§ 16-5.5. Universal design requirements., Chapter 16. Building Construction Administration, Code of Ordinances, Brookhaven

All applications must demonstrate compliance with the universal design features as set forth in Subsection A(1) through (5).

(1)

Zero-step entrance. At least one zero-step entrance to the residence, which may be located at the front, rear or side of the structure, but does not include any entrance that is located within an attached garage. There shall be less than a one-half-inch rise at the zero-step entrance. A sidewalk or walkway being utilized as the accessible route to the zero-step entrance must have a slope no greater than 1:12.

(2)

Doorways and passageways. All doors on the ground floor of the new construction or addition (including bathrooms, walk-in closets, pocket and sliding doors, and any door intended for human passage) shall have a minimum clearance of 34 inches. A thirty-six-inch door, hung in the standard manner, shall be considered to provide the opening required by this section.

(3)

Adaptability features. There shall be at least one bedroom on the ground floor, or at least one room that can be converted easily into a bedroom.

(4)

Convenient facilities. There shall be at least a 1/2 bathroom located on the ground floor, and the fixtures shall be arranged to provide sufficient floor space so as to allow an individual using a wheelchair or other mobility aid to enter and close the door, use the facilities, reopen the door and exit. A sixty-inch turning radius is required to meet the requirements of this section. Maneuvering space may include any knee space or toe space available below bathroom fixtures, including the clear space under a wall-hung lavatory. The lavatory shall be equipped with a lever faucet handle(s).

(5)

Bathroom(s): reinforcements or "blocking" between wall studs around the toilet and the bathroom/shower areas to conveniently and safely allow for future installation of grab bars, commencing at a height of 32 inches from the floor and extending to a height of at least 38 inches above the floor. Reinforcements may be constructed of plywood or wood blocking.

(a)

Behind the toilet, a minimum twenty-six-inch-wide reinforced area is required, which safely accommodates a twenty-four-inch grab bar and provides proper backing for flange. Where a toilet is adjoining a sidewall, a minimum twenty-six-inch wide reinforced area is required, which safely accommodates a twenty-four-inch grab bar and provides proper backing for flange. For a sidewall adjoining a toilet, a forty-four-inch wide reinforced area is required to safely accommodate a forty-two-inch grab bar with proper backing for flange.

(b)

Along a tub wall, reinforcements shall be at least 50 inches wide, which safely accommodates a forty-eight-inch grab bar and provides proper backing for flange. Sidewalls shall have a minimum twenty-six-inch wide reinforced area, which safely accommodates a twenty-four-inch grab bar and provides proper backing for flange.

(c)

Inside a shower stall, reinforcements shall be at least 26 inches wide on each side adjoining a wall, which safely accommodates a twenty-four-inch grab bar and provides proper backing for flange.