Fair Housing Act / ANSI - Type B Units - Shower Size

[JonathanD]

According to ANSI A117.1-2009 I understand that the minimum dimensions for a shower in a Type B unit to be 36" wide by 36" deep. (1004.11.3.1.3.3) In looking at the Fair Housing Act Design Manual on page 6.13 it shows an image of 32" x 48" shower and indicates it as 'other shower configurations permitted'.

Could anyone please provide feedback on minimum shower sizes for Type B units and if a 32" x 48" shower is permissible?

Thank you

 

[mark handler]

https://www.huduser.gov/publications/pdf/fairhousing/fairfull.pdf



if it is the only bathing feature in the unit 36"x36", most restrictive.....

 

[JonathanD]

https://www.huduser.gov/publications/pdf/fairhousing/fairfull.pdf

View attachment 3027

if it is the only bathing feature in the unit 36"x36", most restrictive.....

Thank you,
Jonathan

 

[JonathanD]

Thank you,
Jonathan

If I can ask you a follow up question: If we plan on using a shower in our Type B units that is 36" x 48" can we install a shower of this size that doesn't meet the strictures of a Type A unit because, for example, it has a 3" curb at the threshold? The thinking is that blocking would be installed for future grab bars and, in the event that the Type B unit was converted into a fully accessible unit, a new shower surrounds could be installed with a low profile (1/2") threshold.

 

[ADAguy]

Sounds logical, but acceptable MH?

 

[mark handler]

If I can ask you a follow up question: If we plan on using a shower in our Type B units that is 36" x 48" can we install a shower of this size that doesn't meet the strictures of a Type A unit because, for example, it has a 3" curb at the threshold? The thinking is that blocking would be installed for future grab bars and, in the event that the Type B unit was converted into a fully accessible unit, a new shower surrounds could be installed with a low profile (1/2") threshold.

Most restrictive.....

 

[JonathanD]

Thanks Mark,

We're looking at a shower that's 48″ X 36″ X 77″ (see attached image) as a potential for a Type B unit. In the image you can see it has a curb and seat and would not be ANSI-compliant from the get-go. The shower pan and surrounds would have to be replaced to make it accessible. From your remark about 'most restrictive' would you think we would need to install an accessible shower from the start and not plan on a retrofit as needed?

Thank you,

 

[ADAguy]

It depends, is this a business decision?

 

[mjw_accessibility]

In NC, our Department of Insurance would allow for a 32"x48" shower as it is seen as more offering greater accessibility. I might not necessarily agree with that given the code language, but I have something to back me up.