Understanding Chapter 2 Scoping Requirements in the 2010 ADA Standards

Before diving into the technical details of accessibility, it's essential to know what elements need to be accessible in the first place. That's where Chapter 2 of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (ADAS) comes in - it provides the crucial "scoping requirements" that tell us what must be accessible and in what quantity.

What Are Scoping Requirements?

Scoping requirements specify "what" or "how many" elements must be accessible. They work hand-in-hand with the technical requirements found in Chapters 3-10, which detail "how" to make these elements accessible. Think of scoping as answering "which ones?" while technical requirements answer "in what way?"

As stated in Section 201.1: "All areas of newly designed and newly constructed buildings and facilities and altered portions of existing buildings and facilities shall comply with these requirements". This establishes the fundamental principle that accessibility is required throughout facilities unless specifically exempted.

Key Scoping Topics in Chapter 2

Application and Exceptions (§201-§203)

Chapter 2 begins by establishing its broad application. Section 201.2 specifies: "Where a site, building, facility, room, or space contains more than one use, each portion shall comply with the applicable requirements for that use". This means mixed-use facilities must meet all relevant accessibility requirements for each function.

Not everything requires accessibility, however. Section 203 provides general exceptions, including:

·       Construction sites (§203.2)

·       Raised areas used primarily for security or life safety (§203.3)

·       Limited access spaces (§203.4)

·       Machinery spaces (§203.5)

·       Single occupant structures with below-grade or elevated access (§203.6)

Accessible Routes (§206)

Perhaps the most fundamental element of accessibility is providing accessible routes throughout a facility. Section 206.2.1 establishes that "at least one accessible route shall be provided within the site from accessible parking spaces and accessible passenger loading zones; public streets and sidewalks; and public transportation stops to the accessible building or facility entrance they serve".

An important principle is established in Section 206.3: "Accessible routes shall coincide with or be located in the same area as general circulation paths". This prevents the creation of segregated "accessible only" routes that separate people with disabilities from the general public.

Parking Spaces (§208)

Accessible parking requirements are based on the total number of parking spaces provided. For example, Section 208.2 establishes the minimum number required, while 208.2.4 states: "For every six or fraction of six parking spaces required by 208.2 to comply with 502, at least one shall be a van parking space complying with 502".

Employee Work Areas (§203.9)

While employee areas need not be fully accessible, Section 203.9 requires "common use circulation paths within employee work areas shall comply with 402" when the work area is 1,000 square feet or more. At minimum, employee work areas must have accessibility features for "approach, entry, and exit".

Assembly Areas (§221)

For theaters, auditoriums, and similar spaces, Section 221 provides detailed scoping for wheelchair spaces, companion seats, and designated aisle seats. It requires that "wheelchair spaces shall be provided in assembly areas with fixed seating" according to a table based on the total number of seats.

Medical Care Facilities (§223)

In healthcare settings, Section 223.1 requires that "hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, psychiatric facilities and detoxification facilities shall comply with 223". Patient bedrooms must provide a percentage of accessible rooms based on the type of medical facility.

Transient Lodging (§224)

Hotels and similar facilities must provide accessible guest rooms according to Section 224.2: "In transient lodging facilities, guest rooms with mobility features complying with 806.2 shall be provided in accordance with Table 224.2".

Recreation Facilities (§234-§243)

The 2010 ADAS includes extensive coverage of recreational facilities. For example, Section 236 addresses exercise machines: "At least one of each type of exercise machine and equipment shall be provided with clear floor space complying with 305 positioned for transfer or for use by an individual seated in a wheelchair".

For swimming pools, Section 242.2 states: "At least two accessible means of entry shall be provided for swimming pools. Accessible means of entry shall be swimming pool lifts...or sloped entries...".

Alterations and Additions (§202)

When modifying existing facilities, Section 202.3 requires that "where existing elements or spaces are altered, each altered element or space shall comply with the applicable requirements of Chapter 2".

A critical provision for alterations is the "path of travel" requirement in Section 202.4:

"An alteration that affects or could affect the usability of or access to an area containing a primary function shall be made so as to ensure that, to the maximum extent feasible, the path of travel to the altered area and the restrooms, telephones, and drinking fountains serving the altered area are readily accessible...".

Why Chapter 2 Matters

Understanding Chapter 2 is essential because it tells you what elements must be accessible before you even look at how to make them accessible. Without proper scoping, a facility might have perfectly designed accessible elements but still fail to provide meaningful access if critical elements are missing.

As explained in the guide to the standards: "Requirements in Chapter 2 indicate which elements and spaces must be accessible on a site or in a facility... Applicable building codes, design practices, and other factors determine the elements and spaces required for a site, including parking, means of egress, and plumbing fixtures. The ADA Standards, on the other hand, specify the elements and spaces provided that must be accessible".

By mastering Chapter 2's scoping requirements, you'll know exactly what needs to be accessible in your project before diving into the technical specifications that follow in Chapters 3-10 of the 2010 ADAS.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified attorney for advice tailored to your situation.