ADA-compliant toilets must feature rear and side grab bars.
Enacted in 1990, the American's with Disabilities Act created many standards to ensure equal access for those with disabilities. Many of these standards relate directly to the specific design and layout of public places, including public restrooms.
Compliance
All newly built or remodeled public restrooms must comply with ADA accessibility guidelines. However, a separate, unisex restroom that complies with ADA guidelines may be placed next to the regular restrooms if it is "technically infeasible" to make them ADA compliant.
Toilets
According to the ADA, an accessible toilet must sit 17 to 19 the floor, with a grab bars behind and to the side of the unit. The rear grab bar must measure at least 12 inches long, and the side grab bar must measure at least 42 inches in length. If the toilet is contained within a stall, the walls must provide a stall width of at least 60 inches and depth of 56 inches (59 inches, if the toilet is mounted to the floor).
Urinals
A public restroom with urinals must contain at least one accessible urinal. This urinal must feature an elongated rim that sits 17 inches or less above the floor.
Sinks
All ADA-compliant restrooms must have at least one accessible sink. The bottom of the sink must sit at least 29 inches above the floor, while the rim of the sink must sit no more than 34 inches above the floor.
Tags: above floor, least inches, inches above, inches , grab bars