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Guide to the ADA Accessibility Standards

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This guide provides an introduction to the scoping requirements that form the basis for the Department of Justice’s 2010 ADA Standards and the Department of Transportation's ADA Standards and is not intended to be comprehensive or used as a stand-alone technical guide to those requirements. Users of this guide must familiarize themselves with the specific scoping requirements that apply to each element, building, facility, or site that is subject to the Standards adopted to implement titles II and III of the ADA.

Although this guide focuses on the provisions of Chapter 2 of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines, which form the basis of the DOJ and DOT ADA Standards, the 2010 Standards adopted by DOJ incorporate regulatory language that modifies or augments a number of those provisions, or address certain occupancies that are not specifically addressed in Chapter 2, and these regulatory provisions must be read in conjunction with Chapter 2 to ensure an accurate understanding of the legal requirements. Readers should become familiar with how the 2010 Standards modify the requirements in Chapter 2 and should not assume that by reading the provisions of Chapter 2 alone they will have all the information and perspective they need to achieve compliance with the 2010 Standards.

Notational tips for users of screen reading software follow.  In this document ″ indicates inches and ′ indicates feet.  Some images are paired with visually hidden notes.  These annotations are prefaced with begin and end image notes.

Scoping Requirements

Requirements in Chapter 2 indicate which elements and spaces must be accessible on a site or in a facility (the scope of coverage). These “scoping” requirements apply technical provisions in Chapters 3 through 10 to those covered elements and spaces provided on a site.

Applicable building codes, design practices, and other factors determine the elements and spaces required for a site, including parking, means of egress, and plumbing fixtures. The ADA Standards, on the other hand, specify the elements and spaces provided that must be accessible.

Application

[§201]

The ADA Standards apply to the various types of facilities subject to the ADA, from simple structures to complex, multi-building sites such as university campuses and airports. Requirements in the standards apply to both exterior and interior spaces and elements provided on a site, usually without distinction. Provisions for parking, for example, apply equally to exterior lots and to parking garages. The standards cover permanent facilities and temporary facilities (other than those used in construction), such as reviewing stands, stages, portable toilets, and temporary classrooms.

In new construction, all areas must be fully accessible, including multiple spaces of the same type, unless otherwise specified. Areas not required to be fully accessible include:

  • certain limited-use or raised spaces that are exempt (§203)
  • employee work areas (partial access) (§203.9)
  • spaces covered by scoping provisions that require only a specified portion of the total number to comply, such as dressing rooms and patient bedrooms (various provisions in Chapter 2)
retail icon
Example: Retail Facility This example of a retail facility shows how scoping requirements for certain elements and spaces (sales counters and fitting rooms) apply and indicates employee work areas.

Plan of a retail facility with a sales floor, rows of fitting rooms, toilet room, and the following areas highlighted as employee work areas: area behind sales counters, office, stock room, and loading dock. Figure notes: Sales Counters (§227) Access is required to at least 1 of each type of sales counter provided. If counters are dispersed throughout a facility, accessible counters also must be dispersed. Fitting Rooms (§222) Access is required to at least 5% (but no less than 1) of each type of use in each cluster. Toilet Rooms (§213) Public use and common use toilet rooms, including employee restrooms, must comply. Employee Work Areas (§203.9) Partial access is required to areas used only by employees for work (worker side of sales counters, offices, stock room, and loading dock).

medical symbol
Example: Clinical Suite This facility includes public and common use areas and employee work areas.

Floor plan of clinical suites with waiting area, exam rooms and doctors' offices, mechanical rooms (exempt space), dressing rooms, toilet rooms, break rooms, and highlighted as employee work areas: reception/files area, nurses' station, and janitor's closet. Figure notes: Public Use Spaces (§201) -- waiting area - Full access to public use areas, including waiting areas and corridors Exam Rooms and Offices (§201 and §203.9) All exam rooms and offices used by the public must be accessible, but elements within these rooms that are used only by employees for work are not required to comply. Mechanical Room (§203.5) Exempt Space Employee Work Areas (§203.9) Partial access to areas used only by employees for work (reception/ file areas, nurses' station, and janitor's closet) Dressing Rooms (§222) Access is required to at least 5% (but no less than 1) of each type of use in each cluster. Toilet Rooms (§213) Access is required to all public and employee toilet rooms (or no more than 50% of single user toilet rooms for each use at each cluster). Common Use (Non-Work) Areas (§201) Full access to break rooms and to other employee areas not used for work purposes

Exception Based on Structural Impracticability in DOJ's 2010 ADA Standards and DOT's ADA Regulations

DOJ’s 2010 ADA Standards and DOT's ADA regulations specify that full compliance is not required in new construction in rare circumstances where unique characteristics of terrain make the incorporation of accessibility features “structurally impracticable.” In such a case, the new construction requirements apply except where the responsible entity can demonstrate that it is structurally impracticable to meet those requirements. This exception is very narrow and should not be used in cases of merely hilly terrain.

Even in those circumstances where the exception applies, portions of a facility that can be made accessible must still be made accessible. In addition, access must be provided for individuals with other types of disabilities, even if it may be structurally impracticable to provide access to individuals who use wheelchairs.

This exception is found in DOJ’s 2010 Standards at §35.151(a)for title II and §36.401(c) for title III and in DOT’s ADA regulations at §37.41(b).

General Exceptions

[§203]

These structures and spaces are fully exempt from the standards and are not required to be accessible or on an accessible route:

Construction Sites

[§203.2]

construction barrier
Structures directly associated with the actual processes of construction and portable toilets used only by construction workers Examples: scaffolding, bridging, materials hoists, construction trailers

Areas Raised for Security/ Safety

[§203.3]

tower
Areas raised primarily for purposes of security or life/ fire safety Examples: life guard stands, fire towers, and prison guard towers

Raised Work Areas

[§203.9]

boiler
Employee work areas under 300 s.f. that are elevated at least 7″ as an essential functional condition of the space (excluding raised courtroom stations) Example: Work areas with equipment/ machinery that must be operated from a platform

Limited Access Spaces

[§203.4]

structure with ladder
Spaces accessed only by ladders, catwalks, crawl spaces, or very narrow passageways Examples: lighting/ equipment catwalks at stages and performing areas, platforms served only by ladder

Machinery Spaces

[§203.5]

valve
Spaces used only by service personnel for maintenance, repair, or occasional monitoring of equipment Examples: elevator pits/ penthouses, mechanical/ electrical/ communications equipment rooms, water or sewage treatment pump rooms, electric substations, and transformer vaults

Single Occupant Structures

[§203.6]

toll booth
Single occupant structures accessed only by below-grade passageways or elevated above standard curb height Examples: toll booths that are accessed by underground tunnels or elevated above curb height, such as those serving dedicated truck lanes

Detention/Correctional and Residential Facilities [§203.7 and §203.8]

jail cell and house
Common use spaces in detention/ correctional facilities or residential facilities that do not serve accessible cells or dwelling units are exempt.

Certain Sports/ Recreation and Other Structures [§203.10 to §203.14]

boxing ring
These structures and spaces are also exempt:
  • raised structures used solely for refereeing, judging, or scoring a sport
  • raised boxing/ wrestling rings
  • water slides and raised diving boards/ platforms
  • animal containment areas not open to the public

Employee Work Areas

[§203.9]

EEOC Title I of the ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability in the workplace. Information on the ADA and equal opportunities in hiring and employment, including reasonable accommodations for employees, is available from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at (800) 669-4000 (v), (800) 669-6820 (TTY), or www.eeoc.gov

The ADA Standards require a more limited level of accessibility in employee work areas. At a minimum, areas used only by employees as work areas must meet requirements for:

  • access to approach, enter, and exit the work area (§203.9)
  • accessible means of egress (§207.1)
  • wiring for visible alarms in areas served by audible alarms (§215.3)
  • accessible common use circulation paths in most work areas of at least 1,000 sq.ft. (§206.2.8)

Other requirements, including those for turning space, do not apply to areas used only by employees for work.

These provisions apply to those areas where only work is performed by employees. Spaces not used for work, including employee restrooms, locker rooms, break rooms, cafeterias, and parking, must be fully accessible. Some public use spaces also function as work spaces, such as medical exam rooms and classrooms. These spaces must be fully accessible for public use, but elements within used only by employees for work are not required to comply.

Access to Approach, Enter, and Exit Work Areas

Access for “approach, entry, and exit” requires a connecting accessible route to the work area and a compliant entrance, including entry doors or gates, plus wheelchair space in the work area. Work areas must also be served by an accessible means of egress, as required by the International Building Code.

Access for Approach, Entry, and Exit

Doorway to office illustrates access for approach, entry, and exit to employee work area. Figure notes: Wheelchair space (30 inches by 48 inches minimum) in the work area Accessible entry door/ gate (including maneuvering clearances on the exterior) Connecting accessible route and accessible means of egress Wiring must be designed to allow later installation of visible alarms in work areas served by audible alarms. Note: Signs and other elements provided outside the work area must comply with the requirements for those elements.

Office with several work cubicles and accessible means of egress that extends from entrance of office to exit on opposite wall. Figure note: In some cases, other accessibility requirements may apply to an employee work area. For example, if a required accessible means of egress passes through a work area, the route must fully comply.

Common Use Circulation Paths in Employee Work Areas

[§206.2.8]

Common use circulation paths must be accessible in work areas 1,000 square feet or more in size (as defined by permanently installed partitions, counters, casework, or furnishings). This requirement facilitates access to individual work stations within a space.

Common Use Circulation Paths

Common use circulation paths shown in employee work area greater than 1,000 square feet containing approximately 20 cubicles. Figure notes: Common use circulation paths in work areas of 1,000 sq. ft. or more must meet requirements for accessible routes, including clear width and changes in level. Doors and gates that are part of common use circulation paths, including those leading to and from the work area, must fully comply.

Work Area Circulation Paths: Exceptions

Common use circulation paths are required to be accessible except:

  • in work areas below 1,000 sq. ft. in size
  • in work areas fully exposed to the weather (regardless of size)
  • where they are integral to work equipment

Large tanks with stairs leading to catwalk on top. Figure note: Circulation paths integrated into storage tanks, machinery, and other work equipment are not required to comply. Technical exceptions also allow circulation path clearances to be reduced where it is essential to the work function (§403.5, §405.5) and permit later installation of ramp handrails (§405.8).

Circulation Paths Serving Exempted Spaces

[§203

valve
structure with ladder
boiler
Portions of common use circulation paths serving exempt spaces within a work area are not required to comply, including routes to or within:
  • machinery spaces used only by service personnel;
  • spaces accessed only by ladders, catwalks, crawl spaces, or very narrow passageways;
  • employee work areas under 300 sq. ft. that are elevated at least 7″ as an essential functional condition of the space (excluding raised courtroom stations)
  • and other exempted spaces.

Wiring for Visible Alarms

[§215.3]

fire alarm

All employee work areas served by audible fire alarms, regardless of size, must be designed to support later installation of visible alarms after construction if needed. In new construction, alarm systems are typically provided with sufficient power resources to support the addition of strobes where they are needed to accommodate an employee who cannot hear the audible alarm.

Scoping Requirements for Elements and Spaces

[§204 to §243]

Scoping provisions for elements and spaces, which are summarized here, are further discussed with relevant technical provisions in the following chapters of this guide.

Site Arrival Points, Entrances, and Egress

Figure of entrance at food mart with accessible parking spaces and accessible routes shown extending from entrance to access aisle at parking spaces and continuing down front sidewalk. Figure notes: Entrances (§206.4) At least 60% of all public entrances must be accessible, in addition to entrances serving parking structures, tunnels or elevated walkways, tenant spaces, or those entrances that are restricted. Accessible Routes (§206) An accessible route to accessible entrances is required from public streets and sidewalks (unless site arrival is by vehicle only), parking, passenger loading zones, and transportation stops provided within the boundary of the site. Accessible Means of Egress (§207) Accessible means of egress must be provided as required by the International Building Code (2000 edition with 2001 supplement or 2003 edition). Parking (§208) The minimum number of accessible spaces is based on the total number of spaces provided in each parking lot or garage. At least 1 of every 6 accessible spaces must be van accessible. Passenger Loading Zones and Bus Stops (§209) Where passenger loading zones are provided, an accessible loading zone is required in every continuous 100 linear feet or fraction thereof. Bus stops and bus loading zones for designated or specified public transportation, where provided, must meet requirements for bus boarding and alighting areas.

General Elements

Most scoping provisions apply to both interior and exterior elements where provided throughout facilities and sites (and are not limited to those in corridors as shown here).

Figure of corridor with a door, elevator, light sconce (protruding object), outlet and fire extinguisher cabinet (operable parts). Figure notes: Accessible Routes (§206) and Doors (§206.5) An accessible route must connect all accessible spaces and elements in a facility, and doors on accessible routes must comply Protruding Objects (§204) Objects on all circulation paths (not just accessible routes) must be installed so that they do not pose hazards to people with vision impairments. Operable Parts (§205) Controls, outlets, receptacles, and other operable parts are covered (excluding those used only by maintenance personnel or serving a dedicated use).. Elevators (§206.6) Vertical access between stories is required in most multi-story facilities. Stairways (§210) All stairs that are part of a required means of egress must comply. Windows (§229) If windows are provided in accessible spaces for operation by occupants, at least 1 must comply. Each window that is required to be operable by a local code or authority also must comply. These requirements do not apply to residential facilities.

Communication Elements

Figure of corridor with overhead sign ("East Wing Rooms 300 to 350"), sign at door, fire alarm, and pay telephone. Figure notes: Fire Alarm Systems (§215) Fire alarms, if provided, must comply with the National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72) which covers audible and visual features. Signs (§216) Directional and informational signs, where provided, must meet requirements for visual access, and signs identifying permanent spaces, room numbers/ names, floor levels, and exits must also have raised characters and braille. The International Symbol of Accessibility is used to identify accessible entrances, restrooms, and bathing facilities (unless all are accessible), as well as to label accessible parking spaces, and check-out aisles. Symbols are also specified for signs indicating assistive listening systems and TTYs. Telephones (§217) All public telephones must have volume control and wheelchair access is required to at least 1 public phone of each type (e.g., pay, closed circuit, courtesy, etc.) provided on a floor/level or exterior site (or at each bank if more than 1 bank is provided on a floor). TTYs are required based on the number of pay telephones provided. Assistive Listening Systems (§219) Assistive listening systems for people who are hard of hearing are required in all assembly areas equipped with audio amplification and all courtrooms. Two-way Communication Systems (§230) Two-way communication systems provided to gain admittance to buildings must be accessible and have audible and visual signals. Transient Lodging (§224) and Dwelling Units (§233) A specified portion of transient lodging guest rooms and dwelling units must be equipped with accessible communication features, such as visual devices for door bells and visible alarms.

Plumbing Elements and Facilities

Figure of entrances to a women's room and men's room with a dual bowl drinking fountain in between. Figure notes: Drinking Fountains (§211) Half the units provided on floors and exterior sites must be wheelchair accessible and the other half accessible to standees (dual access must be provided where 1 unit is planned on a floor or exterior site). Toilet and Bathing Facilities (§213) All toilet and bathing facilities provided must be accessible, except portable units (5% minimum) and single user toilet rooms clustered at one location (no more than 50% for each use are required to comply). If multi-user toilet or bathing facilities are provided, accessible unisex facilities cannot substitute for access to multi-user rooms (except in certain alterations where compliance is technically infeasible). Kitchens, Kitchenettes, and Sinks (§212) Kitchens, kitchenettes, and sinks must comply. Access is required to at least 5% of each type of sink in accessible rooms or spaces but no fewer than 1 (except those in work areas used only by employees for work purposes). Washing Machines and Clothes Dryers (§214) At least 2 washing machines must comply if more than 3 are provided, and at least 1 washing machine must comply if 3 or fewer are provided. This level of access is also required for clothes dryers.

Sales and Service Elements and Spaces

Figure of customer service lobby of bank "Bank of Washington" with teller windows, work surface (desk), and ATM with self-service shelving. Figure notes: Sales and Service Counters (§227.3) Access is required to at least 1 of each type of sales and service counter provided. If counters are dispersed throughout a facility, accessible counters must also be dispersed. ATMs and Fare Machines (§220) At least one of each type at each location must comply. Work Surfaces (§226) At least 5% of work surfaces are required to comply (excluding those surfaces used only by employees to perform work). Self-Service Shelving (§225.2) Self-service shelves in stores, banks, libraries and other facilities must be on an accessible route. Check-out aisles (§227.2) A minimum number of check-out aisles of each type must comply based on the total provided and must be dispersed where check-out aisles are dispersed throughout a facility. Fuel Dispensers, Vending Machines, Change Machines, Depositories (§228) Access is required to at least 1 of each type of dispenser, machine, or depository provided that is fixed or built-in. Mail Boxes (§228.2) At least 5% of mail boxes provided in an interior location of non-residential facilities must be accessible. In residential facilities, if mail boxes are provided for each dwelling unit, mail boxes serving mobility accessible units must comply. Dining Surfaces (§226) and Food Service Lines (§227.4) At least 5% of seating and standing spaces at fixed or built-in dining surfaces are required to be accessible. Food service lines, where provided, must comply and at least 50% of self-service shelves are required to be within accessible reach range.

Specific Spaces and Occupancies

The ADA Standards include scoping requirements specific to certain types of spaces and facilities that apply based on the intended use and design. Spaces with multiple uses must meet all applicable requirements for each use. Scoping provisions for specific spaces and occupancies address:

DOJ's 2010 ADA Standards incorporate regulatory language that modifies or augments a number of these provisions (*noted with an asterisk *) and also set forth additional requirements for spaces and facilities provided in housing at a place of education, social service center establishments, and curb ramps.
train
Transportation Facilities [§218] and Bus Stops [§209]
microphone
Assembly Areas [§221]*
hangar
Dressing, Fitting, and Locker Rooms [§222]
medical symbol
Medical Care and Long-Term Care Facilities [§223]*
suitcase
Transient Lodging Guest Rooms [§224]*
lockers
Storage [§225]
gavel
Judicial Facilities [§231]
jail cell door
Detention and Correctional Facilities [§232]*
house
Residential Facilities [§233]*
swimmer
Recreation Facilities [§234 to §243]

Common Questions

question mark

Are all public use and common use areas required to be accessible?

All areas of facilities, including public and common use areas, are required to be accessible in new construction except those that are specifically exempt (e.g., certain types of limited use or raised spaces) or that are covered by provisions that require only a specified portion to comply (e.g., transient lodging guest rooms and patient bedrooms). All other rooms and spaces, including multiple ones of the same type, such as patient exam rooms, classrooms, and courtrooms, are required to be accessible. Employee work areas, however, are not required to be fully accessible.

Can access be provided after construction based on need?

Access required by the ADA Standards must be put in place and ready for use as part of construction. This is required in all but a few specified instances, such as:

  • Toilet and bathrooms in residential dwelling units or accessed through an individual’s private office for his or her exclusive use are not required to be built with certain specifically enumerated access features, such as grab bars and lavatory clearances, if they are built according to criteria that will facilitate later installation or adaptation, such as reinforcement for grab bars and removable vanity cabinets.
  • Vertical access to work stations in courtrooms, such as judges’ benches, can be provided after construction if space and other requirements are met to ease later installation of necessary ramps or lifts.

Are employee restrooms and break rooms required to be accessible?

Yes, spaces used by employees for purposes other than work, including restrooms, break rooms, locker rooms, lounges, and parking must be fully accessible. Areas used only by employees for work are not required to be fully accessible but must be connected by accessible routes and means of egress for approach, entry, and exit and have wiring to support visual alarms if served by audible alarms. Also, circulation paths must be accessible in work areas at least 1,000 square feet in size.

What does access for “approach, entry, and exit” to employee work areas require?

Access for individuals with disabilities to “approach, entry, and exit” employee work areas requires that the following be provided at a minimum: an accessible route to the work area, a compliant entrance, including any entry door or gate, to the work area, and wheelchair space (30 inches by 48 inches minimum) within the work area. Work areas also must also meet referenced requirements in the International Building Code for accessible means of egress and also have wiring to support later installation of visual alarm appliances.

View ADA Standards

Technical Assistance

Contact the Access Board for guidance on these standards