For those who plan, build, and manage restrooms, staying ahead of codes regarding universal/adult changing tables is critical. Since each state may adjust the International Building Code (IBC), tightening or loosening it to meet their community’s needs, learning the differences between each state’s set of codes is crucial to designing a safe, compliant space.
But first, what are the baseline requirements in the IBC for universal changing tables?
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The Difference Between Building Code & Legislation
Universal Changing Tables in the IBC
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, including:
- 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
The Difference Between Building Code and Legislation
It is important to remember that building code is not enforceable until a legislative body passes a law adopting it. In addition, all states adopt the IBC at different times with their own state-specific alterations; there is no clear deadline for states to adopt. Due to this, each state (and in some cases, each city, if a city ordinance has been passed to enact city-specific code) has a unique set of requirements that need to be met to create a safe, compliant universal restroom.
State-by-State Adult Changing Table Code Requirements
With that foundation in mind, there are currently three states with their own code adjustments for adult changing tables: California, Minnesota, and Ohio. These states are among the national leaders for requiring adult changing tables, even though they all take a different approach:
California
In California’s 2022 Building Code, Code 11B-813.2 requires adult changing tables to be installed with the following clearance and capacity specifications:
11B-813.2.1.1 Size
Adult changing tables shall have a changing surface of 70 inches (1778 mm) minimum length and 30 inches (762 mm) minimum width.
11B-813.2.1.2 Clearance
A 36 inches (914 mm) minimum width side clearance shall be provided along the entire length of one side of adult changing tables. At both ends of adult changing tables, clearance shall be provided measuring 36 inches (914 mm) minimum wide and a minimum length as long as the table width plus the width of the side clearance.
End and side clearances shall be measured from the outermost extent of the table. Floor or ground surfaces of clearances shall comply with Section 11B-302. Changes in level are not permitted.
11B-813.2.1.3 Height and Operation
Adult changing table height shall be adjustable from 17 inches (432 mm) above the floor or ground to 38 inches (965 mm) above the floor or ground, as measured to the top of the changing surface. Height adjustability shall be powered. Operable parts shall comply with Section 11B-309.
11B-813.2.1.4 Capacity
Adult changing tables shall provide a minimum weight capacity of 300 pounds (136 kg).
11B-813.2.1.5 Obstructions
When deployed, changing tables shall not obstruct the required width of an accessible route except as allowed by Section 11B-307.2.
Minnesota
In Minnesota’s 2020 Building Code, Code 1109.2.4 requires adult changing tables to be installed with the following location specifications:
1109.2.4.1 Where Required
At least one adult changing station shall be provided in all of the following locations:
- In assembly and mercantile occupancies, where an aggregate of six or more male and female water closets are required. In buildings of mixed occupancy, only those water closets required for the assembly and mercantile occupancies shall be used to determine the adult changing station requirement.
- In Group B occupancies providing educational facilities for students above the 12th grade, where an aggregate of twelve or more male and female water closets are required to serve the classrooms and lecture halls.
- In Group E occupancies, where a room or space used for assembly purposes requires an aggregate of six or more male and female water closets for that room or space.
- In Minnesota Department of Transportation rest areas provided with plumbing and electricity at toileting locations.
- State park campgrounds provided with plumbing and electricity at toileting locations.
- State park visitor centers provided with plumbing and electricity at toileting locations.
- In hospitals and ambulatory care facilities, where an aggregate of six or more male and female water closets are required.
- In Group B outpatient clinics, where an aggregate of six or more male and female water closets are required.
1109.2.4.2 Room
Adult changing stations shall be located in single-user toilet rooms that include only one water closet and only one lavatory. Fixtures located in such rooms shall be included in determining the number of fixtures provided in an occupancy. The occupants shall have access to the required adult changing station at all times that the associated occupancy is occupied.
Exception: Adult changing stations shall be permitted to be located in family or assisted-use toilet rooms required in Section 1109.2.1.
1109.2.4.3 Prohibited Location
The accessible route from public and employee toilet rooms required by Minnesota Rules, chapter 1305, to an accessible adult changing station shall not require travel through security checkpoints.
1109.2.4.4 Travel Distance
The adult changing station shall be located on an accessible route and the path of travel to the facility shall not exceed 1000 feet.
Exception: In Group A-4 and A-5 occupancies the path of travel shall not exceed 2,000 feet.
Ohio
In Ohio’s 2024 Building Code, Code 1110.18 lists these location requirements for adult changing tables:
1110.18.2 Room.
Adult changing stations are to be located in toilet rooms that include only one water closet and only one lavatory. Fixtures located in such rooms are to be included in determining the number of fixtures provided in an occupancy. The occupants are to have access to the required adult changing station at all times that the associated occupancy is occupied.
Exception: Adult changing stations are permitted to be located in family or assisted-use toilet rooms required in Section 1110.2.1.
1110.18.3 Prohibited location.
The accessible route to an accessible adult changing station is prohibited to include travel through security checkpoints.
1110.18.4 Travel distance
The adult changing station is to be located on an accessible route such that a person is no more than two stories above or below the story with the adult changing station and the path of travel to such facility is less than 2,000 feet (610 m).
1110.18.5 Adult changing table safety features.
Adult changing tables are to include the following safety features:
- A retractable safety rail in accordance with Section 1113.4.4,
- A changing surface that is durable, non-absorbent and resistant to corrosion, and
- Designed to support a weight of not less than 400 pounds (182 kg) applied to any point on the changing surface.
City Ordinances about Universal Changing Tables
In addition to state building code, cities can create and pass their own additions to building code to require additional specifications than the state requires. Currently, Kansas City and Jacksonville are two cities that have passed city ordinances for Adult Changing Table building code.
Kansas City, Missouri
In Kansas City’s 2018 Building Code, Code 1109.2.1.8 lists these requirements for universal changing tables:
1109.2.1.8 Universal Changing Station
Family or assisted-use toilet and bathing rooms shall include a universal changing station for the assistance of persons with disabilities. The changing station area must be equipped with a height-adjustable changing table suitable for use for an adult or a child. The table shall be:
of minimum dimension 24 inches in width by 70 inches in length;
adjustable to allow lowering to a height no greater than 8 inches, and raising to a height no less than 34", above finished floor elevation; and capable of supporting a minimum of 350 pounds.
Exception: Where a building is provided with more than one family or assisted-use toilet and bathing room, only one such room shall require a Universal Changing Station. Where this exception is utilized, signage shall be provided at all such rooms indicating the location of the Universal Changing Station.
Jacksonville, Florida
In Jacksonville, a city ordinance was passed in 2024 to add universal changing table requirements to the building code. The ordinance is modeled on an IBC that is expected to be adopted by the state of Florida in the next scheduled update of its codes, later in 2026.
ORDINANCE 2023-780-E
AN ORDINANCE REGARDING LOCAL TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA BUILDING CODE; READOPTING THE LOCAL TECHNICAL AMENDMENT REQUIRING BABY-CHANGING TABLES AS SET FORTH INSECTION 321.103 (BABY-CHANGING TABLE REQUIREMENTS), CHAPTER 321 (ADOPTION OF BUILDING CODE), ORDINANCE CODE; REPEALING SECTION 321.103.1 (CHANGING TABLE REQUIREMENTS), CHAPTER 321 (ADOPTION OF BUILDING CODE), ORDINANCE CODE; CREATING A NEW SECTION 321.111 (FAMILY OR ASSISTED-USE TOILET OR BATHING ROOMS), CHAPTER 321 (ADOPTION OF BUILDING CODE), ORDINANCE CODE; ESTABLISHING COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 553.73(4)(B), FLORIDA STATUTES; INCLUDING FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT ANALYSIS; ADOPTING THE LOCAL TECHNICAL AMENDMENT REGARDING FAMILY/ASSISTED USE TOILET/BATH ROOMS WITH ADULT CHANGING TABLES; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY LANGUAGE; PROVIDING CODIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Universal Changing Table Code Requirements in Canada
Currently, the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) does not require universal changing tables in public buildings. It does, however, include an accessibility objective intended to, "limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of a building, a person with a physical or sensory limitation will be unacceptably impeded from accessing or using the building or its facilities."
This objective is limited in scope and implemented through minimum requirements rather than specific fixture mandates. As a model code, the NBC sets national direction, while provinces and territories determine how and when accessibility measures, such as universal changing tables, are adopted and enforced at the local level.
Read more about Canadian codes here.
Staying Informed About State Building Code Requirements
As states continue to evolve universal changing table codes and new legislation passes, it becomes even more important to stay up to date with requirements.
For more information on state-by-state legislation, visit our legislation tracker. For guidance on installation, see our comprehensive installation guidelines page for more information.
We know how important it is that your facility meets state code, ADA guidelines, and customer standards. Sova's baby changing tables offer the best value and the most extensive selection to accommodate every budget while designing a compliant restroom.
Contact us to learn more about our full line of public washroom products, including baby changing stations, accessories, and more.
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