BCAB #1770 - Accessible Shower Requirement

August 25, 2015

BCAB #1770 - Re: Accessible Shower Requirement

Project Description

The project is a two storey building of Group F, Division 3 (industrial, low hazard) major occupancy. There are offices on both storeys that are subsidiary to the industrial use. Access for persons with disabilities has been provided to the ground floor offices and washrooms.

Reason for Appeal

A shower has been voluntarily installed for employee use. There is a disagreement on whether the shower is required to be accessible.

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends that an accessible shower is not required. Article 3.8.2.3. requires only a universal toilet room. Other washrooms are not required to be accessible per Clause 3.8.2.3.(2)(b) because the occupant load of this building is less than 150. There are no specific requirements within Subsections 3.8.2. and 3.8.3. that require an accessible shower for this occupancy. 

Building Official's Position

The building official maintains that the shower is required by Article 3.8.4.5. to be accessible. Because the building owner has decided to provide the building service of a shower (this is not otherwise required by the code in Subsection 3.8.2. or 3.8.3.), at least one shower must be accessible.

Appeal Board Decision #1770

Article 3.8.4.5. which is applicable to this project, may require conformance with Subsections 3.8.2. and 3.8.3. Neither Subsection 3.8.2. or 3.8.3. requires an accessible shower for this type of occupancy (ie: Article 3.8.2.38. Industrial Occupancies). Therefore it is the determination of the Board that an accessible shower is not required.

Lyle Kuhnert, Chair