Shower Access

[Phil B]

The code excerpt below states that a transfer shower compartment requirement shall be 36 x 36, but then says the entrance dimension has to be a minimum of 36". My question is, can the shower compartment be a little larger, say 3'-6" x 3'-6"?

By the way, is there a way to post images into a forum post?

Transfer type shower compartments shall be 36 inches (915 mm) by 36 inches (915 mm) clear inside dimensions measured at the center points of opposing sides and shall have a 36 inch (915 mm) wide minimum entry on the face of the shower compartment. Clearance of 36 inches (915 mm) wide minimum by 48 inches (1220 mm) long minimum measured from the control wall shall be provided.

 

[cda]

The

The code excerpt below states that a transfer shower compartment requirement shall be 36 x 36, but then says the entrance dimension has to be a minimum of 36". My question is, can the shower compartment be a little larger, say 3'-6" x 3'-6"?

By the way, is there a way to post images into a forum post?

Transfer type shower compartments shall be 36 inches (915 mm) by 36 inches (915 mm) clear inside dimensions measured at the center points of opposing sides and shall have a 36 inch (915 mm) wide minimum entry on the face of the shower compartment. Clearance of 36 inches (915 mm) wide minimum by 48 inches (1220 mm) long minimum measured from the control wall shall be provided.

The easy way is become a site supporting Sawhorse ,, than you can direct upload

Otherwise, have to make it a link or Flickr or similar and post the link

 

[Yikes]

I think the answer is "no" according to whatever the code was that you referenced, and the reason is because if it were much bigger, some people would have trouble reaching over the threshold to grab the bars in a manner that would help them transfer from their wheelchair onto the seat.

Note that FHA for private dwelling units says minimum 36x36 for a transfer shower. But you have to go with whichever applicable code is the most stringent.

 

[Phil B]

Thank you very much for the response and attachments

 

[mark handler]

I assume you are in Florida here is the 2020 Florida Accessibility Code​

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Explore a searchable database of US construction and building code. Code regulations are consolidated by state and city for easier navigation.

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It shows where the dimensions are measured to/from

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Transfer type shower compartments shall be 36 inches (915 mm) by 36 inches (915 mm) clear inside dimensions measured at the center points of opposing sides and shall have a 36 inch (915 mm) wide minimum entry on the face of the shower compartment. Clearance of 36 inches (915 mm) wide minimum by 48 inches (1220 mm) long minimum measured from the control wall shall be provided.

Why wouldn't a 42" x 42" shower have have a 36" clear inside dimension in it?

 

[mark handler]

Transfer type shower compartments shall be 36 inches (915 mm) by 36 inches (915 mm) clear inside dimensions measured at the center points of opposing sides and shall have a 36 inch (915 mm) wide minimum entry on the face of the shower compartment. Clearance of 36 inches (915 mm) wide minimum by 48 inches (1220 mm) long minimum measured from the control wall shall be provided.

Why wouldn't a 42" x 42" shower have have a 36" clear inside dimension in it?

U.S. Access Board - Chapter 6: Bathing Rooms

The U.S. Access Board is a federal agency that promotes equality for people with disabilities through leadership in accessible design and the development of accessibility guidelines and standards for the built environment, transportation, communication, medical diagnostic equipment, and...

www.access-board.gov

U.S. Access Board
Transfer shower compartments must have a seat (folding or non-folding) and are sized so that controls and grab bars are usable from the seat. The depth is also limited so that support is available from the back wall once transfer is made to the seat. This is why the width and depth are absolute, not minimum, dimensions of 36”.
These dimensions are measured from the centerline of opposing walls since prefabricated units often have rounded corners and slightly tapered walls to get the form off the mold. The entry must be at least 36" wide on the face of the compartment.

 

[RLGA]

From the 2010 ADA Standards:

"104.1 Dimensions. Dimensions that are not stated as 'maximum' or 'minimum' are absolute."​

 

[Yikes]

And "absolute" means that some construction tolerances must come into play.

 

[RLGA]

And "absolute" means that some construction tolerances must come into play.

True, the section following the one I quoted states the following:

"104.1.1 Construction and Manufacturing Tolerances. All dimensions are subject to conventional industry tolerances except where the requirement is stated as a range with specific minimum and maximum end points."​

​

However, "tolerances" are a subjective matter to some degree. Where building elements are subjected to industry standards that establish tolerances, those stated tolerances would likely be considered acceptable for accessibility issues. Where tolerances are not stated in an accepted standard, then it becomes murky, and determining what is a reasonable tolerance is probably left to the DOJ to decide, or expert witnesses should the issue go to court.

 

[Phil B]

I assume you are in Florida here is the 2020 Florida Accessibility Code​

Searchable platform for building codes

Explore a searchable database of US construction and building code. Code regulations are consolidated by state and city for easier navigation.

up.codes

It shows where the dimensions are measured to/from

View attachment 7974View attachment 7975

Yes, I was referring to the Florida code, and this is the section and graphics I was referring to.

Paragraph 608.2.1 reads strangely to me. I am not sure what the statement about dimensions being measured at the centers of opposing sides is supposed to be indicating. Maybe they want to ensure that the controls are centered on the wall within the 36" x 36" space? If so, why not say it that way?

Also, the answers to my original question indicate that the code does intend that the shower space is to be 36" x 36", not larger. Why then do they say the entry is to be 36" minimum? The entry face can't be wider than the space itself, right?

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Mark and RLGA we only enforce the I codes here, not ADA.

 

[RLGA]

Mark and RLGA we only enforce the I codes here, not ADA.

True, but very similar provisions apply per the IBC. See ANSI A117.1-2009, Section 104.2.

 

[mark handler]

Mark and RLGA we only enforce the I codes here, not ADA.

And I was directing My comments to Phil in Florida. Based on the Original Post.