Restroom on different level - B use group

[GregK22]

I am working on a change of use on an existing building. The existing use is B, as an office for an insurance agent. The prospective owner wants to convert the building to a coffee shop & bakery. The building was originally built in the 40's as a 2-story single-family dwelling. The existing tenant has access to both stories but never actively used the second story. The new owner wants to convert the first floor into the bakery/coffee shop and would like to segregate the second floor for use as an office for rent. There is currently only one bathroom, on the first floor, which will be converted semi-accessible. The second floor office is being provided with a 1-hour stairway to the exterior of the building. The second floor is only 950 SF. The questions I have are:

Can we provide a separate restroom for the office that is accessible only through the exit corridor on the first floor?

Does the restroom need to be accessible since the space it serves isn't?

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

 

[fatboy]

Welcome

Not sure what you mean by "semi-accessable".....

1109.2 Toilet and bathing facilities. Each toilet room and
bathing room shall be accessible. Where a floor level is not
required to be connected by an accessible route, the only toilet
rooms or bathing rooms provided within the facility shall
not be located on the inaccessible floor. Except as provided
for in Sections 1109.2.2 and 1109.2.3, at least one of each
type of fixture, element, control or dispenser in each accessible
toilet room and bathing room shall be accessible.

 

[GregK22]

I say "semi-accessible" because it is an existing restroom, and the location and cost of modifying it would be excessive. My experience locally is that the building department will allow us to make the restroom as accessible as is feasible given the space and the cost of required modifications.

 

[cda]

I say "semi-accessible" because it is an existing restroom, and the location and cost of modifying it would be excessive. My experience locally is that the building department will allow us to make the restroom as accessible as is feasible given the space and the cost of required modifications.

Just welcome!!!

 

[steveray]

I think you get 1 level and 500ft.....

[P] 2902.3.2 Location of toilet facilities in occupancies
other than malls. In occupancies other than covered and
open mall buildings, the required public and employee toilet
facilities shall be located not more than one story above or
below the space required to be provided with toilet facilities,
and the path of travel to such facilities shall not exceed a distance
of 500 feet (152 m).
Exception: The location and maximum travel distances to
required employee facilities in factory and industrial occupancies
are permitted to exceed that required by this section,
provided that the location and maximum travel
distance are approved.


But I do not believe there is an exception for the "new" bathroom....The thinking being at some point it will become accessible through remodeling and the 20% rule...

 

[Builder Bob]

The issue will be of the office and bakery operate at different hours - is the restroom still accessible to the office people..... Also the security of the restroom if in a common area may be a problem