This guide will walk you through the requirements for ADA-compliant toilet rooms according to the ADA Standards. It’s important to note that plumbing and building codes determine the number and type of toilet rooms and fixtures required for a facility. However, the ADA Standards specify which toilet rooms must be accessible when provided.
Table of Contents
Required Compliance
The ADA Standards do not dictate the number of toilet rooms or fixtures required for a facility. Instead, they require access to all toilet rooms in new construction, including those for employees. However, in situations where single-user toilet rooms are clustered in one location, at least half of each use must comply. Portable single-user units must also comply with accessibility standards.
Clustered Single User Toilet Rooms
Clustered single-user toilet rooms are those that are next to or close to each other. In a cluster, no more than 50% of each use must comply. Toilet rooms and portable units must be labeled with the International Symbol of Accessibility unless all units in the cluster are accessible.
Unisex (Single-Use or Family) Toilet Rooms
In facilities where multi-user toilet rooms are provided, accessible unisex toilet rooms cannot replace access to multi-user rooms, except in cases where it is technically infeasible to make multi-user rooms compliant. Both multi-user and unisex restrooms must comply with accessibility standards. Unisex toilet rooms, when provided, must have privacy latches and contain one lavatory, one water closet, and one urinal (or a second water closet).
Medical Care and Long-Term Care Facilities
Toilet rooms in licensed medical care and long-term care facilities must comply unless serving critical or intensive care patients. However, these standards do not cover design for use assisted by medical personnel. Departures from the standards must be based on “equivalent facilitation,” meaning alternative solutions must provide substantially equivalent or greater accessibility, usability, convenience, and reliability for people with disabilities.
Additions and Alterations
In new construction, additions must comply with the ADA Standards for toilet rooms. When existing toilet rooms are altered, compliance applies to the scope of work. If some, but not all, elements in a toilet room are altered, only those elements altered must comply. If a room or space is completely altered, the entire room or space must comply.
Components of Accessible Single User Toilet Room
Requirements for accessible toilet rooms include doors, turning space, plumbing fixtures, mirrors, dispensers, shelves, and other elements. These provisions ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
Water Closets
Water closets must meet specific criteria, such as location, clearance, seat height, and flush controls. The ADA Standards allow water closets to be arranged for either a left-hand or right-hand approach.
Grab Bars
Grab bars are required on the walls beside and behind the water closet, and they can be separate or continuous. Certain clearances must be maintained around grab bars to ensure accessibility.
Toilet Paper Dispensers
Toilet paper dispensers must be mounted at an appropriate height and location.
Other Elements
Dispensers, receptacles, coat hooks, and shelves must also comply with accessibility standards when provided in toilet rooms.
Baby Changing Tables
If baby changing tables are provided, they must comply with accessibility standards as work surfaces and protruding objects.
Private Toilet Rooms Accessed through a Private Office
Private toilet rooms accessed only through a private office must meet all space requirements and be fully accessible.
Water Closets in Residential Dwelling Units
At least one bathroom in a residential dwelling unit must comply with accessibility standards. Accessible water closets in dwelling units can have exceptions that allow certain features to be provided after construction as needed.
Water Closets and Toilet Compartments for Children’s Use
Specifications based on children’s dimensions can be followed when water closets and toilet compartments are primarily designed for children ages 12 and younger. These specifications are optional and serve as alternatives to adult-based dimensions.
Portable Toilet Units
Portable single-user toilet units must provide access to at least 5% of units within each cluster. These units must comply with all requirements for toilet rooms, including clearances, turning space, and door maneuvering clearances.
Multi-User Toilet Rooms
Toilet compartments and urinals must comply with accessibility standards in addition to requirements for toilets, lavatories, mirrors, dispensers, shelves, and other elements.
Wheelchair Accessible Toilet Compartments
At least one toilet compartment in a facility with six or more compartments must be wheelchair accessible. Ambulatory accessible compartments must also be provided in these facilities.
Urinals
At least one urinal must comply with accessibility standards when two or more urinals are provided in a toilet room. Accessible urinals must meet specifications for rim height, depth, flush controls, and clear floor space.
Common Questions
The guide also addresses common questions about toilet rooms, water closets, and lavatories to provide further clarification.
In Summary
Understanding and adhering to ADA Standards for toilet rooms is essential for ensuring access for all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities. By following these guidelines, you can create toilet rooms that are compliant, inclusive, and accessible to everyone. For more detailed information, consult the full ADA Standards for accessible design.
