WSR 14-11-060
EMERGENCY RULES
BUILDING CODE COUNCIL
[Filed May 16, 2014, 4:50 p.m., effective May 16, 2014, 4:50 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: This provision is intended to modify the number of plumbing fixtures needed to be installed in Group E occupancies.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 51-50-2900.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: [RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074.]
Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the public interest.
Reasons for this Finding: An earlier modification of this WAC section created an unintended financial impact on Washington school districts, and required them to install additional plumbing fixtures with no benefit to building occupants. This rule is necessary to reduce the financial burden on school districts.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: May 9, 2014.
C. Ray Allshouse
Chair
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 13-04-067, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13)
WAC 51-50-2900 Chapter 29—Plumbing systems.
SECTION 2901—GENERAL.
2901.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter and the state plumbing code shall govern the erection, installation, alteration, repairs, relocation, replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of plumbing equipment and systems. Toilet and bathing rooms shall be constructed in accordance with Section 1210. Plumbing systems and equipment shall be constructed, installed and maintained in accordance with the state plumbing code.
2901.2 Health codes. In food preparation, serving and related storage areas, additional fixture requirements may be dictated by health codes.
SECTION 2902—MINIMUM PLUMBING FACILITIES.
2902.1 Minimum number of fixtures. Plumbing fixtures shall be provided for the type of occupancy and in the minimum number shown in Table 2902.1. Types of occupancies not shown in Table 2902.1 shall be determined individually by the building official based on the occupancy which most nearly resembles the proposed occupancy. The number of occupants shall be determined by this code. Occupancy classification shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 3. Plumbing fixtures need not be provided for unoccupied buildings or facilities.
2902.1.1 Fixture calculations. To determine the occupant load of each sex, the total occupant load shall be divided in half. To determine the required number of fixtures, the fixture ratio or ratios for each fixture type shall be applied to the occupant load of each sex in accordance with Table 2902.1. Fractional numbers resulting from applying the fixture ratios of Table 2902.1 shall be rounded up to the next whole number. For calculations involving multiple occupancies, such fractional numbers for each occupancy shall first be summed and then rounded up to the next whole number.
EXCEPTION:
The total occupant load shall not be required to be divided in half where approved statistical data indicate a distribution of the sexes of other than 50 percent of each sex.
2902.1.1.1 Private offices. Fixtures only accessible to private offices shall not be counted to determine compliance with this section.
2902.1.1.2 Urinals. Where urinals are provided, one water closet less than the number specified may be provided for each urinal installed, except the number of water closets in such cases shall not be reduced to less than one quarter (25%) of the minimum specified. For men's facilities serving 26 or more persons, not less than one urinal shall be provided.
2902.1.2 Family or assisted-use toilet and bath fixtures. Fixtures located within family or assisted-use toilet and bathing rooms required by Section 1109.2.1 are permitted to be included in the number of required fixtures for either the male or female occupants in assembly and mercantile occupancies.
2902.2 Separate facilities. Where plumbing fixtures are required, separate facilities shall 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.
2902.2.1 Family or assisted-use toilet facilities serving as separate facilities. Where a building or tenant space requires a separate toilet facility for each sex and each toilet facility is required to have only one water closet, two family/assisted-use toilet facilities shall be permitted to serve as the required separate facilities. Family or assisted-use toilet facilities shall not be required to be identified for exclusive use by either sex as required by Section 2902.4.
2902.3 Employee and public toilet facilities. Customers, patrons and visitors shall be provided with public toilet facilities in structures and tenant spaces intended for public utilization. The number of plumbing fixtures located within the required toilet facilities shall be provided in accordance with Section 2902.1 for all users. Employees shall be provided with toilet facilities in all occupancies. Employee toilet facilities shall either be separate or combined employee and public toilet facilities.
EXCEPTION:
Public toilet facilities shall not be required in open or enclosed parking garages. Toilet facilities shall not be required in parking garages where there are no parking attendants.
2902.3.1 Access. The route to the public toilet facilities required by Section 2902.3 shall not pass through kitchens, food preparation areas, unpackaged food storage areas, storage rooms or closets. Access to the required facilities shall be from within the building or from the exterior of the building. Access to toilets serving multiple tenants shall be through a common use area and not through an area controlled by a tenant. All routes shall comply with the accessibility requirements of this code. The public shall have access to the required toilet facilities at all times that the building is occupied. For other requirements for plumbing facilities, see Chapter 11.
2902.3.1.1 Food preparation areas. Toilet rooms shall not open directly into a room used for the preparation of food for service to the public or residents of Group R-2 boarding homes and residential treatment facilities licensed by Washington state.
2902.3.2 Location of toilet facilities in occupancies other than malls. In occupancies other than covered and open mall buildings, the required public and employee toilet facilities shall be located in each building not more than one story above or below the space required to be provided with toilet facilities, or conveniently in a building adjacent thereto on the same property, and the path of travel to such facilities shall not exceed a distance of 500 feet (152 m).
EXCEPTION:
The location and maximum travel distances to required employee facilities in factory and industrial occupancies are permitted to exceed that required by this section, provided that the location and maximum travel distance are approved.
2902.3.3 Location of toilet facilities in malls. In covered and open mall buildings, the required public and employee toilet facilities shall be located not more than one story above or below the space required to be provided with toilet facilities, and the path of travel to such facilities shall not exceed a distance of 300 feet (91,440 mm). In mall buildings, the required facilities shall be based on total square footage (m2) within a covered mall building or within the perimeter line of an open mall building, and facilities shall be installed in each individual store or in a central toilet area located in accordance with this section. The maximum travel distance to central toilet facilities in mall buildings shall be measured from the main entrance of any store or tenant space. In mall buildings, where employees' toilet facilities are not provided in the individual store, the maximum travel distance shall be measured from the employees' work area of the store or tenant space.
2902.3.4 Pay facilities. Where pay facilities are installed, such facilities shall be in excess of the required minimum facilities. Required facilities shall be free of charge.
2902.3.5 Door locking. Where a toilet room is provided for the use of multiple occupants, the egress door for the room shall not be lockable from the inside of the room. This section does not apply to family or assisted-use toilet rooms.
2902.4 Signage. Required public facilities shall be designated by a legible sign for each sex. Signs shall be readily visible and located near the entrance to each toilet facility. Signs for accessible toilet facilities shall comply with Section 1110.
2902.4.1 Directional signage. Directional signage indicating the route to the public facilities shall be posted in accordance with Section 3107. Such signage shall be located in a corridor or aisle, at the entrance to the facilities for customers and visitors.
2902.5 Drinking fountain location. Drinking fountains shall not be required to be located in individual tenant spaces provided that public drinking fountains are located within a travel distance of 500 feet of the most remote location in the tenant space and not more than one story above or below the tenant space. Where the tenant space is in a covered or open mall, such distance shall not exceed 300 feet. Drinking fountains shall be located on an accessible route. Drinking fountains shall not be located in toilet rooms.
2902.5.1 Drinking fountain number. Occupant loads over 30 shall have one drinking fountain for the first 150 occupants, then one per each additional 500 occupants.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Sporting facilities with concessions serving drinks shall have one drinking fountain for each 1000 occupants.
 
2. A drinking fountain need not be provided in a drinking or dining establishment.
2902.5.2 Multistory buildings. Drinking fountains shall be provided on each floor having more than 30 occupants in schools, dormitories, auditoriums, theaters, offices and public buildings.
2902.5.3 Penal institutions. Penal institutions shall have one drinking fountain on each cell block floor and one on each exercise floor.
2902.6 Dwelling units. Dwelling units shall be provided with a kitchen sink.
2902.7 Water closet space requirements. The water closet stool in all occupancies shall be located in a clear space not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in width, with a clear space in front of the stool of not less than 24 inches (610 mm).
2902.8 Water. Each required sink, lavatory, bathtub and shower stall shall be equipped with hot and cold running water necessary for its normal operation.
SECTION 2903—RESERVED.
SECTION 2904—RESERVED.
Table 2902.1
Minimum Number of Required Plumbing Fixturesa
(See Sections 2902.2 and 2902.3)
No.
Classification
Occupancy
Description
Water Closets
Lavatories
Bathtubs
/Showers
Male
Female
Male
Female
1
Assembly
A-1d
Theaters and other buildings for the performing arts and motion pictures
1 per 125
1 per 65
1 per 200
—
 
 
A-2d
Nightclubs, bars, taverns, dance halls and buildings for similar purposes
1 per 40
1 per 40
1 per 75
—
 
 
 
Restaurants, banquet halls and food courts
1 per 75
1 per 75
1 per 200
—
 
 
A-3d
Auditoriums without permanent seating, art galleries, exhibition halls, museums, lecture halls, libraries, arcades and gymnasiums
1 per 125
1 per 65
1 per 200
—
 
 
 
Passenger terminals and transportation facilities
1 per 500
1 per 500
1 per 750
—
 
 
 
Places of worship and other religious services
1 per 150
1 per 75
1 per 200
—
 
 
A-4
Coliseums, arenas, skating rinks, pools, and tennis courts for indoor sporting events and activities
1 per 75 for first 1,500 and 1 per 120 for remainder exceeding 1,500
1 per 40 for first 1,520 and 1 per 60 for remainder exceeding 1,520
1 per 200
1 per 150
—
 
 
A-5
Stadiums amusement parks, bleachers and grandstands for outdoor sporting events and activities
1 per 75 for first 1,500 and 1 per 120 for remainder exceeding 1,500
1 per 40 for first 1,520 and 1 per 60 for remainder exceeding 1,520
1 per 200
1 per 150
—
2
Business
B
Buildings for the transaction of business, professional services, other services involving merchandise, office buildings, banks, light industrial and similar uses
1 per 25 for first 50 and 1 per 50 for the remainder exceeding 50
1 per 40 for first 80 and 1 per 80 for remainder exceeding 80
—
3
Educational
E
Educational facilities
1 per ((50)) 35
1 per ((30)) 25
1 per ((100)) 85
1 per ((60)) 50
—
4
Factory and industrial
F-1 and F-2
Structures in which occupants are engaged in work fabricating, assembly or processing of products or materials
1 per 100
1 per 100
Check State (UPC)
5
Institutional
I-1
Residential care
1 per 10
1 per 10
1 per 8
 
 
I-2
Hospitals, ambulatory nursing home care recipientb
1 per roomc
1 per roomc
1 per 15
 
 
 
Employees, other than residential careb
1 per 25
1 per 35
—
 
 
 
Visitors other than residential care
1 per 75
1 per 100
—
 
 
I-3
Prisonsb
1 per cell
1 per cell
1 per 15
 
 
 
Reformatories, detention centers and correctional centersb
1 per 15
1 per 15
1 per 15
 
 
 
Employeesb
1 per 25
1 per 35
—
 
 
I-4
Adult day care and child day care
1 per 15
1 per 15
1
6
Mercantile
M
Retail stores, service stations, shops, salesrooms, markets and shopping centers
1 per 500
1 per 750
—
7
Residential
R-1
Hotels, motels, boarding houses (transient)
1 per sleeping unit
1 per sleeping unit
1 per sleeping unit
 
 
R-2
Dormitories, fraternities, sororities and boarding houses (not transient)
1 per 10
1 per 10
1 per 8
 
 
 
Apartment house
1 per dwelling unit
1 per dwelling unit
1 per dwelling unit
 
 
R-3
One- and two-family dwellings
1 per dwelling unit
1 per 10
1 per dwelling unit
 
 
 
Congregate living facilities with 16 or fewer persons
1 per 10
1 per 10
1 per 8
 
 
R-4
Congregate living facilities with 16 or fewer persons
1 per 10
1 per 10
1 per 8
8
Storage
S-1
S-2
Structures for the storage of goods, warehouses, storehouses and freight depots, low and moderate hazard
1 per 100
1 per 100
Check State (UPC)
a. The fixtures shown are based on one fixture being the minimum required for the number of persons indicated or any fraction of the number of persons indicated. The number of occupants shall be determined by this code, except with respect to Group E occupancies the provisions of note "e" shall apply.
b. Toilet facilities for employees shall be separate from facilities for inmates or care recipients.
c. A single-occupant toilet room with one water closet and one lavatory serving not more than two adjacent patient sleeping units shall be permitted where such room is provided with direct access from each patient sleeping unit and with provisions for privacy.
d. The occupant load for seasonal outdoor seating and entertainment areas shall be included when determining the minimum number of facilities required.
e. For Group E occupancies: The number of occupants shall be determined by using a calculation of 100 square feet gross building area per student for the minimum number of plumbing fixtures.