consumers the opportunity to order food from a drive through facility. These facilities usually require voice intercommunication. The Department of Justice has required restaurants to accept orders at pick-up windows when the communications system is not accessible to deaf, hard of hearing, or other people who are unable to use voice communication. Question 37: Should the Board require that convenience food drive through facilities provide accessible communications. If so, what means would provide the greatest access for a variety of people with disabilities? It has been suggested that an ATM type machine could substitute for voice communication systems currently used. Is such an application practical? Chapter 8: Special Rooms, Spaces, and Elements This chapter covers specific elements, rooms and spaces, including assembly areas, dressing, fitting, and locker rooms, medical care facilities, transient lodging, and detention and correctional facilities. Under the new format of the revised guidelines, scoping provisions contained in ADAAG for special occupancy sections have been relocated to Chapter 2. Only technical requirements not otherwise generally addressed are provided here for the rooms and spaces covered by this chapter. 802 Wheelchair Spaces and Designated Aisle Seats in Assembly Areas This section provides requirements for wheelchair spaces and designated aisle seats in assembly areas. Requirements for wheelchair space surfaces (802.2), width (802.3), depth (802.4), and approach (802.5) are substantively consistent with specifications in ADAAG 4.33, as recommended by the advisory committee. Consistent with a recommendation from the advisory committee, clarification has been added in 802.5 that access to any wheelchair space shall not be through more than one adjoining wheelchair space. Question 38: Current ADAAG does not expressly address the issue of overlap between wheelchair spaces and circulation routes. The Board is considering adding a provision in the final rule that would clearly prohibit circulation paths from overlapping wheelchair spaces. Comment is sought on whether such a provision should be included in the final rule. As recommended by the advisory committee, the exception in ADAAG 4.33.3, that permits wheelchair spaces to be clustered in seating areas with sight lines that require slopes greater than 5%, has been removed. The removal of this provision is not intended to prohibit the construction of traditional seating areas such as stadiums, bleachers and balconies. Section 802.7 requires that each readily removable companion seat be located ``next to and in the same row as each required wheelchair space'' so that there is ``shoulder-to-shoulder'' alignment between users of the wheelchair space and of the adjacent companion seat. This is a change from ADAAG 4.33.3 which requires companion seats to be fixed, as discussed in section 221.3 above. The Board also has added clarification on the location of such seats. Some entities have misinterpreted the phrase ``next to'' in the current ADAAG as permitting the placement of companion seating in a row in front of or behind the accompanying wheelchair space. Specifications for designated aisle seats in 802.8 are consistent with requirements in ADAAG 4.1.3(19)(a). Section 802.6 requires dispersion of accessible seating in assembly areas so as to provide individuals with disabilities seating choices that are comparable to those offered to patrons without disabilities. Specifically, in assembly areas with more than 300 seats, wheelchair spaces and designated aisle seats must be dispersed throughout the assembly area in a manner that ensures viewing angles and choices of admission prices that are comparable to those provided to other spectators. This does not represent a change from ADAAG 4.33.3. Where the minimum number of required wheelchair spaces or designated aisle seats is not sufficient to allow for complete dispersion in terms of the availability of all possible admission prices and viewing angles, 802.6 specifies criteria for dispersion in the following order of priority: admission prices, horizontal dispersion, and vertical dispersion. These criteria are intended to be consistent with Department of Justice (DOJ) interpretation of ADAAG 4.33.3 that wheelchair spaces be provided so that people with disabilities have ``a choice of admission prices and lines of sight comparable to those for members of the general public.'' Section 802.6.1 requires the dispersal of accessible seating by the price of admission, which means that wheelchair spaces and designated aisle seating must be provided in each price level where the ticket prices are distinguished by, or differ according to, the location of the seating. The advisory committee considered dispersion according to admission prices to be primarily an operational matter and recommended that it be removed. The Board believes that such dispersion is an important consideration in the design of assembly areas and the [[Page 62277]] location of accessible seating and has retained this provision. Assembly facility designers and people with disabilities have requested clarification of the current requirement that wheelchair spaces be dispersed. The Board has added requirements for horizontal and vertical dispersion. Subject to the scoping requirements shown in Table 221.2.1, wheelchair spaces and designated aisle seats must be located at each accessible level in the assembly area, and in each balcony or mezzanine that is located along an accessible route. Section 802.6.2 specifies that wheelchair spaces and designated aisle seats shall be located in a manner to provide viewing angles that are, in general, representative of the horizontal viewing angles that are provided to spectators who occupy non-accessible seats. In the past, wheelchair spaces were often located only at the ends of rows, where a few of the standard seats in a seating configuration would be removed and replaced with wheelchair spaces. This section clarifies that this practice is not permissible, and, instead, that wheelchair spaces must be provided in a variety of locations across the horizontal rows of seats. The requirement for vertical dispersion in 802.6.3 seeks to ensure equal treatment of people with disabilities in terms of the viewing distance from the performance area or playing field. Like all patrons, individual preferences vary among people with disabilities. The Board places significant value on having equal opportunity to select a viewing distance that satisfies individual requirements. However, in the past, many designs have not provided adequate choice of viewing distances. For example, first row seating may be desirable for a hockey game and less desirable for viewing car racing or a movie. The Board's regulatory assessment indicates that vertical dispersion could cost as much as $11 million for each ``large'' (50,000 seats) stadium or arena to provide vertical dispersion in uppermost decks. According to the regulatory assessment, ``in order to accommodate the additional dispersion required by this item, it is assumed that an upper deck concourse will be required for the facility. These large facilities generally have a lower deck, a middle deck (with suites and/or club level amenities), and an upper deck. The steep slopes used in the upper deck make it impractical to accommodate accessible routes with more than a minimal change in level up or down from the vomitory access point within the seating bowl. The dispersion requirement based on admission pricing, and the vertical dispersion requirement will generally require that a more substantial change in level be accommodated outside the seating bowl for the upper deck area. It is assumed that an additional concourse, of 50,000 square feet in area, will be used to provide access to the upper deck at an additional level.'' Question 39: Are there alternatives to constructing a secondary concourse that would provide vertical dispersion in upper decks of larger stadiums? Question 40: The Board places significant importance on providing individuals with disabilities with selections from a variety of vantage points to enjoy performances and sporting events. Are there conditions where vertical separation between wheelchair spaces is not desirable? Is there a point where increased distance does not improve accessibility or contribute significantly to equal opportunity? Question 41: Section 802.6.3 uses the term ``varying distances.'' Does the term ``varying distances'' provide sufficient guidance to allow designers and others to know when they have successfully met the criteria for compliance? If not, would it be preferable if a minimum separation between horizontal rows were specified? The Board is considering a change in 802.6 that would be more responsive to concerns that have arisen about the lack of dispersion of wheelchair spaces in some assembly areas. Specifically, the Board is concerned that dispersion has been inadequate in smaller facilities such as stadium-style cinemas. While the provisions of 802.9 requiring lines of sight comparable to those provided other spectators must be satisfied in all cases, dispersion is required only when the seating capacity exceeds 300. The Board is considering requiring that dispersion be achieved where fewer than 300 seats are provided. The Board is seeking comment on this point. Question 42: What would be the impact on small assembly facilities of a reduction in the number of seats triggering the dispersion requirement? The Board is particularly aware of the rapid pace of construction of stadium-style cinemas and seeks comment on whether a change in the dispersion requirement would adversely affect the construction cost of these facilities. What is the average number of seats provided per screen? Do cinemas provide more than one type of theater? For example, is it typical to provide a few larger theaters combined with a number of smaller theaters in a single facility? If so, what is the average size of smaller and larger theaters? Designers and operators of all types of assembly facilities are encouraged to comment on the impact of reducing the number of seats from 300 to 250, 200, or 150. If other trigger points are more reasonable, please provide recommendations and supporting data. People with disabilities are urged to provide comment on experiences that relate to the need, or lack of need, for greater dispersion in smaller assembly facilities. Is it possible that dispersion would be detrimental to the use and enjoyment of smaller facilities by people with disabilities? Common practice is to disperse wheelchair seats in a small space by providing wheelchair spaces at a cross aisle and in the rear of the assembly space. Would it be acceptable for up to one half of the wheelchair spaces to be provided in the last few rows of the assembly space for the purpose of providing vertical separation between wheelchair spaces? Section 802.9 restates the requirement in ADAAG 4.33.3 that individuals seated in wheelchairs be provided with lines of sight comparable to those provided to other spectators. The Board is aware that design professionals have expressed some uncertainty about how to measure their compliance with this requirement. Therefore, the Board is proposing to amend the guidelines to include specific technical provisions to assist design professionals to determine if the sight lines provided for people who use wheelchair spaces are comparable to those provided to others. These technical provisions address sight lines over both seated and standing spectators. Adherence to these technical provisions will help ensure that people who use wheelchairs are provided with an equal opportunity to view the performance or event held in the assembly area. Section 802.9.1 addresses the placement of wheelchair spaces in assembly areas where spectators are expected to remain seated during events. Section 802.9.1 provides that spectators seated in wheelchairs at events where people are expected to remain seated shall be provided with lines of sight to the performance area or playing field comparable to that provided to spectators in the seating area in closest proximity to the location of the wheelchair spaces, but not in the same row. Providing lines of sight for people who are seated in the wheelchair spaces that are comparable to nearest seats in the same seating area generally provides lines of sight for people with disabilities that are comparable to those provided to others in facilities such as stadiums or arenas where wheelchair [[Page 62278]] spaces are dispersed, because the dispersed locations provide the opportunity for people who use wheelchairs to select seats with a range of views of the performing area or playing field. Section 802.9.2 addresses assembly areas where people are expected to stand at their seats during events. The sight line that is required in 802.9.2 is one that is comparable to the sight lines provided to standing spectators (over other standing spectators) who are located in the seating area closest to the wheelchair spaces, but not in the same row as the wheelchair spaces. Stadium-style motion picture theaters comprise a type of assembly area that has become increasingly popular in the last several years. They provide the general public with sight lines to the screen that generally are far superior to those offered in traditional-style motion picture theaters. Stadium-style theaters provide improved viewing in one key way: they furnish an unobstructed view of the entire screen through the utilization of relatively high risers that furnish unobstructed viewing over the heads of the persons seated in the rows ahead. As stadium-style theaters are currently designed, patrons using wheelchair spaces are often relegated to a few rows of each auditorium, in the traditional sloped floor area near the screen. Due to the size and proximity of the screen, as well as other factors related to stadium-style design, patrons using wheelchair spaces are required to tilt their heads back at uncomfortable angles and to constantly move their heads from side to side to view the screen. They are afforded inferior lines of sight to the screen. The Board is aware of the Department of Justice's enforcement of 4.33.3 with respect to assembly areas with stadium-style seating. DOJ has stated that 4.33.3 requires that wheelchair areas be an integral part of any fixed seating plan, and be provided so that people with disabilities have lines of sight and a choice of admission prices comparable to those for other members of the general public. As applied to stadium-style theaters (where most seats are placed on tiers or risers to enhance viewing), DOJ has asserted in attempting to settle particular cases that wheelchair seating locations must: (1) Be placed within the stadium-style section of the theater, rather than on a sloped floor or other area within the auditorium where tiers or risers have not been used to improve viewing angles; (2) provide viewing angles that are equivalent to or better than the viewing angles (including vertical, horizontal, and angle to the top of screen) provided by 50 percent of the seats in the auditorium, counting all seats of any type sold in that auditorium; and (3) provide a view of the screen, in terms of lack of obstruction (e.g., a clear view over the heads of other patrons), that is in the top 50 percent of all seats of any type sold in the auditorium. The Board is considering whether to include specific requirements in the final rule that are consistent with DOJ's interpretation of 4.33.3 to stadium-style movie theaters. The Board also is considering whether to provide additional guidance on determining whether lines of sight are ``comparable'' in assembly areas, and specifically requests comment on the following issues. Question 43: The current proposal specifies that wheelchair locations provide sight lines that are comparable to those provided to the seats nearest the wheelchair locations but not in the same row. The Board is considering whether in assembly areas large enough to require dispersion it would be appropriate to mandate that: spectators seated in wheelchair spaces have lines of sight that are equivalent to or better than the lines of sight provided to the majority of spectators seated in the same class or category of seats, and spectators seated in wheelchair spaces have lines of sight that are equivalent to or better than the lines of sight provided to spectators seated next to the wheelchair spaces. For example, a wheelchair space in the club seat section of a stadium would have to provide a line of sight equivalent to or better than the line of sight provided to the majority of spectators in club seats of the same price, as well as provide a line of sight equivalent to or better than that provided to spectators seated next to the wheelchair space. A wheelchair space in a box seat of a theater would have to provide a line of sight equivalent to or better than the line of sight provided to the majority of patrons in box seats of the same price, as well as provide a line of sight equivalent to or better than that provided to spectators seated next to the wheelchair space. A wheelchair space in the $30 per seat section of an arena, where spectators are expected to stand at times during the event, would have to provide a line of sight over standing spectators equivalent to or better than that provided to the majority of standing spectators in the $30 section of the arena, as well as provide a line of sight equivalent to or better than that provided to spectators seated next to the wheelchair space. The Board requests comment on the relative merit of the current proposal, as applied to assembly areas where dispersion is required, and the alternative requirement described in this question. When the dispersion of wheelchair spaces is not required, (i.e., in small assembly areas) the placement of the wheelchair spaces in relation to other seating acquires greater significance because wheelchair users are not offered a choice of viewing angles. Therefore, in order to ensure equal opportunity for people who use wheelchairs in assembly areas in which dispersion is not required, it may be necessary for wheelchair spaces not only to provide lines of sight comparable to those provided to spectators seated in the same area, but also to provide lines of sight that are comparable to those provided for most of the other patrons in the assembly area. Consequently, the Board is considering specifying that wheelchair spaces in assembly areas, where dispersion is not required, must be located so that the lines of sight provided are comparable to (i.e., equal to or better than) the lines of sight provided to the ``majority'' of the patrons in the assembly area. Question 44: Should ADAAG specify that wheelchair spaces in assembly areas, where wheelchair spaces generally are not dispersed shall provide unobstructed lines of sight that provide a line of sight equivalent to or better than the line of sight provided for the majority of event spectators? 803 Dressing, Fitting, and Locker Rooms This section revises requirements for dressing and fitting rooms in ADAAG 4.35 and also specifically addresses locker rooms as well. Section 803.2 requires wheelchair turning space in accessible rooms. A portion of this space (6 inches maximum) can extend under partitions or openings without doors that provide toe clearance at least 9 inches high. A provision in ADAAG 4.35.2 that exempts rooms with curtained openings from the requirement for turning space has been removed so that a consistent level of access is provided in all types of dressing and fitting rooms. Benches are required to comply with criteria in section 903, which contains revised specifications for benches (see discussion below). Where mirrors are provided, ADAAG 4.35.5 requires that accessible rooms have full-length mirrors and provides minimum dimensions. As recommended by the advisory committee, this requirement has been removed because of the wide variation of room types covered by this section. In some cases, such as a large locker room, compliance with the ADAAG mirror specifications will not [[Page 62279]] ensure that a full-length mirror is usable from an accessible bench. Consistent with requirements for toilet and bathing facilities, criteria for accessible coat hooks and fold-down shelves have been added in section 803.5 and apply where such elements are provided. 804 Sinks, Kitchens, Kitchenettes, and Wet Bars This section derives from requirements for transient lodging facilities in ADAAG 9.2.2(7). However, under revised scoping in section 212, these criteria are applicable not only to transient lodging guest rooms but to other accessible spaces as well, such as employee break rooms. These requirements are consistent with ADAAG except that a forward approach to sinks is required whereas ADAAG 9.2.2(7) permits a parallel approach to sinks at guest room kitchens or kitchenettes. This revision allows a consistent level of access at sinks, since accessible sinks in other types of spaces are required to have a forward approach. 805 Medical Care Facility Patient or Resident Sleeping Rooms This section is based on requirements for patient bedrooms in ADAAG 6.3. Clarification is added in section 805.2 that required wheelchair turning space cannot extend beneath beds. Requirements for clear floor space on each side of beds has been revised to specify a parallel approach according to section 305, which is substantively similar to the requirement in ADAAG 6.3(3) for clear floor space at least 36 inches wide alongside beds. The advisory committee recommended a provision for accessible windows. The Board has relocated this requirement to section 230 so that it applies to other facility types as well. An exception in ADAAG 6.3(1) for entry doors to acute care hospital bedrooms has been relocated to scoping requirements for doors in 404.1 (Tables 404.2.4.1 and 2). 806 Transient Lodging Guest Rooms Requirements for accessible transient lodging guest rooms in ADAAG 9.2.2 and 9.3 are provided in this section. In accordance with the new format of the revised guidelines, scoping provisions contained in ADAAG for special occupancy sections have been relocated to Chapter 2. Section 806.2 addresses accessible guest rooms. Scoping for accessible routes, doors and doorways, storage, controls, and parking in ADAAG 9.2.2(2) through (6) are covered by general scoping provisions for such elements in Chapter 2. ADAAG 9.2.2(6) provides an exception for access to exterior spaces that allows a higher threshold or change in level where necessary ``to protect the integrity of the unit from wind/water damage.'' This exception, which requires alternate provisions of access, has been removed because the advisory committee was convinced that design solutions are available that allow access while preventing wind or water damage. Other revisions include: Clarification that clear floor space on each side of beds for a parallel approach according to section 305 is required, which is substantively similar to the requirement in ADAAG 9.2.2(1) for clear floor space at least 36 inches wide alongside beds (806.2.3); A new provision added by the Board that requires accessible vanity tops at lavatories in accessible guest rooms if vanity tops are provided in other guest rooms (806.2.4.1); Sinks in kitchens and kitchenettes are required to provide a forward approach (804.3 as referenced by 806.2.5); and Clarification that wheelchair turning space is required and that beds cannot overlap this space (806.2.6). The advisory committee recommended provisions for accessible windows in transient lodging facilities as well. The Board has relocated this requirement to section 230 so as to be applicable to other facility types as well. Section 806.3 covers accessible communication features in guest rooms. Like ADAAG 9.3, this section requires visual alarms and notification devices. A provision in ADAAG 9.3.2 recognizes the provision of outlets and wiring for portable devices as an ``equivalent facilitation.'' This provision, like others concerning equivalent facilitation have been removed as information that is advisory. Further, revisions to requirements for visual alarms in guest rooms in section 702.3.6 effectively prohibit the use of most portable alarms. Use of portable visual notification devices for incoming telephone calls and door knocks or bells, while not specifically recognized, are not specifically prohibited. ADAAG 9.4 requires that doors and doorways to inaccessible guest rooms provide a 32 inch minimum clearance. This requirement has been relocated to scoping for transient lodging guest rooms in section 224.1. ADAAG 9.5 has specific provisions for homeless shelters, halfway houses, transient group homes, and other social service establishments. In buildings not required to have elevators, an exception in ADAAG 9.5.1 states that common use amenities are not required to be accessible on inaccessible floors as long as one of each type of amenity is provided in common use areas on accessible floors. ADAAG 9.5.2 permits allowances for existing homeless shelters that are altered. The advisory committee recommended that these provisions be removed because special treatment of these types of facilities was not considered warranted. 807 Holding Cells and Housing Cells or Rooms This section provides requirements for cells or rooms required to be accessible in detention or correctional facilities or judicial facilities. The specifications are consistent with ADAAG 11.2.3 and 12.5. Consistent with provisions for medical care facilities and transient lodging, clarification has been added in section 807.2.1 that beds cannot overlap required wheelchair turning space. Benches, where provided, are required to comply with section 903 and visual alarms are subject to requirements in 702.3.6. Specifications for these elements have been revised for benches, as discussed at section 903, and for fire alarm systems, as discussed at section 702. Chapter 9: Built-In Furnishings and Equipment This chapter covers built-in furnishings and equipment. Provisions for seating at tables and counters, check-out aisles, and storage areas are provided. These requirements apply to a variety of facilities and effectively replace those in ADAAG 8 specific to library reading and study areas, check-out areas, card catalogs, magazine displays, and stacks. 902 Dining and Work Surfaces This section is consistent with ADAAG 4.32 in providing specifications for seating at dining and work surfaces, including dining counters covered by ADAAG 5.2. Clear floor space is required for a forward approach complying with section 306, which specifies clearances for knees and toes. (ADAAG 4.32.3 only specifies a knee clearance for the full depth for the clear floor space). Additionally, section 306 is different from ADAAG by increasing the permitted overlap of clear floor space from 19 to 25 inches. 903 Benches Requirements for benches derive from specifications for dressing and fitting rooms in ADAAG 4.35.4. Section 903.2 clarifies that the required clear floor space is to be positioned for a parallel approach ``to an end of the bench seat.'' Dimensions for the bench have been [[Page 62280]] revised to provide greater flexibility. The depth has been changed from 24 inches absolute to a range of 20 to 24 inches; the minimum width has been reduced from 48 to 42 inches. The advisory committee considered these changes helpful in allowing more flexibility in the size of benches without reducing access. The Board has added a requirement that back support be provided that extends vertically from a point no more than 2 inches above the bench to a height of at least 18 inches above the bench and that extends horizontally at least 42 inches. This requirement replaces the ADAAG requirement that the bench be installed on the wall. 904 Sales and Service Counters This section covers check-out aisles, point of sales and service counters, and food service lines. In section 904.2, clarification has been added that all portions of counters required to be accessible shall be adjacent to an accessible walking surface. Section 904.3 and 904.4 are consistent with requirements for check-out aisles and sales and service counters in ADAAG 7.2 and 7.3. Section 904.4 differs from ADAAG in that it does not distinguish between counters with cash registers and those without. Provisions in ADAAG 7.2(2) that recognize alternatives for counters without cash registers (access to auxiliary counters, folding shelves, etc.,) have not been included. ADAAG requirements basically presume a parallel approach to sales and service counters. The Board has included criteria for a forward approach as an alternative to a parallel approach. The Board also has added an exception for alterations where compliance would result in a reduction of the number of existing counters at work stations or existing adjacent mail boxes. In this case, an accessible counter at least 24 inches in length (instead of 36 inches for a parallel approach and 30 inches for a forward approach) is permitted. Section 904.5 covers food service lines and is consistent with requirements in ADAAG 5.5. A minimum height (28 inches) for tray slides has been added. This specification derives from the ICC/ANSI A117.1 standard. Section 904.6 requires that where counter or teller windows have security glazing to separate personnel from the public, at least one of each type must provide a method to facilitate voice communication. These specifications are based on those in ADAAG 7.2(3) as amended for State and local government facilities. However, in the revised guidelines, this requirement applies to all types of facilities where such glazing is provided at sales or service counters. 905 Storage Requirements in this section are substantively the same as those for storage in ADAAG 4.25 except for one change. ADAAG requires that storage hardware meet operating characteristics for controls. Section 905.4 requires compliance with all criteria for operable parts in section 309, which includes not only operating characteristics but clear floor space and height as well. Chapter 10: Transportation Facilities As in current ADAAG, chapter 10 is organized to cover one type of occupancy because there are a variety of requirements unique to transportation facilities. This chapter covers bus stops and terminals, rail facilities and stations, and airports. 1002 Bus Stops and Terminals This section is consistent with requirements in ADAAG 10.2 and no substantive changes have been made. 1003 Facilities and Stations Provisions in ADAAG 10.3 that apply to accessible routes have been removed because scoping for accessible routes in Chapter 2 (section 206) applies to transit facilities as well. This pertains to requirements in 10.3.1(1), (3), (7), (10) and (19). ADAAG 10.3 also covers ``intercity bus stations.'' This reference has been removed from 1003 because virtually all the remaining provisions are specific to rail stations. Intercity bus stations are considered adequately covered by the scoping and technical requirements of the other chapters. In addition, the following requirements have been removed: Minimum illumination levels at signage and uniform levels along routes (ADAAG 10.3.1(11)) for consistency since illumination levels in other facility types are not addressed; Placement of clocks in ``uniform locations throughout the facility or system'' (ADAAG 10.3.1(15)) since this provision lacks clarity for purposes of compliance; Criteria for escalator treads, including marking strips (ADAAG 10.3.1(16)) because they are more applicable to general safety than to accessibility; Transparent panels in elevator cars (ADAAG 10.3.1(17)) since this pertains to public security for everyone, not specifically to accessibility for people with disabilities; Specifications for counters (ADAAG 10.3.1(18)) because general scoping for sales and service counters in section 227 already covers them; and References to alterations to areas containing a primary function (ADAAG 10.3.3) which the Board considers unnecessary since this is addressed generally for alterations in section 202. Section 1003.2.2 requires signs to comply with section 703, which is considerably different from signage requirements in ADAAG 4.30 as discussed above. Section 1003.2.2.3 addresses informational signs and is consistent with ADAAG 10.3.1(6). However, an exception has been added that allows smaller characters where space for signs is limited. This revision was recommended by the advisory committee. Section 1003.2.3 addresses fare vending machines and gates. Fare vending machines are required to comply with section 707, which has been extensively updated as discussed above. ADAAG 10.3.1(7) provides criteria for gates at fare collection devices and requires compliance with the requirements for doors and also specifies that those that must be pushed open by people using wheelchairs must have a smooth continuous surface from 2 inches above the floor to 27 inches above the floor. The Board has retained the requirement for compliance with specifications for doors in section 404 but has removed the dimension criteria for push gates, as recommended by the advisory committee. Section 1003.2.4 requires detectable warnings at platform edges bordering drop-offs. A requirement for detectable warnings at track crossings in ADAAG 10.3.1(13) was removed at the advisory committee's recommendation. The Board has included several changes to this chapter. Section 1003.2.5 addresses the coordination in height between platform and vehicle floors. This is similar to ADAAG 10.3.1(9) except that clarification has been added that the vertical difference applies to ``all'' passenger car load conditions. ``Slow moving'' people mover systems as addressed in this provision have been defined as those with a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour, consistent with Board and Department of Transportation interpretations. Section 1003.2.6 requires TTYs at public pay telephones at transit facility entrances. The number of pay telephones at an entrance which triggers installation of a TTY has been reduced from four (which ADAAG 10.3.1(12) specifies) to one. Section 1003.2.11 requires accessible direct connections to other facilities. This is consistent with ADAAG 10.3.1(3) but has been clarified that the direct [[Page 62281]] connection, as opposed to a circulation path to another entrance, is required to be accessible, consistent with the original intent of ADAAG. Communication Section 1003.2.8 and 1004.3 require that where public address systems are provided to convey information to the public, a means of conveying the same or equivalent information to persons who are deaf or hard of hearing be provided. Like ADAAG 10.3.1(14) and 10.4.1(6), these provisions apply only to terminals, stations, airports and other transportation facilities. In addition, these provisions do not explicitly require electronic means of visible communication, even when public address systems are intended to be heard in remote areas of a facility. These provisions do not apply to messages that are not intended to be public, such as employee paging. Question 45: The Board seeks comment on whether additional provisions for an equivalent means of communication should be applied to facilities other than transportation facilities in the final rule. For example, captioning can be associated with electronic scoreboards in stadiums, public address systems at airports, and can convey announcements in other facilities that currently provide communication systems that are inaccessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. In addition, the Board is considering establishing more specific criteria for equivalent visual communication. For example, the Board may require that electronic signs be visible in the areas of the facility where public address systems are audible. To accomplish this, the Board may establish technical requirements for visible signs in the final rule. Commenters are requested to provide information, including technical specifications, regarding the various means of providing equivalent information that have been employed in all types of facilities, including transportation facilities and airports. What methods provide the most equivalent visual communication? Are there ``low tech'' methods that are equally effective for certain types of facilities given the customary circulation patterns or other features of the facility? The present rulemaking proposes to amend only the ADA (36 CFR Part 1191) and the ABA (36 CFR Part 1190) accessibility guidelines however, the Board is interested in obtaining certain key information that may assist in a future rulemaking to amend the Board's transportation vehicle guidelines (36 CFR 1192). Specifically, the Board is interested in technical information, including specifications for making train announcements, including station announcements and emergency announcements accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Question 46: What means are available for providing visual train announcements when audible announcements are provided? Platform Height Exception 2 to section 1003.2.5 Rail-to-Platform Height would permit the use of mini-high platforms, car-borne or platform-mounted lifts, ramps or bridge plates, or manually deployed devices where it is not operationally or structurally feasible to meet the plus-or-minus \5/8\ inch or 1\1/2\ inch vertical, or 3 inch horizontal platform-to- car gap requirements. For commuter and intercity rail, ``not operationally feasible'' usually means the track is also used by freight trains and the need to allow the passage of oversized freight precludes a high platform. The American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association (AREMWA) recommends a new platform height of 8 inches above top-of-rail. This height allows for freight passage while reducing the height of the first step of a rail car above the platform. Often a potable step stool is used to make up the height difference between a lower platform and the first step. Negotiating such a step can be difficult for ambulatory passengers, especially since handrails are usually not available. Also, requiring the 8-inch height would reduce the vertical travel distance for a lift. Question 47: Should the final rule require that new platforms for commuter or intercity rail stations have a height of 8 inches above top-of-rail? 1004 Airports Section 1004 provides requirements for airports consistent with ADAAG 10.4. As with requirements for rail stations in 1003, provisions for accessible routes have been removed as unnecessary due to general scoping requirements in section 206. This pertains to requirements in ADAAG 10.4(1), (2), (3), and (5). In addition, a requirement for placement of clocks in uniform locations in ADAAG 10.4(7) has been removed. Chapter 11: Residential Facilities The Board has included requirements for accessible dwelling units in the revised guidelines. The technical requirements of this chapter derive from updated guidelines for residential facilities contained in the ICC/ANSI A117.1-1998 standard. These requirements represent an addition to ADAAG, which currently does not address such facilities. Under the ADA, the Department of Justice determines the application of the guidelines to residential facilities. This chapter also serves to update requirements for dwelling units in the minimum guidelines for federally funded facilities upon which UFAS is based. Section 1102 covers accessible dwelling units and provides requirements for entrances, elements of accessible routes, private residence elevators, laundry equipment, toilet and bathing facilities, kitchens, windows, and storage facilities. Substantive changes from the ICC/ANSI A117.1 standard include: Removal of an exception for exterior sliding doors that would permit a maximum `` inch threshold instead of the \1/3\ inch maximum otherwise specified (1102.5); Addition of a requirement that private residence elevators meet the ASME/ANSI A17.1 safety standard (1102.7); Revision of inside elevator car dimensions to meet the clear floor space requirements in section 305 (1102.7.7); Addition of a requirement that, where removable base cabinetry is used below lavatories and kitchen work surfaces and sinks, the sides and back wall be finished (1102.11.3, 1102.12.3.1, 1102.12.4.1); and Addition of specifications for bottom-hinged ovens (1102.12.6.5.2). Section 1103 provides requirements for dwelling units with accessible communication features. Specifications in this section cover smoke detectors, fire alarms systems and visual appliances, doorbells, and entry communication systems. The Board has added requirements in section 1103.5 that doorbells provide a visible signal and that these visible notification devices, where located in sleeping areas, have a deactivation switch. Some designers or building owners may elect to provide visual alarms in more than one room. However, the visual signal is required to be provided in only one room so that building alarms are visible from within the dwelling unit. Once wiring is provided for a single visual signal in the dwelling unit, additional visual signals can be connected to the system when needed by an occupant. [[Page 62282]] Regulatory Process Matters Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review Congressional Review Act This proposed rule is an economically significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866 and has been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget. The proposed rule is also a major rule under the Congressional Review Act. The Board has prepared a regulatory assessment for the proposed rule. The regulatory assessment has been placed in the docket and is available for public inspection. The regulatory assessment is also available on the Board's Internet site (http://www.access-board.gov/ada-aba/regimpact.htm). The proposed rule revises and updates the accessibility guidelines for the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Architectural Barriers Act, and will ensure greater consistency and uniformity in the accessible design, construction, and alteration of buildings and facilities by the private sector, State and local governments, and the Federal government. The proposed rule is based largely on the recommendations of the ADAAG Review Advisory Committee, which consisted of representatives of the design and construction industry, the building code community, State and local governments, and people with disabilities. The regulatory assessment examines the impact of sections of the proposed rule that establish new requirements. Requirements currently contained in existing guidelines and regulations have not been considered in the regulatory assessment. The Board used several sources as a baseline to determine the impact of sections of the proposed rule that establish new requirements. These include the American National Standard A117.1-1998 for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, a consensus standard referenced by the model codes; the new International Building Code being developed by the International Code Council which is expected to widely be adopted by State and local governments; and industry practice. The Board has worked closely with the groups responsible for developing the A117.1-1998 standard and the International Building Code to harmonize the Board's guidelines and those codes and standards. As a result, the proposed rule, the A117.1- 1998 standard, and the International Building Code contain very similar provisions. For those sections of the proposed rule that are similar to the A117.1-1998 standard and the International Building Code, the Board has assumed no impact resulting from the proposed rule. Where the proposed rule differs from the A117.1-1998 standard, the International Building Code, and industry practice, the Board examined sections that are likely to have a measurable impact on the design and construction of buildings and facilities. Sections that are likely to have no or minimal impact were not included in the regulatory assessment. In all, 13 separate building elements or items were examined in the regulatory assessment. One of the items, accessible vending equipment, was determined to have no cost impact on further examination and is not included in the data summarized below. Table 1 lists the sections of the proposed rule that are expected to have an impact, the accessible elements required, and the unit cost for each element. Where an element is expected to result in an increase in space, the amount of space increase or the average cost for a square foot of space is listed. Table 1.--Building Element Costs: New Construction ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Section Accessible Element Unit Cost ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 203.2....................................... Employee Work Areas--Visual Alarms..................... $270 217.4.2.1, F217.4.2, F217.4.3............... TTYs................................................... 1,998 231.1, 708.1, 708.2......................... Two-Way Communication Systems--Visual Signals.......... 1,077 234.1.3, 1103.1, 1103.5, 1103.5.1........... Dwelling Units: Communication Features--Doorbell with 250 Visual Signal. 234.1.3, 1103.1, 1103.6..................... Dwelling Units: Communication Features--TTY Capability 264 at Site/Building/Floor Entry. 230.1....................................... Accessible Operable Windows--``Add-On'' Hardware....... 364 221.5....................................... Assembly Areas: ``Equivalent'' Vertical Access--3-Stop 61,794 Hydraulic Elevator. 802.6....................................... Assembly Areas: Dispersion of Wheelchair Spaces/ 14,213 Designated Aisle Seats--Platform Lifts. 221.3, 802.7................................ Assembly Areas: Wheelchair Space Companion Seats--6 1,315 Square Ft. Area Increase and Anchorings. 221.4.1, 221.4.2............................ Assembly Areas: Designated Aisle Seats on Accessible 204 Route--Average Cost Square Foot of Assembly Facility. 224.4, 806.3, 806.3.1, 702.3.6.............. Transient Lodging Guest Rooms--Visual Alarms........... 293 224.2, 806.3, 806.3.2, 704.3................ Transient Lodging Guest Rooms--Doorbell with Visual 263 Signal. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table 2 summarizes data for the building types that are expected to be affected by the sections in Table 1. Four building types are included: office building, hotel, multi-family dwelling unit, and stadium/arena. Stadium/arena is further examined by the size of the facility: large, medium, and small. With the exception of the large stadium/arena, the total cost for the accessible elements as a percentage of total construction costs is one-half percent or less for the various building types. Multiplex cinemas were considered also but were determined to have no cost impact. Table 2.--Building Type Costs: New Construction ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accessible elements Total cost for --------------------------------------------------------------- accessible Building type size, construction elements cost percentage of Number Cost construction cost ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office Building, 200,000 sq. ft., Employee Work Areas--Visual Alarm Appliances, $65,375 $66,452 $25,000,000. 250. Two-Way Communication Systems, 1............. 1,077 0.27% [[Page 62283]] Hotel, 150 guest rooms, Guest Rooms--Visual Alarms 63................ 18,459 $35,028 $8,000,000. Guest Rooms--Notification Devices, 63........ 16,569 0.44% Multi-Family Dwelling Unit, 800- Dwelling Unit--Doorbell with Visual Signals, 250 $514 1,000 sq. ft., $100,000. 1. Dwelling Unit--TTY Capability on Site/ 264 0.51% Building/Floor Entry System 1. Large Stadium/Arena, 50,000 ``Equivalent'' Vertical Access, 3 Elevators.. 185,382 $11,846,702 seats, $350,000,000. Dispersion of Wheelchair Spaces/Designated 11,000,000 3.4% Aisle Seats, 50,000 sq. ft., mezzanine in upper deck. Wheelchair Space Companion Seats, 501........ 661,320 Designated Aisle Seats in Accessible Route, No impact assumed. Medium Stadium/Arena, 20,000 ``Equivalent'' Vertical Access, 2 Elevators.. 123,558 $751,760 seats, $200,000,000. Dispersion of Wheelchair Spaces/Designated $56,852 0.38% Aisle Seats, 4 Lifts. Wheelchair Space Companion Seats, 201........ 265,320 Designated Aisle Seats on Accessible Route, 306,000 1,500 sq. ft.. Small Stadium/Arena, 11,000 seats ``Equivalent'' Vertical Access, 1 Elevator... 61,794 $236,740 $50,000,000. Dispersion of Wheelchair Spaces/Designated 28,426 0.47% Aisle Seats, 2 Lifts. Wheelchair Space Companion Seats, 111........ 146,520 Designated Aisle Seats on Accessible Route, No impact assumed. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As shown in Table 2, the regulatory assessment sampled a variety of types of assembly facilities. However, the regulatory assessment did not include facilities that have between 300 and 11,000 seats. The Board seeks information on what types of facilities have more than 300 and fewer than 11,000 seats. In addition, how many of each type of facility is constructed each year? None of the building types examined include TTYs or operable windows because either these elements typically are not provided in the building types; or if provided, these elements would be covered by the existing guidelines, the A 117.1-1998 standard, or the International Building Code. For instance under the existing guidelines (ADAAG 4.1.3(17)(c)(i)), public facilities are required to provide a TTY if an interior public pay phone is provided in a public use area of a building. Under the proposed rule, public facilities would have to provide a TTY on a floor when a public pay phone is provided on a floor. If public pay phones are provided in public facilities, it is assumed that they are usually located in the lobby area on the main floor and would be covered by the existing guidelines. The number of new facilities that would not otherwise be covered by the existing guidelines, the A 117.1-1998 standard, and the International Building Code and would have to provide TTYs under the proposed rule is assumed to be small. It is estimated that 50 additional TTYs would be provided annually at an aggregate cost of $99,900. The Board seeks comment on this estimate. Table 3 presents the annual costs of the accessible elements for the various building types examined. The total costs are estimated to be $88,360,726. These costs are for new construction only. Because of the widely varying conditions in existing buildings and facilities, it is not feasible to estimate the impact of the proposed rule where alterations occur. The extent of the impact of the proposed rule on an existing building or facility undergoing alteration will depend on the existing condition of the building with regard to accessibility, the extent of the work planned, and the technical feasability of compliance. Table 3.--Annual Costs for Building Types: New Construction ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Costs for Building type and number of new facilities accessible elements ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Office Building, 250.................................... $16,397,600 Hotel, 890.............................................. 31,174,920 Multi-Family Dwelling Unit, 800......................... 305,600 Large Stadium/Arena, 3.................................. 35,540,106 Medium Stadium/Arena, 5................................. 3,758,800 Small Stadium/Arena, 5.................................. 1,183,700 All Building Types...................................... 88,360,726 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Board has requested Federal agencies to review the impact of the proposed requirements in the Architectural Barriers Act guidelines on their leased facilities. The General Services Administration and other agencies report that they do not expect an impact on their leased facilities. The United States Postal Service (USPS) reports that it leases approximately 27,000 facilities, and of these approximately 3,000 new leases are negotiated annually for previously occupied facilities. USPS reports that it will have to provide van accessible parking spaces and accessible customer service counters, and upgrade its alarm systems when new leases are negotiated for previously occupied facilities. USPS estimates that these items will cost $10,000 per facility, or $30,000,000 annually. The proposed rule will ensure that buildings and facilities covered by the Americans With Disabilities Act and the Architectural Barriers Act are readily accessible to and usable by people with disabilities and provide them equal opportunity to participate in and use the activities, goods, benefits, programs, and services provided therein. The proposed rule should also facilitate the certification of State and local building codes by the Attorney General. Under the Americans With Disabilities Act, State and local governments may request the Attorney General to certify State and local building codes where those codes establish accessibility requirements that meet or exceed the Federal requirements. As discussed above, the Board has worked with [[Page 62284]] groups responsible for the A117.1-1998 standard and International Building Code to harmonize the guidelines and those codes and standards, which are expected to be widely adopted by State and local governments. As a result, it should be easier for State and local governments to have the Attorney General certify their building codes in the future. Architects, designers, owners, and other persons covered by the Americans With Disabilities Act also will find it easier to comply with these laws if State and local building codes are certified. Instead of having to review building and facility designs for compliance with both Federal requirements and State and local government requirements, persons can be reasonably assured that compliance with State and local requirements will satisfy Federal requirements. The Americans With Disabilities Act specifically provides that in any enforcement action, certification of a State and local building code by the Attorney General is rebuttable evidence that the code meets or exceeds Federal requirements. The proposed rule is expected to result in a greater degree of compliance with Federal requirements. Executive Order 13132: Federalism This proposed rule is issued to implement the Americans With Disabilities Act and the Architectural Barriers Act and will ensure that buildings and facilities covered by those laws are readily accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. Ensuring the civil rights of people with disabilities has been recognized as a responsibility of the Federal government. The Americans With Disabilities Act was enacted to provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against people with disabilities. Issuance of the proposed rule is consistent with the fundamental federalism principles set forth in Executive Order 13132. The Board is required by Federal statute to develop and maintain accessibility guidelines for building and facilities to serve as a basis for uniform accessibility standards adopted by other Federal agencies. In updating and revising the guidelines, the Board has utilized an advisory committee which represented the design and construction industry, the building code community, State and local governments, and people with disabilities. In addition to requesting public comments on the proposed rule, the Board will hold public hearings to give all interested persons ample opportunity to share their views regarding the rule with the Board. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act does not apply to proposed or final rules that enforce constitutional rights of individuals or enforce any statutory rights that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or disability. Since the proposed rule is issued under the authority of the Americans With Disabilities Act and the Architectural Barriers Act, an assessment of the rule's affects on State, local, and tribal governments, and the private sector is not required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. Regulatory Flexibility Act The Chair, on behalf of the Board, certifies pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that the proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. As discussed above under Executive Order 12866 and the Congressional Review Act, the Board has assessed the impact of the proposed rule on various building types. The proposed rule is expected to have an impact of one-half percent or less on new construction costs for the various buildings and facilities, with the exception of a large stadium/arena which does not qualify as a small entity. These impacts are described more fully in the regulatory analyses prepared for the proposed rule. Based on this, the Board expects that the proposed rule will have an economic impact, but not a significant economic impact, on small entities and therefore a regulatory flexibility analysis has not been prepared. Nonetheless, the Board is interested in the potential impacts of the proposed rule on small entities and welcomes additional comments during the rulemaking process on issues related to such impacts. List of Subjects 36 CFR Part 1190 Buildings and facilities, Individuals with disabilities. 36 CFR Part 1191 Buildings and facilities, Civil rights, Individuals with disabilities, Transportation. June I. Kailes, Chair, Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. For the reasons stated in the preamble, under the authority of 29 U.S.C. 792(b)(3) and 42 U.S.C. 12204, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board proposes to amend chapter XI of Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows: PART 1190--[REMOVED] 1. Part 1190 is removed. 2. Part 1191 is revised to read as follows: PART 1191--AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES; ARCHITECTURAL BARRIERS ACT (ABA) ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES Sec. 1191.1 Accessibility guidelines. Appendix A to Part 1191--Americans With Disabilities Act: Scoping Appendix B to Part 1191--Architectural Barriers Act: Scoping Appendix C to Part 1191--Technical Authority: 29 U.S.C. 792(b)(3); 42 U.S.C. 12204. Sec. 1191.1 Accessibility guidelines. (a) The accessibility guidelines for buildings and facilities covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act are set forth in Appendices A and C to this part. The guidelines serve as the basis for accessibility standards adopted by the Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation under the Americans with Disabilities Act. (b) The accessibility guidelines for buildings and facilities covered by the Architectural Barriers Act are set forth in Appendices B and C to this part. The guidelines serve as the basis for accessibility standards adopted by the General Services Administration, the Department of Defense, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the United States Postal Service under the Architectural Barriers Act. 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[[Page 62321]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.036 [[Page 62322]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.037 [[Page 62323]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.038 [[Page 62324]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.039 [[Page 62325]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.040 [[Page 62326]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.041 [[Page 62327]] Appendix B to Part 1191--Architectural Barriers Act: Scoping [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.042 [[Page 62328]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.043 [[Page 62329]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.044 [[Page 62330]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.045 [[Page 62331]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.046 [[Page 62332]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.047 [[Page 62333]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.048 [[Page 62334]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.253 [[Page 62335]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.049 [[Page 62336]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.050 [[Page 62337]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.051 [[Page 62338]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF 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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.240 [[Page 62527]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.241 [[Page 62528]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.242 [[Page 62529]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.243 [[Page 62530]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.244 [[Page 62531]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.245 [[Page 62532]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.246 [[Page 62533]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.247 [[Page 62534]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.248 [[Page 62535]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.249 [[Page 62536]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.250 [[Page 62537]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.251 [[Page 62538]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16NO99.252 [FR Doc. 99-29250 Filed 11-15-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8150-01-C