BCAB #1317 - Access for Disabled Persons to Baptismal Area, Subsection 3.7.2., Article 3.7.2.9. & Sentence 3.7.3.5.(3)

August 19, 1993

BCAB #1317

Re: Access for Disabled Persons to Baptismal Area, Subsection 3.7.2., Article 3.7.2.9. & Sentence 3.7.3.5.(3)

Project Description

The project in question is a new church containing a baptismal tank with associated change rooms and waiting area.

Reason for Appeal

Section 3.7 of the 1992 B.C. Building Code requires access for persons with disabilities to all storeys of new buildings. Subsection 3.7.2. refines this requirement by describing those areas of all buildings and those areas of specific types of occupancies which must be accessible to persons with disabilities.

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends that neither Subsection 3.7.2. nor Sentence 3.7.3.5.(3) require access to the baptismal area.

Building Official's Position

The building official maintains that the baptismal area is not exempt from the requirements for access by persons with disabilities because:

• The second storey, which contains the baptismal area, exceeds 600 m2 in area so it cannot be exempted from access requirements by Clause 3.7.2.1.(2)(a),
• Disabled persons will use the baptismal area,
• Sentence 3.7.3.5.(3) requires that from each accessible main entrance it shall be possible for a disabled person to travel to all parts of the building required to be accessible to disabled persons and
• The baptismal area is integral with the principle function of the occupancy.

Appeal Board Decision #1317

It is the determination of the Board that the baptismal area of the second storey must be accessible to persons with disabilities.

George R. Humphrey, Chair