28 CFR Part 35 Title II Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) - Preamble (published 2008)

Saunas and steam rooms. (Section-by-Section Analysis)

The Department is proposing one specific provision to minimize the potential impact of the new requirements on existing saunas and steam rooms.  Section 241 of the 2004 ADAAG requires newly constructed or altered saunas and steam rooms to meet accessibility requirements, including accessible turning space and an accessible bench.  Where saunas or steam rooms are provided in clusters, five percent (5%), but at least one sauna or steam room in each cluster, will have to be accessible.  The Department understands that many saunas are manufactured (pre-fabricated) and come in standard sizes (e.g., two-person or four-person), and that the two-person size may not be large enough to meet the turning space requirement.  Therefore, the Department proposes in § 35.150(b)(5)(iii) to specify that existing saunas or steam rooms that have a capacity of only two persons and are not being altered need not undertake structural modifications to comply with the scoping and technical requirements for saunas and steam rooms in section 241 of the 2004 ADAAG.  While this exception may limit the accessibility of small existing saunas or steam rooms in public facilities, such facilities would remain subject to the ADA's general requirement to ensure that individuals with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy the services and amenities of their facilities.