2012 Florida Accessibility Code for Building Construction Pocket Guide
206.2 Where Required. Accessible routes shall be provided where required by 206.2.
206.2.1 Site Arrival Points. 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.
EXCEPTIONS: 1. Where exceptions for alterations to qualified historic buildings or facilities are permitted by 202.5, no more than one accessible route from a site arrival point to an accessible entrance shall be required.
2. An accessible route shall not be required between site arrival points and the building or facility entrance if the only means of access between them is a vehicular way not providing pedestrian access.
Advisory 206.2.1 Site Arrival Points. Each site arrival point must be connected by an accessible route to the accessible building entrance or entrances served. Where two or more similar site arrival points, such as bus stops, serve the same accessible entrance or entrances, both bus stops must be on accessible routes. In addition, the accessible routes must serve all of the accessible entrances on the site.
Advisory 206.2.1 Site Arrival Points Exception 2. Access from site arrival points may include vehicular ways. Where a vehicular way, or a portion of a vehicular way, is provided for pedestrian travel, such as within a shopping center or shopping mall parking lot, this exception does not apply.
Requirements for curb ramps, sidewalks and other elements in the public right of way may be covered by other Federal, State or local standards and regulations. The U.S. Department of Transportation and most State departments of transportation are revising their design standards and regulations for the public right of way based on recent research and guidelines being developed by the U.S. Access Board and the Federal Highway Administration. It is the responsibility of the design professional to comply with these public right of way requirements.
206.2.2 Within a Site. At least one accessible route shall connect accessible buildings, accessible facilities, accessible elements, and accessible spaces that are on the same site.
EXCEPTION: An accessible route shall not be required between accessible buildings, accessible facilities, accessible elements and accessible spaces if the only means of access between them is a vehicular way not providing pedestrian access.
206.2.3 Multi-Story Buildings and Facilities. At least one accessible route shall connect each story and mezzanine in multi-story buildings and facilities.
Notwithstanding the requirements and exceptions of this section, section 201.1.1 shall apply.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Reserved.
2. Reserved.
3. Reserved.
4. Reserved.
5. Reserved.
6. Reserved.
7. Reserved.
Advisory 206.2.3 Multi-Story Buildings and Facilities. Spaces and elements located on a level not required to be served by an accessible route must fully comply with this document. While a mezzanine may be a change in level, it is not a story. If an accessible route is required to connect stories within a building or facility, the accessible route must serve all mezzanines.
Advisory 206.2.3 Multi-Story Buildings and Facilities Exceptions. Exceptions 1 – 7 are preempted by Florida vertical accessibility requirements of s. 553.509, F.S., as incorporated in section 201.1.1. Florida requirements may be waived down to the ADA Standards requirements.
Note: The following Advisories on the Exceptions to 206.2.3 are provided for consideration when waiving Florida Vertical Accessibility requirements down to ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
Advisory 206.2.3 Multi-Story Buildings and Facilities Exception 1. Note that Exception 1 as presented in the 2004 ADAAG must also comply with the elevator exemption criteria of 28 CFR 36.401(d). The elevator exemption is authorized by 28 CFR 36.401(d) and applies only to private entities governed by Title III but not to public entities governed by Title II and 28 CFR, Part 35. Note also that 28 CFR 36.401(d)(2) and (3) provide specific criteria expanding on the criteria of Exception 1 that must be considered in a waiver of Florida vertical accessibility.
Advisory 206.2.3 Multi-Story Buildings and Facilities Exception 2. Note that Exception 2 for a required accessible route applies to public entities, is not modified by 28 CFR, Part 35 and parallels the exception for vertical accessibility in s. 553.509(1)(c), F.S., and 201.1.1(3).
Advisory 206.2.3 Multi-Story Buildings and Facilities Exception 4. Where common use areas are provided for the use of residents, it is presumed that all such common use areas "serve" accessible dwelling units unless use is restricted to residents occupying certain dwelling units. For example, if all residents are permitted to use all laundry rooms, then all laundry rooms "serve" accessible dwelling units. However, if the laundry room on the first floor is restricted to use by residents on the first floor, and the second floor laundry room is for use by occupants of the second floor, then first floor accessible units are "served" only by laundry rooms on the first floor. In this example, an accessible route is not required to the second floor provided that all accessible units and all common use areas serving them are on the first floor.
206.2.3.1 Stairs and Escalators in Existing Buildings. In alterations and additions, where an escalator or stair is provided where none existed previously and major structural modifications are necessary for the installation, an accessible route shall be provided between the levels served by the escalator or stair unless exempted by 206.2.3 Exceptions 1 through 7.
206.2.4 Spaces and Elements. At least one accessible route shall connect accessible building or facility entrances with all accessible spaces and elements within the building or facility which are otherwise connected by a circulation path unless exempted by 206.2.3 Exceptions 1 through 7.
Notwithstanding the requirements and exceptions of this section, section 201.1.1 shall apply.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Reserved.
2. Reserved.
3. Reserved.
Advisory 206.2.4 Spaces and Elements. Accessible routes must connect all spaces and elements required to be accessible including, but not limited to, raised areas and speaker platforms.
Advisory 206.2.4 Spaces and Elements Exceptions. Exceptions 1 – 3 are preempted by Florida vertical accessibility requirements of s.553.509, F.S., as incorporated in section 201.1.1. Florida requirements may be waived down to the ADA Standards requirements.
Note: The following ADAAG Advisory on Exceptions 1 to 206.2.4 is retained for consideration when waiving Florida Vertical Accessibility requirements down to ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
Advisory 206.2.4 Spaces and Elements Exception 1. The exception does not apply to areas that are likely to be used by members of the public who are not employees of the court such as jury areas, attorney areas, or witness stands.
206.2.5 Restaurants and Cafeterias. In restaurants and cafeterias, an accessible route shall be provided to all dining areas, including raised or sunken dining areas, and outdoor dining areas.
Notwithstanding the requirements and exceptions of this section, section 201.1.1 shall apply.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Reserved.
2. Reserved.
3. Reserved.
Advisory 206.2.5 Restaurants and Cafeterias Exceptions. Exceptions 1 – 3 are preempted by Florida vertical accessibility requirements of s.553.509, F.S., as incorporated in section 201.1.1. Florida requirements may be waived down to the ADA Standards requirements.
Note: The following advisory on Exception 2 to 206.2.5 is maintained for consideration when waiving Florida Vertical Accessibility requirements down to ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
Advisory 206.2.5 Restaurants and Cafeterias Exception 2. Examples of "same services" include, but are not limited to, bar service, rooms having smoking and non-smoking sections, lotto and other table games, carry-out, and buffet service. Examples of "same decor" include, but are not limited to, seating at or near windows and railings with views, areas designed with a certain theme, party and banquet rooms, and rooms where entertainment is provided.
206.2.6 Performance Areas. Where a circulation path directly connects a performance area to an assembly seating area, an accessible route shall directly connect the assembly seating area with the performance area. An accessible route shall be provided from performance areas to ancillary areas or facilities used by performers unless exempted by 206.2.3 Exceptions 1 through 7.
Notwithstanding the requirements of this section, section 201.1.1 shall apply.
206.2.7 Press Boxes. Press boxes in assembly areas shall be on an accessible route.
Notwithstanding the requirements and exceptions of this section, section 201.1.1 shall apply.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Reserved.
2. Reserved.
Advisory 206.2.7 Press Boxes. Exceptions 1 – 3 are preempted by Florida vertical accessibility requirements of s. 553.509, F.S., as incorporated in section 201.1.1. Florida requirements may be waived down to the ADA Standards requirements.
Note: The following advisory on Exception 2 to 206.2.5 is maintained for consideration when waiving Florida Vertical Accessibility requirements down to ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
Advisory 206.2.7 Press Boxes Exception 2. Where a facility contains multiple assembly areas, the aggregate area of the press boxes in each assembly area is to be calculated separately. For example, if a university has a soccer stadium with three press boxes elevated 12 feet (3660 mm) or more above grade and each press box is 150 square feet (14 m2), then the aggregate area of the soccer stadium press boxes is less than 500 square feet (46 m2) and Exception 2 applies to the soccer stadium. If that same university also has a football stadium with two press boxes elevated 12 feet (3660 mm) or more above grade and one press box is 250 square feet (23 m2), and the second is 275 square feet (26 m2), then the aggregate area of the football stadium press boxes is more than 500 square feet (46 m2) and Exception 2 does not apply to the football stadium.
206.2.8 Employee Work Areas. Common use circulation paths within employee work areas shall comply with 402.
EXCEPTIONS: 1. Common use circulation paths located within employee work areas that are less than 1000 square feet (93 m2) and defined by permanently installed partitions, counters, casework, or furnishings shall not be required to comply with 402.
2. Common use circulation paths located within employee work areas that are an integral component of work area equipment shall not be required to comply with 402.
3. Common use circulation paths located within exterior employee work areas that are fully exposed to the weather shall not be required to comply with 402.
Advisory 206.2.8 Employee Work Areas Exception 1. Modular furniture that is not permanently installed is not directly subject to these requirements. The Department of Justice ADA regulations provide additional guidance regarding the relationship between these requirements and elements that are not part of the built environment. Additionally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) implements title I of the ADA which requires non-discrimination in the workplace. EEOC can provide guidance regarding employers' obligations to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.
Advisory 206.2.8 Employee Work Areas Exception 2. Large pieces of equipment, such as electric turbines or water pumping apparatus, may have stairs and elevated walkways used for overseeing or monitoring purposes which are physically part of the turbine or pump. However, passenger elevators used for vertical transportation between stories are not considered "work area equipment" as defined in 106.5.
206.2.9 Amusement Rides. Amusement rides required to comply with 234 shall provide accessible routes in accordance with 206.2.9. Accessible routes serving amusement rides shall comply with Chapter 4 except as modified by 1002.2.
206.2.9.1 Load and Unload Areas. Load and unload areas shall be on an accessible route. Where load and unload areas have more than one loading or unloading position, at least one loading and unloading position shall be on an accessible route.
206.2.9.2 Wheelchair Spaces, Ride Seats Designed for Transfer, and Transfer Devices. When amusement rides are in the load and unload position, wheelchair spaces complying with 1002.4, amusement ride seats designed for transfer complying with 1002.5, and transfer devices complying with 1002.6 shall be on an accessible route.
206.2.10 Recreational Boating Facilities. Boat slips required to comply with 235.2 and boarding piers at boat launch ramps required to comply with 235.3 shall be on an accessible route. Accessible routes serving recreational boating facilities shall comply with Chapter 4 except as modified by 1003.2.
206.2.11 Bowling Lanes. Where bowling lanes are provided, at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one of each type of bowling lane, shall be on an accessible route.
206.2.12 Court Sports. In court sports, at least one accessible route shall directly connect both sides of the court.
206.2.13 Exercise Machines and Equipment. Exercise machines and equipment required to comply with 236 shall be on an accessible route.
206.2.14 Fishing Piers and Platforms. Fishing piers and platforms shall be on an accessible route. Accessible routes serving fishing piers and platforms shall comply with Chapter 4 except as modified by 1005.1.
206.2.15 Golf Facilities. At least one accessible route shall connect accessible elements and spaces within the boundary of the golf course. In addition, accessible routes serving golf car rental areas; bag drop areas; course weather shelters complying with 238.2.3; course toilet rooms; and practice putting greens, practice teeing grounds, and teeing stations at driving ranges complying with 238.3 shall comply with Chapter 4 except as modified by 1006.2.
EXCEPTION: Golf car passages complying with 1006.3 shall be permitted to be used for all or part of accessible routes required by 206.2.15.
206.2.16 Miniature Golf Facilities. Holes required to comply with 239.2, including the start of play, shall be on an accessible route. Accessible routes serving miniature golf facilities shall comply with Chapter 4 except as modified by 1007.2.
206.2.17 Play Areas. Play areas shall provide accessible routes in accordance with 206.2.17. Accessible routes serving play areas shall comply with Chapter 4 except as modified by 1008.2.
206.2.17.1 Ground Level and Elevated Play Components. At least one accessible route shall be provided within the play area. The accessible route shall connect ground level play components required to comply with 240.2.1 and elevated play components required to comply with 240.2.2, including entry and exit points of the play components.
206.2.17.2 Soft Contained Play Structures. Where three or fewer entry points are provided for soft contained play structures, at least one entry point shall be on an accessible route. Where four or more entry points are provided for soft contained play structures, at least two entry points shall be on an accessible route.
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