P.O. Box 1209 
Seattle, WA 98111-1209 
Tel: 787-3000 
www.portseattle.org 
Memo 
To:             Commissioner Courtney Gregoire 
From:         Lance Lyttle 
Date:          9/12/2019 
Re:             Seattle-Tacoma International Airport All Gender Restroom Plan, Executive Response 
Comments:   At the February 26th Commission Meeting the All-Gender Restroom Working Group
presented recommendations to the Commission on how All-Gender restrooms could be
incorporated in the Restroom Renovation & Expansion Project on Concourses B, C & D.
Commission requested an Executive response as to if/when the Port should adopt the
practices that were outlined in the plan, and issue a policy and motion guiding the design
of the restrooms built in this project, as well as future "greenfield" restrooms at Sea-Tac. 

I would like to recognize all the important work that the Working Group completed to
come to this plan including; focus groups with key external stakeholders from the LGBTQ
community, faith-based community, ERG's and internal maintenance partners to explore
how these restrooms could be incorporated in to our facility. 

The Sea-Tac Airport Executive Team supports the working group's recommendations,
(with one exception) including: 
Include additional wayfinding for all restrooms
Remove current family restroom signage and replace with All-Gender Family and
Accessible/ADA Restroom
Support an update to WSBC to include All-Gender Restrooms
Support the implementation of All-Gender model on D concourse as part of PH 4
to be completed in 2022. This model would be the pilot for future Greenfield
construction (not in attached recommendation, opportunity identified after the
briefing)
Support the proposed compartment design at C2 which provides for future
conversion into All-Gender to open late 2021.

The exception, Signage: 
The    proposed iconography on the signage for the All-Gender Restroom depicts a
western-style plumbing fixture (toilet, urinal, Baby changing table) This sign would
not include the typical male/female silhouette.
The Working Group recommended the icon of afixture     as it was identified in focus
groups as recognizable to both international and domestic travelers. Focus group
members were in favor of depicting what was behind the door as it is clear and does
not designate who can and cannot use the restroom.
The Executive Team requests     further exploration of signage alternatives.

I recommend implementation of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport All-Gender
Restroom Plan, but request alternative signage be explored.

Lance Lyttle

IMPLEMENTATION AT SEA-TAC AIRPORT
C Concourse, adjacent to gate C-2
Add qty. 6 Women's compartment style restroom

IMPLEMENTATION AT SEA-TAC AIRPORT
D Concourse, adjacent to gates D-1, D2
Fixtures: 10 Women's, 8 Men's, 1 Family                                Working Group recommendation
to not include dividing wall






"Greenfield Design"

Item No. 9a_attach 
Meeting Date: February 26, 2019 





SEATTLE-TACOMA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 
ALL GENDER RESTROOM PLAN 

FEBRUARY 2019 





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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2.  PURPOSE

3.  RESTROOM DESIGN
a.  Restroom Design Requirements
b.  Designs Considered
c.  Recommended Design

4.  SIGNAGE
a.  Signage Requirements
b.  Signage Considered
c.  Recommended Signage

5.  PROPOSED TIMELINE
a.  Restroom Construction
b.  Signage Installation

6.  COSTS
a.  Estimated Costs for Restroom Construction
b.  Estimated Costs for Signage

7.  ADDITIONAL AREAS FOR COMMISSION CONSIDERATION
a.  Opportunity costs
b.  Policy Considerations




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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
All gender restrooms are facilities that anyone can use regardless of gender. They can be single
or multi-stall. All gender restrooms benefit a variety of people, including transgender and
gender non-conforming individuals. All gender restrooms create a safe space for employees and
community members to use the restrooms as it removes stigma or rationale for judgement as
to which gendered facilities to use. All gender restrooms also accommodate use by caretakers
and parents when assisting someone of the opposite gender. 
On May 22, 2018, the Port of Seattle Commission adopted motion 2018-08 to develop a
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) gender-inclusive restroom plan to ensure that all
existing and future single-occupant restrooms at Sea-Tac, beyond meeting the requirements set
by the Washington State Building Code (WSBC), are designated for use by any person,
regardless of sex or gender identity.1 The plan includes a recommended design for restrooms
and signage, timelines, costs, alternatives, and implications considered. 
A working group, made up of representatives from across the Port, developed this genderinclusive
restroom plan and recommends a compartment design for All Gender Restrooms in
existing facilities which features compartments that have a toilet and sink with full height
partitions and doors. 
The working group identified one location at the head of Concourse D where one single-user
compartment-style All Gender Restroom can be added today (which is above and beyond
today's WSBC requirements at Sea-Tac). Three additional locations were identified where
restrooms may be converted in the compartment-style design at Gate B3, Gate C2/3, and Gate
D3 today, however, cannot be assigned as All Gender until the WSBC is updated in the future
(these restrooms are not above and beyond today's WSBC requirements at Sea-Tac).  The
feasibility of converting these restrooms to the compartment-style design is pending further
study on throughput, maintainability, and janitorial considerations. Lastly, for new sites
(greenfield developments), the working group recommends a multi-user design with All Gender
stalls, urinal room, and open handwashing station. 
2. PURPOSE
The main purpose of this plan is to provide Port Commissioners a staff recommendation on All
Gender restroom design and signage at Sea-Tac and other areas for consideration in order to
meet the task as directed in the adopted motion 2018-08. 

1 Gender identity means a person's gender-related identity, appearance, or expression, whether or not
traditionally associated with one's biological sex or one's sex at birth, and includes a person's attitudes,
preferences, beliefs, and practices pertaining thereto.

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Restrooms are often the first and last impression of the facility to the traveling public and
frequently identified as the single most important amenity to influence the passenger
experience. Restrooms accommodate a basic need for all passengers. As the operator of Sea-
Tac, the port recognizes that all persons and groups of people should have access to restrooms
and other gender-specific facilities, regardless of sex, gender identity, ability, or parental status. 
Despite existing protections on the basis of gender identity, transgender and gender nonconforming
people often experience harassment, intimidation, refusal of access, and in some
cases, violence, when trying to use public restrooms and other gender-specific facilities
consistent with their gender identities. These experiences sometimes lead to significant health
problems and contribute to emotional stress from having to avoid using public restrooms. 
On July 31, 2018, the Port of Seattle working group conducted a focus group with key external
stakeholders from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ)-focused
organizations, specifically organizations that support the transgender community, to gather
feedback on design and signage of all gender restrooms. In addition, on December 4, 2018, the
working group conducted a focus group with faith-based community stakeholders. The
feedback from stakeholders helped inform the recommendations included in the plan.
In January 2019, the working group received a layout study from consultant Architectural
Alliance International on Sea-Tac's restroom program and how all gender restrooms might be
incorporated into the program. The study provided information on potential locations at Sea-
Tac where all gender restrooms may be added within the current footprint. In addition, a cost
estimate was also provided to the working group. 
3. RESTROOM DESIGN
a. Restroom Design Requirements
All restrooms at port facilities are designed to meet the current International Building Code and
the WSBC. The WSBC sets minimum thresholds for male, female, and family restrooms,
quantity of fixtures required, and required signage.2  Today, the WSBC does not include
specifications and/or guidelines for gender-inclusive/all-gender/or gender-neutral restrooms. 
The working group only considered Concourses B, C and D as these concourses that are
currently included in the Sea-Tac Restroom Renovation Project and will undergo renovation or
expansion. 
Below are tables for Concourses B, C and D that depict the following:
1.  Code requirements for fixtures for Women (W), Men (M), and Family Restrooms (F)
2.  Existing fixture count (Note: Men's Fixture Counts also include urinals)
3.  Fixture counts for traditional design
2 See Supplement 1: Code Requirements 

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4.  Fixture counts for compartment design
Concourse B    Fixture Counts
Code Requirements     W: 19    M: 10     F: 1 
Existing                   W: 19     M: 21      F: 2 
Above Code           W: 0      M: 11     F: 1 
Traditional               W: 20      M: 18     F: 4 
Compartment         W: 29     M: 24     F: 4 
Concourse C    Fixture Counts
Code Requirements     W: 18     M: 10     F: 1 
Existing                   W: 32      M: 30      F: 1 
Above Code           W: 14     M: 20     F: 0 
Traditional              W: 31     M: 20     F: 10 
Compartment         W: 37     M: 23     F: 3 

Fixture
Concourse D    Counts
Code Requirements     W: 13     M: 7      F: 1 
Existing                   W: 25      M: 25      F: 3 
Above Code           W: 12     M: 18     F: 2 
Traditional              W: 27      M: 22     F: 5 
Compartment         W: 30     M: 26     F: 6 
Sea-Tac is currently meeting the WSBC requirements for Concourses B, C, and D. The working
group does see opportunity to provide All Gender restrooms (above and beyond WSBC
requirements). 
b. Designs Considered
1.  Gendered (status quo)
2.  Gendered with additional single user restrooms (All Gender/Family Restrooms)
3.  Multi-user All Gender Restrooms: Compartment design
4.  Multi-user All Gender Restrooms: Stalls, urinal room and open hand washing station



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Gendered with Additional Single User Restrooms (All Gender/Family Restrooms) 





This design features gendered restrooms with additional single user restrooms that can be
designated All Gender restrooms. 
Multi-user All Gender Restrooms: Compartment Design 





This design features compartments where toilet and sink are in one enclosed private space
with floor to ceiling doors. 





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Multi-user All Gender Restrooms: stalls, urinal and open hand washing station 

COMMON USE SINKS 



This design features stalls that can be designated All Gender with floor to ceiling doors. In
addition, common use sinks/open hand washing station is available to all users. ADA/Family
restrooms and urinals are also a feature.
a. Recommended Design
Recommended Design for All Gender Restrooms in Existing Facilities 
Compartment design: The compartment design features compartments that have a toilet and a
sink (accessible and non-accessible versions) with full height partitions and doors. It is set up for
easier cleaning/maintenance because most work can be done in the individual compartments
without closing down the entire section. 






The designs depicted above include an All Gender Ambulatory Compartment (toilet and grab
bars), an All Gender Compartment (sink and toilet) and Accessible Compartment (larger to
provide space for a wheelchair, toilet and sink). 


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The advantages of the compartment designs include more flexibility for future conversion when
WSBC is updated for Sea-Tac to include All Gender restrooms as part of the fixture count.
Individual compartments may be closed for repairs without affecting other compartments or
shutting down the entire restroom facility for maintenance. Compartment designs also provide
additional privacy and security. There are also disadvantages to the compartment design to
include limited space for lines outside the compartments. Additional sinks and towel dispensers
are needed as each compartment requires its own sink and towel dispenser in comparison to
traditional design layout which increases costs. It also may require a stall availability indicator in
order to see whether a compartment is open or not. 
The working group recommends further study on the compartment design to include the
following: 
Cost considerations
Throughput  Compartments may increase dwell time as each individual user will stay in
the compartment in order to wash their hands in the compartment versus in communal
location (where the individual can free up toilet in order to wash hands)? Compartments
may also decrease lines as both men and women are able to use the compartment.
Maintainability and increased janitorial needs  the compartment design may increase
janitorial needs as a mop cannot be easily swept through under this design versus
traditional design with stalls. Compartment designs may also limit space for chase for
maintenance staff to access the plumbing.
Safety  As the compartment is enclosed floor to ceiling, it is difficult to know if
someone requires medical assistance.
Can urinal rooms be considered in a compartment set (multiple compartments)
Can all compartments be ambulatory (include grab bars)?
Potential Locations for All Gender Restrooms 
What we can do now (above and beyond WSBC requirement) 
1.  GATE D Head  Add one (1) single-user All Gender Restroom using the recommended All
Gender Restroom design and signage. This can be incorporated in the current restroom
renovation project. This is what we can do today above and beyond today's WBSC
requirements. We can use both design and signage for this location.





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What we can do in the interim (to prepare for when WSBC is updated n 2021) 
The following three locations listed below require further study:
1.  GATE B3  Convert one set of restrooms to single-user All Gender Restrooms using the
recommended compartment-style design. This could mean adding up to eighteen (18)
compartments at Gate B3. The signage will be gendered (male or female) to accommodate
the building code requirements. The gendered signage can be replaced in the future to the
recommended All Gender signage once code is updated.






2.  GATE C2/3  Convert one set of restrooms to single-user All Gender Restrooms using the
recommended compartment-style design. This could mean up to six (6) compartments at
Gate C2/3. The signage will be gendered (male or female) to accommodate the current
building code requirements. The gendered signage can be replaced in the future to the
recommended All Gender signage once building code is updated.







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3.  GATE D3  Convert one set of restrooms to single-user All Gender Restrooms using the
recommended compartment-style design. This could mean up to nine (9) compartments.
The signage will be gendered (male or female) to accommodate the current building code
requirements. The gendered signage can be replaced in the future to the recommended All
Gender signage once building code is updated.






What we can do in the future (new sites/"greenfield development") 
1.  In the future, as new facilities are designed and constructed at new sites, the working group
recommends the multi-user All Gender restrooms with stalls, urinal and open hand washing
station, vanity and baby changing stations. This design is the most efficient and high
throughput with increased maintainability (space for chase).


COMMON USE SINKS 






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4. SIGNAGE
a. Signage Requirements
Single-user restrooms must display the verbiage "Restroom." In addition, in groups of single
user restrooms, the WSBC requires at least 5 percent of the total number of restrooms as ADA
compliant with a minimum of one.  Therefore, restroom signage must be identified by the
International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) for family or assisted-use toilet and bathing rooms.
The standard best practice is to include iconography and braille translation of "Restroom". 
For the restrooms whose plumbing fixtures are counted towards meeting the WSBC, signage is
required for public facilities that designate the sex as required by Section 2902.2. Signs shall be
readily visible and located near the entrance to each toilet facility. Signs for accessible toilet
facilities shall comply with Section 1111. In addition, directional signage indicating the route to
the public toilet facilities shall be posted in a lobby, corridor, aisle or similar space, such that the
sign can be readily seen from the main entrance to the building or tenant space. Signage details
for family restrooms are found in IBC section 1109 and 1111. Also, check chapter 7 of the ANSI
A117.1-2009. 
b. Signage Considered
Iconography 



The iconography of the plumbing fixtures of a restroom is gender-inclusive and universally
recognizable. The icon of a toilet is recognizable to both international and domestic travelers.
Focus group members were in favor of depicting what was behind the door as it is clear and
does not designate who can and cannot use the restroom. 




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This depicts the traditional male and female icons and a half male and half female icon. Focus
group was not in favor of the third icon as it was not universally recognizable and may come
across as offensive to people who identify as gender nonconforming as it depicts a half male
half female (and they do not perceive themselves as such). 




These two icons depict the traditional male and female icons. One uses a line to divide the male 
and female icons. Focus group members commented that these icons come across as restrooms 
for heterosexuals and not perceived as restrooms for any gender to use. The focus group also 
commented that it is frequently used as directional signage showing that gendered restrooms 
are available down the hall. 
Title 
1.  Restroom
The word "Restroom" must be included in any signage for single-user restrooms.
2.  All Gender Restroom and Gender-Inclusive Restroom
All Gender Restroom was favored by the focus group, but one focus group member
commented that the term "gender" may not be widely understood by international
travelers.
3.  Gender Neutral Restroom
This title was not favored by the focus group as it implies that gender is a neutral concept
and not as important. Gender nonconforming people see gender as very important and
want to educate the general public on gender issues.
4.  Inclusive Restroom and Universal Restroom
Removing the term "gender" was also considered by the working group. The term
"inclusive" may not be widely understood and "universal" may connote that the restroom
can be used for families and those seeking accessible bathrooms when it may not be the
case.


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5.  All User Restroom
This title removes the term "gender" but is clear that all users may use the restroom.
Canadian international airports, such as Vancouver, uses "All User Washroom" signage and
the working group agreed that this described the purpose of the restroom to serve all users
in a clear fashion.
6.  Unisex Restroom
This term was confusing to the focus group and not used widely in public facilities.
7.  Water Closet (WC)
Although WC is internationally recognizable, domestic travelers may not be familiar with
this term.
Description 
1.  No description
If the iconography and title is clear, there may not be a need for a description to be included
in the single-user restroom signage.
2.  All people may use this restroom
This was favored. Our current family restroom signage at Sea-Tac says "All people and
families may use this restroom." This description would be consistent with the current
family restroom signage. If an "All User Restroom" title is chosen, amending family
restroom signage to state "All users and families may use this restroom" is appropriate.
3.  Anyone can use this restroom
This is similar to the description above, however, is less consistent with the current family
restroom signage.
4.  Anyone can use this restroom, regardless of gender identity or expression
The focus group did not favor this description as it appears to call out the transgender
people who may not necessarily want to be singled out.






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c. Recommended Signage




For single-user All Gender Restrooms: 
a.  Plumbing fixture icon: The iconography of the western-style plumbing fixture of a restroom
is gender-inclusive and universally recognizable. The icon of a toilet is recognizable to both
international and domestic travelers. Focus group members were in favor of depicting what
was behind the door as it is clear and does not designate who can and cannot use the
restroom. The symbol for accessibility will be included for at least 5 percent of the total
number of single-user restrooms with a minimum of one restroom.
b.  Restroom: The title "Restroom" with the braille translation describes the purpose of the
restroom to serve all users in a simple and straightforward manner.
c.  All people may use this restroom: This description is favored by the working group. The
focus group did not favor including "regardless of gender identity or expression" as it
appears to call out a minority group who may not necessarily want to be singled out in
public for using the single-user restroom. (Note: For family restrooms, the working group is
considering "All people and families may use this restroom" as a description).





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For Family and Accessible/ADA Restroom:
a.  Plumbing fixture icon, ADA symbol, baby on baby changing table: The iconography of the
western-style  plumbing  fixture  of  a  restroom  is  gender-inclusive  and  universally
recognizable. The icon of a toilet is recognizable to both international and domestic
travelers. Focus group members were in favor of depicting what was behind the door as it is
clear and does not designate who can and cannot use the restroom. The symbol for
accessibility will be included for at least 5 percent of the total number of single-user
restrooms with a minimum of one restroom. The icon of the baby on a horizontal line
symbolizes a baby changing table. This icon is considered All Gender as it does not show a
female or male changing a baby.
b.  Restroom: The title "Restroom" with the braille translation describes the purpose of the
restroom to serve all users in a simple and straightforward manner.
c.  All people and families may use this restroom: This description is the current description
used in our current family restrooms at Sea-Tac. The working group recommends this
description to remain consistent with our current family restroom signage. The focus group
did not favor including "regardless of gender identity or expression" as it appears to call out
a minority group who may not necessarily want to be singled out in public for using the
single-user restroom.




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5. PROPOSED TIMELINE
a. Restroom Construction
This is the timeline for the Restroom Renovation Project which may include All Gender
restrooms should it go forward. 
Phase 1: Enabling Work  Concourse B Leased Space Relocation
o Status: Fully authorized. Construction complete
Restroom Construction 
Phase 2: Enabling Work  Airline office relocation and employee restroom renovation
o Status: Awarded in January 2019
Phase 3: Prototype Restroom. Requesting construction authorization
o Status: Pending approval of design by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Restrooms In-Use 
Phase 2: Enabling Work  Airline office relocation and employee restroom renovation
o Status: 1st Quarter 2020
Phase 3: Prototype Restroom. Requesting construction authorization
o Status: Pending approval of design by the FAA
Phase 4: 3 Restrooms (one per concourse)
o Status: Pending approval of design by the FAA
Phase 5: Remaining restrooms
o Status: Pending approval of design by the FAA
Both Phases 4 and 5 will require FAA funding, which means we need to wait for authorization
from the FAA (currently do not know the timeline for when this will be advertised). The
restroom renovation project is scheduled to be complete by Q4 2023 (pending FAA approval for
phase 3 to phase 5). 
b. Signage Installation
Based on previous signage installation, from time of order through production/fabrication of
signage to installation of signage at restrooms the working group estimates four to six weeks.
6. COSTS
a. Estimated Costs for Restroom Construction
At our current conceptual design phase, it is difficult to estimate project costs for each of the
potential All Gender Restroom locations. However, to build compartments restrooms on
Concourses B, C, and D that are part of our restroom renovation project, it is estimated to cost
about $4 million dollars more than traditionally designed restrooms (gendered facilities). Using

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a mix of traditional and compartment restrooms is estimated to cost about $1.5 million more 
than installing traditional only restrooms. 
Restrooms that are currently part of the restroom renovation project include restrooms at the
following: 
Concourse B: Gates B3, B8 (existing restrooms), and B9 (new restrooms)
Concourse C: Gates C2 (combined existing and new restrooms), and C16 (existing
restroom)
Concourse D: D-Head, D1 (new restrooms, hold room and Alaska customer service
center), D3, D5 (which is the restroom being renovated in phase 3), and D11 (existing
restrooms.
b. Estimated Costs for Signage
Based on the previous historical costs for signs, thirty (30) signs cost $5,077.05 to fabricate,
which is $169.23 each. This does not include installation costs by the aviation carpenters to
remove any previous signage and install new signage. 
7. ADDITIONAL AREAS FOR COMMISSION CONSIDERATION
a. Opportunity costs
The working group acknowledges the space constraints at Sea-Tac. With airport dining and
retail (ADR) requirements, hold room needs, mother's nursing rooms, and pet relief space,
there is high demand for space at the airport after the security checkpoints. Sea-Tac needs to
balance the various demands and requirements, consider revenue generating options and nonrevenue
generating options while meeting customer needs and providing high quality service. 
b. Policy Considerations
i.    Include All Gender Restrooms in Design Standards for all Port facilities
The working group recommends inclusion of All Gender Restroom (design and signage)
as part of the design standards for all Port facilities. Consistent design and signage is
ideal so that all employees and visitors to the Port are familiar with what to expect
when using our facilities. It also sends the message to the public that this effort is Portwide
and not just at our airport.
ii.    Include additional wayfinding for all restrooms
The working group recommends including additional wayfinding to alert travelers where
All Gender restrooms, gendered restrooms, family restrooms, baby changing or
ADA/Accessible restrooms may be located on the concourses.

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iii.    Remove current family restroom signage and replace with All Gender Family and
Accessible/ADA Restroom
While the Port awaits updates to the WSBC to include All Gender Restrooms, the
working group recommends removing current family restroom signage and replacing it
with All Gender Family and Accessible/ADA restrooms to accommodate all people and
families.
However, when the WSBC is updated to include All Gender Restrooms, the Port can
ensure the family restrooms are designated for families only with appropriate signage to
reflect that.

iv.    Support an update to WSBC to include All Gender Restrooms
The working group recommends including All Gender Restrooms in the State Legislative
Agenda for 2019 and 2020. The next cycle for updating the WSBC is in 2021. The
working group recommends supporting a change to the WSBC that includes at a
minimum that All Gender Restrooms to be counted as part of total number of fixtures at
Sea-Tac. The working group recommends the Port of Seattle's Government Relations
team look to the City of Seattle's All-Gender Restroom Ordinance (see below).
City of Seattle All-Gender Restroom Ordinance
In 2016, the City of Seattle passed the All-Gender Restroom Ordinance that helps
achieve greater restroom access for transgender and gender diverse individuals.
Seattle's Public Accommodations Ordinance (SMC 14.06) also clarifies the rights of
individuals to use gender-specific facilities that are consistent with their gender identity.
The All-Gender Restroom Ordinance applies to existing and newly-built City facilities, as
well as in public places in Seattle. It allows use of single occupant restrooms by any
person, regardless of sex or gender identity, and prevents those restrooms from being
restricted to a specific sex or gender identity. Single occupant restroom facilities without
appropriate signage already in place will require new signs to be posted.
Beginning March 9, 2016, places of public accommodation within Seattle city limits will
have to designate existing or future single-occupancy restrooms as All-Gender.
Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) 14.07.020 - Single-occupant restrooms in City facilities
All existing and newly-built single-occupant restrooms in City facilities shall not be
restricted to a specific sex or gender identity and shall use appropriate signage to
indicate such facilities are designated for use by any person, regardless of sex or gender
identity. (Ord. 124829,  1, 2015.)


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14.07.030  -  Requirements  for  single-occupant  restrooms  in  places  of  public
accommodation 
A. Single-occupant restrooms shall not be restricted to a specific sex or gender identity
and shall use appropriate signage to indicate such facilities are designated for use by any
person, regardless of sex or gender identity.
B. Entities covered by this Chapter 14.07 shall have 180 days from the effective date of
the ordinance introduced as Council Bill ______ to comply by replacing existing signs on
the exterior of single-occupant restrooms restricting use to a single gender with signs
indicating that they are for use by all genders.
(Ord. 124829,  1, 2015.)
Examples of all-gender restroom signs: 
1.  All-Gender Restroom
2.  Gender-Neutral Restroom
3.  Unisex Restroom
4.  Toilet
5.  WC = Water Closet
WSBC and International Building Code (IBC) 
The current Washington State Building and Plumbing Codes are based on the 2015 IBC
and the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code. The state amended and adopted the minimum
number of required fixtures based on the International Plumbing Code and has been
incorporated in Chapter 29 of the WSBC. Because Sea-Tac is a mixed use facility and
occupants are in the facility for significant periods of time, the plumbing fixture
calculations are based on the individual occupancy. 
The methodology for the fixture calculations is summarized below: 
In public spaces at the baggage claim, check-in and terminal concourse areas, the
minimum number of required plumbing fixtures have been calculated per WSBC
Table 2902.1 A-3 Auditoriums, art galleries, exhibition halls with water closets
calculated at a ratio of one per 125 (males) and one per 65 (females) and lavatories
at one per 200.
The Central Terminal food court area and lounges are calculated at one water closet
per 75 and one lavatory per 200.
The non-secure Mezzanine and AOB are calculated as a business at one water closet
per 25 for the first 50 and one per 50 for the remainder exceeding 50, and one
lavatory per 40 for the first 80 and one per 80 for the remainder exceeding 80.
Baggage make-up is calculated as Factory/Storage at one water closet per 100 and
one lavatory per 100.
Water closets can be replaced with urinals but shall not be reduced to less than one
quarter (25%) of the minimum specified.

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The 2015 International Building Code 1109.2.2 Water Closet Compartment states:
Where water closet compartments are provided in a toilet room or bathing room, at
least 5 percent of the total number of compartments shall be wheelchair accessible.
Where the combined total water closet compartments and urinals provided in a toilet
room or bathing room is six or more, at least 5 percent of the total number of
compartments shall be ambulatory accessible, provided in additional to the wheelchairaccessible
compartment. 
Where lavatories are provided, at least 5 percent, but not less than one, shall be
accessible. Where an accessible lavatory is located within the accessible water closet
compartment, at least one additional accessible lavatory shall be provided in the multicompartment
toilet room outside the water closet compartment. Where the total
lavatories provided in a toilet room or bathing facilities is six or more, at least one
lavatory with enhanced reach ranges shall be provided. 
2018 Updates to the IBC 
In 2018, the International Code Council revised the IBC section 2902.1.2 adding that
single-user toilet facilities and bathing room fixtures shall contribute to the total number
of required plumbing fixtures for a building or tenant space. Single-user toilet facilities
and bathing rooms, and family or assisted-use toilet rooms and bathing rooms shall be
identified for use by either genders. 
In addition, IBC Section 2902.2 added that where plumbing fixtures are required,
separate facilities shall be provided for each sex except: 
1.  Separate facilities shall not be required for dwelling units and sleeping units.
2.  Separate facilities shall not be required in structures or tenant spaces with total
occupant load, including both employees and customers, of 15 or less.
3.  Separate facilities shall not be required in mercantile occupancies in which the
maximum occupant load is 100 or less.
4.  Separate facilities shall not be required in business occupancies in which the
maximum occupant load is 25 or fewer.
2018 Updates to the WSBC 
On July 27, 2018, the WSBC Council considered the proposed Separate Facilities code
change for IBC Section 2902.2. WSBC voted to adopt the IBC code change with the
following amendment: 
2902.2 Separate facilities. Where plumbing fixtures are required, separate facilities may
be provided for each sex. Exceptions: 
1.  Separate facilities shall not be required for dwelling units and sleeping units.
2.  Separate facilities shall not be required in structures or tenant spaces with a
total occupant load, including both employees and customers, of 15 or less.
3.  Separate facilities shall not be required in mercantile occupancies in which the
maximum occupant load is 100 or less.
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4.  Separate facilities shall not be required in spaces primarily used for drinking or
dining with a total occupant load, including both employees and customers, of
30 or fewer.3 
WSBC explained that the WAC 162-32-060 requires segregated facilities to be available
to all genders. Therefore, some institutions are migrating to non-gendered full height
restrooms to comply with this requirement as well as to be sensitive to non-gender
issues. Making segregation optional is consistent with WAC. According to the WSBC
schedule, the 2018 codes will be effective on July 1, 2020. 













3 http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=51-50-2900

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