One good way to avoid common mistakes when it comes to church building or church design is doing due diligence. Before purchasing a property for a new church, or even remodeling an existing building, church leaders need to be aware of certain building code requirements related to accessibility, energy efficiency, and restroom needs. So far, we’ve covered utilities, infrastructure, zoning, and some due diligence surrounding building codes, but there still are a few remaining parts of the latter to consider, beginning with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.
ADA Compliance: Accessibility Inside and Out
Whether the plan is to remodel a building or choose a property for a new church design, ADA compliance will be a must. Accessibility should be factored in, both inside and outside the church building.
Ensuring there are enough accessible parking spaces and proper signage is one part of meeting code requirements. But the details don’t stop there; sidewalks must have specific slopes to allow smooth wheelchair access from the parking lot to the entrance of the building. If you’re working with an existing structure, such as converting an older commercial building into a church, existing sidewalks may not meet these modern standards and could need to be replaced or updated with ramps.
Inside the church building, additional elements will be needed for compliance. For example, most every platform in the church—whether it’s the main stage, altar, or any other elevated space—must be wheelchair accessible. Depending on the building’s layout, elevators may be necessary to allow access to all floors, including basements or second stories. This is important for both new church buildings and remodels.
Restroom Requirements: More Than the Average Building
Restroom needs in a church building often differ significantly from other types of structures, such as offices or schools, and should be evaluated as part of due diligence. Churches require more sinks and toilets, due to the larger number of people attending services, especially during peak times, such as Sunday worship or community events. While a former big box store may be spacious enough to accommodate a large worship service, they often lack the restroom capacity required for large gatherings. The ability to have adequate restroom facilities should be part of determining if a building is well- suited for church conversion.
In addition to the sheer number of fixtures in restrooms, the layout of these facilities needs to be considered. Just like with the rest of the building, ADA regulations require that restrooms are wheelchair accessible. This includes ensuring that at least one stall is designed to accommodate people with disabilities, with grab bars, enough space for a wheelchair to turn, and appropriately placed sinks and hand dryers. Depending upon your total occupancy you may need more than one handicap stall.
HVAC Systems: Upgrading for Larger Crowds
Another aspect of constructing a new church building or doing a renovation is being mindful of energy requirements, specifically for the HVAC system. Churches often require more robust heating and cooling systems than other types of buildings. This is especially true if the building you are converting wasn’t initially designed to hold large crowds. For example, while that big box store may only have needed to accommodate a few hundred shoppers at a time, a church service can easily attract 1,000 or more people, depending on the congregation size.
The existing HVAC system may be insufficient to handle such a crowd, particularly in hot weather when air conditioning is critical to maintaining comfort. Upgrading the system to accommodate the airflow and cooling needs of a large gathering is a key part of the planning process. Don’t overlook this detail during your due diligence.
If you’re interested in learning more about these and other important aspects of church building and design, we invite you to sign up for our free i3 webinars, where we discuss topics like current trends, tips, design ideas, and more. Visit our website to register.