Is There a Jurisdiction for a Partial Alcove? Yes!

The ADAAG; Final Rule, written by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board), published in the Federal Register on July 23, 2004, with an effective date of September 21, 2004, includes the following:

Chapter 3 building blocks.
305 Clear Floor or Ground Space.
305.7 Maneuvering Clearance.
305.7.1 Forward Approach.
“Alcoves shall be 36 inches wide minimum where the depth exceeds 24 inches.”

So the question is really, why does the requirement go from 30 inches in width to 36 inches in width in an alcove?  It is ones hands on the larger wheelchair wheel of the wheelchair, as seen in Figure 305.7.1 that requires the 3 inches of additional width on each side of the 24 inch deep alcove. 

So, in the opinion of ACCESS, when there is a partial alcove, that 3 inches on the alcove side is also required.  We see this condition frequently in bathrooms at lavatories and urinals.  The centerline of the fixture needs to be 18 inches minimum to the alcove side.

 





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Hank


The above are opinions of Hank Falstad, AIA, Managing Senior Associate of Access Technologies Services, Inc. (ACCESS).  See our web site for additional information:  www.accessts.net.