Dispersion of wheelchair locations in church sanctuary

[Yikes]

2013 California Building Code 11B-221.2.3 requires both horizontal and vertical dispersion for wheelchair spaces in assembly occupancies, including churches. (CBC copied the ADA language, but also makes it apply to religious facilities.) Is there an objective measure of what qualifies as “dispersion?”

I have a co-worker who is designing a church sanctuary, and according to the calcs, it needs at least 1 wheelchair space in the balcony to meet the definition of vertical dispersion. The building official is telling us that the single wheelchair-accessible spot also needs to be in the EXACT middle of the balcony cross aisle. If we put it more than 2 feet to the east, then we need to add a second wheelchair spot 2 feet to the west to meet the definition of horizontal “dispersion” for the balcony (which is also a vertical dispersion). Does this sound right to you?

 

[Fort]

No, it does not sound right.

Where does it say you have to be exactly anywhere?

11B-221.2.3 "In providing lines of sight, wheelchair spaces shall be dispersed. Wheelchair spaces shall provide spectators with choices of seating locations and viewing angles that are substantially equivalent to, or better than, the choices of seating locations and viewing angles available to all other spectators."

The intent is to provide choices for lines of sight.

If one seat to the left has no impact to line of sight as compared to the exact middle, then it is fine, it meets the intent.

By the way, how many total seats in the assembly area?