• Welcome to The Building Code Forum

    Your premier resource for building code knowledge.

    This forum remains free to the public thanks to the generous support of our Sawhorse Members and Corporate Sponsors. Their contributions help keep this community thriving and accessible.

    Want enhanced access to expert discussions and exclusive features? Learn more about the benefits here.

    Ready to upgrade? Log in and upgrade now.

Definition of "toilet compartment" in ADA 604.8

Yikes

SAWHORSE
Joined
Nov 2, 2009
Messages
3,948
Location
Southern California
Is there a code definition for "toilet compartment"? If so, where can I find it?
Is it solely something with skinny, partial-height partitions? (For that matter, what/where is the code definition of "partition"?)
Is a room with four conventional 2x4 stud + gyp board walls and a door, with a toilet inside the room, considered a "toilet compartment"?

1652726468619.png
1652726289121.png
1652726364330.png
 
Google says:
A toilet compartment is a partitioned space that is located within a toilet room, and that normally contains no more than one water closet. A toilet compartment may also contain a lavatory.

Water closet compartment means an enclosed space containing one or more water closets and one or more lavatories, and which may also contain urinals and other plumbing fixtures.

Since water closet and toilet are each identified in the title 11B-604 Water closets and toilet compartments there is a difference between them.
 
Last edited:
And yes if you have full height walls the compartment will need to grow to 66" in width.
I'm wondering if it is impossible for full-height (floor-to-ceiling) walls comply with 604.8.1.4, which says toe clearance must extend 6" min BEYOND the compartment side face of the partition.
So even if my 2x4 stud walls had 66" clear instead of 60", 604.8.1.4 wants toe clearance to add up to 72".
If my walls are 100" apart, 604.8.1.4 wants toe clearance to be 106", etc.
In other words it would be impossible for the side walls to touch the floor and still comply with 604.8.1.4.

1652750311422.png
 
Consider that it depends on the length of the room (+/- 7'?), door (located on side wall?) would have to swing out into the corridor to provide manuvering clearance for the sink (if on end wall (vs side?) opposite wc).
Also side approach to the WC might be an issue (Cl of toilet + 1/2 the width of the bowl + 30" ='s (x) 60"?
 
Is there a code definition for "toilet compartment"? If so, where can I find it?
Advisory 213.3.1 Toilet Compartments. A toilet compartment is a partitioned space that is located within a toilet room, and that normally contains no more than one water closet. A toilet compartment may also contain a lavatory. A lavatory is a sink provided for hand washing. Full-height partitions and door assemblies can comprise toilet compartments where the minimum required spaces are provided within the compartment.

Toilet compartments are typically enclosed by partitions. Full-height partitions and door assemblies are not prohibited but will require a larger compartment because toe clearance below partitions is not available.
 
Advisory 213.3.1 Toilet Compartments. A toilet compartment is a partitioned space that is located within a toilet room, and that normally contains no more than one water closet. A toilet compartment may also contain a lavatory. A lavatory is a sink provided for hand washing. Full-height partitions and door assemblies can comprise toilet compartments where the minimum required spaces are provided within the compartment.

Toilet compartments are typically enclosed by partitions. Full-height partitions and door assemblies are not prohibited but will require a larger compartment because toe clearance below partitions is not available.
Mark, thanks. In a single-accommodation toilet room (one toilet, one lavatory), there is no "partitioned space that is located in a toilet room".
Therefore this room is not a "compartment", and therefore the extra 6" does not apply. Depending on layout, a single-accommodation toilet room can be as narrow as 60" wide.

Is that correct?
 
Mark, thanks. In a single-accommodation toilet room (one toilet, one lavatory), there is no "partitioned space that is located in a toilet room".
Therefore this room is not a "compartment", and therefore the extra 6" does not apply. Depending on layout, a single-accommodation toilet room can be as narrow as 60" wide.

Is that correct?
IMPO, Yes. That is correct.
 
Back
Top