Utility sink with parallel approach

[NCRooster]

Hi all. The project in question is a building in NC with multiple art studios that will be used for various art classes for all ages. This is a change of use in an existing building. The client would like a utility sink in each studio. These sinks would meet the max height requirement for accessibility; however, they would not be able to provide the clearance needed for a forward approach, as a 5" deep bowl (give or take) is not deep enough for rinsing buckets / tools / other large items. The sinks would of course end up being used for handwashing as well, but their primary purpose would be for washing miscellaneous art supplies. Assuming these sinks don't qualify as service sinks (which aren't required to be accessible per NCSBC 1109.3), they would be required to meet A117.1 606.2, which requires a forward approach. Is there anything I'm missing that would allow one utility sink per classroom without requiring a second sink (non utility sink with a forward approach) in each room? For what it's worth, sinks in breakrooms and wet bars are permitted to have a parallel approach, even though there doesn't seem to be a reason not to require a forward approach in those locations. The budget is very tight for this client, so if two sinks per room are required, then they will probably just have sinks in only some of the studios.

Relevant codes - 2009 A117.1, NC EBC 2018 (based on 2015), & NCSBC (based on IBC 2015)

 

[redeyedfly]

I would definitely consider that a service sink.

 

[NCRooster]

Is there an official definition for service sink somewhere? It's not defined in ANSI or IBC. In the absence of a definition, I had been assuming that a service sink was a sink used only by employees.

Classifying these as service sinks would be the best case scenario for the client of course. Thoughts from others?

 

[redeyedfly]

Is there an official definition for service sink somewhere? It's not defined in ANSI or IBC. In the absence of a definition, I had been assuming that a service sink was a sink used only by employees.

Classifying these as service sinks would be the best case scenario for the client of course. Thoughts from others?

I consider a service sink to be any sink that is not serving some kind of food preparation or a lavatory in a restroom. I've never read any mention of requiring it only to be used by employees. My definition is a special use sink, which you have by your description. If no one can use for it's intended purpose (cleaning tools/buckets) then what does it matter how accessible it is? I think maintaining a parallel approach is good practice. A forward approach would make it unusable for it's intended purpose.