Public toilets must accommodate those with disabilities.
The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990. It gives civil rights protections to people with disabilities, and guarantees equal opportunity for disabled people in public accommodations, employment, transportation and government services. One of the places the Act established standards of compliance for is public bathrooms.
Stall Size
Toilet stalls in new buildings must be 60 inches wide. When renovating older buildings, a 36-inch or 48-inch wide stall can be used if the 60-inch size stall is technically infeasible, or if the local plumbing code doesn't allow the number of fixtures to be reduced. If six or more toilet stalls are provided, a 36-inch stall with parallel grab bars must be provided in addition to the 60-inch stall. That's because some people who use canes, walkers or crutches find it easier to use two parallel grab bars with a 36-inch wide stall. Sixty-inch stalls position the grab bars too far apart.
Clearance Space
If the toilet is in a stall, there has to be at least 48 inches of clear space between the front of the toilet and the door to the stall. The door to the stall has to have a 32-inch clear opening.
Turning Space
A minimum 60-inch diameter space or a 60-inch-by-60-inch T-shaped space for a pivoting 180-degree turn of a wheelchair is required to allow wheelchair users to make U-turns.
Unisex
Sometimes, single-user or unisex restrooms are provided. Single-user restrooms can't be used in new construction in lieu of making multi-stall toilet rooms accessible. However, single-user and unisex toilets are a reasonable alternative when altering existing facilities. Adequate space for a side transfer from a wheelchair to the toilet must be provided.
Urinals
Urinals can be stall-type or wall-hung with an elongated rim at a maximum of 17 inches above the floor. A clear floor space 30-inches-by-48-inches has to be provided in front of the urinals and this space has to overlap an accessible route to the urinal. Flush controls must be mounted no more than 44 inches above the floor.
Dispensers
Toilet paper dispensers have to be installed within reach. Dispensers that don't allow continuous paper flow can't be used.
Doors
Stall doors must swing outward. They should be provided with closers, spring hinges or a pull bar mounted on the inside surface of the door near the hinge side so people in wheelchairs can easily close them.
Tags: grab bars, above floor, door stall, inches above, inches above floor