ADA Shop Talk Episode 045 - Opinions On H.R. 620 ADA Education And Reform Act, Where To Measure Cross Slope For Walks >5’, A Shower Or Rinsing Station? … And More

March 9, 2018

What Is ADA Shop Talk?

ADA Shop Talk is for professionals or business owners who may struggle with understanding the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards or the ADA as we call it. If you are worried about lawsuits, legal exposure or just want to make your facility more accessible to persons with disabilities, then join Paul & Mark for the "ADA Shop Talk” Internet Radio Show. ADA Shop Talk is a fun and informative discussion regarding the application of the various codes, laws and standards that effect business owners, architects, engineers, contractors, code officials, and consultants throughout the the United States.

Your Hosts

• Paul Klein loves talking taking chances and trying new things. This is one reason why he wanted to create ADA Shop Talk. This is a perfect platform to talk about accessibility, help others and play with all the cool gadgets necessary to produce the show.

• Mark Wood loves talking about accessibility and teaching others about access. Being semi retired, he didn't really want to commit to another one of Pauls projects, but in the end Mark said "what the hell, good enough reason to get together, talk about access and have a beer"

Questions discussed this episode

Roger – What is your opinion on the changes by the House of Representatives to the ADA? (ADA Education and Reform Act H.R.620)

Nickolas – Hello, my question is regarding public sidewalks. I understand that the typically required width is 5 feet, and if the sidewalk were less than 5 feet wide then 5′ by 5′ passing zones would be required. My question is regarding full-width sidewalks that have more than 5′ available. If you have an unobstructed pedestrian access route that is 5′ wide and has less than 2% cross slope can you have a grade break that increases the cross slope to more than 2% toward the curb? For example, 10′ wide sidewalk, with 5′ wide at 2% cross slope and the other 5′ at more than 2% cross slope with tree wells, benches, tables, chairs, parking meters, etc. If a grade break is not acceptable what are some solutions when you have an existing sidewalk with a cross slope that exceeds 2% with the existing building located on the property line? Thank you.

Dave – One of our clients wants to use an ADA compliant shower tower in the pool area of an apartment complex in lieu of a roll in shower described in Section 1127A5.3, is the shower tower allowed as the only shower for the pool area? Thanks

Andrew – I am reviewing plans for alterations to an existing two-story, B occupancy building. The building was built well before 1991. The alteration includes a change in occupancy of the second floor from B to five R-2 apartments. Would these be considered newly constructed covered multi-family dwellings? Would they be subject to 11A of the CBC?

Dave- Hi Mark and Paul. I was plan checking a new senior housing project adjacent to our campus (new construction in California falling under the 2016 CBC) and noticed that the plan set’s standard accessible details include curb cuts with the 12″ grooved borders. That got me looking at Chapter 11A vs. 11B. 11A still calls for the grooves (Chapter 11A, 1112A.8), but 11B no longer requires them. If I’m not mistaken, the grooves were omitted in the last mid-cycle express terms, correct? I’m curious if you know of other areas where Chapter 11A and 11B conflict with each other and how best to resolve the conflicts? FYI: For our project currently under review, we are leaning toward keeping the grooves in. Since 11B does not forbid them and 11A requires them, we feel that the grooves may be installed, even in areas that specifically fall under 11B like the leasing office, just so the entire complex is consistent.

David – I have an applicant that is having solar canopies installed in the parking lot of a church. They will be installed over existing parking spaces. Will there be a requirement to have accessible parking under the panels? They don’t truly provide shade and they are separated so there is no protection from weather elements. They also mentioned that there is a “solar rights acts” that limits the additional cost to the installation of the system not to exceed $2000. (attached – it seems like a stretch regarding this) To create what I would believe is a compliant situation, they will need to re-stripe and provide a curb ramp. Let me know what you think.