TCA § 68-120-119 — Nosing of stairs leading into public entrance of public building

This section applies to any: Public building constructed by the state or its political subdivisions on or after July 1, 2017; Existing public building for which exterior or interior renovations to any area intended for use by the general public are approved by the state building commission on or after July 1, 2017; and Public buildings purchased by the state on or after July 1, 2017. This section does not apply to any public building listed on the national register of historic places or the Tennessee register of historic places. All stair steps leading into a public entrance of a public building must have detectable nosings of a contrasting color. The texture and color must be applied at a width of not less than one inch (1") and not more than two inches (2") for the entire length of the edge of each stair step. The nosing of stairs must be modified in accordance with this section no later than ninety (90) days after a public building is constructed, renovated, or purchased, as applicable. Notwithstanding this section, a public entity of the state exercising control over a public building of historical significance may apply for and receive a waiver from the requirements of this section from the state building commission. For purposes of this section: “Public building”: Means any building or structure owned by the state or its political subdivisions that is used by the general public for providing or receiving public benefits or public services; and Does not include any building, structure, or improved area owned by the state or its political subdivisions used by the general public as a place of gathering or amusement, including theaters, auditoriums, restaurants, hotels, factories, stadiums, shopping areas, convention centers, and all other places of public accommodations; and “Public entrance”: Means the main entrance to a public building; and Does not include any secondary entrance to a public building, including any entrance primarily used by employees.