ADAAG Manual

Primary Function Areas [4.1.6(2)]

If alterations are made to an area containing a primary function, an accessible "path of travel" is required which means a continuous route connecting the altered area to an entrance, including phones, restrooms, and drinking fountains that, where provided, serve the altered area. Since this may involve modifications outside the intended alteration, compliance is required to the extent it is not "disproportionate" to the cost of alterations to the primary function area; "disproportionality" is defined in the DOJ rule (section 36.403) as costing more than 20% of the cost of the alteration to the primary function area. This rule and the DOJ technical assistance manual for title III provide important information on this requirement, including the definition of key terms.