National Model Code Committee on Accessibility, January 9, 2026

The fourth meeting of the National Model Code Committee on Accessibility addressed three priorities: task group updates, triage of 14 Code Change Requests (CCRs), and advancement of two Proposed Changes (PCFs) for public review. Publication of the 2025 National Model Codes and referencing SCC-accredited or consensus-based standards were also discussed.

Task Group Updates:

TG-Accessibility in Buildings: Focused on various topics in buildings other than dwelling units, such as     washrooms, circulation, terminology and other clarifications.

TG-(Egress) Egressibility of buildings for people with disabilities: Focused on topics related to egress  and movement to safe spaces for people with disabilities, such as power door operation, wayguidance systems, visible alarm signals, stairs and signage.

TG-Accessibility in Dwelling Units: Emphasized low/no-cost features, interior spaces, and washrooms; a live demo highlighted gaps in current NBC provisions.

Grab Bars Task Group: Kick-off held; next meeting January 19. Topics for dwelling units include prescriptive options for reinforcement in steel stud framing and for fold-down grab bars behind the toilet, and revisiting dimensions for minimum wall coverage. Topics for hotels and motels include extending grab bar requirements for bathtubs to also include showers.

Code Change Request Decisions:

1. 2175 Availability of non-gendered washrooms - already covered by universal washroom requirements; therefore closed/rejected.

2. 2171 Amending a portion of the Explanatory Note on doorway width: Send to TG Accessibility in Buildings

3. 1976 Requirement for Egress Window and Walkout in Secondary Suite in Basement: Send to TG Accessibility in Dwelling Units

4. 1089 Doors and Doorways - too specific; therefore rejected.

5. 1033 Egress signage for individuals with disability: Send to TG-Egress

6. 1022 Area of refuge in protection on floor areas with a barrier-free path of travel: Send to TG-Egress

7. 830 Doorways Requirements in Means of Egress: Send to TG-Egress

8.0829 Minimum Clear Opening Dimensions for Egress Doorways: Send to TG-Egress

9. 684 Protection on Floor Areas in a Barrier Free Path of Travel: Send to TG-Egress

10. 404 Minimum Exit Stair Width: Send to TG-Egress & coordinate with National Model Code Committee on Fire/Life-Safety.

11. 2183 "Clear width" rather than "minimum width" for doors: Sent to TG Accessibility in Dwelling Units

12. 849 Exit Signs - Color and Visibility: closed/rejected (UL to resubmit with more information)

13. 848 Defining types of "illumination" for exit signs: closed/rejected (UL to resubmit with more information)

14. 416 Additional Option to Exceed the Travel Limits to an Exit or Egress Door: Send back to Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes for re-triage

Proposed Change Decisions:

1666 – Accessible path of travel: Expand “Who is affected” section per CHBA recommendation for review via Teamwork before proceeding to public review; 

Wet/icy ramp conditions (no # assigned yet): Minor revisions to be made for review via Teamwork before public review; 

Other proposed changes will be reviewed later.

For more information, please contact Jack.Mantyla@chba.ca