2012 Florida Accessibility Code for Building Construction Pocket Guide

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.