Table of Contents
Aisle spacing table (for aisle accessways)
| Condition | Minimum spacing | Increase spacing | Maximum spacing | Maximum row length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aisles or doors at both ends of rows | 12 in seat/back | 0.3 in per seat over 14 | 22 inches | 100 seats |
| Aisle or door at only one end of row | 12 in seat/back | .6 in per seat over 7 | n.a. | 30 feet |
Sample problem 1
Aisle access way width problem
Using the table above determine what you believe the proper width should be.
An aisle access way has aisles at both ends. We want to learn what the correct spacing of the distance between the rows of seats should be.
50 seats per aisle 50-14= 36 seats more than 14
36 x 0.3 in per seat ==10.8 in
12in +10.8in= 22.8 in because the maximum requirement is 22”
The answer is 22 inches because 22 inches is the required width for the aisle with aisles at both ends
Sample problem 2
Aisle access way width problem
Using the table above determine what you believe the proper width should be.
An aisle access way has a wall in one direction and an aisle on the other. We want to learn what the correct spacing of the distance between the rows of seats should be.
12 seats per aisle 12-7= 5 seats more than 7
35 x 0.6 in per seat == 3 in
12in +3in= 15 in is the width required for the accessway
Clear width of aisles
| Type of aisle | Seating arrangement | Minimum width |
|---|---|---|
| Stepped | Both sides | 48 in (new) 42 in (existing) |
| Stepped | One side | 36 in |
| Level or ramped | Both side One side | 42 in 36 in |
| All | Aisle split by handrail | 23(new) 20 in (Existing) |
EXCEPTIONS
- All aisle minimum 12” except aisles less than 6’-0” long with no more than four patrons using the aisle.
- Unfixed seats: when providing nonfixed seats: If a nonfixed seat is located at table on an aisle accessway the clear width of the accessway should be 19 in or 38in if two chairs are back-to-back.
 AislesÂ
- Aisles are fastened or ganged together to preserve the integrity of the row. Not more than twelve chairs shall be used in any row between aisles.
- Aisles and cross aisles shall have a minimum width of forty-four inches.
- Aisles of uniform width shall be used where egress is provided at both ends of an aisle by either cross aisles or exit doors.
- When an aisle or cross aisle discharges directly into exit openings, a space shall be provided in front of such openings that is at least as wide as such openings and at least as deep as the width of the aisle or cross aisle.
- Cross aisles, at any point, shall not be closer than twelve feet to a stage area using scenery or scenic elements.
- Platforms and stages
- Platform: is defined as a raised area used for presentations,
- Regular stage: a stage with a height of 50’-0” or less measured from the lowest point of the stage floor to the highest point of the roof or floor deck above.
- Legitimate stage—has a height of greater than 50’0″ measured from the lowest point of the stage floor to the highest point of the roof or floor deck above.