Codes & laws

What U.S. codes and laws say about family restrooms.

A plain language summary for owners, architects and facility managers, with a link to every source. Always confirm with the code edition your jurisdiction has adopted and with your authority having jurisdiction.

Family or assisted use toilet rooms: International Building Code

Section 1110.2.1 of the 2021 International Building Code calls for an accessible family or assisted use toilet room in assembly and mercantile occupancies where an aggregate of six or more male and female water closets is required. Recreational facilities with separate sex bathing rooms also need a family or assisted use bathing room in most cases. States and cities adopt different editions, sometimes with amendments.

Sources : ICC, International Building Code 2021, chapter 11 ↗

Baby changing stations in federal buildings: BABIES Act

The Bathrooms Accessible in Every Situation Act (Public Law 114-235, October 7, 2016) requires baby changing facilities in restrooms open to the public in public buildings controlled by the General Services Administration, for buildings constructed, altered or acquired after its effective date. It lists exceptions, for example when a restroom on the same floor with a changing facility is clearly signed.

Sources : Public Law 114-235 (govinfo.gov) ↗

State laws on baby changing stations

Several states have their own rules. California’s AB 1127 (2017) calls for baby changing stations available to men and women in certain new and renovated restrooms of state and local government buildings and public venues such as restaurants and movie theaters, above a renovation cost threshold. Check the law of each state where you build.

Sources : California Assembly committee analysis of AB 1127 ↗

Children’s sinks and the ADA Standards

The 2010 ADA Standards include optional specifications for elements designed for children. Child step stools such as Klimbo are a guest amenity for restrooms with more than one sink; their placement should be reviewed by the project’s design professional so that the accessible sink and its clear floor space stay available.

Sources : U.S. Access Board, guide to ADA Standards chapter 6 ↗

This page is general information, not legal or code advice. Requirements change and vary by state, city and code edition. Your architect and your authority having jurisdiction have the final word.

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