CHAPTER 8: SPECIAL ROOMS, SPACES, AND ELEMENTS

ANSI Chapter 8. Special Rooms and Spaces

801 General

ANSI 801 General

801.1 Scope. The provisions of Chapter 8 shall apply where required by Chapter 2 or where referenced by a requirement in this document.

ANSI 801.1 Scope. Special rooms and spaces required to be accessible by the scoping provisions adopted by the administrative authority shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 8.

802 Wheelchair Spaces, Companion Seats, and Designated Aisle Seats

4.33 Assembly Areas.

ANSI 802 Assembly Areas

802.1 Wheelchair Spaces. Wheelchair spaces shall comply with 802.1.

4.33.1 Minimum Number. Assembly and associated areas required to be accessible by 4.1 shall comply with 4.33.

ANSI 802.1 General. Wheelchair spaces and wheel chair space locations in assembly areas with spectator seating shall comply with Section 802.

802.1.1 Floor or Ground Surface. The floor or ground surface of wheelchair spaces shall comply with 302. Changes in level are not permitted.

EXCEPTION: Slopes not steeper than 1:48 shall be permitted.

4.33.4 Surfaces. The ground or floor at wheelchair locations shall be level and shall comply with 4.5.

ANSI 802.2 Floor Surfaces. The floor surface of wheelchair space locations shall have a slope not steeper than 1:48 and shall comply with Section 302.

802.1.2 Width. A single wheelchair space shall be 36 inches (915 mm) wide minimum Where two adjacent wheelchair spaces are provided, each wheelchair space shall be 33 inches (840 mm) wide minimum.

4.33.2 Size of Wheelchair Locations. Each wheelchair location shall provide minimum clear ground or floor spaces as shown in Fig. 46. 

NOTE: Figure 46(a) indicates that if seating space for two wheelchair users is accessed from the front or rear, the minimum space required is 48 inches (1220 mm) deep by 66 inches (1675 mm) wide.

Figure 46(b) indicates that if seating space for two wheelchair users is accessed from the side, the minimum space required is 60 inches (1525 mm) deep by 66 inches (1675 mm) wide.

ANSI 802.3 Width. A single wheelchair space shall be 36 inches (915 mm) minimum in width. Where two adjacent wheelchair spaces are provided, each wheelchair space shall be 33 inches (840 mm) minimum in width.

802.1.3 Depth. Where a wheelchair space can be entered from the front or rear, the wheelchair space shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) deep minimum. Where a wheelchair space can be entered only from the side, the wheelchair space shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) deep minimum.

ANSI 802.4 Depth. Where a wheelchair space location can be entered from the front or rear, the wheelchair space shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum in depth. Where a wheelchair space location can only be entered from the side, the wheelchair space shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum in depth.

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

ANSI 802.5 Approach. The wheelchair space location shall adjoin an accessible route. The accessible route shall not overlap the wheelchair space location.

802.1.5 Overlap. Wheelchair spaces shall not overlap circulation paths.

4.33.3 Placement of Wheelchair Locations. Wheelchair areas shall be an integral part of any fixed seating plan and shall be provided so as to provide people with physical disabilities a choice of admission prices and lines of sight comparable to those for members of the general public. They shall adjoin an accessible route that also serves as a means of egress in case of emergency. At least one companion fixed seat shall be provided next to each wheelchair seating area. When the seating capacity exceeds 300, wheelchair spaces shall be provided in more than one location. Readily removable seats may be installed in wheelchair spaces when the spaces are not required to accommodate wheelchair users. 

EXCEPTION: Accessible viewing positions may be clustered for bleachers, balconies, and other areas having sight lines that require slopes of greater than 5 percent. Equivalent accessible viewing positions may be located on levels having accessible egress.

ANSI 802.5.1 Overlap. A wheelchair space location shall not overlap the required width of an aisle.

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

ANSI 802.9 Lines of Sight.  Where spectators are expected to remain seated for purposes of viewing events, spectators in wheelchair space locations shall be provided with a line of sight in accordance with Section 802.9.1. Where spectators in front of the wheelchair space locations will be expected to stand at their seats for purposes of viewing events, spectators in wheelchair space locations shall be provided with a line of sight in accordance with Section 802.9.2.

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 802.2.1.

ANSI 802.9.1 Line of Sight over Seated Spectators. Where spectators are expected to remain seated during events, spectators seated in wheelchair space locations shall be provided with lines of sight to the performance area or playing field comparable to that provided to spectators in closest proximity to the wheelchair space location. Where seating provides lines of sight over heads, spectators in wheelchair space locations shall be afforded lines of sight complying with Section 802.9.1.1. Where wheelchair space locations provide lines of sight over the shoulder and between heads, spectators in wheelchair space locations shall be afforded lines of sight complying with Section 802.9.1.2.

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.

ANSI 802.9.1.1 Lines of Sight over Heads. Spectators seated in wheelchair space locations shall be afforded lines of sight over the heads of seated individuals in the first row in front of the wheelchair space location.

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.

ANSI 802.9.1.2 Lines of Sight between Heads. Spectators seated in wheelchair space locations shall be afforded lines of sight over the shoulders and between the heads of seated individuals in the first row in front of the wheelchair space location.

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 802.2.2.

ANSI 802.9.2 Line of Sight over Standing Spectators. Wheelchair space locations required to provide a line of sight over standing spectators shall comply with Section 802.9.2.

ANSI 802.9.2.1 Distance from Adjacent Seating. The front of the wheelchair space location shall be 12 inches (305 mm) maximum from the back of the chair or bench in front.

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.

ANSI 802.9.2.2 Elevation. The elevation of the tread on which a wheelchair space location is located shall comply with Table 802.9.2.2. For riser heights other than those provided, interpolations shall be permitted.

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.

ANSI Table 802.9.2.2 Required Wheelchair Space Location Elevation Over Standing Spectators

Riser height

Minimum height of the wheelchair space
location based on row spacing¹

Rows less than 33 inches (840 mm)²

Rows 33 inches
(840 mm) to
44 inches (1120 mm)²

Rows over
44 inches (1120 mm)²

0 inch (0 mm)

16 inch (405 mm)

16 inch (405 mm)

16 inch (405 mm)

4 inch (102 mm)

22 inch (560 mm)

21 inch (535 mm)

21 inch (535 mm)

8 inch (205 mm)

31 inch (785 mm)

30 inch (760 mm)

28 inch (710 mm)

12 inch (305 mm)

40 inch (1015 mm)

37 inch (940 mm)

35 inch (890 mm)

16 inch (406 mm)

49 inch (1245 mm)

45 inch (1145 mm)

42 inch (1065 mm)

20 inch (510 mm)³

58 inch (1475 mm)

53 inch (1345 mm)

49 inch (1245 mm)

24 inch (610 mm)

N/A

61 inch (1550 mm)

56 inch (1420 mm)

28 inch (710 mm)⁴

N/A

69 inch (1750 mm)

63 inch (1600 mm)

32 inch (815 mm)

N/A

N/A

70 inch (1780 mm)

36 inch (915 mm) and higher

N/A

N/A

77 inch (1955 mm)

(continued)

¹The height of the wheelchair space location is the vertical distance from the tread of the row of seats directly in front of the wheelchair space location to the tread of the wheelchair space location.

²The row spacing is the back–to–back horizontal distance between the rows of seats in front of the wheelchair space location.

³Seating treads less than 33 inches (840 mm) in depth are not permitted with risers greater than 18 inches (455 mm) in height.

⁴Seating treads less than 44 inches (1120 mm) in depth are not permitted with risers greater than 27 inches (685 mm) in height.

NOTE: Table 802.8.9 is based on providing a spectator in a wheelchair a line of sight over the head of a spectator two rows in front of the wheelchair space location using average anthropometrical data. The table is based on the following calculation: [(2X+34)(Y–2.25)/X]+(20.2–Y) where Y is the riser height of the rows in front of the wheelchair space location and X is the tread depth of the rows in front of the wheelchair space location. The calculation is based on the front of the wheelchair space location being located 12 inches (305 mm) from the back of the seating tread directly in front and the eye of the standing spectator being set back 8 inches (205 mm) from the riser.

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 (915 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.

ANSI 802.7.2 Companion Seat Alignment. In row seating, the companion seat shall be located to provide shoulder alignment with the wheelchair space occupant. The shoulder of the wheelchair space occupant is considered to be 36 inches (915 mm) from the front of the wheelchair space. The floor surface for the companion seat shall be at the same elevation as the wheelchair space floor surface.

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.

ANSI 802.7.1 Companion Seat Type. The companion seat shall be comparable in size and quality to assure equivalent comfort to the seats within the seating area adjacent to the wheelchair space location. Companion seats shall be permitted to be moveable.

802.4 Designated Aisle Seats. Designated aisle seats shall comply with 802.4.

ANSI 802.8 Designated Aisle Seats. Designated aisle seats shall comply with Section 802.8.

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.

ANSI 802.8.1 Armrests. Where armrests are provided on seating in the immediate area of designated aisle seats, folding or retractable armrests shall be provided on the aisle side of the designated aisle seat.

802.4.2 Identification. Each designated aisle seat shall be identified by a sign or marker.

4.1.3(19)(a) …. In addition, one percent, but not less than one, of all fixed seats shall be aisle seats with no armrests on the aisle side, or removable or folding armrests on the aisle side. Each such seat shall be identified by a sign or marker. Signage notifying patrons of the availability of such seats shall be posted at the ticket office. Aisle seats are not required to comply with 4.33.4. 

ANSI 802.8.2 Identification. Each designated aisle seat shall be identified by a sign or marker.

803 Dressing, Fitting, and Locker Rooms

4.35 Dressing, Fitting, and Locker Rooms.

ANSI 803 Dressing, Fitting, and Locker Rooms

803.1 General. Dressing, fitting, and locker rooms shall comply with 803.

4.35.1 General. Dressing, fitting, and locker rooms required to be accessible by 4.1 shall comply with 4.35 and shall be on an accessible route.

ANSI 803.1 General. Accessible dressing, fitting, and locker rooms shall comply with Section 803.

803.2 Turning Space. Turning space complying with 304 shall be provided within the room.

4.35.2 Clear Floor Space. A clear floor space allowing a person using a wheelchair to make a 180-degree turn shall be provided in every accessible dressing room entered through a swinging or sliding door. No door shall swing into any part of the turning space. Turning space shall not be required in a private dressing room entered through a curtained opening at least 32 in (815 mm) wide if clear floor space complying with section 4.2 renders the dressing room usable by a person using a wheelchair.

ANSI 803.2 Turning Space. A turning space complying with Section 304 shall be provided within the room.

803.3 Door Swing. Doors shall not swing into the room unless a clear floor or ground space complying with 305.3 is provided beyond the arc of the door swing.

4.35.3 Doors. All doors to accessible dressing rooms shall be in compliance with section 4.13.

ANSI 803.3 Door Swing. Doors shall not swing into the room unless a clear floor space complying with Section 305.3 is provided within the room, beyond the arc of the door swing.

803.4 Benches. A bench complying with 903 shall be provided within the room.

4.35.4 Bench. Every accessible dressing room shall have a 24 in by 28 in (610 mm by 1220 mm) bench fixed to the wall along the longer dimension.  The bench shall be mounted 17 in to 19 in (430 mm to 485 mm) above the finish floor.  Clear floor space shall be provided alongside the bench to allow a person using a wheelchair to make a parallel transfer onto the bench.  The structural strength of the bench and attachments shall comply with 4.26.3.  Where installed in conjunction with showers, swimming pools, or other wet locations, water shall not accumulate upon the surface of the bench and the bench shall have a slip-resistant surface.

See also Appendix 4.35.4.

ANSI 803.4 Benches. A bench complying with Section 903 shall be provided within the room.

803.5 Coat Hooks and Shelves. Coat hooks provided within the room shall be located within one of the reach ranges specified in 308. Shelves shall be 40 inches (1015 mm) minimum and 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground.

ANSI 803.5 Coat Hooks and Shelves. Accessible coat hooks provided within the room shall accommodate a forward reach or side reach complying with Section 308. Where provided, a shelf shall be 40 inches (1015 mm) minimum and 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum above the floor.

4.35.5 Mirror. Where mirrors are provided in dressing rooms of the same use, then in an accessible dressing room, a full-length mirror, measuring at least 18 in wide by 54 in high (460 mm by 1370 mm), shall be mounted in a position affording a view to a person on the bench as well as to a person in a standing position.

804 Kitchens and Kitchenettes

ANSI 804 Kitchens and Kitchenettes

804.1 General. Kitchens and kitchenettes shall comply with 804.

ANSI 804.1 General. Accessible kitchens and kitchenettes shall comply with Section 804.

804.2 Clearance. Where a pass through kitchen is provided, clearances shall comply with 804.2.1. Where a U-shaped kitchen is provided, clearances shall comply with 804.2.2.

EXCEPTION: Spaces that do not provide a cooktop or conventional range shall not be required to comply with 804.2.

ANSI 804.2 Clearance. Where a pass–through kitchen is provided, clearances shall comply with Section 804.2.1. Where a U–shaped kitchen is provided, clearances shall comply with Section 804.2.2.

EXCEPTION: Spaces that do not provide a cooktop or conventional range shall not be required to comply with Section 804.2.

804.2.1 Pass Through Kitchen. In pass through kitchens where counters, appliances or cabinets are on two opposing sides, or where counters, appliances or cabinets are opposite a parallel wall, clearance between all opposing base cabinets, counter tops, appliances, or walls within kitchen work areas shall be 40 inches (1015 mm) minimum. Pass through kitchens shall have two entries.

ANSI 804.2.1 Pass–through Kitchens. In pass–through kitchens where counters, appliances or cabinets are on two opposing sides, or where counters, appliances or cabinets are opposite a parallel wall, clearance between all opposing base cabinets, counter tops, appliances, or walls within kitchen work areas shall be 40 inches (1015 mm) minimum. Pass–through kitchens shall have two entries.

804.2.2 U-Shaped. In U-shaped kitchens enclosed on three contiguous sides, clearance between all opposing base cabinets, counter tops, appliances, or walls within kitchen work areas shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum.

ANSI 804.2.2 U–Shaped Areas. In kitchens enclosed on three contiguous sides, clearance between all opposing base cabinets, countertops, appliances, or walls within kitchen work areas shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum.

804.3 Kitchen Work Surface. In residential dwelling units required to comply with 809, at least one 30 inches (760 mm) wide minimum section of counter shall provide a kitchen work surface that complies with 804.3.

804.3.1 Clear Floor or Ground Space. A clear floor space complying with 305 positioned for a forward approach shall be provided. The clear floor or ground space shall be centered on the kitchen work surface and shall provide knee and toe clearance complying with 306.

EXCEPTION: Cabinetry shall be permitted under the kitchen work surface provided that all of the following conditions are met:

(a) the cabinetry can be removed without removal or replacement of the kitchen work surface;

(b) the finish floor extends under the cabinetry; and

(c) the walls behind and surrounding the cabinetry are finished.

804.3.2 Height. The kitchen work surface shall be 34 inches (865 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground.

EXCEPTION: A counter that is adjustable to provide a kitchen work surface at variable heights, 29 inches (735 mm) minimum and 36 inches (915 mm) maximum, shall be permitted.

ANSI 804.3 Work Surface. Work surfaces shall comply with Section 902.

EXCEPTION: Spaces that do not provide a cooktop or conventional range shall not be required to provide an accessible work surface.

804.3.3 Exposed Surfaces. There shall be no sharp or abrasive surfaces under the work surface counters.

804.4 Sinks. Sinks shall comply with 606.