What are the accessibility requirements under NB code for a commercial garage?

Commercial garages in New Brunswick must comply with the accessibility requirements outlined in the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) as adopted by the province, but the specific requirements depend heavily on the type of commercial garage, its occupancy classification, and whether it provides public access.

Commercial garages fall under different occupancy classifications in the NBC, each with distinct accessibility requirements. Parking garages open to the public (Group A, Division 4 occupancy) have the most stringent accessibility requirements, including accessible parking spaces, barrier-free paths of travel, and accessible washroom facilities if provided. Private commercial garages serving a specific business or fleet may have reduced requirements depending on employee count and public access. Service garages and repair shops that serve the public must provide accessible entrances and customer areas, though the work bays themselves may have limited accessibility requirements due to the nature of automotive service work.

Accessible parking requirements are particularly important for public parking garages. The NBC requires a minimum number of accessible parking spaces based on total capacity - typically 1 accessible space per 25 total spaces for the first 100 spaces, then 1 per 50 thereafter. These spaces must be 3.7 metres wide (versus 2.6 metres for standard spaces) with a 1.5-metre access aisle between pairs of accessible spaces or adjacent to a single space. The spaces must be located on the shortest accessible route to the building entrance and marked with proper signage. In multi-level parking garages, accessible spaces should be distributed among floors served by accessible routes.

Barrier-free paths of travel must connect accessible parking spaces to building entrances, elevators, and any public facilities within the garage. Ramps cannot exceed a 1:20 slope (5% grade) without being classified as a ramp requiring handrails and landings. Where ramps are necessary, they cannot exceed 1:12 slope (8.33% grade) and must include handrails on both sides, level landings every 9 metres, and proper surface materials. Elevator requirements apply to parking garages over one storey - at least one elevator must serve all levels with accessible parking, and the elevator must meet dimensional and operational requirements for wheelchair accessibility.

Door and entrance requirements specify that accessible entrances must have a minimum clear width of 800mm when the door is open 90 degrees, maximum opening force of 22 newtons, and automatic operators where the door opening force would otherwise exceed this limit. Washroom facilities, if provided in commercial garages, must include accessible washrooms with proper clearances, grab bar locations, and fixture heights as specified in the NBC.

However, there are important exceptions and variations depending on the specific type of commercial garage operation. Service bays in automotive repair facilities are not required to be fully accessible due to the nature of the work, though customer service areas, offices, and waiting rooms must comply. Private fleet garages serving a specific employer may have reduced requirements if they don't serve the public, though employee accessibility needs must still be considered under human rights legislation.

For commercial garage projects in New Brunswick, you'll need to work with an architect or building designer familiar with NBC accessibility requirements and obtain proper building permits through your municipal building department. The accessibility requirements are complex, vary by occupancy type and building size, and must be verified during the design phase - not after construction begins. Many commercial garage accessibility features (elevator shafts, accessible washroom rough-ins, proper floor slopes) are impossible or extremely expensive to add after construction.

This is distinctly different from residential garage construction where accessibility requirements are minimal unless specifically requested by the homeowner. Commercial garages serving the public are subject to much more stringent accessibility standards that significantly impact design, layout, and construction costs.

Find commercial construction contractors experienced with accessibility requirements through the New Brunswick Construction Network at newbrunswickconstructionnetwork.com/directory?category=general-contracting.