Measure clear width at the open door
For a swinging door, measure between the face of the door open 90 degrees and the stop on the opposite side. A 32-inch slab does not necessarily create a 32-inch clear opening. For sliding and folding doors, check the remaining passage with the panels in their open position.
An opening more than 24 inches deep requires at least 36 inches of clear width. Projections into the required width are restricted. Review section 404.2.3 for the full rule and exceptions rather than selecting a slab size from the minimum alone.
Reference: U.S. Access Board: ADA section 404, doors, doorways and gates.
Allow space to approach, open and pass through
| Condition | Perpendicular clearance | Beyond the latch side |
|---|---|---|
| Pull side, front approach | 60 inches minimum | 18 inches minimum |
| Push side, front approach | 48 inches minimum | 0 inches ordinarily; 12 inches minimum when both a closer and latch are provided |
These are two rows from Table 404.2.4.1, not a complete list. Hinge-side and latch-side approaches use different conditions. Recesses, door hardware and the direction of travel can change the required space. Check the actual floor plan on both sides of the opening.
Keep the required area free of furniture and other obstructions. Accessible floor surfaces and permitted slopes matter too. Clearances may overlap, but an overlapping layout still has to satisfy every applicable requirement.
Check the rest of the opening
| Item | Planning reference | Where to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical clearance | Generally 80 inches minimum; closers and stops may be at 78 inches. | Sections 307.4 and 404.2.3 |
| Threshold | Generally ½ inch maximum. Changes above ¼ inch must be beveled; limited existing/altered-threshold exceptions apply. | 404.2.5 and section 303 |
| Operable hardware | 34–48 inches above the floor; one-hand use without tight grasping, pinching or wrist twisting. | 404.2.7 and 309.4 |
| Hardware operating force | 5 pounds maximum for the operable parts covered by section 309.4. | 404.2.7 and 309.4 |
| Door opening force | 5 pounds maximum for interior hinged doors and sliding/folding doors; exterior hinged doors and fire doors have different treatment. | 404.2.9 |
| Door closer timing | At least 5 seconds from 90 degrees open to 12 degrees from the latch. Spring hinges use a different timing rule. | 404.2.8 |
| Doors in series | At least 48 inches between doors plus the width of any door swinging into that space. | 404.2.6 |
The force needed to retract a latch is a separate check from the force needed to move the door. An exterior hinged door’s exception from the federal opening-force maximum does not remove other accessibility requirements or applicable local rules.
Reference: U.S. Access Board illustrated guide to entrances, doors and gates.
Which buildings and doors are covered?
The ADA has different rules for state and local government facilities and for covered businesses open to the public. New construction, alterations and barrier removal in existing buildings are not all treated the same. Do not assume every older building is exempt or every door in every building has identical requirements.
Ordinary private homes are generally outside ADA coverage, although a home may contain a covered business area. Housing can also be subject to the Fair Housing Act, state accessibility rules and local building codes. Determine the applicable requirements before using this article as a project checklist.
Reference: U.S. Department of Justice: businesses open to the public.
Have the project’s designer or accessibility professional review the opening, route and occupancy together. A door advertised at a certain width cannot establish compliance for the whole installation.
What to put on the door schedule
- The required clear opening and the actual slab, frame, stop and hardware dimensions.
- The approach direction and measured maneuvering area on each side.
- Threshold height and profile, finished floor levels and any nearby slope.
- Handle type, mounting height, opening force and closer settings.
- Any required fire rating, egress function or automatic-door provisions.
Use the door swing guide to describe handing consistently. If comparing interior doors or front entry doors, ask for the exact assembly details needed by the project designer. Custom size alone does not establish accessibility.
Planning a client project?
Contractors preparing an accessible renovation can review professional pricing separately from the project’s code review. Rustica’s contractor discount program explains professional eligibility and how to apply.
