design Reference NotesBARRIER-FREE PARKING STANDARDS AND BUILDING ACCESS

1.0 Background Documents

This document on Barrier-Free standards, shall be used inconjunction with The Ontario Building Code, (OBC), Section 3.8.Barrier-Free Design Ontario Regulation 403/97 as amended, theCity of Mississauga Site Plan Development Application Manual,and the City of Mississauga zoning requirements.

2.0 Design Application

As part of the Site Plan Approval and OBC requirements, the Cityof Mississauga requires the provision of barrier-free parking andaccessibility to all buildings. Exceptions include houses, highhazard industrial and infrequently occupied buildings. (OBCReference 3.8.1.1.)

3.0 Barrier-Free Parking Requirements

The City of Mississauga Site Plan Development standards require:

C Provide approximately one percent of the total number ofparking spaces of a proposed development for disabled personsparking. Refer to specific zoning requirements.

C Disabled Persons Parking Stalls to be 4.6m x 5.2m, (15ft. 1in.x 17ft. 1in.), as per zoning By-laws.

3.1 Barrier-Free Parking

The Site Plan process requires that disabled persons parkingsignage be provided within 2m, (6ft.6in.) of the disabled personsparking stall. Locate the parking signage permanently withinplanting areas or attach to the building walls.

design Reference Notes3.2 Barrier-Free Parking Guidelines

C Disabled persons parking spaces should be located as close aspossible to a barrier-free access walkway and the barrier-freebuilding entrance. Site Plan Development Standards indicatethat disabled persons parking spaces should be located within30m, (98ft.), of the main building entrance.

C Disabled persons parking spaces must allow immediateaccess to a barrier-free walkway, ideally without requiring theuser to move behind or between parked cars or to crossvehicular traffic.

3.3 Parking Sign Details By-law 134-83

Colour Specifications: White background,Black letter P, legend and border, Redannular band with interdictory stroke, Bluesymbol background and outline. Entire signface to be of reflective material.

3.4 Barrier-Free Parking Enforcement

The City of Mississauga Enforcement Division enforces allMunicipal By-law regulations relating to the required number,location and signage for barrier-free parking under By-law 134-83.Dimensions of the barrier-free parking stalls are regulated by thethree Zoning By-laws.

4.0 Barrier-Free Walkway Requirements(OBC Reference 3.8.3.2)

• A barrier-free path of travel is required to connect thedisabled parking spaces to the barrier-free building entrance.

C Exterior walkways shall be slip resistant, continuous andeven surfaced.

C Exterior walks should drain easily. A brushed concrete finish,oriented at right angles to the path of travel, is preferred.

C A minimum width of 1100mm, (3 ft.-7"), and a gradient notexceeding 1 in 20 is required for barrier-free exterior walks.Gradients exceeding 1 in 20 shall be designed as a ramp.

4.1 Barrier-Free Walkway Guidelines

C Provide a change of surface materials or painted lines inlocations in which a barrier-free access traverses a vehiculardriveway, fire route or parking aisle.

C Drain inlets should be placed not to conflict with a barrier-free walk or ramp.

4.2 Curb Ramp Requirements(OBC Reference 3.8.3.2.(3).)

C Curb ramps may be provided where the difference inelevation between levels in the access route is not more than200mm, (7-7/8in.).

design Reference Notes4.2.1 Curb Ramp (Guide to the OBC 1997 - 3.8.3.2)

4.3 Barrier-Free Ramp (Guide to the OBC 1997 3.8.3.3)

design Reference Notes4.3.1 Barrier-Free Ramp Requirements

(OBC Reference 3.8.3.4.)

C Ramps are required where the slope of a barrier-free path oftravel exceeds 1 in 20.

C Maximum ramp slope: 1 in 12C Minimum ramp width between handrails:

870mm, (2ft. 10in.)C Minimum level area at top and bottom of ramp:

1.5m x 1.5m, (5ft. x 5ft.)C Provide level area minimum 1.5m, (5ft.) long at intervals not

more than 9m, (29ft. 6in.) in the ramp’s surface. C Handrails: - Not less than 865mm, (2ft. 10in.), not more

than 965mm (3ft. 2in.) high- Extend horizontally not less than 300mm,

(11-3/4in.), beyond the ramp.

4.4 Barrier-Free Building Entrance Requirements(OBC Reference 3.8.1.2.and 3.8.3.3.)

C The number of barrier-free entrances in a building shall not beless than those specified in the table below and shall lead fromthe outdoors at sidewalk level or a ramp.

C Thresholds for doorways shall be flush or shall not exceed13mm, (1/2in.) in height above the finished floor and bebevelled.

Minimum Number of Pedestrian EntrancesRequired to be Barrier-Free

Number ofPedestrianEntrances intoBuilding

Minimum number ofPedestrian Entrancesrequired to be Barrier-Free

1 to 3 1

more than 3 to 5 2

more than 5 not less than 50%

Source: OBC Table 3.8.1.2

4.5 Barrier-Free Walkway and EntranceRequirements(Guide to the OBC 1997, 3.8.3.2)

4.6 Accessibility Signage Requirements(OBC Reference 3.8.3.1.)

C Signs incorporating the International Symbol of Accessibilityfor Disabled Persons are required to be mounted permanentlyto identify barrier-free building entrance(s). The officialsymbol has a blue background, but can be set on a whitebackground if lighting reduces clarity.

4.7 Barrier-Free Access Enforcement:

During the Building Permit Approval Process, the BuildingEngineering Plan Examination staff ensure that barrier-freerequirements contained in the Ontario Building Code are reflectedin the applicant's submission. Building Inspection staff ensurethat the barrier-free requirements noted on the building permitdocuments are incorporated during the construction of the project.

design Reference NotesExcerpts from the Ontario Building Code and the Guide to the OBC 1997 have been used with the permission of the HousingDevelopment and Buildings Branch, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

For additional information, please contact the City of Mississauga, Planning and Building Department, Development and Design Division, 11thFloor, 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, (905)896-5522.