accessible route to existing vs. new

[Mr. Inspector]

Alterations being done to 2nd floor meeting room in a two story use A-3 building less than 3,000 sq. ft.. First floor is accessible and has restrooms.. Using 2012 IBC. 3411.7 says they need an accessible route that shall include an accessible route to rest rooms (with the 20% rule). If this was a new building they would not need the 2nd floor accessible route per 1104.4 because the 2nd floor is under 3,000 sq. ft. and 2902.3.2 says you don't need to have restrooms on the 2nd floor.

I'm I reading this right. If the building was new the 2nd floor doesn't need to be accessible (and not rest rooms) but a existing building does (with an accessible route to restrooms) when alterations are being done.

 

[Builder Bob]

I am afraid that the alteration would require accessible enhancements to be made.....

 

[mark handler]

All new work needs to be accessible

Spend twenty percent on updating access in/to the restrooms, that is the intent of the twenty percent section.

 

[ADAguy]

This would consist of verifying compliance of handrails, presence of contrasting stripes at top and bottom tread nosings, signage on restroom (and other floor doors) doors (if they are accessible, if not spend up to 20% to make them so)

Not all disabled folks need wheelchairs but may still derive benefits from accessible RR's.

 

[steveray]

3411.3 Extent of application.

An alteration of an existing facility shall not impose a requirement for greater accessibility than that which would be required for new construction. Alterations shall not reduce or have the effect of reducing accessibility of a facility or portion of a facility.

This may also go back to our DF thread.....

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Where is the DF thread?

 

[mtlogcabin]

PRIMARY FUNCTION. A primary function is a major activity for which the facility is intended. Areas that contain a primary function include, but are not limited to, the customer service lobby of a bank, the dining area of a cafeteria, the meeting rooms in a conference center, as well as offices and other work areas in which the activities of the public accommodation or other private entity using the facility are carried out. Mechanical rooms, boiler rooms, supply storage rooms, employee lounges or locker rooms, janitorial closets, entrances, corridors and restrooms are not areas containing a primary function.

3411.7 Alterations affecting an area containing a primary function.

Where an alteration affects the accessibility to, or contains an area of primary function, the route to the primary function area shall be accessible. The accessible route to the primary function area shall include toilet facilities or drinking fountains serving the area of primary function.

Is the "meeting" room a primary function of the facility or just for convenience? That is the first question to answer. If it is then 3411.7 is applicable. However 3411.7 is not requiring an accessible route be installed between floors or a restroom be installed on the upper level. The items mentioned by ADAguy would be applicable.

If it is not a primary function of the

 

[steveray]

Where is the DF thread?

The other thread where we were talking about removing a drinking fountain....Sorry for not being clear on that....

Codewise....you need nothing more than would be required as building it new...Pretty clear in 3411.3....ADA I will leave to those experts.....

http://www.thebuildingcodeforum.com/forum/accessibility/13505-single-df-w-bottle-filler-vs-hi-lo.html Is the DF thread....and...."Alterations shall not reduce or have the effect of reducing accessibility of a facility or portion of a facility." from 3411.3 becomes a problem if you remove an accessible element...

 

[ADAguy]

Rick,

See Single DF with bottle filler thread

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Thanks I got my answer from steveray, thanks. mtlogcabin, you can have more than one primery function in a building. All four meeting rooms, two on first floor and two on 2nd floor are primery functions.

 

[steveray]

They still need to satisfy 3411.7 if it is the primary function unless they are already 100%....Start at the parking lot and work your way in....Something is non compliant........