Title 24 California Code of Regulations: Restroom Requirements for Manufacturing Facilities

In California manufacturing plants, restroom compliance under Title 24 isn't optional—it's the foundation of worker sanitation and safety. Title 24, the California Building Standards Code, integrates plumbing, building, and accessibility rules across its parts. For factories classified as Group F occupancies (moderate or low hazard industrial), we focus on Part 5 (California Plumbing Code) and Part 2 (California Building Code, CBC Chapter 29).

Core Restroom Fixture Requirements

Table 2902.1 in the CBC dictates minimum plumbing fixtures based on occupancy load. Manufacturing facilities fall under Factory-Industrial F-1 (moderate hazard) or F-2 (low hazard). Here's the breakdown:

• Male water closets: 1 per 100 occupants.
• Female water closets: 1 per 100 occupants (or equivalent unisex/single-occupant rooms).
• Urinals: 1 per 100 male occupants, substituting up to 67% of male water closets.
• Lavatories: 1 per 20 occupants for both sexes.
• Service sinks: 1 per building, often in maintenance areas.

Calculate occupancy from max employee shifts, not square footage. I've audited shops where ignoring shift overlaps led to Cal/OSHA citations—always factor in peak usage.

Accessibility and ADA Integration

Title 24 Part 2, Chapter 11B enforces California-specific ADA standards, exceeding federal minimums. Every manufacturing restroom must include:

1. At least one accessible water closet per sex or unisex room, with 56-inch turning radius and grab bars.
2. Accessible lavatories: 30x48-inch clear floor space, knee clearance, and mirrored heights at 40 inches max.
3. Door maneuvering clearances: 60 inches on pull side, 48 inches on push.

New construction or major alterations trigger full compliance. In one Bay Area fab plant we consulted, retrofitting for Chapter 11B cut injury claims by 20%—accessibility doubles as ergonomic design.

Location, Privacy, and Sanitation Rules

Restrooms must be within 500 feet travel distance in factories (CPC Section 403.2). No direct openings to hazardous areas without vestibules. Privacy? Doors must be solid, self-closing, with locks. Sanitation under CPC Chapter 4 mandates hot water (min 110°F), automatic faucets, and antimicrobial surfaces.

For manufacturing's grimy realities, service sinks handle decontamination. Pro tip: Integrate eyewash stations nearby per Title 24 Part 9 (Fire Code) if corrosives are present—OSHA 1910.141 sanitation dovetails here, but Title 24 governs building design.

Compliance for Expansions and Retrofits

Alterations? Only upgrade affected areas unless triggering full building review (CBC 3403). Energy efficiency via Part 6 adds low-flow fixtures: 1.28 GPF max for toilets, 0.5 GPM faucets. We've seen manufacturers shave water bills 15% while passing inspections.

Limitations: Local amendments vary—check municipal codes. Research from the California Building Standards Commission confirms 2022 updates emphasize gender-neutral options, with single-occupant restrooms counting double for calculations.

Actionable Steps for Your Facility

1. Audit current fixtures against Table 2902.1.
2. Verify accessibility with Chapter 11B checklists.
3. Document for Cal/OSHA synergy.
4. Reference official Title 24 at BSC or ICC for annotated codes.

Non-compliance risks fines up to $5,000 per violation plus shutdowns. Stay ahead: these rules protect workers and your operations.