Scoping Section of the Florida Building Code Accessibility (Section 201)
201.1 Scope
The Florida Building Code Accessibility section establishes the standards for ensuring accessibility to public accommodations and commercial facilities for individuals with disabilities. This section applies to:
- Public and Commercial Facilities:
- All new or altered public and private buildings and facilities, including those that are places of public accommodation and commercial facilities.
- State and Local Government Facilities:
- These facilities are included under this code as per Section 553.503, Florida Statutes (F.S.).
- Private Clubs:
- Accessibility requirements also extend to private clubs as governed by Section 553.505, F.S.
- Residential Buildings:
- Residential buildings must comply with accessibility standards as outlined in Section 553.504(2), F.S., and the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
This section highlights that any building or facility being newly designed, constructed, or altered must meet the standards outlined in the ADA Standards for Accessible Design. This includes not just new construction but also any conversions of buildings from residential to nonresidential or mixed-use.
201.1.1 Vertical Accessibility
Vertical accessibility is a key requirement in Florida, meaning that all levels of a building, structure, or facility must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. This requirement is more stringent than the ADA Standards, as it mandates accessibility even where the ADA does not require elevators. There are, however, some exceptions:
- Exemptions:
- Non-occupiable Spaces: Such as elevator pits, mechanical rooms, and maintenance platforms.
- Small Occupiable Spaces: Rooms not open to the public with occupancy limited to five persons or fewer, like control rooms.
- Specific Areas in Theaters or Stadiums: When compliant with certain ADA sections.
- Play and Recreation Areas: If compliant with Chapter 10 of the Florida Building Code.
- Exempt Employee Areas: As specified in ADA Section 203.9.
- Other Exempt Facilities: As outlined in Section 203.
- Compliance Requirement:
- All areas that do not fall under these exemptions must comply with the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
201.2 Application Based on Building or Facility Use
If a building or site includes multiple uses, each portion must comply with the specific accessibility requirements applicable to that use.
- Commercial Facilities in Private Residences:
- When a commercial facility or public accommodation is located within a private residence, only the portion used for commercial purposes must comply with accessibility requirements. This includes access routes like sidewalks, entryways, and any area used by customers or employees.
201.3 Temporary and Permanent Structures
Accessibility requirements are not limited to permanent structures; they also apply to temporary buildings and facilities. These include temporary classrooms, stages, platforms, and other similar structures. However, structures and equipment directly involved in construction processes are exempt from these accessibility requirements.
201.4 Scope of Coverage
This section clarifies that the code applies to fixed or built-in elements of buildings, structures, site improvements, and pedestrian or vehicular routes on a site. Advisory notes and appendices within the code are provided to explain or illustrate the requirements but are not enforceable themselves.
Key Takeaways:
- The Florida Building Code Accessibility section is comprehensive and ensures that both new and altered public and private facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
- Vertical accessibility is a particularly stringent requirement in Florida, demanding that all levels of a building be accessible, with limited exceptions.
- The code’s reach extends to temporary structures and specific areas within private residences used for commercial purposes, ensuring widespread accessibility across different types of facilities.
