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    elskeptico's Avatar
    elskeptico Posts: 18, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jul 22, 2007, 07:47 PM
    Building code door clearance
    I'm remodeling a bathroom, and the sink/vanity will go against the wall adjacent the door, so I'm wondering how close I can legally put it to the door. The image below is my rough layout. Is there code related to how much clearance a door must have? The door opens to the outside, so obviously I'm not worried about that. But that space between the sink and the toilet is a little tight. Anyone know the code on this? Is it too close?



    Thanks!
    tickle's Avatar
    tickle Posts: 23,796, Reputation: 2674
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    #2

    Jul 23, 2007, 08:45 AM
    There can't be any legal code where I live regarding this situation because my bathroom is smaller then yours and my door opens inward. But if it bothers you that much, can you install a pocket door and eliminate your problem altogether?
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
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    #3

    Jul 23, 2007, 11:00 AM
    Beg to differ but there usually is a code covering this issue. Where do you live and have you called your local building department? You may be given a "grandfathering" or waiver if you are just up dating and existing bath. What is the distance between the corner of the vanity and the corner of the toilet tank? It should not be lease than the door width.
    glavine's Avatar
    glavine Posts: 895, Reputation: 87
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    #4

    Jul 23, 2007, 03:37 PM
    I Know This Is A Code For Bedrooms (door must swing in)I Don't Know If This Applies To A Bathroom , But In Case Of Fires Those Doors Need To Swing In So You Can't Be Blocked In, In Fact In The Last 15yrs Ive Never Hung A Door To Swing Out In A Bathroom, Only Doors We've Done That To Are Small Closets
    Here's My Advise, The Vanity Maybe Is To Big For The Room, Replace It With A
    24" Vanity And Let The Door Swing In,
    tickle's Avatar
    tickle Posts: 23,796, Reputation: 2674
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    #5

    Jul 23, 2007, 04:46 PM
    My house in eastern ontario was built in l940s, so you are telling me my LITTLE BATHROOM with a door that swings IN and just misses the vanity is NOT TO CODE.

    I don't think so. I have had this house inspected twice in the last 8 years and no one, I mean no one has said it is not to code.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
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    #6

    Jul 23, 2007, 09:44 PM
    Tickle, maybe there was no code in 1940 Canada but that was 67 years ago. Yes codes change and we are trying to give this person up to date help. Neither Glavine nor I said anything about your door. City building inspectors do not inspect homes that are 67 years old so I don't know who is doing your inspection.
    elskeptico's Avatar
    elskeptico Posts: 18, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Jul 24, 2007, 09:43 AM
    I can't believe I left out the location, it's in California. I don't plan to do this with permits (shhhh), mostly because the bathroom was converted from a half bath to a full bath without permits.
    tickle's Avatar
    tickle Posts: 23,796, Reputation: 2674
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    #8

    Jul 24, 2007, 02:04 PM
    Okay, guys, my complete apology for interfering. Inquisitive minds are so easily arroused by the unexplained. I will put a sock in it!
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
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    #9

    Jul 24, 2007, 08:00 PM
    If you aren't going to pull a permit then it doesn't matter what the code says. For such a small bathroom the rule of thumb is to not have the space between the toilet and the corner of the sink smaller than the doorway width. You are supposed to maintain unrestricted egress, passage to the exit.
    mike08201's Avatar
    mike08201 Posts: 32, Reputation: 1
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    #10

    Aug 6, 2007, 02:59 PM
    I sell millwork for a living. It all depends on where you live, the local inspector has the ultimate authority. You can give the building dept. a call and they will be glad to tell you.

    Where I live, in one town it's 30" door min., go 2 towns up and it's 32".

    A door is allowed to swing out of the bathroom. Just make sure the light switch is on the knob side of the door.
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