The Interior Design Reference & Specification Book

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THE INTERIOR DESIGN REFERENCE + SPECIFICATION BOOK

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Chapter 8: Code and Accessibility

Building codes and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are the two basic stan-

dards with which the interior designer needs to comply. The building code is speci-

ed by the jurisdiction in which a project will be built. These codes can be dened

by a state, county, township, or city and are typically based on a national model

such as National Building Code (BOCA), International Building Code (IBC), Interna-

tional Residential Code (IRC), and Uniform Building Code (UBC). The main focus of

these codes is to secure the public’s life safety. Codes are frequently amended,

and designers need to know which edition the jurisdiction is adhering to during the

permitting timeframe of a specic project.

ADA was passed in 1990 to secure civil rights protections for people with disabili-

ties. Unlike the building code, ADA includes design guidelines and requirements

based on the principle of equality for people with disabilities. Compliance with the

building code thus does not mean compliance with ADA, and vice versa. ADA is

the national accessibility code, and as with the building code, jurisdictions have

interpretations of the guidelines that are specic to the governing municipality. It is

reasonable to assume that these guidelines are written for public facilities and not

for private use.

The terminology of the building code and accessibility guidelines are not always the

same. While interpreting a code or guideline, it is important to reference the correct

denitions.

KEY TERMS AS DEFINED BY ADA

Access Aisle: Accessible pedestrian space

between elements such as parking spaces,

seating, or desks that provides appropriate

clearances per the ADA guidelines.

Accessible: Site, building, facility, or portion

thereof that complies with the ADA guide-

lines and that can be approached, entered,

and used by persons with disabilities.

Accessible Route: Continuous, unobstructed

path connecting all accessible elements and

spaces within or between buildings or facili-

ties. Interior accessible routes may include

corridors, oors, ramps, elevators, lifts, and

clear oor space at xtures.

Accessible Space: Space that complies with

ADA regulations and can be used by persons

with disabilities.

Adaptability: Ability of certain buildings,

spaces, and elements (e.g., kitchen coun-

ters, sinks, grab bars) to be added to or

altered so as to accommodate the needs of

persons with or without disabilities or with

different types of degrees of disability.

Adaptable:

sible to, functional for, and safe for use by

persons with disabilities without structural

change.

Area of Rescue Assistance:

access to an exit, where people who cannot

use stairs may remain temporarily in safety

to await further instructions or assistance

during an emergency evacuation.

Automatic Door:

power-operated mechanism and controls

that open and close the door automatically.

The switch that begins the automatic cycle

may be a photoelectric device, oor mat, or

manual switch.

Bathroom:

spaces that contain a toilet, sink, and bath-

tub or shower.

Change of Use:

from a private to a public one.

Clear:

Clear Floor Space:

oor or ground space required to accom-

modate a single, stationary wheelchair and

occupant. Unless otherwise stated, the

dimensions of clear oor space shall be

by

Common Use:

exterior rooms, spaces, or elements that are

made available for the use of a restricted

group of people.

Detectable Warning:

feature built into or applied to walking sur-

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