Accessibility For Historical Buildings

[Alias]

New owner wants to rehab 2nd floor offices in two historic buildings, Coleman Building built in 1889, Laird Building 1908. Both have stairs to 2nd floor but no elevators. There is also a walk through bar (unexplored by me yet) at the very south end of the building.

Owner is starting with electrical, next will be sheetrock and windows.

My question is, once the entire two buildings are rehabbed, is it acceptable for the first floor Main Street accessible conference room to be used for disabled clients?

Thanks,

Sue

http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u452/fiddlefooted/Laird%20-%20Coleman%20Buildings/Laird-ColemanBuildings003.jpg

http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u452/fiddlefooted/Laird%20-%20Coleman%20Buildings/Laird-ColemanBuildings007.jpg

http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u452/fiddlefooted/Laird%20-%20Coleman%20Buildings/Laird-ColemanBuildings012.jpg

 

[Coug Dad]

Don't know about California in specific, but in general, a formal historic designation creates a situation where the accessible renovations need to be sensitive to the historic fabric of the building. The general 20 percent rule would also apply where an elevator would not be required if it would be more than 20 percent of the renovation costs.

 

[Daddy-0-]

IEBC would be appropriate here.

 

[mark handler]

Sue

Is the first floor going to comply with the CBC chapter 11B after the remodel?

Will there be a complying Restroom?

Will there be a Complying POT to the "Meeting" room(s)?

 

[mark handler]

State Historical Building Code, Part 8, Title 24, of the California Code of Regulations.

The accessibility provisions of CBC Chapter 11B shall apply to qualified historical buildings unless strict compliance with that chapter will threaten or destroy the historical significance or character-defining features of the building, facility, or property.

CHBC 8-602.1

 

[Alias]

SueIs the first floor going to comply with the CBC chapter 11B after the remodel?

Will there be a complying Restroom?

Will there be a Complying POT to the "Meeting" room(s)?

Mark -

First floor was the local pharmacy until recently and yes, it is accessible. It was remodeled in the 80's I think. It is now two spaces, both have accessible bathrooms and conference room is accessible from Main St.

Remodel will be the entire second floor of both buildings. Lots of damage to original lath and plaster, needs new windows, new plumbing, and definitely new electrical throughout.

Sue

 

[mark handler]

"...is it acceptable for the first floor Main Street accessible conference room to be used for disabled clients?"

Yes

 

[Alias]

State Historical Building Code, Part 8, Title 24, of the California Code of Regulations.The accessibility provisions of CBC Chapter 11B shall apply to qualified historical buildings unless strict compliance with that chapter will threaten or destroy the historical significance or character-defining features of the building, facility, or property.

CHBC 8-602.1

Thanks for the info Mark. Qwner is definitely interested in getting the buildings listed on the register. And as you quoted, there is no way to make the offices accessible without destroying the character-defining features of the buildings.

Sue