What are the requirements for providing accessible bathrooms in public places of business? Can stores choose to not offer public bathrooms?

October 14, 2016

The ADA does not require installation of public bathrooms. Instead, it states that when bathrooms are provided, they must comply with the ADA. The ADA’s requirements for accessible bathrooms vary depending upon the type of building involved, as well as whether or not the building is an existing facility, new construction or alteration of an existing facility.

In Illinois, public toilet rooms may be required to have a minimum number of plumbing fixtures under the Illinois Plumbing Code, based on the type of building, occupant load, and whether the toilet rooms are new, altered/modified, or part of a buildings’ change of use.

Last updated: February 17, 2023