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:
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