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Accessible facilities project
assessment
Information sheet
Version: 5
Date: November 2019
Code: IS-115
The following are guidance notes for assessing compliance with the NZ Building Code and Approved
Documents. They include provisions from Acceptable Solutions and NZS 4121:2001. Reference should be
made to these publications for full details, as only a summary of the main items is given below. Refer also
to the Building Act 2004, Section 118 and Schedule 2 of the Act to determine which buildings require
accessible facilities.
Some features are covered by two Acceptable Solutions (e.g. NZBC D1/AS1 and NZS 4121:2001). In such
cases, either may be used as a means of compliance, and both are currently acceptable. However, the
latest version will usually more accurately reflect current thinking and practice.
These guidance notes are subject to ongoing review, and may not cover every requirement. They are
offered on a “no liability” basis.
Car Parks (NZBC D1.3.5 & D1.3.6, D1/AS1/10 (AS2890.1), NZS 4121 Sections 5 & F3)
Provided at the ratio of 1 for up to 20, 2 for up to 50 plus 1 more for every additional 50 parks (or part
thereof) (NZS 4121).
Identified by the symbol of access (on ground or post).
Location of accessible car park is either visible from a vehicle at the entrance to the car park area, or is sign
posted from the entrance to the parking area.
Min. 3500mm width (NZS 4121). Min. 3200mm width (AS2890.1 Fig. 2.2) but 3500mm if beside an
obstruction (D1/AS1/10.1.1 Comment).
Located on an accessible route, as close as possible to the building accessible entry.
Located on a surface with a max. 1:50 slope.
Located to avoid conflict between vehicles and people, and provided with direct access to an accessible
route without having to pass behind parked cars.
Ramps & Footpaths (NZBC D1, D1/AS1/2.3, 3.0 & 6.0, NZS 4121 Section 6)
Where the footpath surface is more than 25mm above adjacent ground, either a 75mm high kerb or a low
barrier rail is required.
Accessible routes have a cross fall of no more than 1:50.
Footpaths and ramps have a min 1200mm clear width (1000mm between handrails).
Footpaths and ramps have non slip surface (refer D1/AS1 Table 2).
Portable ramps are not permitted.
Ramps have a max gradient of 1:12.
Ramps have landings top and bottom, extending 1200mm beyond any doorway or door swing. Landings
may have a maximum gradient, in direction of travel, of 1:50.
All ramps have an upstand or a low rail to prevent wheel-chair wheel from running off edge.
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Ramps steeper than 1:20 have handrails both sides, continuing for 300mm beyond head and foot of ramp,
plus an intermediate safety rail where not against a wall or barrier (NZS 4121 Fig. 12).
Height of handrails is between 840mm and 1000mm vertically above “plane” surface of ramp.
Handrail diameter is between 32mm and 50mm (or to Fig.26(b) D1/AS1).
Handrails have clearance between 45mm and 60mm from wall.
Handrails have no projecting ends (NZS 4121 Fig.13).
Ramp landings (and rest areas) allow 1200mm space clear of door swings.
Max rise between landings is 750mm.
Max ramp length 9m between landings.
Kerb Ramps (D1/AS1/3.4, NZS 4121 Section 13) and Step Ramps (NZS 4121 Section 6)
Footpath portion of kerb ramp has gradient no steeper than 1:8, and no longer than 1500mm.
Road/gutter segment of kerb ramp has gradient no steeper than 1:20.
Kerb ramp has no lip at common surface (gutter channel).
Kerb ramp has contrasting colour and texture to adjacent footpath, gutter or road.
Step ramps replace isolated steps, and are no steeper than 1:8, max 190mm high, and max 1520mm long.
Main Entrance and All Accessible Routes, Including Corridors, Doorways & Doors (NZBC D1.34(F), D1
AS1/7.0, Fig. 27, NZS 4121 Section 7
The main entrance is on the accessible route.
If the main entrance is not accessible, it has signage indicating location of accessible entrance.
Preferably there are no thresholds in doorways. If they cannot be avoided, they are max 20mm high or
56mm high if a 1:8 max ramp is provided both sides (NZS 4121 Fig.17).
There are accessible routes extending from the accessible entry to all spaces that are required to be
accessible, 1200mm min. width.
If existing corridors are less than 1200mm wide, doorways off it are made wider to compensate.
Doorways have 760mm min. clear opening (unless from narrow corridors where wider clear openings are
required).
Double doors have at least one leaf which provides 760mm min clear opening.
Doors are colour-contrasted with their surroundings.
Doors with dual swing have visibility glazing panels.
Doors with full height glazing have manifestation markings 700-1000mm above floor.
Clear space between successive doors is 1200mm min (Fig.27 D1/AS1).
Where doors open towards wheelchair, an unobstructed wall space not less than 300mm wide is required
at side of door adjacent to door handle.
Forces required to open non-fire doors are within limits.
Public Facilities (NZBC G5.3.4, NZS 4121 Section 11)
Where public counters or desks are provided in reception areas, bars, shops and supermarkets, at least
one is accessible, for both the public and for the staff using it.
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Accessibleportionofcounterhastopofworksurface775mmmax.abovefloor,with675mmmin.height
clearanceunderforadepthof540mm.
PublictelephonescomplywithNZS4121Section11.2.
Lifts(NZBCD1.3.4(C),D2.3.5,D2/AS1/71,NZS4121Section9)
Liftsarerequiredasfollows:
Inallbuildingswithfourormorefloors.
Inathreefloorbuildingwhenthetotalgrossfloorareaofthetwoupperfloorsis500m2ormore
andthedesignoccupancyexceeds50persons.
Inatwofloorbuildingwhenthegrossfloorareaofupperflooris400m2ormoreandthedesign
occupancyexceeds40persons.
Notwithstandinganyoftheabove,aliftisrequiredifanupperfloorisusedforaplaceofassembly
for250ormorepersons,publicreceptionareaforabank,centralandlocalgovernmentofficesand
facilities(includinglibraries),medicalanddentalrooms,healthcarecentres.
Notwithstandinganyoftheabove,liftsarenotrequiredintwoorthreestoreyhotelsandmotels
providedthattheaccessibleaccommodationunits,receptionoffice,restaurant,barsandother
communalfacilitiesareonthegroundfloor(NZS4121cl14.4.1).
Atleastoneliftisontheaccessibleroute.
Lobbieshave1800mmmin.unobstructeddepthinfrontofliftdoors.
Carfloorhas1400mmx1400mmmin.internaldimensions.
Doorshave900mmmin.clearopening.
Doorsarereadilydistinguishablefromtheirsurroundings.
Doorsremainopenforatleast5secondsbeforestartingtoclose.
CarhashandrailsonwallstoNZBCD1/6.0orNZS4121Fig.26.
Allcontrolsarelocatedbetween900mmand1350mmabovethefloor.
Allcontrolshavetactilefeatures.
LiftindicatorsareprovidedasNZS4121cl9.2.5.
Stairs(NZBCD1.3.4(G)(H)(I),D1/AS1/4.0,4.2,4.4NZS4121Section8)
Allmulti‐storeyedbuildingsthatarerequiredtobeaccessiblehaveatleastoneaccessiblestair.
Stairtreads310mmmin;Risers180mmmax(ofuniformheightovereachflight).
Stairhas900mmmin.widthbetweenhandrails.
Landingshave900mmmin.depth(1200mmrecommended).
Max.totalriseof2500mmbetweenlandings.
Noopenrisers,nowinders,nospiralstairs.
Nosingsarerounded,andcolourcontrastedwithrestoftread.
Colourcontrastedchangeoffloorsurfacetextureareprovidedatheadandfootofstair.
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Stair Handrails (NZBC D1.3.4(I), D1/AS1/6.0, NZS 4121 Section 8.6)
Are provided on both sides of the stair.
Have no obstruction to the passage of the hand along the rail.
Are continuous around landings (except at doorways).
Extend 610mm min beyond the foot of the stair and 300mm min beyond the head of the stair.
At the same slope as the pitch line.
Between 900mm and 1000mm above pitch line.
Profiles are to D1/AS1 Fig. 26(b).
Have no projecting ends, and have domed buttons 150mm from the ends (NZS 4121 Fig.23).
Toilet Facilities (NZBC D1.3.2 (C) & G1.1. & 1.3.4 /G1/AS1, NZS 4121 Section 10)
Accessible toilets are on the accessible route.
Route to accessible toilets does not traverse different tenancies.
Minimum dimensions of space are 1900mm x 1600mm, and the layout of fittings is correct.
In certain large buildings having more than 300 occupants, accessible toilets are evenly distributed.
If doors are hinged they swing outwards unless the space is sufficiently large to provide a turning radius of
1500mm (sliding doors are also acceptable).
Door has 760mm min. clear opening (with 1200mm clear space in any lobby between door swing arcs).
If hinged, the door has a grab rail on inner face.
Indicator bolt is of sufficient size so as to be usable by person with limited hand movement.
Horizontal leg of grab rail beside WC pan is fixed 700mm above floor.
Vertical leg of grab rail is fixed between 150mm and 250mm from front of WC pan.
Top of WC pan seat is 460mm above floor.
Front edge of WC pan is 700-750mm from wall behind it.
Toilet paper holder is located in the correct zone.
Washbasin has 675mm min. underside clearance from floor and is located 300mm min from front of WC
pan.
Taps on washbasin have capstan or lever handles (hot tap to left of cold tap).
Any nappy-changing tables do not intrude into the wheel chair manoeuvring space.
Showers (NZBC G1.3.4, G1/A1/AS1/4.0, D1/AS1/Table 9, NZS 4121 Section 10)
If the building requires showers, at least one is accessible. If the building does not require showers, but
has two or more showers, at least one is accessible (BIA News No 131).
Minimum dimensions of combined toilet/shower space are 2100mm x 1900mm.
Accessible shower is on an accessible route.
If doors are hinged they swing outwards unless the space is sufficiently large (sliding doors are also
acceptable).
Shower door has 760mm min. clear opening.
Shower has self draining floor with no lip or upstand.
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Floor covering is of impervious, non slip material.
Grab rail is of correct shape, size and position.
Mixing valve is lever-operated, and is fixed 1100mm above floor.
Hand held shower rose on flexible hose.
Shower head can be fixed to slide rail between 1000mm and 1900mm above floor. Slider rail is to be as
strong as a grab rail.
Shower seat is 800mm min. length x 450mm, in correct position.
Clothes-handing device is located between 1200mm and 1350mm above the floor.
Door & Window Controls and Light Switches (NZBC D1.3.4(F), G9/AS1, NZS 4121 Sections 4, 7 & C5)
Doors can be opened with one hand.
Door handles are fixed between 900mm and 1200mm (1000 optimum) above floor.
Door handles are lever action, with end returned towards door (knob handles are not permitted).
Door closers have min. tension required to bring door to closed position.
Electronic access units are located as NZS4121 Clause 4.11.5.
Window locking and opening controls are located between 900mm and 1200mm above the floor.
Light switches throughout building are horizontally aligned with door handles.
Socket outlets are located between 500mm and 1200mm above the floor.
Visibility Factors (NZBC F2, G7 & G8, NZS 4121 215, D1/AS1/1.5&1.8)
All signs, information boards and all elements of accessible routes are well illuminated.
Check D1/AS1 1.5 “Obstructions”.
Alerting Devices (F7/AS1/2.1, NZS 4121 Clauses 4.12 and 4.13)
Alerting devices (where required) have both audible and visual signal (see also ACCESSIBLE
ACCOMMODATION below).
Places of Assembly, Entertainment & Recreation (D1/AS1/8.0, G5.3.5, NZS 4121 Sections 12 & H)
Where a sound amplification system is installed, it has a listening system for people with hearing aids.
2 Wheelchair spaces are provided for up to 250 seats, plus 1 every additional 250.
Wheelchair spaces are located amongst other seating, and evenly distributed where possible.
An accessible route is provided to podium or stage area, including to all back-stage areas (portable ramps
are not permitted).
Swimming pools have unaided access into the water (preferably by a ramp at max. 1:12 slope).
Sports tracks and fields are accessible.
Signs (Buildings Act Cl. 47A(5), NZBC G5.3.5, 5.3.6 & F8.3.4, F8/AS1/5.0, NZS Sections 3.6 & 4.8)
Signs are positioned on walls, doors, etc between 1400mm and 1700mm above the floor.
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International symbol of access is displayed outside the building or so as to be visible from outside it.
Access symbol on main information board(s) identifies location of lift, accessible routes, toilets, rooms with
listening aids, etc.
Accessible toilets/Showers are identified with an access symbol on entrance door.
All symbols have correct proportional layout, lettering and colour contrast with background.
Identify facilities:
Accessible car park spaces.
Accessible entrance.
Services available in building.
Accessible routes, lifts and/or stairs.
Toilets/Shower facilities
Rooms with listening aids.
Accessible Accommodation Units (NZS 4121 Section 14, D1/AS1/9.0, G3.1(C), G9/AS1)
In hotels, motels, hostels, halls of residence, holiday cabins, groups of pensioner flats, boarding houses,
guest houses, old peoples homes and other buildings providing accommodation for the public, accessible
units (including kitchen, bedroom, shower/toilet arrangement, laundry and all other accessible features
and route requirements) are provided as follows:
Total guest units 1-10 11-25
Accessible units required 1 2
For every additional 25 guest units, 1 accessible unit is required.
An accessible car park is available at the main accessible entrance to assist those booking in/out.
Reception counters are accessible (see PUBLIC FACILITIES above).
In hotel or motel complexes, an accessible telephone and toilet is available in public areas for guests,
casual patrons and staff.
Bedrooms, sitting and dining areas, kitchens & laundries have 1500mm dia. wheelchair turning circle.
If the unit has kitchen and/or laundry facilities these are fully accessible (refer to NZS 4121 Section 14 for
detailed requirements.
If a building has common laundry facilities, at least one of these is accessible (BIA News No 67 Pge 2, 3).
Socket outlets are fixed between 500mm and 1200mm above the floor, at least 500mm from internal
corners or rooms, and within a 500mm horizontal dimension from the front edge of any bench or fixed
unit.
Telephone, television and radio controls wardrobe rails, curtain pull cords, are easily reachable.
Where an automatic fire alarm system is required, an alerting device (audible & visible) is visible from the
bed(s).
At least one room light has a bedside switch.
Where an ablution block contains communal toilet/shower faculties, there is also one or more all gender
accessible toilet/shower(s) provided.
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Other Facilities Used by People with Disabilities
(In order for persons with disabilities to carry out “normal activities and processes in that building” as per
the Building Act 2004, section 118 (1) (b) ).
Fitting rooms in clothes shops having 1500mm diameter turning circle, clothes hooks at 1350mm max,
above floor (or two adjoining rooms of a similar overall size, with a drawable curtain between).
Staff kitchen/tea-making bench units having urns, boiling water heaters, microwave ovens, etc, in easily
reachable positions.
Schedule 2 - Buildings in respect of which requirement for provision of access and
facilities for persons with disabilities applies
The buildings in respect of which the requirement for the provision of access and facilities for persons with
disabilities apply are, without limitation, as follows:
a) land, sea, and air passenger transport terminals and facilities and interchanges, whether wholly on
land or otherwise:
b) public toilets wherever situated:
c) banks:
d) childcare centres and kindergartens:
e) day-care centres and facilities:
f) commercial buildings and premises for business and professional purposes, including computer
centres:
g) central, regional, and local government offices and facilities:
h) courthouses:
i) Police stations:
j) hotels, motels, hostels, halls of residence, holiday cabins, groups of pensioner flats, boarding houses,
guest houses, and other premises providing accommodation for the public:
k) hospitals, whether public or private, and rest homes:
l) medical and dental surgeries, and medical and paramedical and other primary health care centres:
m) educational institutions, including public and private primary, intermediate, and secondary schools,
universities, polytechnics, and other tertiary institutions:
n) libraries, museums, art galleries, and other cultural institutions:
o) churches, chapels, and other places of public worship:
p) places of assembly, including auditoriums, theatres, cinemas, halls, sports stadiums, conference
facilities, clubrooms, recreation centres, and swimming baths:
q) shops, shopping centres, and shopping malls:
r) restaurants, bars, cafeterias, and catering facilities:
s) showrooms and auction rooms:
t) public laundries:
u) petrol and service stations:
v) funeral parlours:
w) television and radio stations:
x) car parks, parking buildings, and parking facilities:
y) factories and industrial buildings where more than 10 persons are employed:
z) other buildings, premises, or facilities to which the public are to be admitted, whether for free or on
payment of a charge.
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Flowchart
The following Flow Chart shows the extent of Access & Facilities for People with Disabilities as required by
Section 118 of the Building Act 2004. It is subject to ongoing review and may not cover every requirement.
It is offered on a “no liability” basis.
Is the intended use of the
building the same or similar to
those listed in Building Act
2004, Schedule
2?
Full facilities required (eg access ible
parking (if any parking provided
),
routes, entry
, internal routes, lift,
toi lets, showers (if present) reception
(if applicable) for visitors and staff
Is the use of toilet facilities
considered to be a Normal
Activityof the public in this
building (Sub-Clause 1)
Are the public admitted?
[Sub-clause
(z)]
No facilities required
Partial facilities required [(eg
accessible parking (if any parking
provided, routes, entry, reception
(
if applicable
)]
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
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Glossary of terms
Description
Term
Ministry of Building, Innovation and Employment
MBIE
Land Information Memorandum
LIM
Project Information Memorandum
PIM
Licensed Building Practitioner
LBP
Building Research Association of New Zealand
BRANZ
Environment Canterbury
ECan
New Zealand Building Code
NZBC
Restricted Building Work
RBW
Other information sheets available
Description
Code
Customer guide to the building consent process
IS-000
Fees and charges
IS-101
Change of use
IS-105
Demolition
IS-106
Effluent disposal and waste water treatment systems
IS-107
Relocating a dwelling / building
IS-109
Transportable buildings
IS-110
Domestic smoke alarm systems for dwellings
IS-111
Building code clauses
IS-114
Accessible facilities
IS-115
Amusement devices and marquees
IS-116
Extension of time
IS-118
Fencing your swimming pool
IS-119
Functions of a building consent authority and territorial authority
IS-121
Essential features of a producer statement
IS-122
Exempt building work
IS-123
Compliance schedule and specified systems guidance
IS-126
Building consent conditions
IS-129