United States · ADA · Illustrated standards guidance
Clear floor space and turning space
Illustrated guidance on wheelchair clear floor spaces, approaches, alcoves and turning spaces around interior fixtures and furniture.
- Publisher
- U.S. Access Board
- Edition
- Access Board guide to the 2010 ADA standards
- Search coverage
- 11 of 11 PDF pages
AccessibilityAnthropometry & ergonomicsStairs & circulation
Open original PDF at page 3 Source wording and page order preserved. Drawings and table layouts remain available in the original PDF.
Chapter 3: Building Blocks Clear Floor or Ground Space and Turning Space
Surface and Size [§305.2 and §305.3]
48”min
Clear floor spaces must meet requirements for
ground and floor surfaces, including criteria for
firmness, stability, and slip resistance. They
must be free of level changes and not slope
30”
more than 1:48.
min
The minimum size (30” by 48”) applies
whether the space is positioned for forward or
side approaches. Additional space is required
when the space is confined on three sides and
is obstructed for more than half the depth,
such as when elements are recessed in
alcoves.
> 24”
> 24”
Approach and Maneuvering Clearance
[§305.6 and §305.7]
36”
min
Where the space is obstructed on both sides
for more than half the depth, additional
clearance is required for maneuvering.
Accessible routes must connect to the
unobstructed side of the space.
> 24” > 24”
> 15” > 15”
60”min
3
Edition and local adoption determine which requirements apply. Use the publisher’s document for the complete clauses, diagrams and amendments.