Code: includes the Tennessee Code and all amendments and revisions to the code and all additions and supplements to the code. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
Physical disability: means having a disability on account of sight disabilities, hearing disabilities, disabilities of incoordination, disabilities of aging, and any other disability that significantly reduces mobility, flexibility or perceptiveness. See Tennessee Code 68-120-203
Public building: means any building, structure, or improved area owned or leased by the state of Tennessee or its political subdivisions, and any building, structure, or improved area used primarily by the general public as a place of gathering or amusement, including, but not limited to, theaters, restaurants, hotels, factories, office buildings, stadiums, hospitals, voting areas, shopping areas, convention centers and all other public accommodations. See Tennessee Code 68-120-203
Responsible authority: means the local building inspector and:(A) The state building commission, with respect to state public buildings, as provided in §. See Tennessee Code 68-120-203
State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
(1) Any public building that is constructed, enlarged, or substantially altered or repaired after July 1, 2012, shall be designed and constructed pursuant to specifications, approved by the responsible authority, making such building accessible to, and usable by, persons who have a physical disability. The minimum specifications, except as provided in subdivision (a)(2) and § 68-120-205, shall be the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, and any further amendments, supplements or subsequent editions, or any other code as the state fire marshal determines by rule. The minimum specifications for a project shall be those in effect at the time the project is submitted to the responsible authority for final approval of the construction, enlargement, alteration, or repair.(2) For public buildings for which a local building inspector is the responsible authority, a local government may select disability accessibility specifications from the codes or publications listed in subdivision (a)(1) or from the codes or publications of other nationally recognized agencies or organizations.(3) All public buildings constructed or remodeled in accordance with the standards, and requirements of this part, or containing facilities that are in compliance therewith, shall display a symbol, which is white on a blue background. The specifications for this symbol shall be furnished by the department of transportation indicating the location of such facilities designed for persons with physical disabilities. When a building contains an entrance other than the main entrance which is ramped or level for use by persons with physical disabilities, a sign showing its location shall be posted at or near the main entrance which shall be visible from the adjacent public sidewalk or way.(b) All auditoriums, theaters, gymnasiums, stadiums, and other public entertainment facilities must provide accommodations in level or nearly level locations from which persons confined in wheelchairs may see and hear the offered entertainment as well as persons regularly seated in the facility.(c) All accommodations required by subsection (b) shall comply with subsection (a), and with state and local fire safety requirements for emergency egress.
