Door Maneuvering Clearance - Front Approach, Pull Side

I actively perform accessibility inspections throughout Texas and out of state throughout the week. These images are plucked out of my adventures based on common violations or items that cause a lot of discussion. I hope you are able to learn from these and increase awareness of the requirements for your projects.

This image shows the requirements for door maneuvering clearance - front approach, pull side as required by the ADA Accessibility Standards. This would also apply to Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) and ANSI A117.1.

This door was provided in a restroom with toilet compartments, exiting back out to the corridor. This is a great example of the clearance provided correctly. I have seen many times where the walls were constructed too close to the door and the clearance was not provided. Then, it becomes a remodel to make it correct.

Be aware that there are other requirements depending on your approach including the hinge side or latch side and which side of the door, pull side or push side. This one is pretty standard and gets used the majority of the time.

ADA Requirements:

ADA requires that doors, “part of an accessible route and providing user passage”, comply with door maneuvering clearances, (206.5, 404.1 and 404.2).

206.5 Doors, Doorways, and Gates. Doors, doorways, and gates providing user passage shall be provided in accordance with 206.5.

404.1 General. Doors, doorways, and gates that are part of an accessible route shall comply with 404.

404.2 Manual Doors, Doorways, and Manual Gates. Manual doors and doorways and manual gates intended for user passage shall comply with 404.2.

The maneuvering clearance includes the full width of the door and an additional 18” beginning at the edge of the latch side of the door, not the frame (404.2).

404.2.4 Maneuvering Clearances. Minimum maneuvering clearances at doors and gates shall comply with 404.2.4. Maneuvering clearances shall extend the full width of the doorway and the required latch side or hinge side clearance.

Also, the clearance depth begins at the face of the door. There are other requirements if the door is recessed or there are obstructions located within the clearance. We will discuss this in another article.

Feel free to posts any comments or questions.

Clint Ryan, RAS | Owner

2012 TAS - ACCESSIBLE PARKING SPACES - RULE CHANGE

TDLR has issued a rule change to 2012 TAS regarding Accessible Parking Spaces.

Download 8 1/2” x 11” PDF printable document.

Accessible Parking Space Requirements

Accessible Signage Requirements

RULE CHANGE:

• A paved accessible parking space must include:

1. the International Symbol of Accessibility painted conspicuously on the surface in a color that contrasts the pavement;

2. the words "NO PARKING" painted on any access aisle adjacent to the parking space. The words must be painted:

   • in all capital letters;

   • with a letter height of at least twelve inches, and a stroke width of at least two inches; and

   • centered within each access aisle adjacent to the parking space; and

3. a sign identifying the consequences of parking illegally in a paved accessible parking space. The sign must:

• at a minimum state “Violators Subject to Fine and Towing” in a letter height of at least one inch;

• be mounted on a pole, post, wall or freestanding board;

• be no more than eight inches below a sign required by Texas Accessibility Standards, 502.6; and

• be installed so that the bottom edge of the sign is no lower than 48 inches and no higher than 80 inches above ground level.

• A parking space identification sign that complies with Texas Accessibility Standards, 502.6, that includes the requirements in subsection (a)(3)(A) satisfies subsection (a)(3).

EFFECTIVE DATE:

• If TDLR Project Registration was required, then any project registered on or after 08/01/2020 shall comply with Rule 68.104.

• If TDLR Project Registration was not required, then any project where Commencement of Construction occurs on or after 08/01/2020 shall comply with Rule 68.104.

ACCESSIBLE TOILET SEAT HEIGHT

I know of all things why an article about toilet seats. There is really only one ADA requirement…the seat height. While that is true you should also consider the requirements in the International Plumbing Code.

ADA Requirements

604.4 Seats. The seat height of a water closet above the finish floor shall be 17 inches (430 mm) minimum and 19 inches (485 mm) maximum measured to the top of the seat. Seats shall not be sprung to return to a lifted position.

Water Closet Seat Height

When you specify a water closet make sure you select the ADA Compliant or Barrier Free types. The accessible water closets will have the bowl a little higher so that when the seat is installed it will be at the correct height. For example, the ADA Compliant image below states Barrier Free on the cut sheet while the Non-ADA Compliant image does not.

ADA Compliant Water Closet

Non-ADA Compliant Water Closet

International Plumbing Code Requirements

The International Plumbing Code (IPC) is a standard code that sets minimum requirements for plumbing systems in commercial projects. Municipalities will require adherence to this standard when submitting drawings for permit. Just like the ADA they have standards for water closet seats.

When selecting the water closet in commercial construction the IPC requires the water closet bowls be of the elongated type, rather than the round type you usually see in residential homes. Also, they require that the elongated bowl have a seat that is of the hinged open-front type. They do make closed-front type seats but these are typically used for residential homes.

The International Plumbing Code (IPC) requires the following:

• 425.2 Water Closets for Public or Employee Toilet Facilities:

  Water closet bowls for public or employee toilet facilities shall be of the elongated type

• 425.3 Water Closet Seats

  Water closets shall be equipped with seats of smooth, nonabsorbent material. Seats of water closets provided for public or employee toilet facilities shall be of the hinged open-front type. Integral water closet seats shall of the same material as the fixture. Water closet seats shall be sized for the water closet bowl type.

Elongated Open Front Toilet Seat