Elevators & ADA Compliance: What Building Owners Need to Know
Understanding how elevators and platform lifts must conform to the ADA Standards is essential for both new construction and renovations.
1. Why Elevators and Platform Lifts Matter Under ADA §206.6
Elevators are typically required to provide an accessible route between stories and mezzanines in new construction and many alterations.
In buildings not required to have vertical accessible routes, alternatives like Limited‑Use/Limited‑Application (LULA) elevators may be permitted in place of full-size elevators or platform lifts.
2. Elevator Requirements per §407
Elevators, including passenger and service ones open to public or tenants, must meet the ADA Standards regardless of whether they are technically required. Freight elevators do not count as accessible elevators under ADA compliance.
Key technical specs:
Call Buttons: Must be within accessible reach range, with the up button above the down button, visual feedback, and flush or raised surfaces.
Hall Indicators: Must be installed at each entrance jamb to show arrival status.
Door Timing: Doors must stay open for a minimum of 3 seconds after audible/visual signals; automatic systems must not shorten this time.
Car Interior: Minimum dimensions must allow unobstructed wheelchair turning space (60″ diameter or T‑turn), along with level car movement, ≤1.25″ sill gap, compliant flooring, and at least 5 foot‑candles lighting.
Controls: In‑car buttons and keypads must comply with operable parts rules: reachable, tactile or raised buttons (min ¾″), Braille labels, standard phone layout; multiple panels must both comply unless grandfathered.
3. LULA Elevators & Private Residence Elevators (§408–409)
A LULA elevator can serve in cases where a full elevator isn't technically mandated, or as an alternative to a platform lift in limited-use areas. They comply with most of §407 specifications and applicable §404 door controls. Specific LULA rules include manual-open/self-close doors, minimum 20‑second door dwell time, and location constraints.
Private residence elevators are allowed in multi-story private dwellings or lodging units under §409 standards as another alternative.
4. When Are Platform Lifts Allowed? (§206.7 & §410)
Platform lifts are permitted only in alterations (not new construction) and only where ramps or elevators are technically infeasible, or where permitted by accessible route exceptions such as linking levels between existing buildings.
Platform lift technical requirements:
Must comply with ASME A18.1 (1999 or 2003 editions) for design, safety, installation, maintenance, and travel limits.
Must allow unassisted entry and exit, attendant operation or locked lifts fail compliance. Portable or retrofit lifts generally do not meet ADA standards unless in very limited contexts (e.g., raised courtroom stations).
Platform size: min 36″ wide; 48″ long if doors are on narrow end, or 60″ length if on long side for side approach.
Sill clearance: must not exceed 1¼″ between platform and landing, similar to elevator floor clearance.
Door/gate specs: power-operated low-energy doors/gates meeting ANSI/BHMA, remaining open ≥20 seconds; manual self-close allowed only when ≤2 stops and gates on opposite ends.
Standby power: required if lift is part of an accessible means of egress per IBC references.
5. Best Practices for Olympic Elevator Customers
Choose the right product: For most new buildings and major renovations, a full compliant elevator meeting §407 and ASME A17.1 is recommended.
Use LULAs strategically: Where full elevators aren’t mandated, LULAs offer a code-compliant, space-efficient option.
Reserve platform lifts for exceptional cases: ADA only allows them in specific altered facilities when other means aren’t feasible. They must be permanently installed and fully operable by users without assistance.
Always follow referenced codes: Current ADA Standards reference ASME A17.1‑2000 (with 2002/2003 addenda) and ASME A18.1 (1999 or 2003). Any deviation requires equivalency assessment under §103.
Summary Table
| Feature | Elevator (§407) | LULA Elevator (§408) | Platform Lift (§410) |
|---|---|---|---|
| When permitted | Standard vertical route | When elevator not required | Only in alterations, limited cases |
| Safety code referenced | ASME A17.1‑2000 | Same as elevator | ASME A18.1‑1999/2003 |
| Independent operation | Required | Required | Required; no attendant operation |
| Turn space in car/platform | 60″ diameter or T‑turn | Same | Platform min 36″×48/60″ |
| Doors/gates open time | ≥3s at hall call | ≥20s dwell time | ≥20s dwell time |
| Portable permitted | No | No | Only in defined exceptions |
| Standby power needed | No | No | Yes, if part of egress route |
By understanding and applying these ADA requirements, Olympic Elevator can ensure that clients receive solutions that are both inclusive and fully compliant. Whether you’re specifying a full elevator, a LULA, or a platform lift, matching product functionality to ADA rules and technical standards is essential.
Reference: U.S. Access Board, Guide to the ADA Accessibility Standards, Chapter 4: Elevators and Platform Lifts
