Accessibility Code Comparisons: 2017 ICC ANSI A117.1 vs. 2009 ICC ANSI A117.1 and 2010 ADA Standards

This is our second dive into updated Accessibility Standards for the recently adopted 2017 ICC ANSI A117.1, vs the Previous standards, plus the notable departures for the 2010 ADA standards.

Overview of Standards

The ICC ANSI A117.1 and ADA Standards are key benchmarks for accessible design, used across different types of construction. The 2017 ICC ANSI A117.1 has introduced significant changes compared to the 2009 edition and the 2010 ADA standards. As always, when there are discrepancies between codes, it is critical to use the most stringent requirements to ensure compliance and mitigate liability risks.

This post details the notable changes introduced in 2017 ICC ANSI A117.1 and highlights potential liability areas that designers and building owners must consider. 

Key Updates and Liability Considerations

1. Turning Space Requirements

• Turning Circle: The 2017 version increased the turning circle diameter from 60 inches to 67 inches, allowing only 10 inches of overlap for knee and toe clearance. The T-shaped turning area has also been adjusted, providing multiple options for configuration. This expansion means that areas designed under older standards may now be non-compliant if the space available for turning is insufficient. This can be a liability risk if users cannot properly maneuver, especially in public facilities like restrooms and entryways​

Revised Turning Radius

2. Clear Floor Space Requirements

• Expanded Space: The clear floor space requirements increased from 30"x48" to 30"x52" in the 2017 standards. This change impacts areas like appliance clearance in kitchens and accessible areas around plumbing fixtures. Older layouts might need retrofitting to meet these expanded requirements, or owners could face complaints or legal action for non-compliance. 

Updated Clear Floor Space Requirements

3. Accessible Route: Clear Width Requirements

• Interior and Exterior Accessible Routes: The interior clear width remains at 36 inches, with reductions to 32 inches allowed every 52 inches instead of 48 inches under the previous versions. For exterior routes, the minimum clear width has increased to 48 inches, impacting sidewalks and other exterior walkways. These updates imply that existing paths that do not meet these new width requirements pose a risk of being non-compliant, especially in outdoor environments like parks, where space is more variable 

Accessible Route Updates

4. Push Side Door Maneuvering Clearance

• Push Side Expansion: The 2017 standards increased the push side door maneuvering clearance from 48 inches to 52 inches. This affects all push doors in accessible routes, which might require additional renovation to meet these new requirements. This increase could significantly impact retrofits in existing buildings where structural changes might be costly or challenging to implement, presenting a potential liability risk for design professionals if accessibility is not ensured​. 

Push Side Door Clearance Increase

5. New Requirements for Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations

• Electric Vehicle Charging Accessibility: The 2017 ICC ANSI introduced new requirements for electric vehicle charging stations, which were not addressed by the 2010 ADA or 2009 ICC ANSI A117.1 standards. This includes providing accessible paths and ensuring controls are reachable for individuals with disabilities. As the adoption of EVs grows, failing to include accessible infrastructure could lead to litigation risks related to discrimination or inaccessibility​. 

EV Access Diagram- Credit Upcodes

EV Clearances-- Credit Upcodes

6. Additional Updates: Acoustic Standards and Other Provisions

• The 2017 update also introduced acoustic standards for classrooms and features for better communication for individuals using sign language. Requirements for wheelchair recharging stations in assembly venues and hotels, along with provisions for water bottle filling stations, have also been included. Designers need to consider these new requirements during planning, as failure to meet these can create barriers for users and expose owners to lawsuits, particularly under laws covering reasonable accommodations. 

Liability Implications

The changes in 2017 ICC ANSI A117.1 emphasize larger clearances, updated maneuvering requirements, and new elements like EV charging stations and acoustic standards. Failing to comply with these new standards not only risks code violations but also increases exposure to litigation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Design professionals must reassess older projects and consider these changes during renovations or new designs to reduce liability risks. 

Conclusion

The 2017 ICC ANSI A117.1 changes are focused on making environments even more accessible. These include larger turning spaces, updated door clearance requirements, and provisions for new technology like electric vehicle chargers. These changes bring significant implications for compliance and can present liability risks if not properly addressed. Designers and building owners must familiarize themselves with these updates to ensure they meet the most stringent requirements and provide inclusive and safe environments for all users.