Code vs. Culture: Navigating the Constraints of Public Sauna Regulations
- Feb 19
- 1 min read
This presentation is a sub-section of the research completed for the Finlandia Foundation grant awarded for "Practical Primer for Public (Finnish) Sauna Design."
Sauna culture continues to grow in popularity across the United States, yet building codes, zoning rules, and other regulations in many regions make it difficult—or impossible—to operate a public Finnish sauna with authentic löyly. These regulations differ significantly from those in Finland, where public sauna is widely supported by national standards. This session provides an overview of how U.S. building regulations shape the design, construction, and operation of public saunas, and why those frameworks often limit traditional Finnish sauna practice.
Beginning with a brief introduction to Finnish sauna culture, the presentation examines how building regulations influence sauna development in both Finland and the United States. It compares regulatory approaches, highlights key differences across several U.S. states, and explores how current rules may restrict authentic public sauna experiences. The session concludes by considering how building regulations could evolve to better support public Finnish sauna practice in the United States, offering insight for builders, operators, advocates, and policymakers alike.
Speakers: Olivia Raisanen and Marty Stewart