ADA Requirements for Bathrooms

In 1992, January 26, congress enacted the Americans with 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 needed to be applied from the ADA standards for accessible bathrooms. The goal is to make all services available to people with disabilities.

ADA approved bathroom

Toilet Stalls

Toilet stalls must be accessible by wheelchair. By 48 inches approaching the stall, there must be a clear path of 30, 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. And also, of course, 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, at least 24 inches on the other, and on the rear wall must be at least 36 inches long.

Bathtub Grab Bars

At least 24 inches long’s grab bar must be placed on the wall, which no more than 10 inches above the lip of the tub and at the end where the water controls for the tub are located. On the back wall, it is must you have 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, but it is free whether it is hand operated or automatic. The toilet must have a minimum depth of 56 inches.

ADA Bathroom renovations

Urinals

Above the floor, the rim of the urinal may not be higher than 17 inches. There must be 30 by 48 inches of clear floor space approaching the urinal. Flush controls must be no more than 44 inches from the floor, which it 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. Under the lavatory, exposed pipes and sharp objects protruding 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.

Mirrors

If they are located above a sink or counter top, 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.