Our June Newsletter!

Project Highlight: 8500 SMB

Our accessibility consulting team worked with the owner/developer and architecture team at Tighe Architecture to ensure this beautifully designed building included disabled access requirements. Together we were able to navigate balanced designed solutions that factored in project costs, code compliance, and the end users.  

Renderings of 8500 SMB by Tighe Architecture 

During permitting we encountered a common code misinterpretation on low-rise residential projects.  When is elevator emergency standby power required?  And how does elevator emergency standby power relate to accessibility?  

Per the U.S. Access Board Technical Guide on Accessible Means of Egress on floors above or below the level of exit discharge, accessible means of egress must lead to exit stairways, horizontal exits, or to elevators equipped with standby power.
These are locations where those unable to use stairs, such as wheelchair users, can await assisted rescue by emergency responders. It is standard operating procedure for emergency responders to check these locations first for anyone needing assistance.  The guide clarifies that in buildings with four or more stories above or below the level of exit discharge, at least one accessible means of egress must be an elevator with standby power and emergency signaling devices. Designed to remain operational even when regular electrical service is lost, they are used by emergency responders to move personnel and fire-fighting equipment and to provide assisted rescue. Like all elevators, they are not to be used independently by building occupants in emergencies.