| CODE: | 1994 State Regulations for Barrier-Free Facilities |
| SECTION: | Sections 51-30-1103.1.2.1 and 51-30-1014.5 |
| QUESTION: | Does Section 1014.5, which allows for the slope in theater aisles to be 1:5, override Section 1103.1.2.1 that requires that accessible seating be placed on an accessible route, keeping in mind that the maximum slope for an accessible route is 1:12? |
| ANSWER: | No. Where two code provisions apply, the most stringent provision
applies. Therefore, required accessible theater seating must be located
on an accessible route in compliance with Section 1106.4.
This does not, however, completely preclude the use of the exception in Section 1014.5. If the reasonable distribution requirement is met, then those areas that do not include wheelchair accessible seating need not be at the maximum slope requirement of 1:12. Reasonable distribution can only be determined on a case by case basis. If for example, the theater only contains 25 seats, then the required wheelchair seat could be located anywhere in the theater and the reasonable distribution requirement would be met. If the theater contains 600 seats, then locating the accessible seats only at the top row of seating would not meet the intent of the code. |
| SUPERSEDES: | None |
| REQUESTED BY: | Pierce County |