“The last bill before me is Introductory Number 42-A, sponsored by Council Members Clarke, DeBlasio, Provenzano, Boyland, Foster, James, Lopez, Reyna, Barron, Brewer, Comrie, Jackson, Koppell, Liu, Martinez, Quinn, Reed, Rivera, Sanders, Vallone, Weprin, Gerson, Palma, Gennaro and Gonzalez. This bill amends the City’s Building Code to require additional women’s toilets in public places.

“No one likes standing in line to use a bathroom. Since time immemorial, women endured long lines at bathrooms in movie theaters, at sporting events and in restaurants and bars because of inadequate facilities.  This bill brings parity to restrooms across the City which will speed women through bathrooms and reduce waiting around time for their male companions.

“The City’s Building Code requires places of public assembly to have an equal number of restroom facilities for men and women.  Unfortunately, the Building Code is more than 30 years old and outdated in many areas.  In an effort to modernize the Building Code and bring New York City into the 21st century, the Department of Buildings is overseeing a comprehensive review of the International Building Code, a widely recognized and adopted structure of model code used in 48 states, including New York, and countless municipalities.  Once adopted, the model code will provide New York City with a solid foundation from which to build safe, affordable and comfortable buildings. 

“Intro 42-A generally follows the 2003 International Building Code by requiring approximately two women’s toilets for every one men’s toilet in arenas, bars, concert halls, convention halls, movie theatres, public dance halls, stadiums, and theatres open to the general public.  This bill applies to new buildings and renovated buildings meeting certain criteria based on the extent of the alterations.

“I would like to thank the City Council and Department of Buildings Commissioner Patricia Lancaster for their leadership on this issue.”