Access update newsletter [2013 : May, v.4 : no.3]

By Laurel W. Wright, Chief Accessibility Code Consultant, NC Deptof In^OSFM (919) 661-5880 Ext 247 Laurel.Wright@ncdoi.gov NC ACCESSIBILITY CODE 2012 NC Bldg Code Ch. 11 2009 ICC/AN9 A117.1 Mandatory: ljun2012 Click here TO SIGN UP FOR THIS E-MAIL Newsletter or scan THIS WITH YOUR SMART phone: Which is Correct: 36" or 48"? 2010 ADA Standards: • Mandatory 3/15/12 • Copy available: www.ada.gov Individual highlights NCBC 1104 2 PEVChra 3ns 2 ANSI 603.2.2 Dr Swings 3 New FHA Regmts 3 ANSI 604,9.3.1 Sails 4 ANSI 505.7 Handrails 4 NORTH CAROUNA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE ©SFM So many designersare quick to pickup ANSI A117.1 to design a building nowadays- and thatisa wonderful thing - but even though Easter is past, there isalwaysthe issue ofwhich comesfirst: the chicken or the egg. In thisparticularcase, the issue concemsan exterior path of travel. AN9 403.5 states: The clearwidth ofan accessible route shall be 36 inches minimum. But what does the building code say? Many designers look in NCBC Ch. 10 immediately for minimum egresswidth along stairs (not less than 44 inches - NCBC 1009.1); means of egress stairs(a clearwidth of 48 inches- NCBC 10073); oriamps(clear width between hand rails. .shall be 36 inches minimum - NCBC 10103.1). So, what are remembered are the AN9 how-to -do -it and the NCBC egress requirements. What is forgotten is the access requirement in NCBC Ch. llthathasbeen around fora decadesin NC I NCBC 1104.1 and 1104.2 both require an exterior path of travel that is48'' between handrails. This requirement is more restrictive and will allow for sufficient width fora person walking with a guide dog, a person walking assisting another person, ora non¬ typical-sized mobility device. Are Churches required to be Accessible? Q: We have an accessibility inspection question in ourcounty. Do new chureheshave any exemptionsto the accessibility code? Will they have to meetall accessibility codes requirements, such ashandicap ramps etc? We were told by a contractorthatchurches are exsmpt in some a tea sin the accessibility codes We are unaware if there are any exemptions We do know that NCBC 110833 does apply to the platform area orpulpit area where the choirorpastormay be. A: Underthe 2010 A DA Standards, religiousentitiesare exemptfrom accessibility requirements However, religiousentitiesare not exemptfrom the NC Building Code. This meansthat whenever a building permit isrequired, churchesand religiousentitiesare required to comply with all portionsof the NC Building Code, including the accessibility requirements In NCBC Chapter 11 fornew work ora Iterations. NCBC 1108.2.8 isapplicable foraccessto the platform area. NCBC 1007.2a Iso anniincfnronnaccfmmt-ho nbifnim However, access is not required to a Baptisteiy orto a pulpit area that accommodatesonly a single person. It does stll have to comply with NC Building Code requirements. Sketches are typically submitted by the individual asking the question and mayor may not be code-complying. Please refer to them for what the Q + A references