BCAB #1740 - Washroom for Unheated Warehouse, Sentence 7.1.3.1.(1)

January 16, 2014

BCAB #1740

Re: Washroom for Unheated Warehouse, Sentence 7.1.3.1.(1)

Project Description

The project in question is a new 557 m² stand-alone unheated Group F Division 2 warehouse in close proximity to an existing 6000 m² retail store and automobile service centre. The warehouse is used to supplement the storage capacity of the existing retail facility and is only accessed when product is delivered to the store or retrieved for a customer. No employees work within the warehouse.

Reason for Appeal

Sentence 7.1.3.1.(1) says buildings are to be equipped with plumbing facilities as required in Subsection 3.7.2. Subsection 3.7.2. describes the extent of the plumbing facilities required by Sentence 7.1.3.1.(1) based on the classification and use of the building.

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends that washrooms are available in the existing building and because staff does not work in the new accessory warehouse there is no need for it to have its own washrooms.

Building Official's Position

The building official maintains that Subsection 7.1.3. requires all buildings to have washrooms conforming to Subsections 3.7.2. and does not exempt an unheated accessory warehouse.

Appeal Board Decision #1740

It is the determination of the Board that Subsections 7.1.3. and 3.7.2. do require washrooms in this building. Although the “absence of a water supply” would allow “other means for the disposal of human waste” (3.7.2.1.(1)), which could allow washrooms in an adjacent building, the building is provided with both a water supply and a sewer connection negating the application of this allowance.

Maura Gatensby, Vice Chair