ADA Requirements for Bathrooms
In 1992, on January 26, Congress enacted the Americans with the Disabilities Act to protect the civil rights of disabled citizens. Accessible constructions of public buildings and facilities are required by title III of the ADA.
As well as bathrooms in existing establishments, all new constructions and significant renovations are required to conform with the ADA requirements for bathrooms. The goal is to make all services available to all people with disabilities.
Ada Regulations for Handicap Bathrooms
What to expect with ADA requirements for bathrooms
Toilet Stalls
Toilet stalls must be accessible by wheelchair. The opening is required to be 48 inches approaching the stall, and clearance of 32 inches must be provided by the stall door. However, there must be a 9-inch toe clearance above the floor at the front and sides of the stall, if the depth of the stall is less than 60 inches. Handrails must be installed.
Toilet Stall Grab Bars
Located on the side walls inside the toilet stall, the grab bars, with ADA requirements for bathrooms, must be at least 42 inches long and not more than 12 inches away from the rear wall. The grab bar has to be located a minimum of 12 inches on one side from the center line of the bathroom stall, and at least 24 inches on the other, and the rear wall must be at least 36 inches long.
Public Bathroom Requirements
Bathtub Grab Bars
The grab bars for the bathtub must be at least 24 inches long and placed on the wall at least 10 inches above the lip of the bathtub at the end where the water controls are located. On the back wall, it is a must to have in place, two grab bars with similar length.
Toilets
Toilets must be 17 to 18 inches high. Flush controls must be no more than 44 inches from the floor, The toilet must have a minimum depth of 56 inches. It is recommended to also have grab bars in place on either side of the toilet. Flush controls may be automatic or hand-controlled.
ADA Approved Bathrooms
Urinals
Above the floor, the rim of the urinal may not be higher than 17 inches. There must be 30 to 48 inches of clear floor space approaching the urinal. Flush controls must be no more than 44 inches from the floor, which may be automatic or hand-operated.
Lavatories
A knee clearance of 29 inches high and 19 inches deep must be provided by the lavatory. The rim of the lavatory must be no higher than 34 inches from the floor. Thirty by 48 inches of clear floor space must be in front of the lavatory. Any exposed pipes and sharp objects protruding under the lavatory must be insulated or protected.
Faucets must be operable by one hand, should be either of the lever type, the push type, the touch type or automatic. The stream of water has to run at least 10 seconds if they are automatic.
ADA Bathroom Codes
Mirrors
If they are located above a sink or counter-top. Then the mirrors in the bathroom must be no more than 40 inches above the floor. On the other hand, they cannot be more than 35 inches above the floor if they are not above a counter-top or sink.
