Two new amendments to the International Plumbing Code create a path for gender-neutral restrooms in both single and multi-user configurations.
Single-user Restrooms require signage to indicate that they’re open to any user
Multi-user Restrooms can now be offered to all users. They must have shared sinks, and each toilet must be a private compartment.
MAIN BENEFITS:
Public Safety Issues - trans-gender people often face harassment in sex-segregated restrooms.
Accommodation for People with Special Needs - Families with small children who are too young to use restrooms by themselves often face a difficult decision when it comes to using sex-segregated public restrooms. This becomes increasingly awkward as children reach toddler-hood and early childhood and become aware of other restroom patrons. Adults who have caregivers frequently face a similar problem. Inclusive restrooms are crucial for anyone who’s taking care of an elderly parent or assisting a person with a disability.
Decreased Waiting - Have you ever waited anxiously in line to use the bathroom while the opposite-gender restroom sat empty? Allowing anyone to use an all-gender restroom cuts down on the waiting time disparity.
New buildings naturally have the most flexible options, where you can create a space that balances visual privacy with the need for an accessible, open space.
Some design strategies include:
Fully enclosed stalls in a mix of three sizes (standard, ambulatory and ADA-compliant)
Rooms or alcoves for private needs like care-giving, insulin injections or breastfeeding
Separate zones for grooming, washing and eliminating to facilitate quick and easy restroom access
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