CBC 11B-403.5.1: what makes a route an "exterior" walk?

[Yikes]

ADAS 403.5.1for Accessible Routes says the clear width of walking surfaces shall be 36" minimum.
CBC 11B-403.5.1 modified this by adding exc. 3 which says "the clear width of sidewalks and walks shall be 48" minimum".
CBC 202 defines a Walk as "an EXTERIOR prepared surface for for pedestrian use, including pedestrian areas such as plazas and courts".

In the photo example #1 below, is the path shown with the red arrow considered an EXTERIOR walk? The space is unconditioned, open parking garage, but the accessible route is fully protected from direct rain. What defines the word "exterior", such that an accessible route width must increase from 36" to 48"?

Example 1:


Bonus question - Example #2:
This is also covered. Is this an EXTERIOR walk? If your answer is different than #1, what made the difference?

 

[Joe.B]

Interesting question, I think I would define them both as exterior walks. Assuming they are both considered part of an accessible route, I looked at that definition.

ACCESSIBLE ROUTE. [DSA-AC & HCD 1-AC] A
continuous unobstructed path connecting accessible
elements and spaces of an accessible site, building or facility
that can be negotiated by a person with a disability using
a wheelchair, and that is also safe for and usable by persons
with other disabilities. Interior accessible routes may
include corridors, hallways, floors, ramps, elevators and
lifts. Exterior accessible routes may include parking access
aisles, curb ramps, crosswalks at vehicular ways, walks,
ramps and lifts.

That last sentence there is what makes me lean towards "exterior walk" for both scenarios you present.

 

[Yikes]

Exterior accessible routes may include parking access
aisles, curb ramps, crosswalks at vehicular ways, walks,
ramps and lifts.

That last sentence there is what makes me lean towards "exterior walk" for both scenarios you present.

I hear you, and appreciate the considerate response. I haven't read and archived "statement of reasons" that made California decide to make exterior accessible routes wider than interior accessible routes.
But a parking access aisle could be truly located in an interior space, a fully enclosed and even heated parking garage, as I've seen in some cold-weather climates; or it could be open-to-the-sky. So I'm not yet sure I've found the rationale for needing the extra 12", that would provide additional discernment on code intent.
I was also looking at CBC 202 definitions related "exterior" and found this:

[BF] Exterior Surfaces: Weather-exposed surfaces.
[BF] Exterior Wall Envelope A system or assembly of exterior wall components, including exterior wall covering materials, that provides protection of the building structural members, including framing and sheathing materials, and conditioned interior space, from the detrimental effects of the exterior environment.​

Based on that, I'd say Example #2 is definitely exterior, because wind blown rain and snow could affect it. Example #1? Not so sure.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

ADAS 403.5.1for Accessible Routes says the clear width of walking surfaces shall be 36" minimum.
CBC 11B-403.5.1 modified this by adding exc. 3 which says "the clear width of sidewalks and walks shall be 48" minimum".
CBC 202 defines a Walk as "an EXTERIOR prepared surface for for pedestrian use, including pedestrian areas such as plazas and courts".

In the photo example #1 below, is the path shown with the red arrow considered an EXTERIOR walk? The space is unconditioned, open parking garage, but the accessible route is fully protected from direct rain. What defines the word "exterior", such that an accessible route width must increase from 36" to 48"?

Example 1:
View attachment 15700

Bonus question - Example #2:
This is also covered. Is this an EXTERIOR walk? If your answer is different than #1, what made the difference?
View attachment 15701

#1 is inside a parking garage. Not exterior.

#2 is a sidewalk with a canopy. I would consider that to be exterior.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Couldn't rain dripping off and snow falling off the cars make the parking garage floor weather exposed?

 

[arwat23]

#1 is hard to say. I see an argument for both. In this specific photo, I'd probably consider it interior. Got nothing in code to back that up, just my personal opinion.

#2 I would consider exterior, no question.

My thoughts on this are kind of arbitrary, but if it's in a structure (surrounded by solid or mostly solid walls on all sides and a roof) then it's interior. If it has no roof or has walls on three or fewer sides, then it's exterior. Not even close to a perfect solution, but that's my starting point.