Maneuvering @ Bedroom Doors for Type B Units

[Muchie]

Do I need to meet maneuvering requirements for Type B at the bedroom doors, and if so, are there requirements for both sides? I am aware I need 2'10 doors for the bedrooms.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

The code is very confusing when it comes to B units.

1004.3.1 says you need an accessible route to all spaces that are part of the unit.
1004.5.1 exception says you don't need maneuvering clearance on the unit side of the primary door (only).
1004.5.2 User Passage Doorways. No definition of this term but it might mean the doorways inside the unit and there is no exception or requirement for maneuvering clearance at these doors under Type B Units. But wouldn't they need the maneuvering clearance to comply with 1004.3.1?
The same thing with door hardware. There is nothing about door hardware under Type B units, but I would think you can't use the round door nobs to comply with 1004.3.1.

 

[Paul Sweet]

Maneuvering clearances are required for doors which have a latch AND a closer. I'm not sure I've ever seen an interior door with a closer in a residence. The only case I can think of might be a secondary exit to a stair in an apartment.

 

[Muchie]

Yes , thank you for the responses. I did conclude that Type B does not require maneuvering clearances other than the primary entrance door which does have the requirement. Agree it is somewhat in conflict at the accessible route as you mentioned. Not a requirement for maneuvering clearances there, but as you said, doesn't make sense to me either. As I understand the intention of the Type B is that it should be designed to be easily converted to a Type A, but intent does not matter in some situations where just meeting the code will make some things possible. Thanks for the responses

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Maneuvering clearances are required for doors which have a latch AND a closer. I'm not sure I've ever seen an interior door with a closer in a residence. The only case I can think of might be a secondary exit to a stair in an apartment.

Table 404.2.3.1 has maneuvering clearances for doors without latches and closers and then adds more maneuvering space when latches and/or closers are added to doors.

Approaching to the front of the pull side of a door needs 18" beyond the latch. It doesn't matter if it has a latch or closer.

 

[Muchie]

Are you confirming here that Section 404 only applies to the primary entrance door and or doors with a latch and closer. All other manual doors do not have to meet section 404. Please confirm that is what you understand.

 

[ADAguy]

Thank you for bringing this often misunderstood topic up.
Best practice and common sense vs code minimums are often in conflict on this.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

2015 Chapter 11 1102.1 Definitions:
ACCESSIBLE ROUTE. A continuous, unobstructed path that complies with this chapter.
I don't see any exceptions for R-2 B units in chapter 11.

ICC/ANCI A117.1 - 2006 section 1004.3.1 says you need an accessible route to all spaces that are part of the unit.
only exception I can find is: 1004.5.1 exception says you don't need maneuvering clearance on the unit side of the primary door (only).
No exceptions for any other door.

I think it's odd that there is a exception for the front door but not for a back door.

 

[Muchie]

Agreed, the continuous unobstructed path is required. The current required code is 2009. Are you quoting 2006? The code (2009) says that the primary entrance door needs to comply to section 404 for the Type B. That is to say while Type A requires all doors to comply with section 404, Type B does not. Do you read it the same?

 

[ADAguy]

Some codes indicate " all required exits" many SF's only require one.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Agreed, the continuous unobstructed path is required. The current required code is 2009. Are you quoting 2006? The code (2009) says that the primary entrance door needs to comply to section 404 for the Type B. That is to say while Type A requires all doors to comply with section 404, Type B does not. Do you read it the same?

I only have 2006 which we are using in PA

 

[redeyedfly]

There is no 2006 edition of the ANSI A117.1 standard. 2003, 2009, 2017.

2003 was the last edition that exempted the interior of unit entry doors for maneuvering clearances. So it depends on which version your jurisdiction adopted. If they haven't adopted an accessibility code you are free to choose any you want per the FHA safe harbors (does not yet include 2017) or simply use the FHADM.

In any of the versions chapter 10 lists all the requirements in units. Anything in chapter 10 supersedes other chapters. If you want to know about doors in a Type B you only need to look at 1004.5. 1004.5.2 lists the requirements for user passage doors, there are no maneuvering clearances so none are required.

1004.9 lists all items which must comply with 309 Operable Parts, door knobs are not listed.