The Code section 405.3.4 of the 2018 Plumbing Code concerning the level of privacy required for the water closets is very vague and gives no guidance on privacy requirements, thereby leaving it to the design professionals to determine what constitutes privacy as follows:

405.3.4 Water Closet Compartment.

Each water closet utilized by the public or employees shall occupy a separate compartment with walls and a door enclosing the fixtures to ensure privacy.

To help alleviate some of the concerns about this vague privacy requirement, we propose that a new section be added to the code to better define the level of privacy required for non-separated facilities. The following is our recommendation on that new section:

405.3.4.1 Privacy for Non-Separated Facilities.

Where shared facilities are provided per Section 403.2 (6), each water closet utilized by the public or employees shall occupy a separate compartment with walls that extend from the floor to the ceiling and a lockable door enclosing the fixtures to ensure privacy. The common lavatory area shall not be closed off by a door to the remainder of the building.

Approval