Gender Neutral Bathroom Code
By John England CBO, MCP The question has come up in class and in emails several times as to gender neutral restrooms. All the while the code is silent on this. Given time the code revisions will be proposed and adopted that will help clarify the intent of the code.
Code Revisions take years to promulgate, and the issue is what do you do now, when confronted with such a question. Whenever feasible, covered entities are encouraged to provide options for privacy, such as single-use gender-neutral bathrooms or private changing areas, that are available to any individual desiring privacy. A gender-neutral or all-gender restroom is a facility that anyone can use, regardless of gender identity.
While these restrooms are becoming more common, the legal framework governing them is a patchwork of federal, state, and local rules. Explore a searchable database of US construction and building code. Code regulations are consolidated by state and city for easier navigation.
Better Bathroom Design It's easier than you think to incorporate code-compliant all-gender restrooms into a facility, even when you're working with an existing building. Single-User, Gender Neutral Toilet Rooms under the 2021 IBC, and how only 1 bathroom in a space is possible. The 2021 IBC introduced key changes expanding the use of single-user, gender neutral bathrooms.
Building Code Washington Amendments to the 2018 IBC (paraphrased): 2902.2.2 Gender-neutral facilities. Gender-neutral toilet facilities, when provided, shall be in accordance with the following. Learn about two types of gender.
Often, it is cheaper to construct one gender-neutral bathroom than two gendered bathrooms. Likely, you will see increased business, community support, and revenue due to having gender.
