useability definition

[ADAguy]

Please clarify what you believe to be the meaning of the exemption "affects useability of the building"?

Why are AC reworks exempted from value calculations that trigger ADA barrier removal? Without AC how is a closed window environment useable?

Is only the value of the user operated controls (stats, new and or existing) then the basis for determining barrier removal?

If changeouts lead to reworks of equip curbs, flashing, reroofing, reframing of openings, does that value count?

 

[ICE]

Replacing HVAC is normal routine maintenance. How about replacing the roofing, an electrical service upgrade or painting and new carpet?

 

[mark handler]

ADAguy remember California has different requirements.

"Reworks exempted" to allow for building maintenance.

If they close the window, mechanical ventilation is required.

The installation of thermostats would not trigger upgrades to accessibility

Reroofing, patching the roof would not trigger upgrades to accessibility

Reread 1134B

 

[ADAguy]

Read 11B-202.4.7 - is AC (being upgraded to more efficient units) assummed to be inclusive of Tstats (controls, no?) which must comply and do affect the useability of the building, no?

 

[steveray]

"Without AC how is a closed window environment useable?"

The same way it is for millions of people that work and live without A/C........I don't get what you mean....

 

[Builder Bob]

ADAguy... show me in the codes where air conditioning is required.......... Only heat is required by the minimum of the codes.....thus the exemption for AC.

 

[mark handler]

If you put in new Thermostats they need to be accessible.

BUT

This does not trigger other accessibility requirements.

Replacing AC equipment does not trigger other accessibility requirements.

 

[ADAguy]

Understood and agreed that only the "controls" must be within reach reach ranges. And yes, codes only require fresh air and maintainence of a level of heat, therefore no AC required.

However when you/taxpayers, vote to spend $2.5 Bil to weatherize and approve energy effficiency on school sites not yet Access compliant, it is hard to justify to the disabled community.

 

[mtlogcabin]

However when you/taxpayers, vote to spend $2.5 Bil to weatherize and approve energy efficiency on school sites not yet Access compliant, it is hard to justify to the disabled community.

Personally I would never vote for such a Bill

It is easy to justify to the disabled. They are not as high on the priority list as the "climate change agenda" folks when it comes to spending other peoples money so the environmentalist can feel good about themselves.

Seriously AC modifications and upgrades usually does not require a "primary function" area to be altered therefore the exemption for including the cost in a remodel or alteration.

 

[ADAguy]

Replace single glazed windows with dual glaze, add window eyebrows, add solartubes? changeout doors and add weatherstripping?

 

[mtlogcabin]

Doors, door hardware and thresholds have to comply and would NOT be included in the cost because they have to comply with the accessibility regs