Places of worship "Riser" heights at stage/ platform

[Question That]

Any exceptions for riser height for "steps"/ kneeling areas at "platform" and or "stage". Choir area rise for site lines?
Also the steps, landings, leading up to and down into a baptistery pool?
Any special code allowances/ exceptions for areas such as these?

 

[bill1952]

I believe yes in a choir area with tiered seating, for sightlines. Same as exceptions for aisles.

I've never heard of exceptions for stages and platforms, though have seen more than a few non-compliant stairs to stages and platforms, and a lot of missing handrails.

Baptistries I've worked on comply with 7/11, and I think all are accesible in some fashion. I can imagine a lot don't comply.

 

[Question That]

I believe yes in a choir area with tiered seating, for sightlines. Same as exceptions for aisles.

I've never heard of exceptions for stages and platforms, though have seen more than a few non-compliant stairs to stages and platforms, and a lot of missing handrails.

Baptistries I've worked on comply with 7/11, and I think all are accesible in some fashion. I can imagine a lot don't comply.

Thanks for the interest Bill. Still working through this.....

 

[bill1952]

The design and construction of buildings with assembly seating is all I did for 40 years until (almost) retiring, consulting for architects and owners. No problem commenting.

I will suggest that if you have not designed this type of building previously, there are not retired consultants who specialize in this.

 

[Question That]

Thanks Bill for your insight and suggestion.... I can tell from your other post in my other thread that you're obviously an expert in this arena. 40 years. Wow!
This particular church is a small church.... around 7000 sf for area where sloped floor needs to be considered. May or may not even be worth doing and building committee is going to balk at additional expense. Part of the reason for considering the sloping floor is to get down to a lower finish floor elevation to tie into an existing church building on site. Difficult site.

 

[Paul Sweet]

A lot of stock fiberglass baptistries still have 8" risers.

 

[Question That]

Paul- I was noticing that. Wondering how they get around the code.....

 

[Paul Sweet]

Some building officials might not consider it a great danger since there are usually only 2 people in a baptistry and they are careful going in and out, and consider it equivalent to alternative means of egress from certain areas without making the applicant request a code modification. Others will enforce the letter of the code as strictly as they can.