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Requirement
7. Usable kitchens and bathrooms
Section 100.205(c)(3)(iv) requires that covered multifamily dwellings
with a building entrance on an accessible route shall be designed and
constructed in such a manner that all premises within covered multifamily
dwelling units contain usable kitchens and bathrooms such that an individual
in a wheelchair can maneuver about the space.
Guideline
1.Usable kitchens. Usable kitchens would meet section 100.205(c)(3)(iv)
if:
•(a) A clear floor space at least 30 inches
by 48 inches that allows a parallel approach by a person in a wheelchair
is provided at the range or cooktop and sink, and either a parallel or
forward approach is provided at oven, dishwasher, refrigerator/freezer
or trash compactor. (See Fig. 6)
•(b) Clearance between counters and all opposing
base cabinets, countertops, appliances or walls is at least 40 inches.
•(c) In U-shaped kitchens with sink or range or
cooktop at the base of the "U", a 60-inch turning radius is
provided to allow parallel approach, or base cabinets are removable at
that location to allow knee space for a forward approach.
1.(2) Usable bathrooms. To meet the requirements of
section 100.205(c)(3)(iv) either: All bathrooms in the dwelling unit comply
with the provisions of paragraph (a); or At least one bathroom in the
dwelling unit complies with the provisions of paragraph (b), and all other
bathrooms and powder rooms within the dwelling unit must be on an accessible
route with usable entry doors in accordance with the guidelines for Requirements
3 and 4. However, in multistory dwelling units, only those bathrooms on
the accessible level are subject to the requirements of section 100.205(c)(3)(iv).
Where a powder room is the only facility provided on the accessible level
of a multistory dwelling unit, the powder room must comply with provisions
of paragraph (a) or paragraph (b). Powder rooms that are subject to the
requirements of section 100.205(c)(3)(iv) must have reinforcements for
grab bars as provided in the guideline for Requirement 6.
•(a) Bathrooms that have reinforced walls for grab bars (see Requirement
6) would meet section 100.205(c)(3)(iv) if:
•(i) Sufficient maneuvering
space is provided within the bathroom for a person using a wheelchair
or other mobility aid to enter and close the door, use the fixtures, reopen
the door and exit. Doors may swing into the clear floor space provided
at any fixture if the maneuvering space is provided. Maneuvering spaces
may include any kneespace or toespace available below bathroom fixtures.
•(ii) Clear floor space is provided at fixtures
as shown in Fig. 7 (a), (b), (c) and (d). Clear floor space at fixtures
may overlap.
•(iii) If the shower stall is the only bathing
facility provided in the covered dwelling unit, or on the accessible level
of a covered multistory unit, the shower stall measures at least 36 inches
x 36 inches.
•Note Cabinets under lavatories are acceptable provided the bathroom
has space to allow a parallel approach by a person in a wheelchair; if
parallel approach is not possible within the space, any cabinets provided
would have to be removable to afford the necessary knee clearance for
forward approach.
•(b) Bathrooms that have reinforced walls for grab bars (see Requirement
6) would meet section 100.205(c)(3)(iv) if:
•(i) Where the door swings into the bathroom,
there is a clear space (approximately, 2' 6" by 4'0") within
the room to position a wheelchair or other mobility aid clear of the path
of the door as it is closed and to permit use of fixtures. This clear
space can include any kneespace and toespace available below bathroom
fixtures.
•(ii) Where the door swings out, a clear space
is provided within the bathroom for a person using a wheelchair or other
mobility aid to position the wheelchair such that the person is allowed
use of fixtures. There also shall be clear space to allow persons using
wheelchairs to reopen the door to exit.
•(iii) When both tub and shower fixtures are provided
in the bathroom, at least one is made accessible. When two or more lavatories
in a bathroom are provided, at least one is made accessible.
•(iv) Toilets are located within bathrooms in
a manner that permit a grab bar to be installed on one side of the fixture.
In locations where toilets are adjacent to walls or bathtubs, the center
line of the fixture is a minimum of 1'6" from the obstacle. The other
(non-grab bar) side of the toilet fixture is a minimum of 1'3" from
the finished surface of adjoining walls, vanities or from the edge of
a lavatory. (See Figure 7(a).)
•(v) Vanities and lavatories are installed with
the centerline of the fixture a minimum of 1'3" horizontally from
an adjoining wall or fixture. The top of the fixture rim is a maximum
height of 2'10" above the finished floor. If kneespace is provided
below the vanity, the bottom of the apron is at least 2'3" above
the floor. If provided, full kneespace (for front approach) is at least
1'5" deep. (See Figure 7(c).)
•(vi) Bathtubs and tub/showers located in the
bathroom provide a clear access aisle adjacent to the lavatory that is
at least 2'6" wide and extends for a length of 4'0" (measured
from the head of the bathtub). (See Figure 8.)
•(vii) Stall showers in the bathroom may be of
any size or configuration. A minimum clear floor space 2'6" wide
by 4'0" should be available outside the stall. (See Figure 7(d).)
If the shower stall is the only bathing facility provided in the covered
dwelling unit, or on the accessible level of a covered multistory unit,
and measures a nominal 36 x 36 or smaller, the shower stall must have
reinforcing to allow for installation of an optional wall hung bench seat.
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