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Committee advances ordinance requiring single‑occupancy restrooms be designated all‑gender and accessible
Summary
The Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee voted to forward to the full Board an ordinance authored by Supervisor David Campos that would require single‑occupancy restrooms in public accommodations to be designated all‑gender and accessible, and set signage enforcement by the Department of Building Inspection.
The Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee on March 24 forwarded an ordinance requiring single‑occupancy restrooms in businesses and public accommodations to be designated as all‑gender and accessible, sending the measure with a positive recommendation to the full San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
Author Supervisor David Campos said the ordinance would redesignate existing single‑user restrooms as all‑gender and require at least one all‑gender restroom on each floor of new construction or extensively renovated city buildings. "We are passing the most comprehensive legislation on the topic that has been drafted anywhere in this room," Campos said, citing city‑leased properties and city buildings covered by the rule.
Supporters who testified said the measure addresses safety, dignity and accessibility. Teresa Sparks, executive director of the Human Rights Commission, and staff from the Mayor's Office on Disability highlighted benefits for people with disabilities, families and seniors who may rely on personal care assistance. A Department of Building Inspection representative said the California plumbing code is evolving and that DBI will publish guidance and signage templates to help businesses and agencies comply.
Jordan Gwendolyn Davis, a transgender rights activist who testified, urged the Board to pass the ordinance and to press state lawmakers to adopt similar rules; she referenced legislation pending in Sacramento (identified in testimony as AB 1732) that would require single‑occupancy restrooms statewide to be gender neutral. Advocates said the policy change is inexpensive in many cases because it often requires only changing or adding signage.
Chair Jane Kim and Supervisor Campos thanked advocates, City agencies and business groups who participated in drafting the measure. Campos moved the ordinance to the full Board with a positive recommendation; the committee took the motion without opposition.
The ordinance will next appear on the Board of Supervisors agenda for formal consideration on April 5.
