Interpretation #8645
Published June 07, 2022
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2021
- Code
- RESIDENT
- Code Description
- Chapter
- Section
- P2705.1
- Topic
- Toilet clearance
Question
Is the measurement from the center of a water closet (toilet) to the side wall, vanity, or partition to be taken from the edge of the counter top of the vanity or the side of the vanity? And from the closest point of a pedestal sink in a residence?
Answer Published 06/07/2022 at 5:01 PM
Although FBC-R P270501 states the measurement is to "any side wall, partition or vanity or closer than 30 inches" it is not clearly stated if this measurement is to the vanity base or vanity top. Clarity can be gained if attention is paid to the associated code reference in FBC - Plumbing Section 404.3.1 which states the measurement is to "any side wall, partition, vanity or other obstruction". This clarifies that the protruding vanity top could be the closest "other obstruction" to the centerline of the water closet in this example.
Commentary
According to the IPC Commentary, "the intent is that the dimensions are to be measured to finished surfaces of walls (including tile or other coverings) and to imaginary vertical planes located against the most exterior feature of a fixture or obstruction." The countertop is the most exterior feature of the lavatory so the 15" is measured from that point.