2019 California Standards for Accessible Design Guide (effective January 1, 2020 with July 1, 2021 amendments)

11B-802 Wheelchair spaces, companion seats, and designated aisle seats and semi-ambulant seats

[2010 ADA Standards] 802 Wheelchair Spaces, Companion Seats, and Designated Aisle Seats  

11B-802.1 Wheelchair spaces.

Wheelchair spaces shall comply with Section 11B-802.1.

11B-802.1.1 Floor or ground surface.

The floor or ground surface of wheelchair spaces shall comply with Section 11B-302. Changes in level, slopes exceeding 1:48, and detectable warnings shall not be permitted.

Exception: Reserved.

11B-802.1.2 Width.

A single wheelchair space shall be 36 inches (914 mm) wide minimum. Where two adjacent wheelchair spaces are provided, each wheelchair space shall be 33 inches (838 mm) wide minimum.

Advisory 11B-802.1.2 Width. Figure 11B-802.1.2 (b) depicts paired wheelchair spaces requiring a total of 66 inches in width. It should be noted that although side access to the wheelchair space is allowed, companion seating in compliance with Section 11B-802.3 must also be provided adjacent to each wheelchair space. ◼

(a) single space

(b) two spaces

FIGURE 11B-802.1.2 WIDTH OF WHEELCHAIR SPACES

11B-802.1.3 Depth.

Where a wheelchair space can be entered from the front or rear, the wheelchair space shall be 48 inches (1219 mm) deep minimum. Where a wheelchair space can be entered only from the side, the wheelchair space shall be 60 inches (1524 mm) deep minimum.

Advisory 11B-802.1.3 Depth. Figure 11B-802.1.3 (b) depicts a single wheelchair space with side entry. A single wheelchair location space with side entry must functionally be usable as if it were within an alcove, requiring the user to maneuver back and forth to get into position, and thus 60 inches in length allows the added room to do that. A rear or front entry wheelchair space, as depicted in Figure 11B-802.1.3 (a) can have a shorter length (48 inches) of maneuvering area. Consideration should be given to the alignment of the wheelchair space and the adjacent companion seat which may require the rear tires of the wheelchair to project behind the back of the companion seat to achieve shoulder-to-shoulder alignment. See Section 11B-802.3.1. ◼

(a) front or rear entry

(b) side entry

FIGURE 11B-802.1.3 DEPTH OF WHEELCHAIR SPACES

11B-802.1.4 Approach.

Wheelchair spaces shall adjoin accessible routes. Accessible routes shall not overlap wheelchair spaces.

Advisory 11B-802.1.4 Approach. Because accessible routes serving wheelchair spaces are not permitted to overlap the clear floor space at wheelchair spaces, access to any wheelchair space cannot be through another wheelchair space. ◼

11B-802.1.5 Overlap.

Wheelchair spaces shall not overlap circulation paths.

Advisory 11B-802.1.5 Overlap. The term "circulation paths" used in Section 11B-802.1.5 means aisle width required by applicable building or life safety codes for the specific assembly occupancy. Where the circulation path provided is wider than the required aisle width, the wheelchair space may intrude into that portion of the circulation path that is provided in excess of the required aisle width. ◼

11B-802.2 Lines of sight.

Lines of sight to the screen, performance area, or playing field for spectators in wheelchair spaces shall comply with Section 11B-802.2.

11B-802.2.1 Lines of sight over seated spectators.

Where spectators are expected to remain seated during events, spectators in wheelchair spaces shall be afforded lines of sight complying with Section 11B-802.2.1.

11B-802.2.1.1 Lines of sight over heads.

Where spectators are provided lines of sight over the heads of spectators seated in the first row in front of their seats, spectators seated in wheelchair spaces shall be afforded lines of sight over the heads of seated spectators in the first row in front of wheelchair spaces.

FIGURE 11B-802.2.1.1 LINES OF SIGHT OVER THE HEADS OF SEATED SPECTATORS

11B-802.2.1.2 Lines of sight between heads.

Where spectators are provided lines of sight over the shoulders and between the heads of spectators seated in the first row in front of their seats, spectators seated in wheelchair spaces shall be afforded lines of sight over the shoulders and between the heads of seated spectators in the first row in front of wheelchair spaces.

FIGURE 11B-802.2.1.2 LINES OF SIGHT BETWEEN THE HEADS OF SEATED SPECTATORS

11B-802.2.2 Lines of sight over standing spectators.

Where spectators are expected to stand during events, spectators in wheelchair spaces shall be afforded lines of sight complying with Section 11B-802.2.2.

11B-802.2.2.1 Lines of sight over heads.

Where standing spectators are provided lines of sight over the heads of spectators standing in the first row in front of their seats, spectators seated in wheelchair spaces shall be afforded lines of sight over the heads of standing spectators in the first row in front of wheelchair spaces.

FIGURE 11B-802.2.2.1 LINES OF SIGHT OVER THE HEADS OF STANDING SPECTATORS

11B-802.2.2.2 Lines of sight between heads.

Where standing spectators are provided lines of sight over the shoulders and between the heads of spectators standing in the first row in front of their seats, spectators seated in wheelchair spaces shall be afforded lines of sight over the shoulders and between the heads of standing spectators in the first row in front of wheelchair spaces.

FIGURE 11B-802.2.2.2 LINES OF SIGHT BETWEEN THE HEADS OF STANDING SPECTATORS

11B-802.3 Companion seats.

Companion seats shall comply with Section 11B-802.3.

11B-802.3.1 Alignment.

In row seating, companion seats shall be located to provide shoulder alignment with adjacent wheelchair spaces. The shoulder alignment point of the wheelchair space shall be measured 36 inches (914 mm) from the front of the wheelchair space. The floor surface of the companion seat shall be at the same elevation as the floor surface of the wheelchair space.

11B-802.3.2 Type.

Companion seats shall be equivalent in size, quality, comfort, and amenities to the seating in the immediate area. Companion seats shall be permitted to be movable.

11B-802.4 Designated aisle seats.

Designated aisle seats shall comply with Section 11B-802.4.

11B-802.4.1 Armrests.

Where armrests are provided on the seating in the immediate area, folding or retractable armrests shall be provided on the aisle side of the seat.

11B-802.4.2 Identification.

Each designated aisle seat shall be identified by a sign or marker with the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1. Signs complying with Section 11B-703.5, notifying patrons of the availability of such seats shall be posted at the ticket office.

[2010 ADA Standards] 802.4.2 Identification. Each designated aisle seat shall be identified by a sign or marker.

Advisory 11B-802.4.2 Identification. Seats with folding or retractable armrests are intended for use by individuals who have difficulty walking. Consider identifying such seats with signs that contrast (light-on-dark or dark-on-light) and that are also photo luminescent. ◼

Advisory 11B-802.4.2 Identification. Signage notifying patrons of the availability of aisle seats shall be posted at the ticket office. If there is no ticket office, the functional equivalent would be in the lobby or at the entrance to the assembly area in a conspicuous location. ◼

11B-802.5 Semi-ambulant seats.

Semi-ambulant seats shall provide at least 24 inches (610 mm) clear leg space between the front of the seat to the nearest obstruction or to the back of the seat immediately in front.