California Law – Unisex Bathroom Signage Required March 1, 2017

As of March 1, 2017, all single-user restrooms in any business establishment, place of public accommodation, or state or local government agency must be identified as “all-gender” toilet facilities. Known as the Equal Restroom Access Act, Assembly Bill 1732 was signed into law by Governor Brown last September, and requires all single-occupancy restrooms to made available to everyone. A “single-user toilet facility” is defined in the law as “a toilet facility with no more than one water closet and one urinal with a locking mechanism controlled by the user.”

To comply with the new law (codified as Health 7 Safety Code §118600), the signage on all single-user restrooms must be updated to gender-neutral signs that meet California Building Code Standards (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations):

• Geometric Signage: A sign with the geometric symbol that identifies the restroom unisex, which is a triangle superimposed on top of a circle (gender neutral)
• Designation Signage: A wall-mounted sign that identifies a permanent room or space to be provided for a toilet facility; the sign must be tactile (can be read by touch) and indicate that the facility is a unisex restroom.

Signs that meet the requirements are available through most hardware stores, online, or through commercial sign companies. The law authorizes inspectors, building officials, and local officials responsible for code enforcement to inspect for compliance during any inspection.

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