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-4 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-4 occupancy under the USA (IBC) and Japanese (BSL)

Mandatory Accessibility Requirements for Group A-4

Requirement	IBC (Group A-4: Indoor Sports Arenas, Gymnasiums, Skating Rinks, etc.)	Japanese BSL (屋内競技場, 体育館, スケートリンク, 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 all indoor sports arenas and gymnasiums.
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 all accessible seating.
Companion Seating	🔹 Companion seats must be provided adjacent to each wheelchair space (IBC 1108.2.3).	🔹 Not explicitly required, but many modern sports venues provide companion seating based on local guidelines.
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, particularly for large indoor sports venues and event halls.
Accessible Entrances	🔹 At least 60% of public entrances must be accessible (IBC 1105.1).	🔹 Barrier-free Act mandates at least one accessible entrance in sports facilities and gymnasiums.
Accessible Restrooms	🔹 Public and common use toilet and bathing rooms must be accessible (IBC 1109.2).	🔹 Barrier-Free Guidelines require accessible toilets near seating and locker rooms in sports arenas.
Elevators for Multi-Level Facilities	🔹 Required for multi-level seating arrangements unless an accessible ramp is provided (IBC 1104.4).	🔹 Mandatory for multi-level sports venues, 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 indoor arenas and sports facilities (消防法, Fire Service Act).

Summary

• IBC (USA) mandates 5% accessible seating, companion seating, and 60% accessible entrances, while BSL (Japan) enforces step-free access without specific percentages.
• Both codes require assistive listening systems, accessible restrooms, and elevators for multi-level facilities.
• IBC allows sprinkler systems as an alternative to areas of refuge, whereas BSL mandates fireproof refuge areas for large sports venues.
• BSL does not explicitly require companion seating, though many modern sports venues provide it voluntarily.
  • Overall, IBC is more prescriptive, while BSL emphasizes universal accessibility and evacuation safety for large indoor sports venues.