In San Jose, restaurant bathrooms must comply with both state and local regulations to ensure safety, accessibility, and sanitation.
Key requirements include:
Customer Restrooms:
- Establishments Built After January 1, 2004: Restaurants constructed after this date are required to provide at least one restroom accessible to customers.
- Establishments Built Before January 1, 2004: If the restaurant is under 20,000 square feet and was built before this date, it may be exempt from providing customer restrooms. However, if the establishment exceeds 20,000 square feet, at least one men’s and one women’s restroom must be available, regardless of the construction date.
Accessibility:
All restrooms must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, ensuring they are accessible to patrons with disabilities. This includes appropriate stall dimensions, grab bars, and accessible fixtures.
Location:
Restrooms should be located such that customers do not need to pass through food preparation areas to access them, as this is prohibited by health code standards.
Permitting Process:
When constructing or remodeling restrooms, restaurants must obtain the necessary building permits from the City of San Jose. The city’s Streamlined Restaurant Permit Program offers assistance to restaurant owners in navigating the permitting process. For more information, go to sanjoseca.gov.
Adhering to these requirements is essential for compliance with health and safety regulations, as well as for providing a comfortable environment for all patrons.