DEPARTMENT: Development Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Michael Shannon, PE, CBO
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Briefing and discussion related to a CCR to review and discuss baby changing station requirements.
SUMMARY:
A Council Consideration Request (CCR) was sponsored by Councilman Manny Pelaez on April 10, 2019, to review and discuss the requirement that baby changing stations be installed in all new buildings with restroom facilities that offer public accommodations, and all existing buildings when restroom facilities are added or altered in a manner that requires a building permit.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The CCR stated that public restrooms do not always include baby changing stations and are often found only in the women’s restroom. This reduces parents or caregivers to change their baby’s diaper in public, to use unsanitary and unsafe bathroom sinks or floors, or to even delay changing a diaper altogether.
ISSUE:
There are currently no state or local regulations that require baby changing stations to be installed in new or existing construction.
Additional research is required and a task force should be developed to evaluate the impact to the development community and to produce language that will be enforced by the Building Official.
ALTERNATIVES:
As an alternative, City Council could choose not to amend the City Code, which currently does not require baby changing stations.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The requirement to install baby changing stations in all new construction and all existing buildings when restroom facilities are added or altered in a manner that requires a building permit will increase the cost of construction. The fiscal impact will be evaluated by the task force.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends creating the task force to discuss and develop potential code changes.