FLORIDA BUILDING COMMISSION

ACCESSIBILITY TAC

February 5, 2007

Fire Code/Building Code Update . The State Fire Marshal has amended its rules to conform mounting requirements for handrails on stairs not required to be accessible to be consistent with the 1 ½ inch distance from side walls specified in the accessibility code. Discussion of the need to maintain clear width for pedestrians in stairways equipped with lifts will be presented at the Fire Prevention Code board meeting later this week.

Detectable Warnings Update . The Department of Transportation requirement for detectable warnings on curb ramps at the bottom of the ramps will be suspended in 2008. This is consistent with the accessibility code. A presentation by representatives from the Access Board and state DOT will be held at the March meeting. Legal will research whether results of the session may be posted on the website.

Review of Training Module . A subcommittee meeting to review proposed changes to the course will be scheduled with review of the final product to be held at the March meeting. Members will submit updated materials to staff by March 2.

Turning Space in Toilet Rooms . It was the consensus of the TAC that the area under lavatories may be used as part of the required turning space in toilet rooms. This pertains to the foot and knee space necessary in a required five foot turnaround.

Change to Administrative Rule . The TAC reviewed a list of proposed changes that had previously been developed to address scrivener's errors and other administrative updates that can be done without legislative action. A rule development workshop will be conducted at the March meeting. Staff will coordinate with legal counsel the extent to which the waiver process can be used to obtain clarification of the code. A draft rule change will be presented at the rule development workshop.

Autonomy of Chapter 11 . There is widespread misunderstanding of how to determine the number of persons that can occupy a specific portion of a building. It was the TAC's conclusion that it is not appropriate to use the square footage requirements for occupant loads in Chapter 10 to calculate the number as this is intended to assess the needs for egress. The TAC will continue to research whether it would be beneficial to have the Accessibility Code published as a separate document that is only referenced, but not replicated, in the Florida Building Code.

Review of Waiver Application Form . Proposed changes to the form were discussed and a draft of the new document will be considered at the rule development workshop in March. These changes reflect recent modifications mandated by upgrades to technology used by the Commission.

Code Applicability to Churches . A request for an Attorney General's opinion to clarify the applicability of the code to ancillary buildings not used for worship purposes, but owned and used by religious entities will be made. The TAC will review the proposed request in March.