CHAPTER 4: ACCESSIBLE ROUTES

ANSI Chapter 4. Accessible Routes

401 General

ANSI 401 General

401.1 Scope. The provisions of Chapter 4 shall apply where required by Chapter 2 or where referenced by a requirement in this document.

ANSI 401.1 Scope. Accessible routes required by the scoping provisions adopted by the administrative authority shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 4.

402 Accessible Routes

4.3 Accessible Route.

ANSI 402 Accessible Routes

402.1 General. Accessible routes shall comply with 402.

4.3.1 General. All walks, halls, corridors, aisles, skywalks, tunnels, and other spaces that are part of an accessible route shall comply with 4.3. 

ANSI 402.1 General. Accessible routes shall comply with Section 402.

402.2 Components. Accessible routes shall consist of one or more of the following components: walking surfaces with a running slope not steeper than 1:20, doorways, ramps, curb ramps excluding the flared sides, elevators, and platform lifts. All components of an accessible route shall comply with the applicable requirements of Chapter 4.

ANSI 402.2 Components. Accessible routes shall consist of one or more of the following components: Walking surfaces with a slope not steeper than 1:20, doors and doorways, ramps, curb ramps excluding the flared sides, elevators, and platform lifts. All components of an accessible route shall comply with the applicable portions of this standard.

403 Walking Surfaces

ANSI 403 Walking Surfaces

403.1 General. Walking surfaces that are a part of an accessible route shall comply with 403.

ANSI 403.1 General. Walking surfaces that are a part of an accessible route shall comply with Section 403.

403.2 Floor or Ground Surface. Floor or ground surfaces shall comply with 302.

4.1.2(4) Ground surfaces along accessible routes and in accessible spaces shall comply with 4.5.

ANSI 403.2 Floor Surface. Floor surfaces shall comply with Section 302.

4.1.3(3) Ground and floor surfaces along accessible routes and in accessible rooms and spaces shall comply with 4.5.

4.3.6 Surface Textures. The surface of an accessible route shall comply with 4.5.

403.3 Slope. The running slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:20. The cross slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:48.

4.3.7 Slope. An accessible route with a running slope greater than 1:20 is a ramp and shall comply with 4.8. Nowhere shall the cross slope of an accessible route exceed 1:50.

ANSI 403.3 Slope. The running slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:20. The cross slope of a walking surface shall not be steeper than 1:48.

403.4 Changes in Level. Changes in level shall comply with 303.

4.3.8 Changes in Levels. Changes in levels along an accessible route shall comply with 4.5.2. If an accessible route has changes in level greater than 1/2 in (13 mm), then a curb ramp, ramp, elevator, or platform lift (as permitted in 4.1.3 and 4.1.6) shall be provided that complies with 4.7, 4.8, 4.10, or 4.11, respectively. An accessible route does not include stairs, steps, or escalators. See definition of "egress, means of" in 3.5.

ANSI 403.4 Changes in Level. Changes in level shall comply with Section 303.

403.5 Clearances. Walking surfaces shall provide clearances complying with 403.5.

EXCEPTION: Within employee work areas, clearances on common use circulation paths shall be permitted to be decreased by work area equipment provided that the decrease is essential to the function of the work being performed.

403.5.1 Clear Width. Except as provided in 403.5.2 and 403.5.3, the clear width of walking surfaces shall be 36 inches (915 mm) minimum.

EXCEPTION: The clear width shall be permitted to be reduced to 32 inches (815 mm) minimum for a length of 24 inches (610 mm) maximum provided that reduced width segments are separated by segments that are 48 inches (1220 mm) long minimum and 36 inches (915 mm) wide minimum.

4.2.1 Wheelchair Passage Width. The minimum clear width for single wheelchair passage shall be 32 in (815 mm) at a point and 36 in (915 mm) continuously (see Fig. 1 and 24(e)). 

NOTE:  Figure 1 indicates the minimum clear passage width for a single wheelchair shall be 36 inches (915 mm) minimum along an accessible route, but may be reduced to 32 inches (815 mm) minimum at a point for a maximum depth of 24 inches (610 mm), such as at a doorway.

ANSI 403.5 Clear Width. Clear width of an accessible route shall comply with Table 403.5.

4.3.3 Width. The minimum clear width of an accessible route shall be 36 in (915 mm) except at doors (see 4.13.5 and 4.13.6). If a person in a wheelchair must make a turn around an obstruction, the minimum clear width of the accessible route shall be as shown in Fig. 7(a) and (b).

NOTE:  Figure 7(a) indicates a 90 degree turn can be made from a 36 inch (915 mm) wide passage into another 36 inch (915 mm) passage if the depth of each leg is a minimum of 48 inches (1220 mm) on the inside dimensions of the turn.

Figure 7(b) indicates that a U-turn around an obstruction less than 48 inches (1220 mm) wide may be made if the passage width is a minimum of 42 inches (1065 mm) and the base of the U-turn space is a minimum of 48 inches (1220 mm) wide.

ANSI Table 403.5—Clear Width of an Accessible Route

Segment Length

Minimum Segment Width

≤ 24 inches (610 mm)

32 inches (815 mm)¹

> 24 inches (610 mm)

36 inches (915 mm)

¹Consecutive segments of 32 inches (815 mm) in width must be separated by a route segment 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum in length and 36 inches (915 mm) minimum in width.

403.5.2 Clear Width at Turn. Where the accessible route makes a 180 degree turn around an element which is less than 48 inches (1220 mm) wide, clear width shall be 42 inches (1065 mm) minimum approaching the turn, 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum at the turn and 42 inches (1065 mm) minimum leaving the turn.

EXCEPTION: Where the clear width at the turn is 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum compliance with 403.5.2 shall not be required.

See 4.33 Width

403.5.1 Clear Width at Turn.  Where an accessible route makes a 180 degree turn around an object that is less than 48 inches (1220 mm) in width, clear widths shall be 42 inches (1065 mm) minimum approaching the turn, 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum during the turn, and 42 inches (1065 mm) minimum leaving the turn.

EXCEPTION: Section 403.5.1 shall not apply where the clear width at the turn is 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum.

403.5.3 Passing Spaces. An accessible route with a clear width less than 60 inches (1525 mm) shall provide passing spaces at intervals of 200 feet (61 m) maximum. Passing spaces shall be either: a space 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum by 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum; or, an intersection of two walking surfaces providing a T-shaped space complying with 304.3.2 where the base and arms of the T-shaped space extend 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum beyond the intersection.

4.2.2 Width for Wheelchair Passing. The minimum width for two wheelchairs to pass is 60 in (1525 mm) (see Fig. 2).

NOTE: In Figure 2, the minimum clear width for passage of two wheelchairs is shown to be 60 inches minimum.

ANSI 403.5.2 Passing Space. An accessible route with a clear width less than 60 inches (1525 mm) shall provide passing spaces at intervals of 200 feet (61 m) maximum. Passing spaces shall be either a 60 inch (1525 mm) minimum by 60 inch (1525 mm) minimum space, or an intersection of two walking surfaces that provide a T–shaped turning space complying with Section 304.3.2, provided the base and arms of the T–shaped space extend 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum beyond the intersection.

4.3.4 Passing Space. If an accessible route has less than 60 in (1525 mm) clear width, then passing spaces at least 60 in by 60 in (1525 mm by 1525 mm) shall be located at reasonable intervals not to exceed 200 ft (61 m). A T-intersection of two corridors or walks is an acceptable passing place.

403.6 Handrails. Where handrails are provided along walking surfaces with running slopes not steeper than 1:20 they shall comply with 505.

ANSI 403.6 Handrails. Where handrails are required at the side of a corridor they shall comply with Sections 505.4 through 505.9.

404 Doors, Doorways, and Gates

4.13 Doors.

ANSI 404 Doors and Doorways

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

EXCEPTION: Doors, doorways, and gates designed to be operated only by security personnel shall not be required to comply with 404.2.7, 404.2.8, 404.2.9, 404.3.2 and 404.3.4 through 404.3.7

4.13.1 General. Doors required to be accessible by 4.1 shall comply with the requirements of 4.13.

4.3.9 Doors. Doors along an accessible route shall comply with 4.13.

4.13.3 Gates. Gates, including ticket gates, shall meet all applicable specifications of 4.13.

See also Appendix 11.1.1 EXCEPTION and 12.5.2(1) EXCEPTION

ANSI 404.1 General.  Doors and doorways that are part of an accessible route shall comply with Section 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.

ANSI 404.2 Manual Doors. Manual doors and doorways, and manual gates, including ticket gates, shall comply with the requirements of Section 404.2.

EXCEPTION: Doors, doorways, and gates designed to be operated only by security personnel shall not be required to comply with Sections 404.2.6, 404.2.7, and 404.2.8.

404.2.1 Revolving Doors, Gates, and Turnstiles. Revolving doors, revolving gates, and turnstiles shall not be part of an accessible route.

4.13.2 Revolving Doors and Turnstiles. Revolving doors or turnstiles shall not be the only means of passage at an accessible entrance or along an accessible route. An accessible gate or door shall be provided adjacent to the turnstile or revolving door and shall be so designed as to facilitate the same use pattern.

ANSI 402.3 Revolving Doors, Revolving Gates, and Turnstiles. Revolving doors, revolving gates, and turnstiles shall not be part of an accessible route.

404.2.2 Double-Leaf Doors and Gates. At least one of the active leaves of doorways with two leaves shall comply with 404.2.3 and 404.2.4.

4.13.4 Double-Leaf Doorways. If doorways have two independently operated door leaves, then at least one leaf shall meet the specifications in 4.13.5 and 4.13.6. That leaf shall be an active leaf.

ANSI 404.2.1 Double–Leaf Doors and Gates. At least one of the active leaves of doorways with two leaves shall comply with Sections 404.2.2 and 404.2.3.

404.2.3 Clear Width. Door openings shall provide a clear width of 32 inches (815 mm) minimum. Clear openings of doorways with swinging doors shall be measured between the face of the door and the stop, with the door open 90 degrees. Openings more than 24 inches (610 mm) deep shall provide a clear opening of 36 inches (915 mm) minimum. There shall be no projections into the required clear opening width lower than 34 inches (865 mm) above the finish floor or ground. Projections into the clear opening width between 34 inches (865 mm) and 80 inches (2030 mm) above the finish floor or ground shall not exceed 4 inches (100 mm).

EXCEPTIONS:

4.13.5 Clear Width. Doorways shall have a minimum clear opening of 32 in (815 mm) with the door open 90 degrees, measured between the face of the door and the opposite stop (see Fig. 24(a), (b), (c), and (d)). Openings more than 24 in (610 mm) in depth shall comply with 4.2.1 and 4.3.3 (see Fig. 24(e)).

EXCEPTION: Doors not requiring full user passage, such as shallow closets, may have the clear opening reduced to 20 in (510 mm) minimum.

NOTE:  Figures 24(a) and 24(b) illustrate a 32 inch minimum opening on a hinged door, with Figure 24(a) demonstrating that the measurement is taken from the face of the door to the opposite stop. 

Figure 24(c) shows a 32 inch minimum clear width of a sliding or pocket door, measured from the leading edge op the open door to the opposing stop/jamb.  Figure 24(d) illustrates the same measurement for a retracted folding/accordion door.

Figure 24(e) illustrates a doorway without a door.  The clear width is 32 inches minimum, and the maximum depth of the opening is 24 inches.

ANSI 404.2.2 Clear Width. Doorways shall have a clear opening width of 32 inches (815 mm) minimum. Clear opening width of doorways with swinging doors shall be measured between the face of door and stop, with the door open 90 degrees. Openings, doors and doorways without doors more than 24 inches (610 mm) in depth shall provide a clear opening width of 36 inches (915 mm) minimum. There shall be no projections into the clear opening width lower than 34 inches (865 mm) above the floor. Projections into the clear opening width between 34 inches (865 mm) and 80 inches (2030 mm) above the floor shall not exceed 4 inches (100 mm).

EXCEPTIONS:

See also IBC 1008.1.1 Door arrangement

1. In alterations, a projection of 5/8 inch (16 mm) maximum into the required clear width shall be permitted for the latch side stop.

4.1.6(3)(d) Doors:

(i) Where it is technically infeasible to comply with clear opening width requirements of 4.13.5, a projection of 5/8 in (16 mm) maximum will be permitted for the latch side stop.

2. In alterations, a projection of 5/8 inch (16 mm) maximum into the required clear opening width shall be permitted for the latch side stop.

2. Door closers and door stops shall be permitted to be 78 inches (1980 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground.

1. Door closers and door stops shall be permitted to be 78 inches (1980 mm) minimum above the floor.

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.

EXCEPTION: Entry doors to hospital patient rooms shall not be required to provide the clearance beyond the latch side of the door.

4.13.6 Maneuvering Clearances at Doors. Minimum maneuvering clearances at doors that are not automatic or power-assisted shall be as shown in Fig. 25. The floor or ground area within the required clearances shall be level and clear.

EXCEPTION: Entry doors to acute care hospital bedrooms for in-patients shall be exempted from the requirement for space at the latch side of the door (see dimension "x" in Fig. 25) if the door is at least 44 in (1120 mm) wide.

NOTE:  See description of figure 25 below New ADAAG Table 404.2.4.1 Maneuvering Clearances at Manual Swinging Doors and Gates

ANSI 404.2.3 Maneuvering Clearances at Doors. Minimum maneuvering clearances at doors shall comply with Section 404.2.3 and shall include the full clear opening width of the doorway.

6.3(1) Each bedroom shall have a door that complies with 4.13.

EXCEPTION: Entry doors to acute care hospital bedrooms for in- patients shall be exempted from the requirement in 4.13.6 for maneuvering space at the latch side of the door if the door is at least 44 in (1120 mm) wide.

404.2.4.1 Swinging Doors and Gates. Swinging doors and gates shall have maneuvering clearances complying with Table 404.2.4.1.

ANSI 404.2.3.1 Swinging Doors. Swinging doors shall have maneuvering clearances complying with Table 404.2.3.1.

Figure 25

NOTE:  Figure 25 indicates the following -- Diagram (a) Front Approaches -- Swinging Doors. Front approaches to pull side of swinging doors shall have maneuvering space that extends 18 in (455 mm) minimum beyond the latch side of the door and 60 in (1525 mm) minimum perpendicular to the doorway.

Front approaches to push side of swinging doors, equipped with both closer and latch, shall have maneuvering space that extends 12 in (305 mm) minimum beyond the latch side of the door and 48 in (1220 mm) minimum perpendicular to the doorway.

Front approaches to push side of swinging doors, not equipped with latch and closer, shall have maneuvering space that is the same width as door opening and extends 48 in (1220 mm) minimum perpendicular to the doorway.

Diagram (b) Hinge Side Approaches. Hinge-side approaches to pull side of swinging doors shall have maneuvering space that extends 36 in (915 mm) minimum beyond the latch side of the door if 60 in (1525 mm) minimum is provided perpendicular to the doorway or maneuvering space that extends 42 in (1065 mm) minimum beyond the latch side of the door shall be provided if 54 in (1370 mm) minimum is provided perpendicular to the doorway.

Hinge-side approaches to push side of swinging doors, not equipped with both latch and closer, shall have a maneuvering space of 54 in (1370 mm) minimum, parallel to the doorway and 42 in (1065 mm) minimum, perpendicular to the doorway.

Hinge side approaches to push side of swinging doors, equipped with both latch and closer, shall have maneuvering space of 54 in (1370 mm) minimum, parallel to the doorway, 48 in (1220 mm) minimum perpendicular to the doorway.

Diagram (c) Latch Side Approaches -- Swinging Doors. Latch-side approaches to pull side of swinging doors, with closers, shall have maneuvering space that extends 24 in (610 mm) minimum beyond the latch side of the door and 54 in (1370 mm) minimum perpendicular to the doorway.

Latch-side approaches to pull side of swinging doors, not equipped with closers, shall have maneuvering space that extends 24 in (610 mm) minimum beyond the latch side of the door and 48 in (1220 mm) minimum perpendicular to the doorway.

Latch-side approaches to push side of swinging doors, with closers, shall have maneuvering space that extends 24 in (610 mm) minimum parallel to the doorway beyond the latch side of the door and 48 in (1220 mm) minimum perpendicular to the doorway.

Diagram (d) Front Approach -- Sliding Doors and Folding Doors. Front approaches to sliding doors and folding doors shall have maneuvering space that is the same width as the door opening and shall extend 48 in (1220 mm) minimum perpendicular to the doorway.

Diagram (e). Slide-side approaches to sliding doors and folding doors shall have a maneuvering space of 54 in (1370 mm) minimum, parallel to the doorway, and 42 in (1065 mm) minimum, perpendicular to the doorway.

Diagram (f) Latch Side Approach -- Sliding Doors and Folding Doors. Latch-side approaches to sliding doors and folding doors shall have a maneuvering space that extends 24 in (610 mm) minimum beyond the latch side of the door and extends 42 in (1065 mm) minimum perpendicular to the doorway.

Depending on the direction of approach, diagrams (a) through (f) illustrate minimum maneuvering space depths and latch side clearances for both push and pull sides of swinging, sliding and folding doors. (4.13.6).

Latch-side approaches to push side of swinging doors, not equipped with closers, shall have maneuvering space that extends 24 in (610 mm) minimum parallel to the doorway beyond the latch side of the door and 42 in (1065 mm) minimum perpendicular to the doorway.

ANSI Table 404.2.3.1—Maneuvering Clearances at Manual Swinging Doors

TYPE OF USE

MINIMUM MANEUVERING CLEARANCES

Approach
Direction

Door Side

Perpendicular to Doorway

Parallel to Doorway (beyond latch unless noted)

From front

Pull

60 inches (1525 mm)

18 inches (455 mm)

From front

Push

48 inches (1220 mm)

0 inches (0 mm)³

From hinge side

Pull

60 inches (1525 mm)

36 inches (915 mm)

From hinge side

Pull

54 inches (1370 mm)