Providing changing rooms for occupants or tenants of a building is an elective CALGreen measure. This is to encourage people to use bicycles more often and avoid driving cars. The code language is as follows. 

CALGreen Code Section A5.106.4.3: Changing rooms. 

For buildings with over 10 tenant-occupants, provide changing/shower facilities for tenant-occupants only in accordance with Table A5.106.4.3 or document arrangements with nearby changing/shower facilities.

Note: Additional information on recommended bicycle accommodations may be obtained from Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates.

Intent:

The intent for including changing rooms and showers is to encourage people to use bicycles as an alternative means of transportation. The mandatory long-term bicycle parking requirements further enhance the benefits of utilizing bicycles for daily transportation.

Aside from the advantages of producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions, cyclists may also enjoy the many health advantages that come with riding a bike. Additionally, bicycles do not use fuel, motor oil or toxic batteries, and they are easier on the environment from a manufacturing point of view. Check with local jurisdictions regarding local ordinances. For projects of the University of California, consult the University of California Policy on Sustainable Practices.

Compliance Method:

Construction documents should indicate the changing rooms and amenities required in Table A5.106.4.3 and provide occupant calculation.

Enforcement:

Plan intake: The plan reviewer should confirm in the construction documents that compliance measures in the correct quantities for changing rooms/shower facilities are included.

On-site enforcement: The inspector should verify that on-site changing rooms/shower facilities meet with design requirements on the approved plans.

(Excerpted from ‘Guide to the 2019 California Green Building Standards Code Nonresidential’ – Chapter 5)