10.1 Dining Surfaces and Work Surfaces
Key Takeaways
At least 5 percent of seating and standing spaces at dining and work surfaces must be accessible; the 2024 IBC extends this to movable dining surfaces, while the 2021 IBC counts fixed or built-in surfaces.
Accessible dining and work surface spaces are dispersed throughout the space and located on a level served by an accessible route.
A117.1 902 requires a forward-approach clear floor space with knee and toe clearance and a top 28 to 34 inches above the floor.
Knee and toe clearance need not extend beyond a drink surface 12 inches or less deep, and dining surfaces 15 to 24 inches high may use a parallel approach.
Children's dining and work surfaces may be 26 to 30 inches high with 24-inch knee clearance, and surfaces for children 5 and younger may use a parallel approach.
10.1 Dining Surfaces and Work Surfaces
The Built-in Furnishings and Equipment domain is 5% of the exam: Seating at Tables, Counters and Work Surfaces (4%) and Storage Elements (1%). The scoping is in IBC Section 1110 (and 1109.2.9 for dining areas); the technical criteria are in A117.1 Chapter 9.
Scoping
| Topic | 2021 IBC | 2024 IBC |
|---|---|---|
| Seating and standing spaces at tables, counters and work surfaces | 1110.12: where provided at fixed or built-in surfaces in accessible spaces, at least 5 percent, not less than one, accessible | 1110.14: dining surfaces, 5 percent of seating and standing spaces at fixed, built-in and movable dining surfaces (1110.14.1); work surfaces, 5 percent at fixed or built-in surfaces (1110.14.2) |
| Dispersion | 1110.12.1: distributed throughout the space and on a level with an accessible route | 1110.14.3: same |
| Check-writing surfaces | Exempt where the check-out aisle is not required to be accessible | Same |
| Dining and drinking areas | 1109.2.9: all interior and exterior floor areas accessible and on an accessible route (with exceptions); 1109.2.9.1: 5 percent of dining surfaces accessible and distributed | Same structure |
| Visiting areas | 1110.12.2 | 1110.15 |
Employee work surfaces used only by employees for work are in employee work areas and are generally not required to comply (1103.2.2), but work surfaces for public or common use, such as a library study carrel or a public counter-height writing surface, are.
Dining Area Route Exceptions (1109.2.9)
- An accessible route between levels is not required where 1104.4 Exception 1 applies.
- A dining mezzanine is not required to be on an accessible route if it contains less than 25 percent of the total dining area and the same services and decor are provided in the accessible area.
- Tiered dining in sports facilities: routes serving at least 25 percent of the dining area, provided they serve the accessible seating and each tier has the same services.
- Employee-only work areas follow 1103.2.2 and 1104.3.1.
Technical Criteria (A117.1 Section 902)
| Item | Section | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Clear floor space | 902.2 | Forward approach, with knee and toe clearance per 306 (new-building clear floor space 30 x 52 in.) |
| Drink surfaces | 902.2 Exception 1 | At drink surfaces 12 in. or less deep, knee and toe clearance need not extend beyond the depth of the surface |
| Low dining surfaces | 902.2 Exception 2 | Dining surfaces 15 to 24 in. high may have a parallel-approach clear floor space |
| Exposed surfaces | 902.3 | No sharp or abrasive surfaces under exposed portions |
| Height | 902.4 | Top 28 to 34 in. above the floor |
| Children's surfaces | 902.5 | Forward approach with knee and toe clearance (24 in. minimum knee clearance permitted); top 26 to 30 in.; surfaces for children 5 and younger may use a parallel approach instead |
The knee clearance rules of Section 306 apply in full: 27 in. minimum under the front edge (for adult surfaces), 30 in. wide, 17 to 25 in. deep with toe clearance.
Where 902 Is Referenced
Section 902 is the work surface standard for several other provisions: diaper changing tables (603.5), kitchen work surfaces (804.3), courtroom stations (807.4), tiered seating with dining surfaces (802.1), check-writing surfaces at check-out aisles (904.4.3), and tray slides (904.5.2 uses the same 28 to 34 in. range).
Worked Examples
Restaurant (2024 IBC): 40 movable tables seat 160 people, and a fixed bar has 18 standing and seating spaces. Five percent of the 160 table seats = 8 accessible seating spaces at tables, dispersed among the dining room's areas and table types. Five percent of 18 bar spaces = 0.9, so at least 1 accessible space at the bar, or an accessible portion elsewhere in the same area that offers the same services. Under the 2021 IBC, the movable tables would be counted through 1109.2.9.1 (5 percent of dining surfaces), giving a similar outcome.
Library study carrels: 30 fixed carrels for public use need at least 2 accessible carrels (5 percent of 30 = 1.5, rounded up), each with a forward approach, knee and toe clearance and a top 28 to 34 inches high, located on an accessible route and dispersed.
Bar top at 42 inches: A 42-inch bar does not comply as an accessible dining surface. Provide a 28 to 34 inch high portion (with knee clearance) or accessible tables in the same area offering the same service.
Exam Traps
| Trap | Correct rule |
|---|---|
| A 42-inch bar or counter is "accessible" because it has a footrest | Dining and work surfaces are 28 to 34 inches high with knee and toe clearance |
| Knee clearance can stop at 12 inches under any surface | Only at drink surfaces 12 inches or less deep |
| Movable tables never count (2024 IBC) | 1110.14.1 counts fixed, built-in and movable dining surfaces |
| All accessible seats can be grouped by the door | Accessible spaces are dispersed throughout the space and on an accessible level |
| A children's table must be 28 to 34 inches high | Children's surfaces may be 26 to 30 inches with 24-inch knee clearance |
What height range does ICC A117.1 Section 902.4 require for the top of an accessible dining or work surface used by adults?
26 to 30 inches
30 to 36 inches
28 to 34 inches
34 to 38 inches
A cafe has a fixed drink rail 10 inches deep. Under ICC A117.1 Section 902.2, how far must knee and toe clearance extend beneath the accessible portion?
Not beyond the 10-inch depth of the drink surface
17 inches minimum, like any work surface
25 inches
No knee clearance is required at drink rails
Under the 2024 IBC, how is the required number of accessible seating spaces at movable restaurant tables determined?
Movable tables are exempt; only fixed and built-in tables are counted at all
5 percent of seating and standing spaces, movable surfaces included
At least 10 percent of tables must be accessible
One accessible table per dining room regardless of size
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.