Scoping vs Technical
We work with architects, engineers and contractors everyday. We regularly use terminology like scoping and technical requirements when consulting with design professionals who understand those terms. But we also use those terms when consulting with business owners, managers and property owners that may not be familiar with the meanings. This article briefly clarifies the meaning of both as they apply to disability access standards.
What is Scoping?
The scoping section of building codes and standards answers questions like: When?, Where? & How many? If you were designing a parking lot for instance, you would need to review the scoping section of the applicable standard(s) to determine the minimum number of accessible stalls required.
The scoping section of the 2010 ADAS offers information such as:
208.1 General. Where parking spaces are provided, parking spaces shall be provided in accordance with 208.
208.2 Minimum Number. Parking spaces complying with 502 shall be provided in accordance with Table 208.2 except as required by 208.2.1, 208.2.2, and 208.2.3. Where more than one parking facility is provided on a site, the number of accessible spaces provided on the site shall be calculated according to the number of spaces required for each parking facility.
What are Technical Requirements?
The technical sections of building codes and standards answer the question of How? As in, how to construct a parking stall to meet the minimum requirements?
The “GENERAL SITE AND BUILDING ELEMENTS” (Technical) section of the 2010 ADAS offers information such as:
502.2 Vehicle Spaces. Car parking spaces shall be 96 inches (2440 mm) wide minimum and van parking spaces shall be 132 inches (3350 mm) wide minimum, shall be marked to define the width, and shall have an adjacent access aisle complying with 502.3.
502.4 Floor or Ground Surfaces. Parking spaces and access aisles serving them shall comply with 302. Access aisles shall be at the same level as the parking spaces they serve. Changes in level are not permitted.
EXCEPTION: Slopes not steeper than 1:48 shall be permitted.
Reference Priority
Always (and I do mean always) reference the scoping section before reviewing the technical requirements for any given element. Failure to reference the scoping section before applying the technical requirements can lead to significant errors in overall design and construction. In some cases, errors can lead to ADA lawsuits that are entirely avoidable. Whenever disability access features are bing applied to design or construction of public accommodations, we highly recommend consulting with a Certified Access Specialist (CASp). An ADA compliance expert at Proactive Access LLC can assist with: