Accessibility in Multifamily Housing: Key Differences Between Type A and Type B Units

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by Kirk Money

Accessibility compliance is critical to multifamily housing design, ensuring that buildings accommodate people of all abilities. Two significant categories of accessible units—Type A and Type B—are frequently specified in multifamily projects. These classifications, based on guidelines from codes and standards such as the International Building Code (IBC) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), address the varying degrees of accessibility required in multifamily developments. Understanding the distinctions between these unit types is essential for architects, developers, and code consultants.

Type A Units: Enhanced Accessibility

Type A units are the most accessible and designed to meet the needs of individuals with significant mobility impairments. These units must provide clearances and features that enable full access to and use of all living spaces, from kitchens and bathrooms to bedrooms and balconies.

Key Features of Type A Units:

• Wheelchair Maneuverability: Type A units are designed with wide doorways and hallways, typically requiring a 32” minimum door width and a 36”-wide clear path of travel in rooms and hallways. This allows for a 60” turning radius, ensuring a wheelchair can comfortably move throughout the space.
• Accessible Bathrooms: Bathrooms in Type A units feature accessible clearances around fixtures and reinforcement for future installation of grab bars. Showers must be roll-in, or tubs must have accessible seating.
• Kitchens: The kitchen layout in a Type A unit must accommodate a wheelchair user, with accessible appliances and workspaces, and enough clearance for full rotation. Counters are typically lower, and operable parts (like faucets and switches) must be within reach ranges.

Type A units are often required by law in certain percentages within new construction multifamily projects. For instance, the Fair Housing Act mandates that a portion of new multifamily units must meet these more stringent accessibility guidelines, especially in buildings with elevators.

Type B Units: Basic Accessibility

Type B units, also known as “adaptable” units, offer a more flexible approach to accessibility. While they are not fully accessible at the outset, they are designed to be easily adapted to meet the needs of a disabled resident.

Key Features of Type B Units:

• Maneuverability: Type B units offer accessible routes and door clearances, though the dimensions may be slightly less stringent than those required for Type A units. For example, Type B units allow for a 31-¾” door width instead of the 32” width required in Type A units.
• Adaptable Features: Bathrooms and kitchens in Type B units are designed with the possibility of future modifications. For instance, reinforcement of bathroom walls allows for the later addition of grab bars if needed.
• Accessible Routes: While Type B units do not require full turning space in every room, there must still be an accessible route throughout the unit, with some usability by individuals with mobility impairments.

In many jurisdictions, a larger percentage of Type B units is required in multifamily housing developments compared to Type A, as these units provide a level of baseline accessibility that can be adapted based on the needs of future residents.

In the multifamily sector, Type A and Type B units ensure accessibility. Type A units provide fully accessible environments, while Type B units offer a more adaptable, flexible option. Understanding these differences helps developers and designers create inclusive, compliant residential spaces that meet the needs of all individuals, regardless of physical ability.

Kirk Money is a senior accessibility consultant at TERPconsulting. He has nearly 30 years of experience in the A|E|C industry that encompasses building systems, modern construction methods, and techniques. Specializing in accessibility code compliance, his expertise includes reviewing building permit applications and construction documents for adherence to local and state building codes.

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