Agenda Item 10.A
City Council
April 25, 2023
Amendment to SMMC Chapter 8.110 –
Gender Neutral Public Restroom Standards
Council Priority
The City of Santa Monica acknowledges the effects of generational and institutional racism and discrimination, and its consequences that continue to impact our residents and businesses. These lessons of our history cannot be ignored. The City is committed to advancing racial equity and social diversity to improve the wellbeing of people who live, work, learn, play, and do business in our City and create a community where differences in life outcomes cannot be predicted by race, class, gender, disability or other identities. Everyone in Santa Monica must have an opportunity to thrive.
RACIAL JUSTICE, EQUITY & SOCIAL DIVERSITY
Background
• Assembly Bill 1732 (March 1, 2017)
• Gender-neutral restrooms at
Historic Belmar Park (2018)
• Gender-neutral locker and shower
facility at City Yards (2019)
Background
• 2021 State Legislative Platform
• Senate Bill 1194 (April 2022)
• Council adopted policies, positions,
and priorities
Proposed Ordinance
Pursuant to SB 1194 authority, staff is proposing:
• Require gender neutral public restroom design for all new buildings
• Complete building permit application on or after July 1, 2023 • Existing buildings may voluntarily retrofit existing restroom facilities
Design Standards
• Facilities to be located along open/visible circulation paths • Main entrance shall not have a door to prevent visual security • Toilets designed as single-user compartments enclosed on all sides by walls or partitions extending from up to 1” above floor and/or ceiling • Doors to each compartment shall have a locking mechanism • Sinks may be in same compartment as toilet or grouped in immediately adjacent common area
• Toilets may be substituted for urinals for required total number of fixtures. Urinals must be located in a separated area or in individual compartments Design Examples
Public Circulation Path
Public Circulation Path
EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2
Restroom Examples
UC Berkeley
Moffitt Library
Restroom Examples
Rhode Island
School of Design
Restroom Examples
Times Square, NY
Pak LohChiu Chow
Restaurant
Restroom Examples
Saint Paul
Public School
BFLS Commission
February 22, 2023, Building and Fire Life Safety Commission unanimously supported the proposed ordinance.
Questions/Clarifications:
• Removal of a typo applying ordinance to only commercial restrooms • Added clarifying language for improved application of design standards
• Improved language requiring public restrooms to be along high circulation paths • Added examples to clarify entry design options considering entrance door not allowed
Recommendation
Efforts related to research, preparation, and development of proposed ordinance was collaborative effort of:
• City Manager’s Office
• City Attorney’s Office
• Department of Public Works
• Community Development Department
Recommendation:
• Adopt CEQA exemption
• Introduce proposed ordinance for first reading.