What You Need to Know About the Standard Bathroom Size

Is a space big enough to fit a toilet sufficient to meet standard bathroom size requirements? It depends on the situation — the correct answer is both yes and no. Those who own certain types of property must adhere to certain guidelines. Additionally, including the right features increases your resale value should you later sell. Here’s the surprising 411 you need to know.

Standard Bathroom Size and the ADA: What Landlords and Commercial Property Owners Must Know 

Why implement a standard bathroom size? The answer is accessibility. Few truths apply to all, but one universal need is “the go.” Over the years, the law has evolved to reflect the accessibility needs of folks of all shapes, sizes and ability levels so that no one is de facto locked out of answering nature’s call. 

Bathroom Sizes in Commercial Property

The Americans With Disabilities Act dictates the standard bathroom size in commercial buildings. For example, commercial bathrooms compliant with ADA standards must contain at least one stall that’s at least 60 inches wide and 56 inches deep to allow those with mobility devices to use the facilities. Additionally, spaces near fixtures like sinks must be at least 30 inches by 48 inches to enable wheelchair users to rotate. 

Stall Requirements for Retail Properties and Businesses With Employees 

The law gets tricky when it comes to public bathroom accessibility. Nearly everyone has experienced asking to use the restroom in a commercial building, only to be told there are no public facilities available. Most jurisdictions require commercial buildings to have a certain number of bathrooms per employee, but this requirement doesn’t include guests such as shoppers or passersby. 

However, several states have implemented “Ally’s Laws.” Named after a 14-year-old girl with Crohn’s who had an accident after being denied bathroom use, these regulations dictate that retail establishments must allow those with medical conditions access to an employee restroom if they have an urgent need. Some such rules require users to show paperwork verifying their health requirements, and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation can request a restroom access card through their organization. 

It’s critical to note that Ally’s laws do not specify a standard bathroom size. Retail establishment owners do not need to modify their existing facilities and are not liable for injuries that occur when guests use the employee restroom, except in cases of negligence. 

Older Buildings and ADA Compliance

What if you rent or own an older commercial property built before the ADA? Under the law, such property owners must make compliant upgrades, but the circumstances under which they must do so vary on a case-by-case basis that often involves state and local ordinances as well. You must work closely with your regional planning and zoning committee to ensure you remain in compliance with the law. 

Requirements for Private Rentals

Those fortunate enough to own more than one property have long rented out the extra for profit, and the advent of Airbnb and VRBO has even more folks joining the rental scene to make money. However, you should ensure your offering meets the standard bathroom size requirements to avoid potential legal headaches. 

The ADA does not specifically address private residential housing, but that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) gives tenants the right to modify their dwellings to meet their disability needs as long as they pick up the cost of such improvements. Housing providers may need to cover expenses if they receive money from federally assisted housing programs. 

Additionally, state and local ordinances may also dictate the standard bathroom size in certain jurisdictions. Check with your city or county offices. For example, many locations require residential rentals to have a separate bathroom or kitchen area to qualify as a rental. 

The Standard Bathroom Size and Interior Design: Ideas and Inspiration 

Much of the standard bathroom size breaks down to architectural and interior design choices. Obviously, you need a space big enough to accommodate whatever appliances you wish to include. Standard bathroom sizes range from tiny shower stalls containing a removable composting toilet to rooms complete with luxurious soaking tubs, separate showers, and even saunas and steam rooms. 

What if you aren’t happy with the size of the bathroom in your pad? Those who own can renovate. While knocking out a wall can increase costs significantly, you can add more room to an existing bathroom by adding on to an adjacent room. Tacking on spare bedroom space can give you room for that giant soaking tub and a walk-in closet. 

Popular Additions to Standard Bathrooms

If you’re thinking about adding to your standard bathroom, the following ideas can get your creative juices flowing: 

• An open shower can make your space appear larger and address accessibility concerns. Those who use mobility devices can roll approved mobility devices inside, increasing their independence. Adding grab bars for easy transfer from a wheelchair to the stall is another accessibility add-on to consider. 
• A soaking tub complete with jets provides therapeutic benefits. If going this route, ensure you know how to keep your model clean to prevent mold, as exposure can affect your health. 
• Including plenty of mirrors, including a full-length one, also enlarges your bathroom’s appearance while letting you see yourself from all angles, ensuring you’re ready for your red carpet debut. 
• A bidet can reduce your toilet paper consumption and may even improve your health. 
• Heated floors prevent freezing your feet, which makes leaving the shower so hard. They’re also heavenly when you wake up in the middle of the night, helping you fall back asleep faster by avoiding an unpleasant cold jolt to your nervous system. 
• Touchless faucets and soap dispensers are the best friends of all those concerned about preventing infectious disease spread. Motion activation means avoiding bacteria transfer after “the go.” 
• Storage solutions, such as laundry baskets, carts for stashing clean towels or even a walk-in wardrobe, let you get ready for your next big date in style. 

The Standard Bathroom Size 

The standard bathroom size varies, and the rules you must follow when building a new one or renovating existing facilities depend on the nature of your property. Those with commercial properties or residential rentals must adhere to stricter guidelines. Contacting local city and county offices informs you of the rules you must follow. Beyond that, the sky’s the limit for designing a bathroom custom-fit to your needs and desires.