All-Gender Restrooms
Report an all-gender restroom violation in two ways:
- Submit a complaint online. Attach a photo of the restroom sign with your complaint.
- Call us at (206) 684-4500 with the name and location of the business. You will be asked to send a photo of the restroom sign by email to OCR_Intake@seattle.gov.
The All-Gender Restroom law provides greater restroom access for transgender and gender diverse people. In addition to this law, Seattle’s laws against discrimination in public places protect the rights of people to use gender-specific restrooms that are consistent with their gender identity.
This law applies to City of Seattle buildings and public places in Seattle. Single occupant restrooms:
- Must allow anyone to use them, regardless of sex or gender identity
- Cannot be restricted to a specific sex or gender identity
Examples of all-gender restroom signs:
- All-Gender Restroom
- Gender-Neutral Restroom
- Unisex Restroom
- Toilet
- WC = Water Closet
Frequently Asked Questions
All-gender restrooms are facilities that anyone can use regardless of sex or gender identity.
A public place is anywhere the public can gather or go to. Examples of public places are hotels, restaurants, bars, retail shops, theaters, concert halls, sports stadiums, etc.
The all-gender restroom law does not cover this. However, the laws against discrimination in public places applies. You can use whatever restroom is consistent with your gender identity.
If a business is non-compliant, they will receive an advisory letter. If the business does not fix the issue within 30 calendar days, it is subject to civil penalties.
Yes. A business can appeal by asking for a contested hearing from the Seattle Hearing Examiner. The request must be in writing within 15 days of the date of the notice of violation and issuing of the civil penalty.