Cohousing-L Mailing List: elevator reqs

[Grace Kim (grace]

SNIP

We'd like not to put in an elevator or even the shaft for future use.
Must we do this?  Are Common Houses typically treated like one's private
home or a public building with required handicap features?  Thoughts and
lessons learned?

If your upper level is less than 3000sf here's something to consider.
If they haven't already, you might ask your architect look into the code
requirements in your jurisdiction to see if there is an exception for
providing an accessible route to levels above/below an accessible level
(First Floor in your case sounds like it's accessible) if it is less
than 3000sf. You will still have to provide ADA accessibility throughout
the floor, but you won't have to provide the elevator.  The 2006 IBC has
this exception, but its possible that the local jurisdiction may not
have adopted it.

If this doesn't apply, have you considered a residential lift?  This
might prove to be less costly.

grace h. kim, aia
principal
 
schemata workshop
an architectural collaborative
159 western ave west, #483
seattle, wa 98119
v.206.285.1589
f.206.285.2701
www.schemataworkshop.com