The First State to Enact Gender-Neutral Restroom Signs

California Assembly Bill 1732

All-gender restrooms (also known as gender-neutral and unisex restrooms) are becoming more common across the country and new regulations requiring the use of such signs are looming on the horizon, as California will be the first state to enact this law.

Starting March 1st, California will implement Assembly Bill 1732. This bill will require all single-user toilet facilities in any business establishment, place of public accommodation, or state or local government agency to be identified as all-gender restrooms with signage that complies with Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.

For signage to comply with the Bill, the California Building Code has specific requirements for all-gender restroom signage. The three components for acceptable all-gender restroom signage are geometric, designation, and directional and informational signs. For a quick overview and clarification on what the California Building Code requirements for signs at toilet facilities are, read more here.

By clearly marking restrooms, potential confusion and surprises can be avoided. All-gender restroom signage can help prevent harassment, legal charges, physical altercations, and feelings of discomfort for individuals who don’t feel safe using traditional gender-segregated washroom facilities. This is particularly true for transgendered individuals, where visible gender characteristics might appear to be in conflict with the specified gender designation of the restroom.

Be sure to contact Accuform to speak with any one of our world-class customer service team members to meet the signage requirements!

Learn more about AB-1732 and other cities following the trend:

• The all-gender restroom signage required for California is for all “Single-user toilet facility” (a toilet facility with no more than one water closet and one urinal with a locking mechanism controlled by the user.) Source
• California - Employees should immediately change all signage used for their single-user restrooms to ensure none are designated as male or female only, in. Source
• Seattle - Seattle is already following the all-gender restroom trend and requires all single occupant restrooms in public places to post all-gender restroom signage. All businesses must already have the appropriate signage. Source
• Portland - Adopted a new all-user restroom policy with hopes to make sure users always have a gender-neutral option available. One-person restrooms for women and men are replaced with an image of a toilet and the words "All-User Restroom. Source
• The City of Austin, Texas has joined Philadelphia and Washington D.C. in adopting regulations requiring all businesses to install gender-neutral signs for single user public restrooms, including restrooms accessible only to employees.  Source
• OSHA has developed a four-page "Guide to Restroom Access for Transgender Workers" to ensure transgender employees are able to work in a manner that is consistent with how they live the rest of their daily lives. OSHA states; "All employees, including transgender employees, should have access to restrooms that correspond to their gender identity." Source
• The Trump administration order that outlines which restrooms transgender students can use, is not going to have any impact on California AB-1732. Source
• Under the Denver Building and Fire code (amended December 19, 2016), all single-occupant restrooms within the City and County of Denver must have signage indicating that they are open for use to all persons, regardless of gender. Property owners or tenants who fail to replace signage before April 30, 2018, may receive a notice to comply with Community Planning and Development's Building Inspection Division.  Source.

(Content updated on May 8, 2017 to include Denver)