San Francisco All Gender Restroom Ordinance

SF All-Gender bathroom ordinance what you need to know

The All-Gender Restroom Ordinance is a law passed by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 2016 to ensure single-user toilet facilities are available to employees and members of the public of any gender identity.

Why is this important?

Consistent with the California Building Code, this law ensures all people, including transgender and gender diverse people, can access a bathroom that is safe and that they feel most comfortable in.

Who has to comply?

All single-user restrooms in any business or establishment that are open to the public or employees must comply. Existing single-user restroom facilities are required to replace any gender specific signage indicating that the facility is open to all persons.

What about gender-specific spaces?

The Unruh Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, ensuring transgender individuals can access restrooms and facilities that align with their identity. In San Francisco, businesses with gender-specific spaces, such as spas and locker rooms, must allow individuals to use the facility that matches their gender identity. Denying entry based on gender identity violates the law, and California courts have upheld these protections. Businesses must ensure their policies are inclusive, affirming everyone's right to use facilities consistent with their identity.

What can I do if I’ve experienced discrimination based on my gender?

The Human Rights Commission’s Civil Rights Division is available as a resource to those who believe they have been discriminated against. The Civil Rights Division can launch a formal investigation process and meet with you as a complainant to discuss the matter and determine next steps. For more info, or to schedule an intake appointment, email hrc.info@sfgov.org.

What sort of signs should we use?

The signs are very common and are widely available. A standard sign, a sign with "All-Gender”, or "Restroom" in raised letters. A simple toilet pictogram with "restroom" in raised letters is also acceptable.

What sort of signs should we not use?

These signs are not recommended for a variety of reasons, including that they may be confusing or inappropriate.

What about accessibility?

Non-accessible restrooms must have signs directing patrons to accessible ones. The accessible restrooms must have the ISA (wheel chair symbol) on/next to the door. Signs that identify a room are required to be tactile (i.e. "All-Gender Restroom" signs).

How do I file a complaint if a building is not complying?

Code Enforcement at the Department of Building Inspection investigates complaints of building and housing code violations and compels building owners to fix the violations. To report a building problem, visit: sf.gov/report-building-problem

Where can we find more information about this?

You can find more information at the Department of Building Inspection's website: https://sf.gov/departments/department-building-inspection. You can also call the Technical Services Division hotline at 415-558-6205.

For information regarding tactile signs, you can also consult with such organizations as the San Francisco Light House for the Blind and Visually Impaired at (415) 694-7349 or MADLab@lighthouse-sf.org