City Council
MEETING DATE: 11/16/2015
TITLE:
Title
Ordinance Second Reading - Gender Neutral Restrooms.
End
FROM:
Pat Milos, Community Development Director
Nicholas Hermsen, Assistant City Attorney
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends the City Council enact the attached ordinance regarding gender-neutral restrooms.
Body
BACKGROUND:
At the October 28, 2015, City Council meeting, staff presented several ordinances from around the country relating to gender neutral restrooms. Pursuant to direction received from the City Council at that meeting, the attached ordinance was prepared. The ordinance was introduces and received first reading on November 15, 2015.
The ordinance is substantially modeled on the ordinance adopted in Austin, Texas, and is very simple. Specifically, the ordinance requires gender-neutral signage, defined as a sign that indicates a restroom without preference to a specific gender, be installed on all single-user restrooms within commercial facilities. The ordinance does not apply to restrooms within residences and apartments, private bathrooms in hotels and hospitals, or restrooms in commercial establishments where the fixtures are intended for the use of a family or an individual and are accessible only from a private room or office.
The anticipated cost of adding this signage is minimal-less than $100 per sign. Survey results submitted to the City Council at the prior study session show minimal opposition to the ordinance from the business community.
Council also asked staff to work on a grant program to help offset the cost of sign conversion for businesses. The program will be available by the time the ordinance becomes effective, which should be on January 9, 2016.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The cost of grant program to assist businesses with the cost of sign conversion is estimated to be about $5,000.
ATTACHMENTS:
Proposed Ordinance