Although bathrooms are not often regarded as complex places, there are many laws that govern the building and use of these private spaces. Bathrooms in Colorado must follow certain code requirements in order to provide for the safety of the public. Also, public bathrooms are required to comply with non-discrimination acts in order to provide for public equality.
Senate Bill 200
Colorado's Senate Bill 200 allows any person of any gender, gender identification or sexuality access to any public or private bathroom. All businesses or places subject to discriminatory laws are required to follow this act of non-discrimination. Failure to comply can result in a fine to the discriminating party. The restitution of at least 50 dollars and no more than 500 dollars is paid to the victim of discrimination. The reason for this Senate bill is that many transgendered or homosexual persons were not being allowed use of certain bathroom facilities. Senate Bill 200 also applies to bathrooms and locker rooms in schools. However, bathrooms in religious institutions are still allowed to discriminate according to gender.
Accessibility
According to Colorado's Fair Housing Act, all bathrooms on the first floor of a residential building with stairs and all floors of a residential building with an elevator are required to have reinforced and accessible bathrooms. An example of a bathroom accessibility requirement is that all bathrooms with inward swinging doors are required to have a space four feet by 30 inches behind the door, so that a person in a wheelchair can close the door with ease.
Grab Bars
Builders in Colorado are expected to abide by all requirements outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In public bathroom stalls, grab bars are required for the safety of those with a disability. Grab bars must be at least 42 inches long and be located 12 inches from the rear wall. Grab bars allow people with physical handicaps the ability to sit and rise safely.
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Writer Bio
Donny Quinn has been writing professionally since 2002 and has been published on various websites. He writes technical manuals for a variety of companies, including restaurants, hotels and salons. Quinn is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English at Georgia State University.