New Restroom in Existing Building - which clear floor space?

[ETThompson]

Hi

A seemingly simple question which I haven't been able to find the answer for...

We're doing a renovation of an airplane hangar, which primarily involvers recladding and reroofing the building. No change in use, and little overall alteration to the building other than the cladding (well, new MEP and a few other minors things).

In addition to the newly built restroom, we're putting in a laundry room.

Do these new rooms in the existing building need to comply with the "new" requirements (eg, ICC A117 -2017 305.3.1) or the "existing building" ones (305.3.2)?

The 2024 Ohio Existing Building Code (based on the IEBC) references the old A1117 (2009) for existing buildings, specifically for "alterations", which is what we're proposing this as. The 2009 dimension seem to be what's used in 305.3.2. My reading is this tells us we can use the old, smaller clearances. Agree?

Thanks, Eric

 

[steveray]

Existing building new facility me thinks.....

 

[ETThompson]

Existing building new facility me thinks.....

Meaning...? Are you saying you think we have to follow the "new" dimensions?

 

[walker.t]

The 2024 Ohio Existing Building Code (based on the IEBC) references the old A1117 (2009) for existing buildings, specifically for "alterations", which is what we're proposing this as. The 2009 dimension seem to be what's used in 305.3.2. My reading is this tells us we can use the old, smaller clearances. Agree?

Use the accessibility standard referenced in the existing building code that applies to your project, even if that accessibility standard is not the most recent version.

it is not a requirement that any jurisdiction adopt the newest version of any code, here’s a chart from the ICC showing how lots of states are still using older versions of the codes:

https://www.iccsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/Master-I-Code-Adoption-Chart-1.pdf

The 2009 dimension seem to be what's used in 305.3.2

If you’re in doubt, check with your building department now, otherwise they’ll let you know during plan review!

 

[TheCommish]

New work always has to comply with current code,

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Ohio made this as confusing as they possibly could. The index of referenced standard in the IECC as adopted by Ohio lists both A117.1-2009 AND A117.1-2017. The notation after A117.1-09 reads: "Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. (applicable for change of occupancy and alterations)." The notation after A117.1-17 reads: "Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. (applicable for new work and additions)."

Talk about a conundrum. New toilet rooms and a new laundry room are definitely "alterations" under the IEBC, but if they are new toilet rooms and a new laundry room, they are also "new work."

I can see logical arguments being made both ways. I think the best approach in this case is to approach the building official and ask which edition of A117.1 he/she thinks applies. I actually believe that the intent was probably for A117.1-09 to apply to all alterations, including those that include new work that isn't an addition ... but that's not stated clearly.

 

[steveray]

Meaning...? Are you saying you think we have to follow the "new" dimensions?

Yes

 

[Paul Sweet]

I'd consider them as new if there's no plumbing or walls there now. Airplane hangars (except ones for homebuilt single seaters) are large enough that a few extra inches won't cramp the space.