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Applying Accessibility Standards [Exercise A]
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Where does it say that type A units are not required by R-2 occupancies?
This case study includes a question that requires calculating the unit types for the dormitory. The case states that the occupancy classification is R‑2.
Based on 2021 IBC 1108.6.2 Group R-2: Accessible units, Type A units and Type B units shall be provided in Group R-2 occupancies in accordance with Sections 1108.6.2.1 through 1108.6.2.3.
IBC 2021 1108.6.2.2.1 Type A Units: In Group R-2 occupancies containing more than 20 dwelling units or sleeping units, at least 2 percent but not less than one of the units shall be a Type A unit. All Group R-2 units on a site shall be considered to determine the total number of units and the required number of Type A units. Type A units shall be dispersed among the various classes.
Based on this statement, I believe the required Type‑A units should be 2% of the total units, since the project includes more than 20 units. However, the answer provided in the case study says:
Per Table 1108.6.1.1, a total of 300 units provided required 10 total accessible units.
Table 1108.6.1.1 are for accessible dwelling units and sleeping units for R-1.
Can someone explain to me why we are using a table for R‑1 to calculate the total units for an R‑2 occupancy?? 
@peaceloveshakti @zayas.yasmin91 @Minjung Sorry for jumping in a bit late to this discussion! These are all great questions and correct, we are first to reference 2021 IBC Section 1108.6.2.3. Here it indicates that in Group R-2 occupancies, accessible units and Type B units are to be provided in accordance with Sections 1108.6.2.3.1 and 1108.6.2.3.2.
1108.6.2.3.1 Accessible units directs us to Table 1108.6.1.1. According to this table, 300 total units means that 10 total accessible units are required for the dormitory.
This is a very common (and tricky) aspect of building codes, in that you may need to jump around to several sections based on what your applicable section is referencing. I agree that it is confusing that we are referencing a table in the R-1 section even though we have an R-2 occupancy, but that is how the code sections are organized sometimes.
Hope this helps!
Kiara Galicinao, AIA, NCARB
Product Coordinator
Black Spectacles
Question #4 says to identify the one document that is an FHA safe harbor. Multiple online sources say both ANSI/ICC and the IBC are acceptable, depending on the version that is used. Why is ANSI the only correct answer for this question?
Question #7 has to do with calculating the correct number of accessible parking spaces needed based on the local zoning ordinance of 0.33 stalls per bed. Using the IBC, the correct thing to do is provide 4 accessible stalls, with 1 van-accessible stall. However, the ADA guidelines seem to indicate 5 stalls plus 1 van stall are needed (6 total stalls). Would the stricter standard (ADA) apply in this scenario instead of IBC?
Great questions @Tiffany.Chang! Thanks for writing in.
For Question 4, the key distinction is that the FHA recognizes specific technical standards as safe harbors, not general building codes. ICC/ANSI A117.1 is directly recognized because it contains the technical accessibility criteria for dwelling units. The IBC references A117.1, but it is a broader building code and is not itself a standalone FHA safe harbor. So for ARE purposes, ANSI is correct because it is the document that directly provides the recognized FHA accessibility standards.
For Question 7, yes - typically you would use the most stringent guideline when multiple codes or regulations apply. However, be sure that you are referencing the applicable standards based on the scenario presented. For a dormitory (R-2 occupancy), the IBC Section 1106.2 exception applies. ADA applies to public accommodations and commercial facilities under federal civil rights law. Dormitories are considered residential facilities, so here the IBC governs.
Hope this helps!
Kiara Galicinao, AIA, NCARB
Product Coordinator
Black Spectacles