Production facility

[Cedazzi]

A production facility of 3 employees in a historic building. (No public)
There's an existing WC in a sunken level reachable by stairs only. Adding a ramp or elevator would not reach this exisitng WC. Can i renovate the existing WC (Not ADA) and not have to provide an ADA restroom?

Thank you

 

[steveray]

Not really....

 

[Paul Sweet]

Is the ceiling (or roof structure if there's a drop ceiling) high enough to let you build the floor up to the main floor level?

 

[JPohling]

Sounds like you need to update the existing RR to be accessible but not provide an accessible path to it as none currently exists.

 

[mtlogcabin]

Most AHJ's will not go down this route because their decision could be viewed later as a subjective decision versus an objective decision.
If an AHJ does use this section then I recommend they document, document and document everything that guided them to that decision and then document it again.

305.9 Historic buildings.
These provisions shall apply to facilities designated as historic structures that undergo alterations or a change of occupancy, unless technically infeasible. Where compliance with the requirements for accessible routes, entrances or toilet rooms would threaten or destroy the historic significance of the facility, as determined by the authority having jurisdiction, the alternative requirements of Sections 305.9.1 through 305.9.4 for that element shall be permitted.

 

[mark handler]

Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code
705.1 General
A facility that is altered shall comply with the applicable provisions in Sections 705.1.1 through 705.1.14, and Chapter 11 of the International Building Code unless it is technically infeasible. Where compliance with this section is technically infeasible, the alteration shall provide access to the maximum extent that is technically feasible.