What are California's all-gender restroom signage requirements?
Quick Answer
California AB 1732 requires all single-user toilet facilities to be designated as all-gender, with signage identifying the room as "All-Gender," "Gender Neutral," or similar inclusive language, plus the International Symbol of Accessibility if accessible.
Content Verification
Sources:
Code Reference
HSC 118600
California Health and Safety Code Section 118600 (AB 1732)
Detailed Explanation
California Assembly Bill 1732 (effective March 1, 2017) established all-gender restroom requirements:
1. **Scope**: All single-user toilet facilities in any business, place of public accommodation, or government building must be identified as all-gender.
2. **Signage Requirements**: - Must identify the facility using gender-neutral terms - Acceptable language: "All-Gender," "Gender Neutral," "Restroom," "Unisex" - NOT acceptable: "Men's/Women's" or "His/Hers" - Must include ISA symbol if facility is accessible
3. **San Francisco & Oakland Additional Requirements**: These cities require all-gender signage in ALL new construction and major renovations, even for multi-user restrooms in some cases.
4. **Geometric Symbols**: For all-gender facilities, use the combined triangle/circle geometric symbol.
Common Mistakes
- ×Using gendered language on single-user restrooms
- ×Forgetting the accessibility symbol on accessible facilities
- ×Using outdated "Unisex" terminology in cities requiring "All-Gender"
- ×Not converting existing single-user restrooms during renovations
How to Verify Compliance
- ✓Confirm all single-user toilet rooms use gender-neutral identification
- ✓Check that accessible facilities include ISA symbol
- ✓Verify signage includes tactile text and Grade 2 Braille
- ✓For SF/Oakland, confirm compliance with local amendments
Official Code Text
"All single-user toilet facilities in any business establishment, place of public accommodation, or state or local government agency shall be identified as all-gender toilet facilities."
How to Cite This Page
When referencing this information:
SpecCodes.com "What are California's all-gender restroom signage requirements?" - Verified 2026-01-30Compliant Products
To meet these requirements, compliant signage typically includes:
Related Questions
Expert Verification
Compliance Information Verified
2026-01-30
CBC 2025 / ADA 2010
Effective January 1, 2026
California Building Standards Commission
Compliance Verification Notice
This information is provided for general reference purposes only. Local inspectors and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) have final authority over code interpretation and enforcement.
Before ordering signage, SpecCodes recommends:
- Contacting your local Building Department
- Reviewing current permit requirements for your project
- Confirming any local code amendments that may apply
Legal Notice: This content does not constitute legal advice. SpecCodes provides compliance information as a reference resource only. Users are responsible for verifying all requirements with their local jurisdiction before installation.