Skip to content

United States · ADA · Illustrated standards guidance

Entrances, doors and gates: approach clearances

Doorway clear widths, maneuvering spaces, thresholds and hardware, illustrated for different approach directions.

AccessibilityAnthropometry & ergonomicsStairs & circulation
Open original PDF at page 9

Source wording and page order preserved. Drawings and table layouts remain available in the original PDF.

Chapter 4: Accessible Routes Entrances, Doors, and Gates Thresholds [§404.2.5] The height of thresholds is limited to 1/2” in new construction. The edge must be beveled 1:2 maximum above a height of 1/4”. A maximum height of 3/4” is permitted for existing or altered thresholds if they have a beveled edge on each side with a slope not steeper than 1:2. These requirements apply to all types of doors required to comply, including sliding doors. Threshold Profile Doors and Gates in Series [§404.2.6] At hinged or pivoted doors or gates in series, a separation is required that is at least 48” plus the width of doors or gates swinging into the space. This allows users to clear one door or gate before opening the next and applies to those doors or gates that are opposite each other where travel through both doors is required. 9

Edition and local adoption determine which requirements apply. Use the publisher’s document for the complete clauses, diagrams and amendments.