Code of Massachusetts Regulations
521 CMR - Architectural Access Board
Title 521 CMR 42 - GROUP 1 BATHROOMS
Section 42.5 - WATER CLOSETS

Universal Citation: 521 CMR 42 MA Code of Regs 42.5

Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

Shall comply with the following:

42.5.1 Clear Floor Space: As defined in 521 CMR 42.2, Clear Floor Space, shall be provided or shall be capable of being provided without structural change in at least one of two specific locations at the water closet. One shall be beside the water closet with its short edge parallel to the wall behind the water closet. The other shall be in front of the water closet with its long edge parallel to the wall behind the water closet.

42.5.2 Location:

a. When a water closet is located between a wall and a fixture, its centerline shall be 18 inches (18" = 457mm) from the wall. If the clear floor space is provided in front of the water closet, the centerline of the water closet shall be a minimum of 15 inches (15" = 381mm) from the closest edge of the fixture. See Fig. 42c.

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b. When a water closet is located between two fixtures, its centerline shall be 18 inches (18" = 457mm) from a bathing fixture and a minimum of 15 inches (15" = 381mm) from other types of fixtures. See Fig. 42c.

42.5.3 Wall reinforcement: Walls adjacent to and behind the water closet shall be capable of structurally supporting the future installation of grab bars from 32 to 38 inches (32" to 38" = 813mm to 965mm) above the floor. The back wall shall have reinforcement from the interior corner to a distance of six inches (6" = 152mm) beyond the widest part of the water closet. The side wall shall have reinforcement from the interior corner to a distance of six inches (6" = 152mm) beyond the front edge of the water closet, unless interrupted by a door or other fixture, then the reinforcement shall be installed as far as possible.

When the water closet is located between two fixtures, the wall reinforcement behind the water closet shall be extend at least six inches (6" = 152mm) beyond the widest part of the water closet.

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