510-RICR-00-00-17. RISBC-17 Public Meetings Accessibility Standard (version Periodic Refile, 12/19/2001 to 01/01/2006)

STATEMENT OF NEED Pursuant to Chapter 42-46-13 of the General Laws and the State Building Code Chapter 23, Title 27.3, the Building Code Standards Committee has promulgated an amendment to Regulation SBC-17, entitled “Public Meetings Accessibility Standard,” Dated February 1, 1993. In accordance with section 23-27.3-109.1 paragraphs 1-4 of the Code, the Committee has the authority to adopt appropriate rules and regulations when necessary. The enclosed amendments to said regulations were issued in order to amend the number of the regulation from SBC-15 to SBC-17. RHODE ISLAND STATE BUILDING CODE Public Meetings Accessibility Standard Regulation SBC-17 February 1, 1993 AMENDS REGULATION SBC-15, DATED OCTOBER 3, 1989. STATE OF RHODE ISALND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS Department of Administration BUILDING CODE COMMISSION One Capitol Hill Providence, RI 02908-5859 Office (401) 222-3032 Fax (401) 222-2599 TDD# (401) 222-6334 STATE OF RHODE ISLAND BUILDING CODE STANDARDS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN VICE CHAIRMAN Merlin A. DeConti, Jr., P.E. J. Robert Wahlberg Building Official Public Member EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Russell Brown Building Official Carmine Gelsomino Builders Trade Council Members Richard Belham Joseph L. Walsh Minimum Housing Official Electrical Inspector Frank Canario Frank Turano Public Health Official Public Member Rudolph N. Pistacchio, R.A. John J. Cronin, Jr. Architect Master Plumber Gordon W. Preiss, P.E. Lloyd A. Wells, P.E. Mechanical Engineer Registered Professional Engineer (Electrical) Angelo Simeoni Landscape Architect Edwin Sullivan Builders Trades Council David Presbrey, R.A. Architect Esther Littell Representative of the Disabled William Lepore Electrical Contractor Mark Lowenstein, R.A. Representative of the Disabled Chief Henry Renaud Fire Official Daniel Paquette Builder Robert S. Waldeck, P.E. Structural Engineer Stanford E. Cameron Builder Heavy Construction Carl Saccoccio Building Official Rep. Frank Montanaro State Representative Leonard Clingham Legal Counsel Joseph A. Cirillo State Building Commissioner Executive Secretary PUBLIC BUILDINGS ACCESSIBLE MEETING STANDARD SBC-17 SUPPORTING STATEMENT This proposed regulation only amends the number of the regulation from SBC-15 to SBC-17 and does not amend the text of the regulation. 1 September 1989 A. GENERAL STATEMENT As required by Chapter 42-46-13 of the General Laws, this Committee has adopted this standard which provides for accessible locations for all meetings of public bodies. It should be noted that specific accessibility requirements are included in Article 512.0 of the State Building Code and SBC-15. In many cases due to the unusual restrictions and building configurations, it is strongly recommended that design and/or construction assistance be secured. The following guidelines (Part C.) outline the General Requirements for accessibility: B. TRANSITION PLAN A plan should list those facilities accessible complying with the standards established by the Rhode Island Building Code Standards Committee. By utilizing program accessibility pursuant to Chapter 42-46 all meetings required to be open to the public could be relocated to a facility that complies with public meeting accessibility standards. For example if a town hall was not accessible in a community, but a new police/fire station or school complied to the standards, meetings could be relocated to that site to conform. -2- Failure to find conforming space in an area would require changes to be made to existing structures to facilitate compliance. In this event a transition plan should set forth in detail all the steps necessary to complete the changes required to make the facilities accessible. The plan should be compiled with the assistance of interested persons, including handicapped persons or organizations representing the disabled. The plan shall: 1. Identify physical obstacles in the facility that limits the accessibility of its program or activity to handicapped persons. 2. Describe in detail the methods that will be used to make facilities accessible. 3. Specify the time schedule for taking the steps necessary to achieve full program accessibility. 4. Indicate the person/persons responsible for implementation of the plan. -3- C. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS PUBLIC MEETING ACCESSIBILITY STANDARD SBC-15 Accessible Route: From bus stop and/or parking lots to an accessible Sections entrance, must provide a hard surface with no obstructions or changes in grade walking surface. 4.3 Maximum pitch 1” in 20” or ramped (see below) as well as directional signage to the usable entrance from other entrances and the parking area. 4.6 Parking Spaces: If available in accordance with Table I, herein enclosed, each space shall be 96” wide with a 60” access aisle between spaces. Identify each space with a sign containing the international symbol of access, blue on white with the words handicapped parking certificate required. TABLE I REQUIRED MINIMUM NUMBER OF ACCESSIBLE PARKING SPACES TOTAL PARKING REQUIRED MINIMUM EMPLOYEE IN LOT NUMBER FOR PUBLIC PARKING USE 1 to 10 1 In addition 10 to 50 2 to the 51 to 75 3 public 76 to 100 4 spaces: one 101 to 150 5 accessible 151 to 200 6 space for 201 to 300 7 each 400 301 to 400 8 disabled 401 to 500 9 employee. 501 to 1000 * Two percent (2%) of total. 1001 and over **Twenty (20) plus one for each 100 over 1000. -4- Exception 1. The total number of accessible parking spaces shall be distributed among parking lots to achieve optimum accessibility. If new buildings are located on a site with no additional new spaces, handicapped spaces shall be redistributed to provide access to all buildings. 2. Employees only parking lots shall allow for adaptability for future designation as accessible parking spaces. 4.7 Curb Cuts: At each sidewalk or other obstruction on an accessible route with a maximum pitch of 1” in 12”, a minimum of 36” in width; and flared sides 1” to 10”. 4.8 Ramps: When ramps are used at changes of grade the following applies: Level platforms 60” long are required at entrance ways, where ramp changes direction and at the top and bottom of ramp runs. A 36” clear space between rails, a maximum slope 1” in 12” and handrails 1 ¼” to 1 ½” in diameter, mounted 2’8” to 2’10” above ramps’ surface. A toe guard rail or curb is required and intermediate rails if ramp exceeds 30” in height. 4.10 Elevators/Vertical Lifts/Stair Lifts: When provided at least one must be accessible and meet Department of Labor Regulations. 4.13 Doors: Accessible doors require 32” minimum clear opening with lever hardware. When double doors are used, at least one must provide 32” clear opening with other door closed. 4.22 Toilet Rooms: At least one must be accessible and comply with SBC-15 requirements. 4.26 Fire Alarm: If provided shall have audio and visual signals. -5- 4.27 Detectable Warnings: On all dangerous areas (i.e. machine rooms, electrical room etc.) and where stairs cross path of travel. 4.28 Signage: To be raised lettered type on all signage that provides emergency information or general circulation directions or identifies rooms and spaces. 4.29 Telephone: Adapted with a telecommunication device for the deaf must be available, either on site or in a location at which personnel are able to respond to inquiries about the event. 4.31 Assembly Seating: Must be provided on an accessible route. If space is provided with an audio amplification system, such shall have a listening system to assist persons with severe hearing loss in listening to audio presentations. -6- D. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT Interpreters: To be provided if advance notice is rendered 48 hours prior to function. Services are available from: Commission on the Deaf and Hearing Impaired Interpreter Referral Services William Powers Administration Building One Capitol Hill Providence, RI 02908 1-800-525-0770 (voice line) 1-800-232-0438 (tdd line) -7- E. AVAILABLE STATE FACILITIES STATE FACILITIES WHICH COULD BE USED FOR OPEN MEETINGS INCLUDE: (by appointment only) 1. Rhode Island State Capital Building, Providence, Rhode Island. Many rooms depending on size which could be utilized. 2. Rhode Island College, Providence, Rhode Island. Areas on campus which could be scheduled to hold meetings. 3. CCRI – Lincoln/Warwick. Conference room areas. 4. URI – Kingston/Providence Extension and Narragansett. Areas which could be made available upon request. 5. J. Joseph Garrahy Complex, Providence. Conference room available. 6. New South County Courthouse, Kingston. 7. Veterans Home, Bristol. Areas available upon request. 8. M.H.R.H. Cranston. Various buildings available, such as Aime J. Forand Building, Reagan Building, etc. -8-