Title III Technical Assistance Manual (with 1994 supplement)

III-7.7000 Alterations.

III−7.7000 Alterations (ADAAG §4.1.6). Throughout ADAAG, there are numerous examples of areas where there are less stringent standards for alterations than for new construction. For instance --

1) Section 4.1.6(3) contains a detailed set of special technical provisions for alterations to be applied where it is technically infeasible to comply with other provisions of the guidelines. Entities are permitted to --

(a) Install only one accessible unisex bathroom per floor;

(b) Cluster wheelchair seating in altered assembly areas;

(c) Use platform lifts as part of an accessible route, without having to meet any of the conditions for use of platform lifts applicable in the new construction context (§4.1.3(5)); and

(d) Install only one accessible dressing room for each sex on each level.

2) Areas of rescue assistance are not required in alterations (§4.1.6(1)(g)).

3) There are special less stringent requirements for alterations in many other areas, including sales and service counters (§7.2(1)), check-out aisles (§7.3(1)), hotels (§9.1.5), and homeless shelters (§9.5.2(2)).