Code of Massachusetts Regulations
521 CMR - Architectural Access Board
Title 521 CMR 14 - Places of Assembly
Section 14.4 - PLACEMENT OF WHEELCHAIR SPACES
Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024
Wheelchair spaces shall be an integral part of any fixed seating plan.
14.4.1 Distribution: Whenever more than 150 seats are provided, wheelchair seating locations must be provided in more than one location. Wheelchair seating locations shall be dispersed throughout all seating areas so as to provide a choice of admission prices and views comparable to those for the general public. Wheelchair seating locations shall also be provided in all areas including sky boxes and specialty areas. Where 150 or less seats are provided, wheelchair spaces may be provided in one location. In movie theaters, accessible seating locations shall not be located in the front third of the theater.
Exception: Accessible viewing positions may be clustered for bleachers, balconies, and other areas having sight lines that require slopes of greater than 5%. Equivalent accessible viewing positions may be located on levels having accessible egress.
14.4.2 Accessible Route: Accessible seats shall adjoin, but in no way interfere with, an accessible route that also serves as a means of egress in case of emergency.
14.4.3 Companion seats: At least one companion fixed seat or portable seat, shall be provided next to each wheelchair seating space, for designated used by a companion. Companion seats must be comparable to the seats for the general public, i.e., comfort, cup holders, etc. Companion seats must have signage installed indicating that the seats are reserved as companion seating for the accessible seating areas.
14.4.4 Placement of Accessible Seats: Readily removable seats may be installed in wheelchair spaces when the spaces are not required to accommodate wheelchair users. See Fig. 14a.
