
Residential ADA door requirements
- Door width clearances By ADA standards, residential doors must have a door opening with a clear width of at least 32 inches. ...
- Door hardware Hardware cannot require more than five pounds of force to operate and has to utilize a lever handle or another similar handle that doesn’t require significant strain on the wrist. ...
- Force and closing speed ...
- Smooth surfaces ...
- Thresholds ...
Is it required to have automatic doors at enterance Ada?
Good to know: Although automatic doors can provide greater accessibility, they are not required by the ADA Standards. Common Door Accessibility Issues Clear width Alt text: Diagrams of a hinged door, sliding door, and folding door. Accessible doors should provide at least 32 inches of clear width.
Are automatic door openers required by Ada?
While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) doesn’t require an automatic operator in order for a door to be considered accessible, using automatic doors is a great way to ensure accessibility for a wide range of people. According to the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, 60% of public entrances must be considered accessible.
What is the minimum required size for an entry door?
That said, the hardware and direction (handles, latches and which way the door opens) can get a bit confusing. In general, the requirements are a minimum of 32” in width and a maximum of 48” and the door must open to 90 degrees. “Door openings shall provide a clear width of 32 inches (815 mm) minimum.
What is minimum Ada door width?
What is the minimum clear opening width required by ADA on a single door? Resolution: The minimum clear opening width for ADA is 32" measured from face of door opened to 90 degrees to face of stop on strike jamb.
What is the ADA door requirement?
Who is required to comply with the ADA?
What is the maximum force required to activate operable parts?
What is ADA hardware?
How wide should a door be?
How high should a door handle be?
How long does it take for a door closer to open?
See 2 more

ADA Guide for Small Business: Enrances and Doors
The ADA Home Page provides access to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations for businesses and State and local governments, technical assistance materials, ADA Standards for Accessible Design, links to Federal agencies with ADA responsibilities and information, updates on new ADA requirements, streaming video, information about Department of Justice ADA settlement agreements ...
What is the minimum height required for sliding doors?
Hardware required for accessible door passage shall be mounted no higher than 48 in (1220 mm) above finished floor .
What is the ANSI code for automatic doors?
4.13.12* Automatic Doors and Power-Assisted Doors. If an automatic door is used, then it shall comply with ANSI/BHMA A156.10-1985. Slowly opening, low-powered, automatic doors shall comply with ANSI A156.19-1984. Such doors shall not open to back check faster than 3 seconds and shall require no more than 15 lbf (66.6N) to stop door movement. If a power-assisted door is used, its door-opening force shall comply with 4.13.11 and its closing shall conform to the requirements in ANSI A156.19-1984.
How far should a push side door be from the hinge?
Front approaches to push side of swinging doors, if equipped with both closer and latch, shall have maneuvering space starting at the hinge side and that extends 12 inches (305 mm) minimum beyond the latch side of the door and 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum perpendicular to the doorway.
What is the minimum clearance for latch side approaches?
Latch-side approaches to the pull side of swinging doors that have closers shall have maneuvering space that extends from the hinge side to 24 inches (610 mm) minimum beyond the latch side of the door and 54 inches (1370 mm) minimum perpendicular to the doorway.
How much space does a hinge side need?
Hinge side approaches to push side of swinging doors, if equipped with both latch and closer, shall have maneuvering space of 54 inches (1370 mm) minimum parallel to the doorway, extending from the latch side to beyond the hinge side, and 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum perpendicular to the doorway.
How wide is the push side of a swinging door?
Front approaches to push side of swinging doors, if not equipped with latch and closer, shall have maneuvering space that is the same width as door opening and extends 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum perpendicular to the doorway.
How wide is a hospital door?
EXCEPTION: Entry doors to acute care hospital bedrooms for in-patients shall be exempted from the requirement for space at the latch side of the door (see dimension "x" in figure below) if the door is at least 44 in (1120 mm) wide.
What is the most common type of automatic door?
Swing Doors. The most common type of automatic door is a swinging door, which swings in or out. A swinging door typically has one of three types of automatic operators: full-powered, low-energy and power-assisted.
What is a power assist door operator?
A power-assist door operator lowers the opening force, which means the door can be manually opened in an easier manner. Some force needs to be manually applied to open a power-assist door operator. They are activated by pushing or pulling the door.
What is considered a public entrance?
A public entrance is considered all entrances except those that are restricted or used exclusively as service entrances. According to the ADA standards, a door must have a minimum clear width, maneuvering clearance minimums and a maximum opening force and closing speed.
Does Harry's Locksmith do ADA repairs?
At Harry’s Locksmith, our trained professionals can help install and/or repair automatic door operators, whether you’re looking to make ADA upgrades or simply put in a new door.
Do automatic doors have to be ADA compliant?
ADA Requirements for Automatic Doors. While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) doesn’t require an automatic operator in order for a door to be considered accessible, using automatic doors is a great way to ensure accessibility for a wide range of people.
What is the minimum height of a door and gate?
404.2.7 Door and Gate Hardware. Handles, pulls, latches, locks, and other operable parts on doors and gates shall comply with 309.4. Operable parts of such hardware shall be 34 inches (865 mm) minimum and 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground. Where sliding doors are in the fully open position, operating hardware shall be exposed and usable from both sides.
What is the maximum height of a glazed panel for a door?
Doors, gates, and side lights adjacent to doors or gates, containing one or more glazing panels that permit viewing through the panels shall have the bottom of at least one glazed panel located 43 inches (1090 mm) maximum above the finish floor.
What is the clearance for a recessed door?
404.2.4.3 Recessed Doors and Gates. Maneuvering clearances for forward approach shall be provided when any obstruction within 18 inches (455 mm) of the latch side of a doorway projects more than 8 inches (205 mm) beyond the face of the door, measured perpendicular to the face of the door or gate.
What is the ANSI code for automatic gates?
Automatic doors and automatic gates shall comply with 404.3. Full-powered automatic doors shall comply with ANSI/BHMA A156.10 (incorporated by reference, see “Referenced Standards” in Chapter 1). Low-energy and power-assisted doors shall comply with ANSI/BHMA A156.19 (1997 or 2002 edition) (incorporated by reference, see “Referenced Standards” in Chapter 1).
How far apart are doors in series?
404.2.6 Doors in Series and Gates in Series. The distance between two hinged or pivoted doors in series and gates in series shall be 48 inches (12 20 mm) minimum plus the width of doors or gates swinging into the space.
How high above the finish floor of a pool can a gate be?
Access gates in barrier walls and fences protecting pools, spas, and hot tubs shall be permitted to have operable parts of the release of latch on self-latching devices at 54 inches (1370 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground provided the self-latching devices are not also self-locking devices and operated by means of a key, electronic opener, or integral combination lock.
What is the minimum size of a break out opening?
Where doors and gates without standby power are a part of a means of egress, the clear break out opening at swinging or sliding doors and gates shall be 32 inches (815 mm) minimum when operated in emergency mode.
What is the minimum width of a door?
By ADA standards, the clear width of a door opening must be a minimum of 32 inches. This clear width measurement is taken between the face of the door and the stop of the frame with the door open to 90 degrees (Figure A). In pairs, at least one of the active leaves must comply with this clear width requirement.
How high should a door be?
The clear height of a door opening must be a minimum of 80 inches (Figure B).
How high should a sliding door be?
Thresholds, if provided at a doorway, must not exceed ¾" in height for exterior sliding doors or ½" for other types of doors.
How long does it take for a door to close?
If a door is equipped with an automatic closing device (door closer), then the sweep range of the closer must be adjusted so that from an open position of 70 degrees, the door will take at least 3 seconds to move to a point 3 inches from the latch, measured to the leading edge of the door.
Can Trustile doors meet ADA requirements?
All TruStile® doors can be manufactured to meet ADA requirements and guidelines . The information below has been compiled to provide a high level overview of primary ADA requirements for doors.
What is the maximum force required to open a door?
The 5 lbf maximum applies to the continuous application of force necessary to fully open a door, not the initial force needed to overcome the door’s seal resulting from unequal pressure. Latch bolts must be retracted and other devices that keep doors or gates closed must be disengaged prior to measuring the opening force. (Such devices, like other door and gate hardware, must operate with a maximum 5 lbf force (§404.2.7), but their operating force is not included in the measure of door or gate opening force). Door pressure gauges and other products are available to measure the opening force.
What are the requirements for a door in 404?
Requirements for doors, doorways, and gates in §404 apply to those that provide “user passage” (§206.5). Doors serving walk-in closets or pantries must comply. Doors to shallow closets or pantries, cabinets and other storage elements not providing user passage do not have to comply with provisions for doors, but must meet requirements for storage (§811), including those for clear floor space and operable parts.
What causes a door to be recessed?
Thick walls, casework, shelving, columns and other elements can cause doors or gates to be recessed. If any obstruction within 18” of the latch side projects more than 8” from the face of a door or gate, maneuvering clearances for a forward approach must be provided. This space must be inset at obstructions so that it is no more than 8” from the face of the door or gate.
What is a sliding door?
Sliding doors. Doors and gates that do not extend to within 10” of the finish floor or ground. Existing doors or gates with kick plates (so long as cavities created by kick plates are capped) Tempered glass doors without stiles if the top edge of the bottom rail or shoe is tapered at least 60⁰ from the horizontal.
What is required clearance?
Required maneuvering clearances provide space for opening and proceeding through doors, doorways, and gates using wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
What percentage of public entrances must be accessible?
At least 60% of public entrances must be accessible in new construction, in addition to entrances directly serving tenancies, parking facilities, pedestrian tunnels and elevated walkways. “Public entrances” include all entrances except those that are restricted or that are used exclusively as service entrances.
How do low energy doors work?
Low energy doors and gates usually require activation by the user through a push plate or control and are often used in moderate traffic locations as an alternative to manual operation. Most function like a manual type but with a powered opener and closer option.
How wide is a door?
Doors at Entrances to Businesses. Most entrances to stores and businesses use 36 inch wide doors that are wide enough to be accessible. However, some older doors are less than 36 inches wide and may not provide enough width (32 inch clear width when fully opened). Door openings can sometimes be enlarged.
How high should a buzzer be?
If used, the buzzer or call bell must be located on an accessible route and mounted at an accessible height (generally not more than 48 inches above ground). When a ramp is added to provide an accessible entrance, the slope of the ramp should be as shallow as possible but not more than 1:12.
What is lobby entrance?
Using the lobby entrance provides access to the store. When one entrance is not accessible and another entrance is accessible, a sign must provide direction to the accessible entrance. The alternative entrance must be open during store hours.
Can a wheelchair use a narrow turnstile?
Standard narrow turnstiles are not usable by wheelchair users and by most people who walk with crutches, walkers, or canes. Whenever a narrow turnstile is used, an accessible turnstile, gate or opening must be provided, if doing so is readily achievable. Illustration - view of a turnstile with three rotating bars.
Can you enlarge a door opening?
Door openings can sometimes be enlarged. It may also be possible to use special "swing clear" hinges that provide approximately 1 1/2 inches more clearance without replacing the door and door frame. Inaccessible door hardware can also prevent access to the business.
Can you replace a door knob with a lever handle?
Changing or adding door hardware is usually relatively easy and inexpensive. A round doorknob can be replaced with a lever handle or modified by adding a clamp-on lever. In some cases, a thumb latch can be disabled so the door can be pulled open without depressing the latch or the hardware may be replaced. A flat panel-type pull handle can be replaced with a loop-type handle.
What is the minimum height of a door and gate?
404.2.7 Door and Gate Hardware. Handles, pulls, latches, locks, and other operable parts on doors and gates shall comply with 309.4. Operable parts of such hardware shall be 34 inches (865 mm) minimum and 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground. Where sliding doors are in the fully open position, operating hardware shall be exposed and usable from both sides.
What are the requirements for a threshold at a doorway?
The 1991 Standards, at section 4.13.8, require the height of thresholds at doorways not to exceed 1/2 inch and thresholds at exterior sliding doors not to exceed 3/4 inch. Sections 404.1 and 404.2.5 of the 2010 Standards require the height of thresholds at all doorways that are part of an accessible route not to exceed 1/2 inch. The 1991 Standards and the 2010 Standards require raised thresholds that exceed ¼ inch in height to be beveled on each side with a slope not steeper than 1:2. The 2010 Standards include an exception that exempts existing and altered thresholds that do not exceed 3/4 inch in height and are beveled on each side from the requirement.
What is the clearance for a recessed door?
404.2.4.3 Recessed Doors and Gates. Maneuvering clearances for forward approach shall be provided when any obstruction within 18 inches (455 mm) of the latch side of a doorway projects more than 8 inches (205 mm) beyond the face of the door, measured perpendicular to the face of the door or gate.
How far apart are doors in series?
404.2.6 Doors in Series and Gates in Series. The distance between two hinged or pivoted doors in series and gates in series shall be 48 inches (12 20 mm) minimum plus the width of doors or gates swinging into the space.
What is the ANSI code for automatic gates?
Automatic doors and automatic gates shall comply with 404.3. Full-powered automatic doors shall comply with ANSI/BHMA A156.10 (incorporated by reference, see "Referenced Standards" in Chapter 1). Low-energy and power-assisted doors shall comply with ANSI/BHMA A156.19 (1997 or 2002 edition) (incorporated by reference, see "Referenced Standards" in Chapter 1).
What is the minimum size of a break out opening?
Where doors and gates without standby power are a part of a means of egress, the clear break out opening at swinging or sliding doors and gates shall be 32 inches (815 mm) minimum when operated in emergency mode.
How high above the finish floor of a pool can a gate be?
Access gates in barrier walls and fences protecting pools, spas, and hot tubs shall be permitted to have operable parts of the release of latch on self-latching devices at 54 inches (1370 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground provided the self-latching devices are not also self-locking devices and operated by means of a key, electronic opener, or integral combination lock.
What is the ADA door requirement?
Guide to ADA Door Requirements (Width, Clearance and Handle Guidelines) The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is an American Law which was enacted in 1990. The legislation actually deals with the civil rights of individuals with disabilities. The law has imposed several guidelines and requirements on a number of different areas including:
Who is required to comply with the ADA?
The law has imposed several guidelines and requirements on a number of different areas including: Architects, designers and contractors are required to abide by all sections of the ADA — the most pertinent requirements being those in the public accommodation sector.
What is the maximum force required to activate operable parts?
The force required to activate operable parts shall be 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.”. The maximum force required is 5 pounds, but less than this would be ideal for those who either can’t grip well or are in a position prohibiting good leverage to open a door.
What is ADA hardware?
Here it is from the ADA, “Door hardware that can be operated with a closed fist or a loose grip accommodates the greatest range of users. Hardware that requires simultaneous hand and finger movements require greater dexterity and coordination, and is not recommended.”.
How wide should a door be?
“Door openings shall provide a clear width of 32 inches (815 mm) minimum. Clear openings of doorways with swinging doors shall be measured between the face of the door and the stop, with the door open 90 degrees.”
How high should a door handle be?
The height of the door handle must be between a minimum of 34” and a maximum of 48”. A few exceptions are included in the bill. Things like:
How long does it take for a door closer to open?
Spring hinges are required to go from 70 degrees to completed closed in no less than 1.5 seconds.

Door Types Covered by The Ada
- The actual requirements of a door under the ADA is pretty clear and straight forward, without much room for interpretation. The ADA guidelines state that the door must have a clear width minimum of 32” wide and a maximum of 48” wide, and the door has to open to a full 90 degrees. What is a clear width? This is a measurement that shows how wide a cl...
Maneuvering Clearances
- Once you make sure that you have the right width of a door to make it ADA compliant, it’s time to start talking about maneuvering clearances. There are many different types of mobility assistive devices for those with disabilities, and they are not all the same size as they vary depending on the needs of the individual. When a person is entering a building or room, with a mobility assistiv…
Door Handle Requirements
- The width and maneuvering clearance parts of the door are important to the structure, but just as important – for the user – is the door handle and how they’re going to be able to actually open the door. The ADA requires that door handles, and other operable hardware, be able to be operated with one hand and not require tight grasping, pinch or twisting of the person’s wrist. There is als…
Door Handle Height Requirement
- In order to be ADA compliant, the door handle must be between 34” and 48” from the ground. There are a few exceptions to this rule, including pre-existing locks and gates that enclose pools or hot tubs. The gates that enclose pools and hot tubs are allowed to be slightly higher, up to 54”, but still must meet the minimum requirement of 34” off the ground.
Opening and Closing of Doors
- For people with a disability, they may not have the strength to push open a really heavy door or one that is stiff. For this reason, there are guidelines as to how difficult it can be to open and close a door. There are also regulations on how fast a door can close, in order to make sure that those who have mobility difficulties have time to properly get through the doorway without being hit b…
What About Power Opened Doors?
- Many companies will have an automated push button that will open the door without any manual intervention, but do these requirements still apply to those types of doors? Well, the short answer is yes. Even if a door is automatic, a person in a wheelchair still needs to get through the doorway or someone with a walker will still need the extra space to maneuver through the doorway. The d…
Final Thoughts
- While following the law is important, and no one wants to be subjected to fines for having doors and openings that are not ADA compliant, ensuring that the doors in a building are fully accessible is more about helping people get into a place of business or visit friends in an apartment building without any issues. The experience for someone with a disability who cannot access a building …