Bathroom stall dimensions are reviewed and inspected under IBC, ADA, and ICC A117.1 standards to ensure safety, accessibility, and compliance. Inspections cover plan review, field measurements, and, in some cases, special inspections and testing for accessibility or fire safety.

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Plan review checks

During design review, code officials evaluate stall layouts against minimum clearances for water closets, partition placement, and accessibility. Common checks include:

Requirement

Typical Code Citation

Performance Value/Range

Design Rationale

Inspection Notes

Occupant load calculation

IBC 1004.5

Based on function of space

Determines fixture count and stall layout

Verify fixture count meets minimum plumbing code

ADA path continuity

ADA 206.2.1

Continuous accessible route to stalls

Ensures accessibility to at least one stall

Confirm door swings and corridors do not obstruct

Accessible stall width

ICC A117.1 604.3

60 in min clear

Wheelchair access and maneuverability

Check wall-to-wall dimensions in plan

Accessible stall depth

ADA 604.3.1

56–59 in (toilet type dependent)

Wheelchair turning radius

Confirm fixture-to-partition clearance

Egress width near restrooms

IBC 1005.3.2

44 in min corridors

Safe evacuation in public areas

Confirm stalls and casework don’t narrow path

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Field inspection checks

Inspectors verify as-built stall construction matches the approved drawings. Items include:

Clearances: Stall width and depth measured wall-to-wall and fixture-to-partition.
Door swings: Inward or outward doors must not obstruct required maneuvering spaces.
Hardware: Latches operable with one hand and without tight grasping (ADA 309.4).
Signage: Accessible stalls must be identified with compliant signage.
Lighting: Adequate illumination for restroom use and egress (IBC 1202.2).

Slope: Floors inside stalls must not exceed 1:48 slope (ADA 302.1).

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Special inspections

Under IBC Chapter 17, special inspections may apply where stalls are part of larger rated assemblies or accessible features:

Firestopping: Partition penetrations in rated walls sealed with approved systems (IBC 1705.17).
Smoke control systems: Required for certain large restrooms adjacent to assembly spaces (NFPA 92).

Emergency lighting: Restrooms along egress paths may require tested emergency luminaires (IBC 1008.3).

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Laboratory tests

Certain stall-related assemblies may require listing or testing:

UL fire door assemblies: For restroom entry doors in rated corridors.
ASTM E119: For wall assemblies enclosing restrooms in rated construction.

ASTM E84: For finishes inside stalls where flame-spread classification is required.

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In-situ testing

Practical field tests confirm ADA and IBC performance requirements:

Door pressure test: Stall doors must open with ≤ 5 pounds of force (ADA 404.2.9).
Slip resistance: Floors in and around stalls must be slip resistant per ADA 302.1 and ASTM D2047.

Turning space: Field mockups may be used to verify wheelchair turning radius.

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Acceptance criteria vs. failure triggers

Acceptance criteria: Clearances within ±½ in of code minimums, compliant door swings, operable hardware, correct grab bar placement, rated assemblies intact.

Failure triggers: Partition misalignment reducing clearance, inward door blocking maneuvering space, missing or misaligned grab bars, unsealed penetrations in rated walls, or slopes exceeding 1:48.

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15-point inspection checklist for stall dimensions

Verify fixture counts match occupant load.
Confirm at least one ADA accessible stall per restroom.
Measure stall width (60 in min for ADA stalls).
Measure stall depth (56–59 in depending on toilet type).
Check door clearance (32 in min).
Confirm door swing does not obstruct required clearances.
Verify hardware usability (operable with one hand).
Confirm grab bar installation height (33–36 in).
Inspect toe clearance under partitions (9 in min).
Confirm accessible route from entrance to stall.
Check floor slope ≤ 1:48 inside stall.
Verify adequate restroom lighting and egress illumination.
Inspect signage for accessibility compliance.
Check firestopping at penetrations in rated walls.
Test slip resistance of stall flooring.

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FAQs

1. How do inspectors measure bathroom stall dimensions?
They measure clear wall-to-wall and fixture-to-partition distances after finishes are installed.

2. What happens if a stall is undersized after construction?
It must be corrected. Noncompliant stalls can prevent occupancy approval.

3. Are inward-swinging stall doors allowed?
Yes, but only if maneuvering space is not obstructed (ADA 404.2.3).

4. Do all bathrooms require a 60-inch-wide stall?
Yes, at least one ADA stall per restroom must be 60 inches wide.

5. What are the most common stall inspection failures?
Partition misalignment, mislocated grab bars, obstructed clearances, and missing signage.

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References

International Building Code (IBC) – https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes/ibc
ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities – https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes/icc-a117-1
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design – https://www.ada.gov/resources/2010-ada-standards/
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code – https://codesonline.nfpa.org
ASTM International Standards – https://www.astm.org

This content is for informational purposes only, based on publicly available sources. It is not official guidance. For any building or compliance decisions, consult the appropriate authorities or licensed professionals.

What are the inspection requirements for bathroom stall dimensions?