Type A & B Units shelving.... other than kitchens

[Question That]

For closet shelving (as example) behind doors that have required clearance area in front of them, how are the reach ranges addressed so that shelves that are above the reach range are ok to include. My understanding would be that lower closet rods and shelving would need to be provided but where does the code "allow" for additional shelving above reach ranges?
Similar question related to counter tops. Can I have a counter top (or say a reach in casework type pantry/ broom closet) that is deeper than a the 2/0 max depth shown in the reach range diagrams? No controls at the wall....

Are there percentages of shelves etc spelled out somewhere that are required? I get that the code says does not apply to kitchen cabinets.... so wall hung cabinets of any height should not be impacted by the code.

 

[Jay Smith]

When the section on storage facilities under Type A requires that one of each provided type of storage must comply, that’s one shelf out of all of them in the closet. It’s one rod out of all provided. The commentary on section 905 says providing additional shelves and rods outside accessible reach range is acceptable. Under Type B, there is no section on storage facilities, which means no requirement on the reach range of such things.

The commentary says Type B is intended to be consistent with Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines. The requirements in the Fair Housing Act Design Manual describe a reach-in closet as 24 inches deep but don’t require it to be that. FHADM recommends a maximum reach-in pantry depth of 18 inches but does not require it.

I think an interesting requirement is 1104.9, Exception 10, which allows the reach to operable parts to be over a cabinet 36 inches high and 25 1/2 inches deep. It is accepting conventional cabinets, but in doing so sets maximum dimensions for them.

 

[Question That]

1104.9.... That IS interesting. Didn't pick up on that and makes a big difference this project! Thanks. I also noticed after looking into this that in the kitchen 1104.12 there is no requirement for 34" high counters either. AND no requirement for lowered work surface at 30". Or any provision for requiring knee spaces and I'm thinking therefor removable bases required....
Looks like, other than door sizes, most of the other considerations for type B vs conventional units will for all practical purposes be the same.

 

[Blazer]

IBC 1109.9. Storage. Where fixed or built-in storage elements such as cabinets, coat hooks, shelves, medicine cabinets, lockers, closets and drawers are provided in *required accessible spaces, at least 5 percent, but not less than one of each type shall be accessible.

* Refers to Accessible units and Type A units. Type B units are excluded from storage requirements.

1 out of 20 (5%) of each element, but no less than one must be accessible. If you have 21 shelves in a closet then 2 must be accessible, a.k.a have reach ranges that comply with Section 308.

 

[Question That]

Thanks Blazer!. Went out and looked at the IBC code. Not seeing anywhere that says anything about Type A units.... Only Accessible.
My understanding is that "Accessible" units are distinct from both type A and Type B units, thus this part of the code would not apply.
And that brings up this question. If IBC calls for something that the ICC does not then how do you proceed with code analyisis? Does one code override the other as it relates to accessiblity concerns?

 

[Jay Smith]

When you’re looking at 2018 IBC 1109.9, see the scope of that requirement in 1109.1. There’s an exception there that directs you to Chapter 10 of ICC A117.1 for dwelling units. The scope of 1109.2 through 1109.15 is common and public areas.

 

[Blazer]

Thanks Blazer!. Went out and looked at the IBC code. Not seeing anywhere that says anything about Type A units.... Only Accessible.
My understanding is that "Accessible" units are distinct from both type A and Type B units, thus this part of the code would not apply.
And that brings up this question. If IBC calls for something that the ICC does not then how do you proceed with code analyisis? Does one code override the other as it relates to accessiblity concerns?

If your jurisdiction has adopted the IBC then you refer to Chapter 11 - Accessibility for scoping requirements. (The what, where and how many). Section 1102 - Compliance requires compliance with ICC A117.1 (The how).

Take a few minutes and read the User note - About this chapter at the beginning of Ch. 11. It may serve useful.

 

[mjw_accessibility]

ICC A117.1 (2009) Section 1003.14 requires at least one of each type of storage facility for (not necessarily in) Type A units to comply with Section 905. If a closet in a Type A unit has [a] shel[f]ves, at least one must be accessible.