WAC 51-19-710   Building access and use.  (1) Entry. At least one primary entrance to a historic building shall be usable by persons with disabilities. When the building official, building designer, and local or state preservation officer concur that adaptation of a primary entrance will have a detrimental impact on the aesthetic or historic context of the entrance, then the building official may accept a reasonable alternate public entrance. When access is provided by other than a primary entrance, the entrance access shall be clearly indicated by directional signs. Accessible parking shall be located so as to provide the closest practical distance to the accessible entrance.

     (2) Ramps.

     (a) General. The building official shall accept alternate ramp designs which comply with the HBC when it is determined that installation of a ramp having a slope which complies with chapter 51-10 WAC cannot be achieved.

     (b) Slope. The slope of the ramp shall be not steeper than one vertical to nine horizontal for a horizontal length not to exceed twelve feet. Ramps which have a horizontal length which does not exceed two feet may have a slope not to exceed one vertical to six horizontal. Adequate warnings shall be posted indicating steepness where slopes exceed the requirements provided in the regulations for barrier-free facilities.

     (3) Doors. Existing doorways which provide a net clear opening of not less than twenty-nine and one-half inches shall be deemed to meet the access requirements of this chapter.

     (4) Changes in elevation. Changes in elevation of portions of buildings on accessible routes of travel shall be accessible by ramps or lifts consistent with the intent of the HBC.

     (5) Toilet rooms. Where toilet facilities are provided, at least one such facility designed for use by persons with disabilities, shall be provided for each sex, or a separate facility usable by either sex located along an accessible route of travel. Alternate provisions providing substantially equivalent facilities shall comply with this code.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.120 and 19.27.074. 91-01-103, § 51-19-710, filed 12/18/90, effective 7/1/91.]