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Requirement
4. Accessible route into and through the covered dwelling unit
Section 100.205(c)(3)(i) provides that all covered
multifamily dwellings with a building entrance on an accessible route
shall be designed and constructed in such a manner that all premises within
covered multifamily dwelling units contain an accessible route into and
through the covered dwelling unit. Guideline Accessible routes into and
through dwelling units would meet section 100.205(c)(3)(i) if:
1.A minimum clear width of 36 inches is provided. 2.In
single-story dwelling units, changes in level within the dwelling unit
with heights between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch are beveled with a slope no
greater than 1:2. Except for design features, such as a loft or an area
on a different level within a room (e.g., a sunken living room), changes
in level greater than 1/2 inch are ramped or have other means of access.
Where a single story dwelling unit has special design features, all portions
of the single-story unit, except the loft or the sunken or raised area,
are on an accessible route; and
•(a) In single-story dwelling units with lofts,
all spaces other than the loft are on an accessible route. •(b) Design
features such as sunken or raised functional areas do not interrupt the
accessible route through the remainder of the dwelling unit.
3.In multistory dwelling units in buildings with elevators, the story
of the unit that is served by the building elevator
•(a) is the primary entry to the unit; •(b) complies with Requirements
2 through 7 with respect to the rooms located on the entry/accessible
floor; and •(c) contains a bathroom or powder room which complies
with Requirement 7. (Note: multistory dwelling units in non-elevator buildings
are not covered dwelling units because, in such cases, there is no ground
floor unit.)
4.Except as noted in paragraphs (5) and (6) below, thresholds at exterior
doors, including sliding door tracks, are no higher than 3/4 inch. Thresholds
and changes in level at these locations are beveled with a slope no greater
than 1:2. 5.Exterior deck, patio, or balcony surfaces are no more than
1/2 inch below the floor level of the interior of the dwelling unit, unless
they are constructed of impervious material such as concrete, brick or
flagstone. In such case, the surface is no more than 4 inches below the
floor level of the interior of the dwelling unit, or lower if required
by local building code. 6.At the primary entry door to dwelling units
with direct exterior access, outside landing surfaces constructed of impervious
materials such as concrete, brick or flagstone, are no more than 1/2 inch
below the floor level of the interior of the dwelling unit. The finished
surface of this area that is located immediately outside the entry may
be sloped, up to 1/8 inch per foot (12 inches), for drainage
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