A handicapped accessible water closet shall be _________ inches from the wall to the center of the water closet.

The requirement that a handicapped accessible water closet must be 18 inches from the wall to the center is grounded in building codes that focus on accessibility standards. This distance ensures that individuals with disabilities have adequate space to navigate and use the facility comfortably and safely.

Accessibility guidelines, such as those provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), specify these dimensions to accommodate wheelchair users and others with mobility issues. By ensuring that the center of the water closet is 18 inches from the side wall, it allows for the necessary maneuvering space on one side for transfer from a wheelchair to the toilet.

The other distances listed do not meet the established standards for accessibility, making 18 inches the correct and required measurement. Adhering to this standard is crucial for compliance with accessibility regulations, ensuring that public and commercial facilities are usable for everyone, regardless of physical ability.