Hotel Ada Restroom Requirements

The ADA imposes strict bathroom regulations.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 imposes strict building codes to make buildings more easily accessible to people with disabilities. Hotel bathrooms, both those in common areas like lobbies or convention halls, and those in private rooms, must comply with a number of ADA regulations.

Water Closets

Any hotel lobby or common area with a water closet (bathroom without a shower or tub) must ensure disabled access to the toilet area. At least one toilet in common area water closets must be provided so that the center of the toilet is 18 inches away from the stall wall. A 36 inch grab bar must be provided above the toilet water basin, and another on the stall wall, which must extend at least 56 inches from the toilet wall. The toilet stall must be at least 60 inches wide. (ADAAG § 4.17)

Urinals and Sinks

Common bathroom areas that provide urinals must ensure they are hung with the elongated rim no more than 17 inches above floor level. The floor space in front of urinals must be clear from obstructions and be at least 30 inches by 48 inches. Flush controls must be mounted no more than 44 inches above the floor, and must be either hand operated or automatic. Sinks can be mounted no more than 34 inches from the floor, and must provide at least 29 inches between the floor and the bottom apron of the sink. Sinks must also have a clear floor space of 30 inches by 48 inches to allow for approach and use. (ADAAG § 4.18 and § 4.19)

Bath Tubs

In general, shower stalls and bathtubs located in a hotel bathroom must comply with ADA requirements. If the bathroom has a bathtub, the approach area (floor space) to the tub must be at least 30 inches by 60 inches if the approach is parallel to the tub. If the approach is perpendicular to the tub, the area must be at least 48 inches by 60 inches. Tubs must have a seat or seating area with a width of at least 15 inches, extending the full width of the bath tub. Grab bars must be placed between 33 and 36 inches above floor level, must be 12 inches away from the shower head wall, and be at least 24 inches long. These rails must comply with ADA regulations on hand rails, and must be between 1.25 and 1.5 inches in diameter, able to withstand 1112 newtons of downward force and have a 1.5 inch gap between the bar and the wall surface. (ADAAG § 4.2 et. seq., and § 4.26 et. seq.)

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