TOPIC: Accessible Design - UBC/11/#6
CODE: Structural Specialty Code: 1998 Edition
REVISED: March 1, 1999
REFERENCE: Sections 1108 and 1109 – Structural Specialty Code
QUESTION: 1. What is the clear floor space requirement for water closets located in a toilet stall? Can a lavatory be located in the clear floor space for a water closet in a toilet stall?
RESPONSE: 1. The code very clearly outlines the dimensions for an accessible toilet stall. These dimensions include stall depth requirements which depend on the type of water closet installed (56 inches minimum for wall hung and 59 inches in depth for floor mounted). The text is silent on the location of the water closet within the stall. To get this information you must rely on Figure 30. The water closet shall be located such that there is 18 inches laterally on one side and 42 inches laterally on the other. Measurements shall be taken from the centerline of the fixture. There shall be a space of not less than 32 inches located in front of the water closet.
A lavatory is not allowed to be located in the clear floor space for the water closet when the water closet is located in a toilet stall.
QUESTION: 2. Which dispensers in a bathroom have to be within accessible reach?
RESPONSE: 2. The code only requires one of each type of dispenser provided to be accessible. The wording in Sec. 1108.2.4 is: "Where mirrors, towel fixtures and other toilet and bathroom accessories are provided, at least one of each shall be accessible". Thus it is the designer's choice what "toilet accessories" are provided, but once chosen, at least one of each is required to be accessible. Generally this means that there is a clear floor space in front of the accessory, it is within the reach range (forward or side approach); it is on an accessible route and has accessible hardware. UBC/11/#6 Toilet Room Design Page 2 of 4 March 1, 1999
For example if a dispenser for toilet seat covers is provided, it should be within the reach ranges, and logically within the accessible toilet stall (compartment). If it is decided to provide both a hot air hand dryer and paper towels, one of each needs to be accessible. If a coat hook is provided in the accessible stall, it should be within reach ranges. The code does not specify the location of any accessory dispenser, but it would be helpful to keep features close and convenient. For example, if hand towels are across a room from the accessible lavatory, the wheelchair user is forced to move their chair with wet hands between the lavatory and the towels.
QUESTION: 3. Does the clear floor space at a lavatory have to allow for a forward approach?
RESPONSE: 3. In other than adaptable dwelling units, the answer is yes. The code (Section 1109.19.7.1) requires a clear floor space at each lavatory of not less than 30 by 48 inches. The clear floor space is to include knee and toe space under the lavatory. The code text refers to Figure 32 which only shows a forward approach.
In adaptable dwelling unit (apartment) construction, the approach may allow for either a parallel or forward approach (section 110.6.4.1.1 and Section 1110.6.4.2.1). In certain circumstances temporary cabinets which can be easily removed can be installed beneath the lavatory.
QUESTION: 4. What are acceptable designs for single occupant toilet rooms? Can an accessible single occupant toilet room be provided rather than making both the men’s and women’s restrooms accessible?
RESPONSE: 4. Single occupant toilet rooms provide a solution to design problems in remodelling situations and may also be used in new construction in smaller occupancies or in larger buildings with many dispersed toilet facilities. For compliance with Chapter 11, single user toilets can be designated for men, women or for all users (sometimes called unisex). Other requirements of the building code may require toilet rooms as mens or womens.
In new construction, all toilet rooms have to be designed to be accessible. An accessible single occupant toilet room can not be substituted for making mens and womens toilet rooms accessible. However in a remodelling project, Chapter 11 allows a "unisex" facility to be provided instead of upgrading the mens and womens room where it is technically infeasible to do such upgrade. UBC/11/#6 Toilet Room Design Page 3 of 4 March 1, 1999
A single user toilet room must have, as a minimum, an accessible water closet, an accessible lavatory and appropriate dispensers. Each feature must have a clear floor space and there must be a minimum maneuvering clearance inside the room. The clear floor spaces and manuevering clearance may overlap. Where a door swings into the toilet room, there must be a clear space beyond the door swing of not less than 30 inches by 48 inches. There must be a privacy latch on the door to such toilet rooms. The door swing can cross clear floor spaces at fixtures. A single user toilet room can have both a water closet and a urinal. A toilet stall (or compartment) is not required within a single user toilet room.
QUESTION: 5. Is a single user toilet or bathing facility ever required?
RESPONSE: 5. Yes, in some limited circumstances, single user, or unisex facilities are required.
A. Bathing facilities. The code requires a unisex bathing facility in recreational facilities where separate facilities have been provided for men and women. The types of facilities that are required to meet this requirement would be health clubs, community centers that provide recreational areas such as swimming pools, sports facilities such as ball parks with locker rooms and other similar facilities. The code does allow an exception if only one shower fixture is provided UBC/11/#6 Toilet Room Design Page 4 of 4 March 1, 1999
in each separate sex facility. The exception only applies if the facility is separate from any associated toilet facilities.
B. Toilet facilities. The code requires unisex toilet facilities in assembly and mercantile occupancies where the total of all required water closets for men and women equals six or more. When the building contains more than one occupancy classification, for example a building that contains offices, retail space and a movie theater, only those water closets required for the retail space and theater are counted toward the requirement. As with the bathing facilities, if there is single user facilities have already been provided as part of the count, an additional unisex facility is not needed.
Updates October 1, 1997 edition