Opinion: Access to dwelling unit appliance

Inquiry: 00-01

Subject: Access to dwelling unit appliance

Code:
1999 MSBC 1341.1640, Item D

Submitted By: City of Plymouth

Approved By: Thomas R. Joachim, State Building Official

Issue Date: January 4, 2000

Question: 1341.1640, Item D contains the sentence, "Either a parallel or forward approach must be provided at the oven, dishwasher, refrigerator/freezer, trash compactor, or other appliance." Would the term "other appliance" include such items as the washer and dryer, when applied to accessible or adaptable dwelling units?

Answer: 1341.1640, Item D applies to kitchen areas within dwelling units. The term "other appliance" pertains to any appliance provided within the kitchen area. If, therefore, the washer and dryer were provided within the kitchen, this section would apply. If, however, the washer and dryer are in a separate room, space or area of the dwelling unit, the requirements of this section would not apply.

Division Comments: 1341.1640, Items A, B and C apply generally to all rooms, spaces and areas of the dwelling unit. Item D applies to kitchens and Item E to toilet and bathing rooms. Appliances located outside of the kitchen area such as a water heater, water softener, furnace, washer/dryer or laundry tub are not addressed in dwelling units.
Approved by the Building Codes and Standards Interpretation Committee.

Inquiry:	00-01
Subject:	Access to dwelling unit appliance
Code:	1999 MSBC 1341.1640, Item D
Submitted By:	City of Plymouth
Approved By:	Thomas R. Joachim, State Building Official
Issue Date:	January 4, 2000
Question:	1341.1640, Item D contains the sentence, "Either a parallel or forward approach must be provided at the oven, dishwasher, refrigerator/freezer, trash compactor, or other appliance." Would the term "other appliance" include such items as the washer and dryer, when applied to accessible or adaptable dwelling units?
Answer:	1341.1640, Item D applies to kitchen areas within dwelling units. The term "other appliance" pertains to any appliance provided within the kitchen area. If, therefore, the washer and dryer were provided within the kitchen, this section would apply. If, however, the washer and dryer are in a separate room, space or area of the dwelling unit, the requirements of this section would not apply.
Division Comments:	1341.1640, Items A, B and C apply generally to all rooms, spaces and areas of the dwelling unit. Item D applies to kitchens and Item E to toilet and bathing rooms. Appliances located outside of the kitchen area such as a water heater, water softener, furnace, washer/dryer or laundry tub are not addressed in dwelling units. Approved by the Building Codes and Standards Interpretation Committee.