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Restroom Privacy

C

CUBldgOfficial

Member
Joined
Jul 2, 2014
Messages
10
Location
Colorado
Can someone please point me to the code section that requires a hard-lid and/or walls of a restroom to go to deck above - if there is one?

I know this is standard practice, but I can't seem to find a code section stating such.

Thanks... :cheers
 
RE: Section 1207.2

"......ceiling assemblies between adjacent dwelling units or between dwelling units and adjacent public areas such as halls, corridors, stairs or service areas."

Not a typical restroom
 
$ ~ ~ $



From the `12 IBC, Section 1207.2:

"Walls, partitions and floor/ceiling assemblies separating dwelling units from

each other or from public or service areas shall have a sound transmission

class (STC) of not less than 50 (45 if field tested) for air-borne noise when

tested in accordance with ASTM E 90.................Penetrations or openings in

construction assemblies for piping; electrical devices; recessed cabinets;

bathtubs; soffits; or heating, ventilating or exhaust ducts shall be sealed,

lined, insulated or otherwise treated to maintain the required ratings.

This requirement shall not apply to dwelling unit entrance doors; however,

such doors shall be tight fitting to the frame and sill."



Mark,

The way that I read that Section, ...it is the walls, partitions and

floor \ ceiling assemblies that are being separated from the

public spaces, and not a dwelling unit.........It is my belief that the

restroom must have some type of "required" Sound Barrier

installed [ not less than the STC of 50 ].........To accomplish this,

some type of ceiling [ aka - lid, or floor \ ceiling above ] must be

installed with some approved type of acoustical insulation.



$ ~ ~ $
 
You should not omit words

It changes the meaning

There is nothing that requires a restroom to meet a STC 50
 
I think I'm going to have to side with Mark on this one.

It refers only to "dwelling units" and what I am dealing with is commercial in nature. Also, I don't see anything within section 1210 (1210.3 specifically) that tells me otherwise.

Thanks for the discussion everyone!
 
mtlogcabin said:
How will you control the required ventilation without a ceiling?
Click to expand...
Suspened ceiling....Not a hard lid

f1e347b758ce5340fcc51ec933303237.jpg
 
I have only seen one commercial project use a grid ceiling between restrooms and it was immediately changed to a hard lid when men would lift tiles to look over the wall into the ladies room and take pictures.

It's not a code requirement but a huge mistake.
 
retire09 said:
I have only seen one commercial project use a grid ceiling between restrooms and it was immediately changed to a hard lid when men would lift tiles to look over the wall into the ladies room and take pictures.It's not a code requirement but a huge mistake.
Click to expand...
Can't always regulate stupid
 
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"Can't always regulate stupid"
Click to expand...
No, stupid cannot be regulated, but a minimal level of decency and respectfor [ persons ] privacy CAN be installed [ i.e. - requested by the owner \

end users ]........Sometimes, things are installed \ built simply because

someone made the effort to at least ask...........Also, it has not yet gone out

of style to build above the code minimums. :wink:

I would not consider a "hard lid" to be an unreasonable request, even

though it is not [ currently ] in the Codes.



~ ~ @ ~ ~
 
steveray said:
Mark....Can you get the 34" max and knee clearance under those lavs? Can't imagine...Back on topic...
Click to expand...
Picture and posts are ceiling related. there are accessibility errors everywhere
 
north star said:
I would not consider a "hard lid" to be an unreasonable request, even

though it is not [ currently ] in the Codes.
Click to expand...
Request, by whom?

Inspectors and BO's must be carfull about non-code requests
 
I have a high profile national client that we do build outs across the country. All restrooms have lay in ceilings with no hard lids. Have not encountered any resistance in any jurisdiction. I prefer a hard lid, but there is no code basis for one.
 
+ & + & +



Mark,

I have been in project meetings where the building owners

made requests that were not in the codes, but they desired

to have their requests installed \ built........The owners

were willing to pony up the extra costs in relation to their

requests...........My point is [ in this application ] that even

though a "hard lid" is not specifically "required" in the

codes, ...one could be installed simply out of decency and

respect for privacy of individuals..........There are numerous

occasions for "give and take" [ negotiations ] in every

project.

+ & + & +
 
north star said:
Mark,

I have been in project meetings where the building owners

made requests that were not in the codes, but they desired

to have their requests installed \ built........The owners

were willing to pony up the extra costs in relation to their

requests...........My point is [ in this application ] that even

though a "hard lid" is not specifically "required" in the

codes, ...one could be installed simply out of decency and

respect for privacy of individuals..........There are numerous

occasions for "give and take" [ negotiations ] in every

project.
Click to expand...
There should not be negotiations with building inspectors, plancheckers and Building Officials

Is it required? If Not, Up to the owners and designers
 
What you speak of would be seen as a "best practice".

Many would rather save a buck then spend it.

Consider that the building code may not be the only code inforce? Have you checked your local health and safety code?
 
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