Private residential elevator inside townhome unit

[Yikes]

I'm designing some townhomes (multistory) in California. normally, California code would require such a townhome to have an accessible first floor with accessible powder room.

The developer wants to put private elevators inside EACH of the individual townhomes units. The elevators are about 3'x 4', just big enough for most wheelchairs. Questions:

1. Is the townhome now considered an "elevator building", such that all portions of all floors of the townhome must be accessible?

2. I know the elevator will provide access for most wheelshairs to the second floor "in real life"; but, does such an elevator meet code?

3. If I put a fully accessible bathroom on the second floor (which is served by this small elevator), can I make the first floor powder room NON-accessible?

 

[mark handler]

1. YES the townhomes would be considered an "elevator building"

2. YES it must meet the elevator code for a private elevator, not a commercial elevator.

3. You must put an adaptable bathroom on the second floor and an accessible powder [or bath]room on the first floor