Type be access?

[Sifu]

In a type B unit on an R2 site, are the attached garages required to provide an accessible route directly from the garage into the unit? Code states to the "primary entrance", the back door to the garage is not what I think of as the primary entrance. (ANSI 117.1 1004.1 & IBC 1107.4). The ANSI standard also states that all spaces within the unit must be on the accessible route. Whether the attached garage is within the unit is kind of the question.

 

[RLGA]

Per FHA, this is considered a "carriage house unit," and an interior accessible route to a garage space is not required, but an accessible pedestrian or vehicular route from the garage to the main entrance is required.

 

[ADAguy]

Not required but a better practice, especially when it rains.

 

[Sifu]

RLGA to the rescue again. While I was coming up wit my own conclusion that said the same thing, it is very helpful to see it in writing. And while this is a flat and not a story above, the recommendation did pint me in the right direction. I found the following in the research on the topic from a Q & A on the FHAG:

Q. Does the route leading from inside a private attached garage to the dwelling unit have to be accessible?
A. No. Under Requirement 1 of the Guidelines, there must be an accessible entrance to the dwelling unit on an accessible route. However, this route and entrance need not originate inside the garage. Most units with attached garages have a separate main entry, and this would be the entrance required to be accessible. Thus, if there were one or two steps inside the garage leading into the unit, there would be no requirement to put a ramp in place of the steps. However, the door connecting the garage and dwelling unit would have to meet the requirements for usable doors.

Here is the link, it is a very useful Q & A.
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/disabilities/fhefhasp#req4

This forum is the best!

 

[ADAguy]

Thanks for this

 

[Sifu]

Follow up. On this site they have one unit that they can't get an accessible route to the primary entrance due to site slope. They have requested the route be made to the rear garage entry via the road instead. I don't really have an issue using 1107.4 exc. #1here except that the rear entry is behind an overhead door. Any suggestions? I have found very few OHD with a man-door in it.