The Los Angeles City Council approved a motion Friday calling for more baby changing stations in city-owned bathrooms and to explore requiring businesses open to the public to do the same.
In a 12-0 vote, council members instructed the General Services Department and chief legislative analyst to report on the feasibility of installing more baby changing stations for infants and toddlers.
Council members Nithya Raman, Tim McOsker and Marqueence Harris-Dawson were absent during the vote.
Staff for the City Council will consider adding such stations to bathrooms located at recreation centers, parks, libraries and transit hubs. They’ll also examine whether they can update building codes for restaurants, shopping centers and entertainment venues to require these sites add changing stations.
The city will explore establishing a grant or financial program to help ease the burden of compliance.
Council members McOsker and Katy Yaroslavsky introduced the motion on Dec. 13.
“Many public restrooms across the city of Los Angeles lack adequate facilities, including changing stations in both men’s and women’s restrooms, as well as gender-neutral restrooms, disproportionately burdening parents, caregivers, and people with disabilities,” the motions reads.
“Updating restroom infrastructure aligns with Los Angeles’ commitment to family-friendly policies and accessibility,” the motion continued.