DIRECTOR’S INTERPRETATION
May 2002
97-DI-027
Page 1 of 2
GROUP HOMES
DESCRIPTION OF THE ISSUE:
There has been confusion over the requirements for convalescent and children’s custodial homes
and care facilities and how they are dealt with under Sentences 3.1.2.5.(1) and (2), and
9.10.2.2.(1).
This Interpretation provides an explanation of the difference between the classification for
custodial and convalescent homes and care facilities.
Alberta Building Code 1997 – Requirements
3.1.2.5. Convalescent and Children's Custodial Homes
1) Convalescent homes and children's custodial homes are permitted to be classified as
residential occupancies provided that occupants are ambulatory and live as a single housekeeping
unit in a dwelling unit with sleeping accommodation for not more than 10 persons.
2) A care facility accepted for residential use pursuant to provincial legislation is permitted
to be classified as a residential occupancy provided
a) the occupants live in a dwelling unit used as a single housekeeping unit with sleeping
accommodation for not more than 10 persons,
b) interconnected smoke alarms are installed in each sleeping room in addition to the
requirements of Article 3.2.4.21.,
c) emergency lighting is provided in conformance with Subsection 3.2.7., and
d) the building is sprinklered throughout.
9.10.2.2. Custodial and Convalescent Homes
1) Children's custodial homes and convalescent homes for ambulatory occupants living as a
single housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit with sleeping accommodation for not more than 10
persons are permitted to be classified as residential occupancies (Group C).
ISSUE OF THIS INTERPRETATION IS
AUTHORIZED UNDER ARTICLE 2.5.1.5. OF THE
ALBERTA BUILDING CODE 1997 BY THE
DIRECTOR/ ADMINISTRATOR.
C.M. TYE
Alberta Municipal Affairs, 16th Floor, Commerce Place, 10155 – 102 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5J 4L4
Safety Codes Council, Suite 800, 10707 – 100 Ave., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5J 3M1
DISCUSSION
For the purposes of Sentence 3.1.2.5.(2), a care facility accepted for residential use pursuant to
provincial legislation means; a care facility that is in a building that meets the zoning and
development requirements of the municipality it is located in as well as any provincial
regulations or programs that have been developed for the specific use. This would include
operations that are either licensed or unlicensed.
A convalescent home is a facility in which persons are resident for a period of time while they
recuperate. Convalescence can be defined as a period of time leading to recovery and discharge
from the home. A convalescent home is normally classified as a Group B, Division 2
(institutional) care occupancy.
A children’s custodial home is a facility in which children (minors) are confined for a set period
of time. Custodial care can be defined as a form of confinement during which time those in care
have restrictions placed on their ability to move within or leave the home. A children’s custodial
home is normally classified as a Group B, Division 2 (institutional) detention occupancy.
A care facility is defined under Article 1.1.3.2. Defined Terms, see ‘care and detention
occupancy.’ A care facility is normally classified as a Group B, Division 2 (institutional) care or
detention occupancy.
Sentences 3.1.2.5.(1) and (2), and Sentence 9.10.2.2.(1) establish the conditions under which a
convalescent home, children’s custodial home or other type of care facility can be classified as a
Group C (residential) major occupancy.
INTERPRETATION
Except as permitted under Sentences 3.1.2.5.(1) and (2), and Sentence 9.10.2.2.(1) a
convalescent home, children’s custodial home or care facility is classified as a Group B, Division
2 (institutional) major occupancy.
A convalescent home or children’s custodial home, where the occupants are ambulatory, is
permitted to be classified as Group C (residential) occupancy provided it complies with the
conditions under Sentence 3.1.2.5.(1) or Sentence 9.10.2.2.(1). This does not apply to other types
of care facilities.
A care facility other than above, where the occupants may not be ambulatory, is permitted to be
classified as Group C (residential) occupancy provided it complies with the conditions under
Sentence 3.1.2.5.(2). If the building is 600 m2 or less in building area and three storeys or less in
building height it may be designed under Part 9 of the Alberta Building Code 1997. However it
would need to be designed as a residential occupancy not under the requirements for single
family homes.
A care facility that fits under Sentence 3.1.2.5.(2) would have its sprinkler system designed in
accordance with NFPA 13R.
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