Interior Stairs and Ramps
Stairs (Treads, Risers, Landings)
Stairs that are to be modified or replaced must address all applicable code requirements. For all new and renovated stair assemblies and adjacent related construction, follow the New Construction guidelines: Volume 3, Chapter 2.2 Circulation.
Additional considerations for existing stair renovation shall include but are not be limited to:
- Equal riser heights
- Equal tread depths
- Minimum number of risers
- Code compliant hand rail and guardrail assemblies with required extensions
- Non slip and detectable warning features at walking surfaces where required
Ramps
Ramps shall be provided for accessibility at all level changes where sloped walks, chair lifts, or elevators are not used. Often existing conditions lend themselves to the implementation of ramps when changes in floor level elevations are not significant. Additionally, existing structural or mechanical elements may provide obstacles for implementing mew elevators or lifts and in those instances new ramps are the best option.
When provided, the AOR/EOR shall make every effort to seamlessly integrate the ramp into the existing traffic flow as well as the architectural style of the facility. For all new and renovated ramp assemblies and adjacent related construction, follow the New Construction guidelines: Volume 3, Chapter 2.27 Ramps.
Additional considerations for existing ramp renovation shall include but are not be limited to:
- Non slip and detectable warning features at walking surfaces where required
- Tops and bottoms of ramps shall align with the same levels as the top and bottom levels of stair landings
- Ramp must not exceed maximum slope as defined in Volume 3, Chapter 2.27 Ramps, Level Changes.
- Landing sizes shall conform with all applicable code requirements
- Code compliant hand rail and guardrail assemblies with required extensions
Elevators
When required for compliance with an accessible path of travel and when project budget and scope allows, elevators are incorporated into existing buildings. Locations for new elevators shall be considered based on site access from parking lot, main entrance, and other site features. The elevator shall connect all floor levels including the basement. The AOR/EOR shall evaluate if the proposed elevator is best positioned as an addition to the building or if a new internal shaft is desirable. New elevator towers shall adjoin the existing building by addressing code requirements for fire separations. Accessible entrance vestibules shall be provided at the main floor level. New elevator enclosures shall be constructed from materials that are identical to, or easily blend with the existing exterior walls of the school and typically are to be masonry (elevator shaft walls shall be CMU construction). For all new and renovated Elevator/Lift assemblies, follow the New Construction guidelines: Volume 3, Chapter 2.2.6 Elevators/Lifts.
Locations: The following are suitable locations for elevators
- At outside walls, inside the building, coordinated with structural bays if space allows, and the location addresses the connection to accessible paths of travel at each floor level.
- At side or rear of existing buildings near the parking and loading zones and near accessible routes leading to the public way.
- The optimal location will be adjacent to an outside wall, near an existing entrance, on a wall that does not have openings providing light and air to essential spaces.
General Scope:
- Identify proposed location and an alternative elevator location in case of conflict
- Position new exterior shafts to avoid undermining existing foundations where new foundations are required to be deeper than the existing building foundations.
- Obtain survey and coordinate scope of site utilities that will be affected.
- Evaluate soil bearing and water tables and develop foundations accordingly.
- Review zoning setbacks to confirm that the addition is permissible at the proposed location on the site
- Confirm new shafts conform with maximum allowable building height restrictions as elevators typically require override penthouses above existing roof heights.
- Address all necessary site scope requirements related to the addition, including path of travel and landscape ordinance requirements identified per zoning.
- Evaluate the existing mechanical system and determine whether it can be expanded or whether supplementary mechanical or ventilation upgrades are required. The elevator tower may require additional heating, cooling, and/or ventilation.
- Evaluate the existing electrical system as power required for the elevator and/or the mechanical system may exceed available capacity.
- The elevator must be linked to the Fire Alarm system and this may also trigger a fire alarm system upgrade.
- Elevators must meet the standards in CBC, IAC and ADAAG for size, controls, operation, accessible route, and maneuvering clearance.
- Confirm that the new elevator meets code required area of rescue assistance and emergency generator requirements
Lifts
When there is insufficient room for a ramp or sloped walkway, it may be necessary to provide a wheelchair lift to access spaces or levels in an existing building that are used by students and the general public where constraints make a ramp or elevator infeasible.
Significant level changes should be handled with an elevator. Lifts are the last option considered since they require maintenance and often must be located in areas that are inconvenient for the user. However, budget and space constraints may make it necessary to consider using a lift. If used, CPS will only consider them for the following conditions:
- Route to a performance area or raised platform in an assembly area.
- Route to wheelchair seating in an assembly area.
- Route to wheelchair seating in an outdoor dining terrace or open-air assembly area.
- Route to a mezzanine level.
- Route to play area.
- Route to spaces not generally open to the public which have an occupant load of not more than 5.
- Route to spectator seating areas in an area of sports activity.
General Notes:
- When provided, lifts shall meet the standards in CBC, IAC and ADAAG for size, operation, accessible route, and maneuvering clearance.
- Evaluate the existing electrical system and provide upgrades to the power as required for the elevator and/or the mechanical system.
- Locate near the accessible route used by all, but in a manner that is inconspicuous as possible. It is highly undesirable to operate and use a lift at the front of a stage or in an area that is the midst of other activities and would make the user feel vulnerable.