BCAB #1469 - Accessible Toilet Room, Clauses 3.7.2.3.(1)(d) & (e)

July 15, 1998

BCAB #1469

Re: Accessible Toilet Room, Clauses 3.7.2.3.(1)(d) & (e)

Project Description

The project in question is a small national chain, fast-food restaurant. The occupant load dictates the need for one male and three female water closets. The proposed washroom layout includes a female washroom with 2 water closets, a male washroom with 1 water closet and a urinal and an accessible toilet room for people with disabilities.

Reason for Appeal

Clause 3.7.2.3.(1)(d) requires washrooms to be accessible and Clause (e) requires an additional accessible toilet room where the washrooms contain more than one water closet.

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends that the proposed washrooms exceed the requirements of the code. As a minimum the code would require an accessible male washroom with 1 water closet and an accessible female washroom with 3 water closets. The male washroom would meet the requirements of Clause 3.7.2.3.(1)(e) for an accessible toilet room. By adding a separate accessible toilet room with the attendant advantages described in the Appendix and the Building Access Handbook there should be no need to make both the other washrooms accessible as well. To do this would make accessible 3 out of the 5 water closets provided.

Building Official's Position

The building official maintains that where multiple water closets are provided in both washrooms Clauses 3.7.2.3.(1)(d) & (e) apply. This is supported by Building Standards Branch Interpretations #93-28 and #93-58.

Appeal Board Decision #1469

It is the determination of the Board that the proposed washroom design does not comply with Clauses 3.7.2.3.(1)(d) & (e).

George R. Humphrey, Chair