Bathroom clearance rules
Used for every bathroom and half bath plan on the site. Each new room type gets its own section here as it launches.
These are the minimum distances every layout on this site is checked against. They come from the International Residential Code (IRC), which most US states and cities adopt as their baseline.
Based on International Residential Code minimums. Local codes can be stricter — confirm with your building department. How we check plans
Toilet spacing
The centerline of the toilet has to be at least 15″ from a side wall, a tub, a shower or a vanity. That makes 30″ the narrowest space a toilet can sit in. Many designers aim for 18″ on each side for comfort; our plans use 18″ whenever the room allows it.
Clear floor in front of fixtures
You need at least 21″ of open floor in front of the toilet and in front of the vanity. Door swings are allowed to pass over this space in most homes, but fixtures and walls are not.
Showers
A shower must measure at least 30″ × 30″ inside, with an opening at least 22″ wide, and there must be 24″ of clear floor in front of the opening.
What we don't cover
Accessibility (ADA) layouts, local amendments, ventilation and electrical requirements are not part of these checks yet. Always confirm with your local building department before you build.