In our last blog, we discussed the language hoteliers should use for single-occupancy restroom signage. So, how does this play out in cities and jurisdictions? Within the United States, as it currently stands, each state or local government has the freedom to write gender-neutral restroom requirements if they so choose. This means that you can have a state that drafts a very generic law, while on the other hand, another state may draft one that’s very detailed with a lot of nuances.

As you see, there is a lot of variation in place—how does HOTELSIGNS.com approach this issue? It’s simple: our compliance team monitors regulatory codes and laws and works with our customers (and internal departments as needed) to ensure that each of our restroom signs is up-to-date. Yes, it requires a lot of time devoted to reading and scouring legal documents. Still, it’s worth it, as our commitment is part of our dedication as your leading ADA-compliant hospitality interior signage provider.

Single-User Restroom Laws Across the Country

While the majority of restroom signage laws around the nation are not as clear as cities such as Portland, Oregon and Washington, D.C., overall, the laws are more concerned with the designation of the physical restroom space rather than the words placed on a sign to describe the use of the space. Most laws merely require the change of single-occupancy restroom designations from male and female to “Restroom.” The following is a survey of different single-user restroom laws around the country:

Portland, Oregon

Portland provides in unambiguous terms the exact language it wants to use in conveying single-occupancy restroom designations. Under the City of Portland Administrative Policies, ADM-13.03, All-User Restrooms, city-controlled restroom facilities must have an all-gender designation.

Additionally, Portland requires designatory signage to be identified with appropriate signage, as well as have a graphic representation (pictogram) of a toilet, a symbol of accessibility (if applicable), and the term “Restroom” or “All-User Restroom” in raised text and braille.

Washington, D.C.

Similar to Portland, Washington, D.C. district laws requires that all single-occupancy restrooms must be open to any gender, with accompanying signage only using the word “Restroom.” D.C. Municipal Regulations, § 25-C603.1

New York (State)

There is a lack of affirmative, substantive requirements surrounding signage, so hoteliers have the freedom to use different signage descriptors as long as it is understood single-occupancy public bathroom facilities are to be gender-neutral (e.g., gender neutral, all gender, restroom). This is according to NY’s recently implemented single-occupancy restroom law (NYS AB A5240A).

California

According to California state law, CA HSC § 118600(a), “All single-user toilet facilities…shall be identified as all-gender toilet facilities by signage that complies with Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, and designated for use by no more than one occupant at a time or for family or assisted use.” In other words, if you have single-occupant restrooms, those facilities cannot be designated as male or female.

Elsewhere Around the U.S.

There are many adoptions of similar rules around the country. The list of state or local governments includes the following: Baltimore, Maryland; New York City; New York State; Illinois; California; Denver, Colorado; Washington, D.C.; Austin, Texas; Santa Fe, New Mexico; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and Vermont.

HOTELSIGNS.com: Your Source for Compliant Restroom Signage

Here at HOTELSIGNS.com, we strive to be your source for compliant restroom signage. Our state-specific signage page makes it easy to locate signs—restroom and otherwise—specific to your hotel’s locale: just select your state, and you’re all set! Need help or have questions about the correct restroom signs? Reach out via email, phone, or live chat, and our team will be more than happy to assist.

HOTELSIGNS.com Tip: Get easy access to your state-specific restroom signs! If you’re an independent hotel, bookmark your state under our State Specific Signs page. And if you’re a branded hotel (e.g., Marriott, Wyndham, IHG, Hilton, etc.), first go to your specific brand store, then bookmark your state under your store’s State Specific Signs page.