How Much Room Is Required for a Toilet?

IRC

• Though the thousands of local and state building authorities in the United States differ by jurisdiction and location, they all base their toilet space requirements on the International Residential Code or IRC, and the International Plumbing Code. Both codes fall under the management of the International Code Council, a nonprofit organization. When founded in 1994, it streamlined documentation from three separate regulatory bodies and resolved any conflicting information. It also provides code application assistance, technical handbooks and workbooks, educational and certification programs, and training and informational videos.

Space

• A small toilet can measure as little as 23.75 inches long by 12.5 inches high by 10 inches wide, with a 10-inch rough-in and a 1.5-inch inlet. Aside from space for the fixture itself, the IRC requires at least 15 inches on both sides, as measured from the center of the toilet to the nearest wall. It must also be at least 30 inches away from any sink, tub or other fixture, as measured from the center of the fixture to the center of the toilet. The IRC also requires at least 21 inches of clear space from the front of the toilet to the nearest wall or bathroom fixture.

ADA

• The Americans with Disabilities Act also regulates building construction. It modifies IRC requirements to enable disabled individuals to use toilet facilities independently. The codes are required for commercial spaces such as hotels and restaurants, but optional for private one- or two-family dwellings. But homeowners may adhere to these requirements if they themselves are disabled, or if they wish to sell their houses to disabled buyers.

ADA Codes

• The ADA requires toilets for users without wheelchairs to comply with IRC requirements. For facilities designed for wheelchair users, however, the clear floor or ground space in front of the fixture must be at least 30 inches by 48 inches. If a space is to allow a wheelchair user to turn, it needs a minimum circular turning space of 60 inches diameter is needed in front of the toilet. For T-shaped spaces within a 60-inch square, the base of the T must be at least 36 inches wide and be clear of obstructions at 24 inches minimum. Each arm of the T must be clear of obstructions a minimum of 12 inches in each direction.