Building Codes and Barrier-Free Design 269
the floor. Stair and ramp dimensions are also regulated but are not as strict as those for commercial use.
One handrail is normally required in residential stairs and ramps.
Plumbing Systems.
Previously major code organizations published separate plumbing and mechanical codes. The Interna-
tional Code Council (ICC) published the first International Plumbing Code (IPC) in 1997 and International
Mechanical Codes in 1998. Model codes specify in great detail how a plumbing or mechanical system
should be designed. Plumbing codes specify the number of sanitary fixtures required based on the type
of occupancy.
Sound Ratings.
Model building codes sometimes require the use of insulation to control sound transmission in wall and floor
assemblies separating dwelling units or guest rooms in residential occupancies from one another and from
public spaces. Codes usually specify the minimum sound-transmission class (STC) for walls or impact-in-
sulation class (IIC) for floors. Construction details can then be designed to satisfy these requirements.
11.5 BARRIER-FREE DESIGN AND ADA REQUIREMENTS
The two most recent pieces of legislation dealing with accessible design are the Americans with Disabil-
ities Act (ADA), which is a federal civil law, and the Fair Housing Amendments Act. The latter extends
the nondiscrimination protections of the Fair Housing Act to persons with disabilities as well as persons
with families. The main purpose of ADA legislation is to make American society more accessible to per-
sons with disabilities. With few exceptions all existing buildings as well as new construction must com-
ply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
While the employment provisions of the ADA apply to employers of fifteen employees or more, its
public-accommodation provisions apply to all sizes of business, regardless of number of employees.
State and local governments are covered regardless of size. The ADA consists of five titles:
- Title I. Employment: Business must provide reasonable accommodations to protect the rights of
individuals with disabilities in all aspects of employment. - Title II. Public Services: The regulations of Title II apply to public services provided by state and lo-
cal governments and include public school districts, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation,
port authorities, and other government units, whether or not they receive federal funds. - Title III. Public Accommodations: This segment of the law applies mainly to commercial facilities
and prohibits privately owned and operated businesses from denying goods, programs, or serv-
ices to persons with disabilities. All new and altered commercial facilities are subject to the acces-
sibility requirements of Title III - Title IV. Telecommunications: This section is aimed at federally regulated telecommunications
companies and federally funded public-service television offering services to the general public. - Title V. Miscellaneous: This section includes a provision prohibiting coercion, threatening, or retal-
iation against the disabled or those attempting to aid people with disabilities in the assertion of their
rights under the ADA.