This guide explains requirements in the ABA Standards for clear floor or ground space and turning space. Clearances are required at accessible elements, fixtures, and controls so that people with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs, can approach and use them. The standards also address maneuvering space for wheelchair turning. Provisions throughout the standards reference these basic “building block” requirements.
Clear Floor or Ground Space
[§305
Sufficient clear floor or ground space is required at accessible controls, operable parts, drinking fountains, lavatories and sinks, ATMs and fare machines, appliances, beds, and other elements. Provisions for these elements apply the clear floor or ground specifications in 305.
Clear Floor Space at Elements
Position
[§305.5]
At most elements, clear floor or ground space can be positioned for either a forward or a side approach. For better usability, a forward approach is required at certain elements, including dining and work surfaces, drinking fountains, lavatories, and most sinks. At other elements, a side approach is allowed. A side approach is typically provided or required at sales and service counters, beds, and most appliances.
Surface and Size
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 more than 1:48.
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.
Approach and Maneuvering Clearance
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.
Knee and Toe Space
Objects that provide space for toes or knees can overlap a portion of the clear floor space. Knee and toe space allows a closer approach to elements and reduces the reach to operable parts. It is required at some elements, such as drinking fountains and lavatories, so that people using wheelchairs can pull up to them.
Objects that provide clearance for toes can overlap a portion of the clear floor space.
Objects that provide clearance for knees and toes can overlap a greater portion of the clear floor space (up to a depth of 25”).
Knee and Toe Space Depth
Where knee and toe space is required, it must be at least 17” deep. In all cases, the minimum depth may be further determined by the required reach to operable parts served by the clear floor space.
Knee and toe space is required below drinking fountains, lavatories and sinks, dining and work surfaces, and those sales and service counters that provide a forward approach.
Obstructed Reach and Depth
Knee and Toe Clearances
Where knee and toe space is required at an element, it must be at least 17” deep.
Beyond a depth of 8” measured from the leading edge, the 27” minimum high knee clearance can reduce 18” (to the 9” toe space) over a 3” span.
Turning Space
[§304
Turning space is required in these accessible rooms and spaces:
- toilet and bathing facilities
- dressing, fitting, and locker rooms
- transient lodging guest rooms
- dwelling units (all rooms on an accessible route)
- patient bedrooms
- holding and housing cells
- saunas and steam rooms
- raised courtroom stations served by ramps or lifts with entry ramps
- certain recreation spaces (amusement ride load/ unload areas, fishing piers and platforms, play components, and shooting facilities)
Space for turning is also required along accessible routes where a 180 degree turn around an obstruction less than 48” wide is required (§403.5.2).
Clear Width at 180 Degree Turn Around a Narrow Obstruction
Maneuvering for Turns
Maneuvering for 180 degree turns varies by person and the mobility aid used. An efficient way of turning using a manual wheelchair is to turn the wheels in opposite directions for a pivoting turn. Some power chairs also may permit tight circular turns.
A three-point turn is common when using scooters and other motorized devices that have a larger turning radius.
Size
[§304.3]
Turning space can be provided in the shape of a circle or a T. Elements with knee and toe space can overlap a portion of the turning space.
Circular Turning Space
T-Shaped Turning Space
T-shaped space can be configured for approach on any segment (stem or either arm).
Door Swing
[§304.4] and Other Space Requirements
Doors can swing into the turning space. The turning space can overlap other space requirements, including clear floor space required at elements and fixtures.
Common Questions
Is clear floor space required to be centered on elements?
The standards require the clear floor space to be centered on wheelchair accessible drinking fountains (forward approach), kitchen work surfaces, (forward approach), and washers and dryers (side approach). Centering the clear floor space on other elements is often advisable, but not required.
Can doors swing into required clear floor or ground space?
Doors cannot swing into required clear floor or ground spaces in these specific instances:
- clear floor space at controls for automatic and power assisted doors and gates (404.3.5)
- fixture clearances in toilet and bathing facilities (except those that are single user where wheelchair space beyond the door swing is provided) (603.2.3)
- clear floor space required at benches in saunas and steam rooms (612.2)
- clear floor space required at tactile signs, which must be beyond the arc of any door swing between the closed position and 45 degree open position (703.4.2)
- dressing, fitting, or locker rooms unless wheelchair space is provided beyond the arc of the door swing (803.3)
In other locations, doors can swing into clear floor or ground space, although locating door swing outside required clearances is advisable.
Can doors swing into turning space?
Yes, doors can swing into turning space.
Can clear floor/ground space or turning space overlap other space requirements?
Yes, clear floor or ground spaces and turning space can overlap other required clearances, including other clear floor spaces, door maneuvering clearances, and fixture clearances.
Is turning space required in all rooms and spaces?
No. Turning space is required in certain spaces, such as toilet and bathing facilities, dressing and fitting rooms, and transient lodging guest rooms. Unless addressed by a specific requirement for turning space in the standards, other spaces are not required to provide them, including lobbies, offices, and meeting rooms.
