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Board extends all-gender restroom requirement to hotels and single-room-occupancy hotels
Summary
The supervisors passed an ordinance on first reading requiring single-stall bathroom facilities and hotels — including many SROs — to be available for use by people of any gender and to post signage reflecting that policy.
The Board of Supervisors voted on Feb. 6 to amend the housing code to require single-stall restroom facilities and hotels — including single-room-occupancy (SRO) hotels — to be made available for use by all residents regardless of gender or gender identity and to require signage to indicate compliance.
Supervisor Ronan introduced the measure and listed co-sponsors during floor consideration; Supervisor Malia Cohen also asked to be added as a co-sponsor. In floor remarks Supervisor Ronan said the change responds to requests from transgender tenants of SROs and that the ordinance would improve safety and comfort for transgender residents, disabled people and seniors who may share facilities or rely on attendants of another gender.
The ordinance passed unanimously on first reading under the board’s usual procedural call.
Why it matters: Many SRO residents share bathrooms and bathing facilities; adding a legal requirement that single-stall restrooms and hotel facilities be designated for use by all genders aims to reduce barriers and safety concerns for transgender residents and others who use shared facilities. The ordinance also requires posting of signage to make the policy explicit.
What the record shows: Supervisor Ronan described the measure as an extension of prior city all-gender restroom law championed by former Supervisor David Campos in 2016; the floor record includes statements about SRO tenants asking for inclusion so they “feel safer and more comfortable in their house.” Supervisor Cohen said the expansion is “a no-brainer” and that similar measures have been implemented elsewhere without problems. The clerk recorded unanimous passage on first reading.
Next steps: The ordinance returns for second reading and final adoption. Implementation will include enforcement and guidance on required signage and exceptions if any are specified in subsequent implementing materials.
Vote: Passed unanimously on first reading.
