Re: [GBlist] minimum clearances

[David Seth Melchert <dmelchert@earthlink.net>]

"Lewis J. Matt PhD" wrote:

> John Salmen TERRAIN E.D.S. said:  "I'm always amused at the recommended
> minimum clearances for toilets - generally enough to have a few people join
> you."
>
> Those minimum clearances are there for a very good reason....

Lewis:

I do not mean to question access for disabled people, but there is a humorous
side to this story, framed in an equally humorous story of my own.

We did a bathroom remodel a few years ago. There was a mix up between the
architect and the cabinet maker, and we ended up with 28 1/2" for the toilet
space. Because of the numerous contortions we had already gone through to get
that far, we thought we would check with our inspector, Sharon before tearing it
all out. She is a rather large woman, you might say as wide as she is tall.

Sharon laughed when she saw our problem. She declared, "I've got a big wide
bottom. I don't need 30 inches, and if I don't need it, I certainly won't make
you have it either!"

We proceeded to talk about code. The way she told it, when the ICBO was dealing
with this issue they had spent too many days haggling over this and other loose
ends. Finally two of the biggest fattest guys there said they would form a
subcommittee and make a final recommendation. They went about a bunch of
bathrooms and came up with 30" as ample for them, and their recommendation
stuck. Everyone was too tired to contest it.

I should also mention, Sharon has become a favorite inspector for us since then.
She won't hesitate to call us on errors and we cheerfully comply; she also is
willing to look at tough situations from different angles and provide
accommodating interpretations.

Seth


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