common path of travel for assembly

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Guide to the ADA Accessibility Standards

This guide explains requirements in the ADA Standards and referenced sections of the International Building Code (IBC) and was developed in cooperation with the International Code Council.

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Required Compliance with the IBC

Accessible means of egress must be provided according to the International Building Code (IBC). Issued by the International Code Council (ICC), the IBC addresses the number of means of egress required and technical criteria for them, including fire–resistance rating, smoke protection, travel distance, width, and other features. The Standards currently apply the IBC 2003 edition or the 2000 edition and 2001 supplement. The Access Board plans to update these references. Compliance with a later edition may be possible under the provision for “equivalent facilitation” (§103) if it is comparable to, or stricter than, the referenced editions.

Means of Egress

A means of egress is an unobstructed path to leave buildings, structures, and spaces. A means of egress is comprised of exit access, exit, and exit discharge.

Components of a Means of Egress

Required Means of Egress [IBC §1007.1 (2003), §1003.2.13 (2000)]

The IBC requires at least two means of egress from all spaces and buildings with few exceptions. Some spaces and buildings are allowed to have one means of egress if the travel distance to an exit is short and the occupant load is low. For example, a business occupancy with no more than 30 occupants and a maximum exit access travel distance of 75 feet is permitted to have a single means of egress. More than two means of egress are required where the occupant load is 500 or more (at least 3) and 1,000 or more (at least 4). The IBC requirements for accessible means of egress apply to new construction; accessible means of egress are not required to be added in alterations to existing facilities.

An accessible means of egress, as defined by the IBC, is a “continuous and unobstructed way of egress travel from any point in a building or facility that provides an accessible route to an area of refuge, a horizontal exit, or a public way.” Where more than one means of egress is required from any accessible space, each accessible portion of the space must be served by at least two accessible means of egress. Accessible spaces can be served by one accessible means of egress only where the IBC permits one means of egress.

Accessible Means of Egress

Accessible spaces must be served by at least two accessible means of egress with few exceptions. Accessible means of egress must extend from all accessible portions of a room or space. The IBC specifies maximum travel distances to reach an exit.

Accessible means of egress can share a common path of egress travel as allowed for means of egress by the applicable building or life safety code (§207.1).

The IBC (2003) permits one accessible means of egress from:

• wheelchair seating in assembly areas with sloped floors where the common path of travel meets aisle requirements for assembly areas and
• mezzanines served by an enclosed exit stairway or elevator equipped with standby power.

Exit Access on Floors Above (or Below) the Level of Exit Discharge

On floors above or below the level of exit discharge, accessible means of egress must lead to exit stairways, horizontal exits, or to elevators equipped with standby power. These are locations where those unable to use stairs can await assisted rescue by emergency responders. It is standard operating procedure for emergency responders to check these locations first for anyone needing assistance.

Accessible Means of Egress Leading to Exit Stairs

Areas of Refuge

Exit Stairway Enclosures [IBC §1007.3 and 1019 (2003), §1003.2.13.2 and 1005.3.2 (2000)]

The IBC contains requirements for exit stairway enclosures that address fire-resistance and smoke protection, stairways and handrails, signs, and other features. The ADA Standards apply requirements for stairways to each stair that is part of a required means of egress (§210).

Exit Stairway Enclosures

[ADA Standards §210 , §504 ]

Stairways and handrails that are part of a means of egress are addressed by the IBC (§1009 (2003), §1003.3.3 (2000)). In addition, interior and exterior stairs that are part of a means of egress must comply with requirements in the ADA Standards (§504).

In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route (e.g., ramp or elevator) are not required to meet the ADA Standards, but handrails must comply when the stairs are altered (§210.1, Ex. 2).

Treads and Riser Specifications in the ADA Standards (§504)

Nosing Specifications

Stairway Handrails Requirements in the ADA Standards (§504)

[ADA Standards §504.6 ]

Specifications in the ADA Standards for handrail surfaces and clearances facilitate a power grip along the handrail length. Handrails can have circular or non-circular cross-sections. The gripping surface and adjacent surfaces must be free of abrasive or sharp elements. Handrails cannot rotate within fittings. The IBC also includes requirements for stairway handrails (§1009 (2003), §1003.3.3 (2000)).

Circular Cross Section and Clearance (§505.5, §505.7)

Non-Circular Cross Section and Clearance (§505.5, §505.7)

Areas of Refuge [IBC §1007.6 (2003), §1003.2.13.5 (2000)]

Areas of refuge are fire-resistance rated and smoke protected areas where those unable to use stairs can register a call for evacuation assistance and await instructions or assistance. They must provide direct access to an exit stairway (or to an elevator equipped with standby power). Horizontal exits can substitute for areas of refuge.

Features of Areas of Refuge

Area of Refuge Identification [IBC §1007.6.5 (2003), §1003.2.13.5.5 (2000)]

The IBC requires that doors providing access to areas of refuge be identified by a sign that includes the term “AREA OF REFUGE” and the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA). Both the IBC and the ADA Standards apply requirements for tactile and visual characters to the area of refuge signs.

Sample Area of Refuge and Exit Sign

Horizontal Exits [IBC §1021 (2003), §1005.3.5 (2000)]

A horizontal exit compartmentalizes a building allowing occupants to exit the area containing the origin of a fire into another portion of the building that is protected by fire-resistance-rated assemblies (doors, walls, ceilings, and floors). A horizontal exit separates a space into two exit access areas. IBC requirements for horizontal exits address fire-rated separation, opening protectives, capacity, and other features.

Horizontal Exit

Horizontal Exit and Enclosed Exit Stairways

Elevators with Standby Power [IBC §1007.4 (2003), §1003.2.13.3 (2000)]

Exit Discharge [IBC §1023 (2003), §1006 (2000)]

Accessible means of egress must connect exits to a public way, such as a street or alley (i.e., space permanently deeded and dedicated to public use).

Exit Discharge

Exit discharge is the path from an exit to a public way

Steep terrain and other constraints can make it difficult to provide an accessible means of egress from building exits to a public way. The IBC permits an exterior area for assisted rescue, a protected area immediately outside a building exit, where a connecting accessible route to a public way from the level of exit discharge is not practicable. Alternatively, an interior area of refuge can be provided at exits. When used as an alternative to an accessible route from exit discharge to a public way, they must be provided, including in buildings that are sprinklered.

Exterior Area for Assisted Rescue [IBC§1007.8 (2003), §1003.2.13.7 (2000)]

[ADA Standards §216 , §703 ]

The ADA Standards cover tactile and visual features of signs, including those that serve means of egress. Only certain signs are subject to requirements for tactile and visual access, while a broader range is subject to the visual criteria only. Tactile signs must include compliant raised characters and braille characters and be located at doors 48″ to 60″ above the floor or ground (§703.2). Visual criteria address the height, style, proportion, and spacing of characters, as well as finish and contrast, line spacing, and other features (§703.5). Tactile and visual requirements can be met on the same sign or on separate signs.

Tactile and Visual Signs

[ADA Standards §216.2 ]

The IBC requires exits and exit access doors to be marked by illuminated exit signs (§1011, §1003.2.10). In addition, the IBC requires a tactile “EXIT” sign adjacent to the door to an egress stairway, an exit passageway, and the exit discharge (§1011.3, §1003.2.10.3 – 2000 addresses doors to egress stairways only). The ADA Standards include a similar requirement for visual and tactile exit signs at doors at exit stairways, exit passageways, and exit discharge (§216.4.1). (An exit passageway is a horizontal component of an exit that is separated from interior building spaces by fire-resistance-rated construction that leads to the exit discharge or public way.)

The ADA Standards also require that signs identifying “permanent rooms and spaces” meet tactile and visual criteria (§216.2). This requirement applies to signs identifying stairways, floor levels, and areas of refuge.

Examples of Signs Required to Meet Tactile and Visual Criteria

Exit signs (located at exits) and signs identifying permanent spaces, such as stairways, floor levels, and areas of refuge, are required to meet tactile and visual criteria. Signs providing direction to such spaces and to exits must comply as visual signs, but not as tactile signs. Instructional content included on signs, such evacuation instructions, also must meet visual criteria but not those for tactile characters.

Visual Signs

[ADA Standards §216.3 ]

Signs providing direction to, or information about, interior rooms and spaces must meet visual criteria in the ADA Standards, but are not required to be tactile (§216.3). This requirement applies to information about spaces, such as rules of conduct and evacuation instructions, exit route maps, and directional signs to exits and other elements and spaces.

The ADA Standards specifically apply these requirements to signs providing directions to accessible means of egress required by the IBC (§1007.7 (2003), §1003.2.13.6 (2000). The IBC requires that such signs be provided at elevators serving accessible spaces and those exits that do not provide an accessible means of egress. Other directional egress signs provided, including egress route maps, also must meet requirements for visual signs in the ADA Standards. In addition, the ADA Standards apply the visual criteria to posted instructions in areas of refuge required by the IBC (§216.4.2).

Examples of Signs Required to Meet Visual Criteria Only

Visual criteria, but not tactile criteria, apply to directional signs, informational signs, rules of conduct signs, and posted instructions.

Pictograms and Symbols of Accessibility

Where pictograms are provided to identify a permanent room or space, such as a stairway, they must include text descriptors that comply with requirements for raised characters and braille (§216.2). In addition, the pictogram must meet finish and contrast criteria and be located on a field at least 6″ high.

Pictograms that provide information about a room or space, including the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA), or that are included on directional signs must comply with requirements for finish and contrast but are not required to include the verbal equivalent in raised and braille characters or to be located on a 6″ minimum high field. The ISA and other required accessibility symbols must comply with the specified symbol referenced in the ADA Standards.

Pictograms that provide information about a space or that are included on directional signs must meet finish and contrast requirements but are not required to have text descriptors or to be located on a 6″ minimum high field. The ISA must conform to the illustration in the ADA Standards (§703.7.2.1).

Other Requirements in the ADA Standards

Platform Lifts

Platform lifts, where permitted on an accessible means of egress, must have standby power (§207.2).

Fire Alarm Systems

Where fire alarms systems are provided, they must meet requirements for audible and visual features in the ADA Standards and the referenced NFPA 72 Fire Alarm Code (§215).

Operable Parts

Operable parts used by building occupants, including alarms pulls and hardware for fire extinguisher cabinets, must comply (§205, §309). They must be usable with one hand and without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist, or more than 5 pounds of force. Non-fixed elements, such as fire extinguishers, are not subject to the ADA Standards.

Automated Doors

Maneuvering clearance is required on the egress side of automated doors unless they are equipped with standby power or they stay open in power-off mode (§404.3.2). The standards also require a minimum 32″ break out opening for doors unless equipped with standby power or a compliant manual swinging door also serves the same means of egress (§404.3.6).

Fire Safety Evacuation Planning

Fire safety evacuation planning is a critical component of life safety. Evacuation plans and procedures should address the needs of all facility occupants, including those with disabilities. Various products are available that can facilitate assisted evacuation of people with disabilities in emergencies. Mobility aids, such as emergency stair travel devices, also known as evacuation chairs, are available to transport people unable to use stairs. These devices are designed with rollers, treads, and braking mechanisms that enable a person to be transported down stairs with the assistance of another person. The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), www.resna.org , has developed consensus Standards for emergency stair travel devices through the American National Standards Institute (RESNA ED-1:2013 – American National Standard for Evacuation Devices – Volume 1: Emergency Stair Travel Devices Used by Individuals with Disabilities). It is important that evacuation chairs be located so that they do not obstruct required means of egress.

Common Questions

Are exit doors usable only in one direction required to comply on both sides?

Under the ADA Standards, compliance is not required on both sides of those doors or gates that can be used in one direction only, such as exit-only doors. Compliance is required only on the usable side. However, if a door or gate is usable in both directions, even occasionally, such as exit-only doors that may automatically unlock in emergencies to be usable from both directions, then compliance on both sides is required.

Can stair handrail extensions overlap door maneuvering clearances?

No, handrails and other elements cannot overlap door maneuvering clearances. However, the door maneuvering clearance can be offset up to 8″ from the face of the door to accommodate wall thickness, casework, handrails, moldings, and other elements at doorways.

Are fire extinguishers required to comply with the ADA Standards?

In general, elements that are not fixed or built in, including fire extinguishers, are not required to comply with the ADA Standards. (However, non-discrimination provisions in regulations issued under the ADA may be pertinent to the usability of equipment and furnishings by people with disabilities.) The ADA Standards apply to fixed elements, such as a fire extinguisher cabinet, and require compliance with applicable requirements, including those for operable parts and storage. Fire hose cabinets and other elements used only by fire fighters are not required to comply.

Do limits on protruding objects apply to stairways?

Yes, requirements for protruding objects are not limited to accessible routes and apply to all circulation paths, including stairways and their landings.

When door vision lights are limited to 100 square inches by the fire code, is compliance with the specified maximum height of 43″ to the bottom edge still required?

Yes. The Standards do not exempt such doors from the requirement for vision lights (§404.2.11). However, compliance is not required when the lowest part of the vision light is more than 66″ from the finish floor or ground.

Do requirements of accessible means of egress apply to employee work areas?

Yes, requirements for accessible means of egress apply to employee work areas. The ADA Standards (§203.9) require that employee work areas “be designed and constructed so that individuals with disabilities can approach, enter, and exit the employee work area” and apply requirements for accessible means of egress (§207.1) to employee work areas. Employee work areas also must include wiring for visible alarms if they are served by audible alarms, and those that are 1,000 square feet or more must have compliant common use circulation paths.

Where can one get further information or technical assistance on the IBC, including its requirements for means of egress?

Technical assistance on the IBC is available from the International Code Council (ICC) at (888) ICC-SAFE (422-7233) or by email at [email protected] . For further information, visit the ICC’s website at www.iccsafe.org .

Technical Assistance

• 202-272-0080 (voice)
• [email protected]

• Travel Distance

Common Path of Travel

• Dead-end Corridor
• Exit Remoteness
• Interior Exit Discharge
• LPG Tank Separation
• Corridor Doors
• Corridor Walls
• Exit Stairs (≤ 3 stories)
• Exit Stairs (> 3 stories)
• Hazardous Areas Protection
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• Interior Wall & Ceiling Finish
• Occupancy Separation Requirements
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• Number of Means of Exit
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• Access Controlles Egress Door
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• Door Hardwares
• Sprinkler System
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• Standpipes (Wet & Dry Riser) System
• Portable Fire Extinguisher
• Fire Alarm System
• Emergency Lighting
• Fire Prevention.pdf – Lusail City
• Construction Type & Building Height
• Terminologies
• QCDD Weblinks
• Occupant Load Factors
• QCD – Sample Fire Alarm Comments
• QCD – Sample Inspection Comments
• Qatar Requirements for Small Projects
• QCDD Guidelines

• Code Reference used is NFPA-101 2012 edition unless otherwise noted.
• These information is not complete and intended to be used as quick references only, always refer to NFPA or your local codes for complete information.
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Watch CBS News

Biden immigration program offers legal status to 500,000 spouses of U.S. citizens. Here's how it works.

By Camilo Montoya-Galvez

Updated on: June 19, 2024 / 1:40 PM EDT / CBS News

President Biden on Tuesday  announced  a large-scale immigration program that will offer legal status and a streamlined path to U.S. residency and citizenship to roughly half a million unauthorized immigrants married to American citizens.

The Department of Homeland Security policy will allow these immigrants to apply for work permits and deportation protections if they have lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years and meet other requirements, senior administration officials said previewing the announcement.

Perhaps most importantly, however, Mr. Biden's move will unlock a path to permanent residency — colloquially known as a green card — and ultimately U.S. citizenship for many of the program's beneficiaries. 

"For those wives or husbands and their children who have lived in America for a decade or more, but are undocumented, this action will allow them to file paperwork for legal status in the United States, allowing them to work while they remain with their families in the United States," Mr. Biden said.

The policy, if upheld in court, would be the largest government program for undocumented immigrants since the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals  initiative, which currently shields 528,000 so-called "Dreamers" who were brought to the U.S. as children from deportation.

Mr. Biden announced the measure at a White House event on Tuesday marking the 12th anniversary of DACA, alongside another move to make it easier for employers to sponsor "Dreamers" and other undocumented immigrants for work visas.

It's the second time in one month that Mr. Biden has taken a sweeping — and legally risky — executive action on immigration. Earlier in June, he invoked a presidential power used frequently by former President Donald Trump to disqualify most migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border from asylum .

How Biden's immigration plan would work

The Biden administration program for undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens will provide two key immigration benefits.

It will allow eligible applicants to work and live in the U.S. legally on a temporary basis under the immigration parole authority. The policy, known as "Parole in Place," will also help these immigrants clear roadblocks in U.S. law that prevent them from getting permanent legal status without having to leave the country.

An immigrant who marries a U.S. citizen is generally eligible for a green card. But current federal law requires immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally to leave the country and re-enter legally to be eligible for a green card. Leaving the U.S. after living illegally in the country for certain periods of time can trigger a 10-year ban, leading many mixed-status families to not pursue this process.

The Biden administration's policy would allow eligible immigrants to obtain a green card without having to leave the U.S. After 3 to 5 years of living in the U.S. as a green card holder, immigrants can apply for American citizenship.

Administration officials estimate that roughly 500,000 unauthorized immigrants with U.S. citizen spouses will qualify for the program. Applicants must have been legally married to their American citizen spouse by June 17. Those who are deemed to pose a threat to national security or public safety will not qualify.

The policy is also expected to benefit an estimated 50,000 immigrant children with a parent who is married to a U.S. citizen, officials said. Undocumented stepchildren of U.S. citizens — who must also leave the country to obtain green cards — will be eligible to apply for the parole process if they are under the age of 21.

A senior administration official said the government is planning to open the Parole in Place program to applications "by the end of summer." The policy will almost certainly generate legal challenges, possibly from Republican-led states, which have sued the Biden administration over its immigration policies several times.

For over a decade, the U.S. government has overseen a more limited Parole in Place policy for unauthorized immigrants who are the immediate relatives of U.S. service members or veterans. In 2020, Congress affirmed that policy.

The State Department is also announcing on Tuesday a streamlined process for DACA recipients and other undocumented immigrants who have graduated from U.S. colleges to more easily obtain employment-based visas, such as H-1B visas for high-skilled workers.

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Camilo Montoya-Galvez is the immigration reporter at CBS News. Based in Washington, he covers immigration policy and politics.

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Common Path Of Travel With Non-Separated Mixed Use

• Thread starter Yasir
• Start date Mar 4, 2020
• Mar 4, 2020

My Question is that if there is common path of travel which needs to be calculated for a building which is non-separated mixed use. Say if the occupancies are Business, and Assembly. So now since assembly is more stringent. Would we use CPT distance even in the business space as we use for an assembly? which is that it would be allowed 75'?  

Chad Coffelt

In non separated you use the most stringent 508.3.1 IBC  

Yasir said: My Question is that if there is common path of travel which needs to be calculated for a building which is non-separated mixed use. Say if the occupancies are Business, and Assembly. So now since assembly is more stringent. Would we use CPT distance even in the business space as we use for an assembly? which is that it would be allowed 75'? Click to expand...

COP is from the space or room I do not see how you will have two different occupancy types in the same room. You may have a B office that travel through an assembly room/area but I do not see it happening the other way where an "A" would travel through a "B" occupancy. If it does then I agree the most restrictive distance would apply  

For nonseparated occupancies, the CPET distance applies to each individual use. Thus, the Group B occupancy spaces are permitted to have a CPET distance of 100 feet (with sprinkler system) and the Group A occupancy spaces would be limited to 75 feet (IBC Section 1004.4). The "most restrictive" requirement for nonseparated occupancies only applies when determining allowable height and area.  

Hmmm. I have seen all of your comments. Thank you for responding. If a room or space is exceeding the CPT distance then it would require two exits right? So even if after two exits, the CPT exceeds but the exit travel distance does not then its okay right?  

Mr. Inspector

If there are two egress routes from a space then there is no CPT  

Yasir said: Hmmm. I have seen all of your comments. Thank you for responding. If a room or space is exceeding the CPT distance then it would require two exits right? So even if after two exits, the CPT exceeds but the exit travel distance does not then its okay right? Click to expand...

Rick18071 said: If there are two egress routes from a space then there is no CPT Click to expand...

I did not say that. Just no CPT. COMMON PATH OF EGRESS TRAVEL. That portion of the exit access travel distance measured from the most remote point within a story to that point where the occupants have separate access to two exits or exit access doorways.  

Cpet day..... Always an interesting subject.  

• Sep 17, 2021

Chad Coffelt said: In non separated you use the most stringent 508.3.1 IBC Click to expand...

• Sep 24, 2021

cda said: Pictures http://www.specsandcodes.com/articles/code_corner/The Code Corner No. 29 - Travel Distance.pdf Click to expand...

Jon-Jon said: This was very helpful to an issue I'm having with a permit reviewer who's reviewing a 2-story office-warehouse I'm designing. I'm going to give in to his demands to add a second means of egress stair from a 2nd floor 'B' occupancy with 30 occupants. The Owner is cool with that. However, based on that PDF, I believe I could argue the following: - from the furthest corner of an office on the 2nd floor, it is 75' to the bottom of an unenclosed egress access stairway leading to the front exit door. - it's an additional 31' from the bottom of said stair to the front door 'exit'; therefore, my total exit access distance is 106'. - my total exit access distance limit for NS 'B' occupancy is 75' for a story with ONE exit; therefore, it seems I have to have 2 exits for the upper floor. - however , from the bottom of said stair, I technically have access to TWO exits: the front exit door, and another exit down a hallway and through the warehouse S1 space to a side exit door. - total egress access distance from the upper floor to that 2nd exit is 194'. - total egress access distance for NS 'B' occupancy is 200'. - Common Path of Egress Travel max for NS 'B' occupancy is 100'. All that said, my main contention is this: Don't I have a 'common path of egress travel' situation, of 75' (less than 100') to the bottom of the unenclosed egress access stair, at which point I have access to TWO exits? if so, doesn't my 2nd floor already have 2 exits, including the CPET down the unenclosed stair? Any help is appreciated, thanks! Click to expand...

True. 2988 s.f.  

• Jun 29, 2022

Interested in this question. My (related) situation: small H-class room in a office/lab that is otherwise use group B Business. I believe I saw somewhere that only travel distance within the H-class room is restricted to based on use group H. Once out of the room, one can revert to group B allowable distance. Only I'm not clear on whether I was looking at CPET or exit access travel. Wish I could figure out where I saw this! Any leads?