Adult changing tables have become an increasingly important consideration in public restroom design, driven by both advocacy efforts and emerging code requirements. With updates to the International Building Code and a growing number of states introducing legislation – most recently Alabama and Rhode Island in 2025 – universal changing tables are moving from best practice to a mandated feature in many building types.
Are Universal Changing Tables in the International Building Code?
As of 2026, the International Code Council (ICC) has approved Code E142-21 for the 2024 IBC, which requires height-adjustable adult changing stations to be provided in certain types of establishments such as:
- Assembly and mercantile locations such as movie theaters, concert halls, banquet halls, casinos, swimming pools, lecture halls, museums, places of worship, arenas, skating rinks, stadiums, amusement parks, airports, department stores, shopping malls, etc.
- College or university business occupancies
- Elementary & high school educational occupancies
- Highway rest stops and service plazas
- And more
While the IBC is a model code, adoption and enforcement occur at the state and local level. Jurisdictions that adopt the 2024 IBC will apply these requirements to applicable new construction and major renovations, making early planning and specification essential. As more states adopt updated code cycles, adult changing tables will become increasingly common in high-traffic public facilities.
Where are Universal Changing Tables Required?
California set the precedent for adult diaper changing station legislation in 2015, becoming the first state to formally require adult changing tables in certain public facilities. Since that time, similar legislation has been introduced or adopted in 27 states, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for inclusive restroom access nationwide.
For see detailed information about legislation in each state, visit the interactive map on our legislation page.
US States with Adult Changing Table Legislation Passed
- Alabama
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Maryland
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Wisconsin
US States with Adult Changing Table Legislation Proposed
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- West Virginia
Read more about Ascent in Kansas City's Mobile Accessible Restroom!
Codes vs Legislation
State legislation and local ordinances—such as New Hampshire, Alabama, and Kansas City—that directly require adult changing stations remain relatively rare. The most effective path toward broader and more consistent implementation is through state adoption of the 2024 International Building Code (IBC).
Where adopted, the IBC introduces adult changing station requirements for new construction and qualifying renovations, embedding inclusive design directly into the permitting and inspection process. Unlike legislation, which can be slow to pass and unevenly enforced, building codes provide a clearer, more immediate mechanism for making adult changing stations a standard expectation in public and commercial facilities.
Why Now Is the Time to Specify Universal Changing Stations
As building codes and state legislation continue to advance, universal changing tables are quickly becoming a standard expectation in public facilities. What was once optional is now increasingly tied to compliance, equity, and inclusive design.
For those planning public spaces, this is the moment to get ahead of the curve. Specify a universal changing station to help future-proof your projects, support dignified care for people of all abilities, and demonstrate a proactive commitment to accessibility.
Check out Sova's regulation page for more on state-by-state codes and legislation, or visit our ADA guidelines page for an illustrated guide to spacing requirements