Sleep Clinic Accessibility Requirements

[Rarchitect]

Ok, so I am trying to determine the accessibility requirements for a sleep clinic based on the 2021 IBC (2024 Ohio Building Code). From what I have gathered on this forum, and from talking with the code official, this would be a 'B Business' Occupancy.

The specific situation is that we are evaluating is converting an extended stay hotel which is 2 stories, 4 units per story, with no elevator access into a sleep clinic that has (4) sleep rooms on the first floor (accessible) and (2) on the 2nd floor (not accessible). I am thoroughly confused to how to classify the accessibility requirements - is this a sleeping unit? is a medical office? Is there a difference between a medical office and ambulatory care facility?

Here is what I am trying to determine:

1. Do I need an elevator (the first floor will have employee work areas that are duplicated on the second floor)
2. Do I need to make all the units accessible (the 2nd floor sleep rooms and the the toilet rooms).

Thank you for your help!

 

[jar546]

What is the gross square footage of each floor?

 

[Rarchitect]

2,250 sf

 

[Rarchitect]

What is the gross square footage of each floor?

2,250 sf

 

[walker.t]

is this a sleeping unit? is a medical office?

Not sure what you mean exactly when you say “medical office”. The entire building? Just one room in the building? But taken by itself, one of the rooms where you have a bed sounds to me like a sleeping unit per the IBC commentary:

2021 IBC Commentary on “Sleeping Unit” (Partial Quote)
The definition for “Sleeping unit” clarifies the differences between sleeping units and dwelling units. In addition, using the term “sleeping unit” for spaces where people sleep will replace a multitude of other terms (e.g. patient room, cell, guestroom)…Some examples of sleeping units are…patient sleeping rooms in hospitals…

Is there a difference between a medical office and ambulatory care facility?

Yes, per the following.

2021 IBC Commentary on “Sleeping Unit” (Partial Quote)
The definition for “Sleeping unit” clarifies the differences between sleeping units and dwelling units. In addition, using the term “sleeping unit” for spaces where people sleep will replace a multitude of other terms (e.g. patient room, cell, guestroom)…Some examples of sleeping units are…patient sleeping rooms in hospitals…

2021 IBC Definition of “Clinic, Outpatient”
Buildings or portions thereof used to provide medical care on less than a 24-hour basis to persons who are not rendered incapable of self-preservation by the services provided.

2021 IBC Commentary on “Clinic, Outpatient” (Partial Quote)
This definition clarifies the difference between ambulatory surgery centers (ambulatory care facilities) and the typical doctor’s office.

 

[LR419]

Start with the OEBC rather than the OBC, specifically 306.5 and 306.7. You may be able to avoid the installation of an elevator if the cost is disproportionate to the cost of the alterations.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

You always need to start with your state's Existing Building Code like NLR419 said.

 

[Rarchitect]

You always need to start with your state's Existing Building Code like NLR419 said.

Thank you Mr. Incpector and NLR419!

Yes, I have started with the existing building code, but it references back to Chapter 11 accessibility:

Ohio Existing Building Code (2021 IEBC) 306.7 A facility that is altered shall comply with the applicable provisions in Chapter 11 of the building code, ICC A117.1 and the provisions of Sections 306.7.1 through 306.7.16, unless technically infeasible. Where compliance with this section is technically infeasible, the alteration shall provide access to the maximum extent technically feasible.

I am trying to avoid the alternative compliance method and would ideally like a clear cut path to compliance. Where I get hung up is in Chapter 11:

1104.4 Multistory Buildings
At least one accessible route shall connect each accessible story, mezzanine and occupied roofs in multilevel buildings and facilities.
Exceptions:
1.An accessible route is not required to stories, mezzanines and occupied roofs that have an aggregate area of not more than 3,000 square feet (278.7 m2) per story and are located above and below accessible levels. This exception shall not apply to: we do not exceed 3000 sf but...

1. 1.2.Stories or mezzanines containing offices of health care providers (Group B or I). is this relevant? would this be an office of a healthcare provider?
2. 1.5.Structures with four or more dwelling units. we are sleeping units not dwelling units so I dont believe this is relevant

4.Where a two-story building or facility has one story or mezzanine with an occupant load of five or fewer persons that does not contain public use space, that story or mezzanine shall not be required to be connected by an accessible route to the story above or below. although the actual occupant load will not exceed 5 people (2 sleep study patients and 1 to 2 staff), per the occupant load calcs, we do. I would need the AHJ to approve a lower occupant load.

​

 

[walker.t]

1.2.Stories or mezzanines containing offices of health care providers (Group B or I). is this relevant? would this be an office of a healthcare provider?

Yes, this is considered an office of a healthcare provider, “office” meaning “practice” (the entire business, not just the room where the physician sits at their desk and does paperwork.) So, assuming the services provided are being performed by licensed medical professionals (or under their supervision,) it’s a “healthcare provider.”

 

[Rarchitect]

Yes, this is considered an office of a healthcare provider, “office” meaning “practice” (the entire business, not just the room where the physician sits at their desk and does paperwork.) So, assuming the services provided are being performed by licensed medical professionals (or under their supervision,) it’s a “healthcare provider.”

So is my only path the last exception (5 or fewer occupants) or an alternative compliance method?

 

[LR419]

So is my only path the last exception (5 or fewer occupants) or an alternative compliance method?

The other path is in 306.7, specifically 306.7.1 Exception 1 and 306.7.1.1. The provisions of Chapter 3 apply regardless of the compliance method.

 

[Rarchitect]

The other path is in 306.7, specifically 306.7.1 Exception 1 and 306.7.1.1. The provisions of Chapter 3 apply regardless of the compliance method.

Thank you! Do you know what the last exceptions means?

5. This provision does not apply to altered areas limited to Type B dwelling and sleeping units.

 

[LR419]

Thank you! Do you know what the last exceptions means?

5. This provision does not apply to altered areas limited to Type B dwelling and sleeping units.

If you are classifying this as Group B and not Group I or Group R, OBC 1108 does not require Type B units. Could you nonetheless design them to the Type B requirements (A117.1 1104)? Yes, but 1104.2 requires an accessible route to the primary entrance. I think the exception is intended for existing Type B units where a primary function alteration might otherwise trigger the accessible route requirement. Applying it to newly designated units seems a stretch. If you try that approach, a preliminary plan review with the building official might be helpful.

 

[Yikes]

Question about the sleep clinic. Is this something where people are being studied for their normal sleeping habits?
Or is it a situation where they are being given sleep/drowsiness medication, such that in event of an emergency they would be difficult to rouse and incapable of self-preservation?

 

[Jean Tessmer-HI]

Ok, so I am trying to determine the accessibility requirements for a sleep clinic based on the 2021 IBC (2024 Ohio Building Code). From what I have gathered on this forum, and from talking with the code official, this would be a 'B Business' Occupancy.

The specific situation is that we are evaluating is converting an extended stay hotel which is 2 stories, 4 units per story, with no elevator access into a sleep clinic that has (4) sleep rooms on the first floor (accessible) and (2) on the 2nd floor (not accessible). I am thoroughly confused to how to classify the accessibility requirements - is this a sleeping unit? is a medical office? Is there a difference between a medical office and ambulatory care facility?

Here is what I am trying to determine:

1. Do I need an elevator (the first floor will have employee work areas that are duplicated on the second floor)
2. Do I need to make all the units accessible (the 2nd floor sleep rooms and the the toilet rooms).

Thank you for your help!

You need to consult the Americans with Disabilities Act published by the Department of Justice 2010
You can be sued by any individual with a disability or someone who thinks you are creating a barrier to access to your building. Especially a medical facility.