Bathroom fixtures: 15 in centerline-to-wall, 21 in front, 24 in opening, 30 in shower clear
2025 RCNYS §R327.1 Bathroom fixture clearances (Figure R327.1)Description
Minimum clearances per Figure R327.1: water closets + bidets require 15 in from centerline to any wall, fixture, or obstruction, AND 21 in clearance in front of the bowl. Lavatories: 21 in in front. Showers and tubs: 24 in clearance in front of any opening. Shower compartments: 30 in minimum dimension in plan. Tubs: 15 in centerline-to-wall.
Why this exists
These are the geometric floor of a functioning bathroom. NKBA recommends MORE generous numbers (NKBA Guideline 15: 18 in centerline, 30 in in front — better for actual comfort and aging-in-place). Architects designing to NKBA exceed code automatically; designers designing to bare code produce uncomfortable bathrooms.
Measurements
| Property | Operator | Value | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
centerlineToWall | min | 15 | in | Toilet/bidet centerline to nearest obstruction |
frontClearance | min | 21 | in | Front clearance for toilet, bidet, lavatory |
showerOpening | min | 24 | in | Clearance in front of shower opening |
showerMin | min | 30 | in | Minimum shower compartment dimension |
Categories
Applies to
- Jurisdiction: New York State
Source
Solver enforcement
Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.
Related directives
- Bathroom ventilation · IRC R303.3
- Toilet centerline + front clearance · IRC R307.1
- Shower compartment floor · IRC R307.2
- Safety glazing near tubs and showers · IRC R308.4.5
- Stair handrails · IRC R311.7.8
Last reviewed 2026-05-15.