BCAB #1706 - Articles 3.7.2.2. and 3.8.2.3. - Minimum number of water closets required where more than one universal toilet room is provided

December 15, 2011

BCAB #1706

Re:  Articles 3.7.2.2.  and 3.8.2.3. - Minimum number of water closets required where more than one universal toilet room is provided

Project Description

The project is a mercantile occupancy with an occupant load of 290 persons. 

Reason for Appeal

A universal toilet room is required by Sentence 3.8.2.3.(2)

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends that the number of water closets is determined by Sentence 3.7.2.2.(13) and that where more than one universal toilet room is provided, Sentences 3.7.2.2.(2) and (3) do not apply.  The total number of water closets required is two.

Building Official's Position

The building official maintains that the universal toilet room required by clause 3.8.2.3.(2)(a) is a requirement over and above the requirements of Article 3.7.2.2.  Sentence 3.7.2.2.(2) and (3) are applicable, and  where more than 1 universal toilet room is provided, additional universal toilet rooms can be counted fully toward the minimum number of water closets required by Sentence 3.7.2.2.(13). The total number of water closets required is three.

The second universal toilet room would have to be designated as either a male or female washroom in order to meet the requirement in 3.7.2.2.(1).  An additional washroom is needed to be designated for the other sex not designated by the second universal washroom. 

Further, as the occupant load is 290 persons, Clause 3.8.2.3.(2)(b) would also apply to the separate male and female washrooms for accessibility as the public occupant load would be over 150 persons.

Appeal Board Decision #1706

It is the determination of the Board that providing the two required water closets in separate universal toilet rooms meets the requirements of Article 3.7.2.2. and Article 3.8.2.3.

George Humphrey, Chair