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“A-3” Occupancy Accessibility Requirements

General Definition

  • Accessibility requirements refer to the minimum design and construction standards established by building codes to ensure that buildings and facilities are usable, accessible, and safe for individuals with disabilities.
    • These requirements apply to entryways, exits, circulation paths, restrooms, signage, and other building elements to provide equal access and mobility for all occupants.
  • The following is a comparative table listing the mandatory accessibility requirements for Group A-3 occupancy under the United States IBC (International Building Code) and their equivalent under the Japanese BSL (Building Standards Law).
    • By clicking on the blue underlined text, the reader will be directed to the specific accessibility requirements for A-3occupancy under the USA (IBC) and Japanese (BSL)

Mandatory Accessibility Requirements for Group A-3

RequirementIBC (Group A-3: Museums, Libraries, Community Halls, etc.)Japanese BSL (博物館, 図書館, 公会堂, 体育館, 宗教施設, etc.)
Accessible Seating🔹 Minimum 5% of seating areas must be accessible and integrated with general seating (IBC 1108.2.5).🔹 Barrier-free law (バリアフリー法) mandates accessible seating in public assembly spaces.
Accessible Routes to Seating🔹 At least one accessible route must connect accessible seating with public spaces (IBC 1104.4).🔹 Barrier-free Building Design Standards (バリアフリー建築設計基準) require step-free pathways to accessible seating.
Assistive Listening Systems🔹 Required for assembly areas where audible communication is integral (IBC 1108.2.7 & ADA 219).🔹 Required under バリアフリー法, with specific guidance for public lecture halls, museums, and libraries.
Accessible Entrances🔹 At least 60% of public entrances must be accessible (IBC 1105.1).🔹 Barrier-free Act mandates at least one accessible entrance for public-use buildings such as museums and libraries.
Accessible Restrooms🔹 Public and common use toilet and bathing rooms must be accessible (IBC 1109.2).🔹 Barrier-Free Guidelines require accessible toilets near primary public spaces in museums, libraries, and community centers.
Elevators for Multi-Level Facilities🔹 Required in multistory buildings unless an accessible route (such as a ramp) is provided (IBC 1104.4).🔹 Mandatory for multi-level public-use buildings with alternative evacuation options for disabled persons.
Emergency Evacuation for Disabled Persons🔹 Areas of refuge required in multi-story buildings unless equipped with an automatic sprinkler system (IBC 1009).🔹 Fireproof refuge areas required for large public assembly buildings (消防法, Fire Service Act).

Summary

  • IBC (USA) specifies 5% accessible seating, 60% accessible entrances, and mandatory assistive listening systems in public assembly spaces.
  • BSL (Japan) enforces step-free access and general Barrier-Free Law compliance, without fixed numerical percentages.
  • Both codes require accessible restrooms, elevators for multi-level buildings, and assistive listening systems.
  • IBC allows sprinkler systems as an alternative to areas of refuge, while BSL mandates fireproof refuge areas in large public buildings.
    • Overall, IBC is more prescriptive, while BSL emphasizes universal access and fire safety for public-use buildings.