The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires business and property owners to make restrooms accessible to individuals with disabilities. In Los Angeles, compliance also means following the California Building Code (CBC), which incorporates ADA standards with state-specific requirements. An ADA-compliant restroom ensures safe, easy access to sinks, toilets, grab bars, and enough space for wheelchair maneuverability.
When planning a commercial restroom renovation, it’s critical to understand these requirements to ensure your project passes inspection and serves all users.
How Many ADA Bathrooms are Required?
The ADA does not specify an exact number of bathrooms for a building. Instead, the California Building Code (CBC) sets fixture counts based on occupancy load. Once the number of required restrooms is determined, at least one of each type provided must be ADA-compliant.
- If a facility requires one men’s and one women’s restroom, both must be accessible.
- If multiple single-user restrooms are provided, at least 50% must meet ADA accessibility standards.
This ensures equitable access for all occupants and visitors..
What are the Minimum Dimensions for a ADA Bathroom?
To accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices, ADA bathrooms must follow specific clearance and turning space rules:
- Turning Radius: At least 60 inches in diameter of clear floor space.
- Forward Approach Clearance: 30 inches wide by 48 inches deep.
- Parallel Approach Clearance: 48 inches wide by 30 inches deep.
These dimensions provide enough space for individuals to approach and use bathroom features safely.
Key ADA Bathroom Elements
1. Doors
- Must provide a minimum of 32 inches clear width when opened at 90 degrees.
- If swinging inward, doors cannot obstruct the 30″ x 48″ clear floor space needed at sinks and toilets.
- Outward-swinging doors are often required in narrow stall configurations.
2. Toilet Stalls
- Wheelchair-accessible stalls: Toilet centerline must be 16–18 inches from the side wall.
- Ambulatory stalls: Toilet centerline must be 17–19 inches from the side wall.
- Stalls require at least 56 inches deep (wall-mounted) or 59 inches deep (floor-mounted) with a 60-inch minimum width.
3. Grab Bars
- Side wall bar: Minimum 42 inches long, mounted 33–36 inches above the floor.
- Rear wall bar: Minimum 36 inches long, extending from the centerline of the toilet.
- Bars must support at least 250 lbs.
4. Sinks and Faucets
- Maximum height: 34 inches above finished floor.
- Must extend at least 17 inches from the back wall for toe clearance.
- Minimum 27 inches knee clearance below sink.
- Faucets must be operable with one hand, without tight grasping or twisting.
5. Toilets
- Flush controls must be located on the open side of the toilet.
- Seat height: 17–19 inches above finished floor.
Common Challenges in ADA Restroom Renovations
Upgrading older Los Angeles buildings to ADA standards often presents challenges:
- Tight layouts that limit turning radius.
- Plumbing relocations for proper toilet and sink placement.
- Structural changes for grab bar installation.
- Flooring upgrades for slip resistance.
- Placement of dispensers, mirrors, and accessories within reach ranges.
These factors make ADA restroom projects more complex than standard upgrades, requiring detailed planning and skilled execution.
ADA Bathroom Projects at Base Construction
Base Construction, Inc. is a trusted partner for ADA restroom renovations across Los Angeles and Southern California. Our team ensures every project is code-compliant, safe, and accessible—whether you’re constructing a new facility or upgrading an existing one.
With extensive experience in industrial and commercial construction, we understand the unique challenges of ADA renovations and deliver results that meet both ADA and CBC requirements.
Ready to make your restroom ADA-compliant?
Contact Base Construction today to learn more about our services or to start your bathroom renovation project.
To learn more about ADA-compliant restrooms, or to get started on your bathroom renovation, contact us today.
