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ADA Bathroom Requirements — Clearances, Grab Bars & Fixtures

Accessible toilet rooms are covered by Sections 603–606 of the 2010 ADA Standards. The controlling geometry: a 60-inch turning circle, a water closet centered 16–18 inches off the side wall, and grab bars on the side and rear walls.

Requirement	2010 ADA Standard	Section
Turning space	60-in. diameter circle (or T-turn) within the room	§603.2.1
Toilet centerline	16–18 in. from the side wall	§604.2
Toilet seat height	17–19 in. to top of seat	§604.4
Water closet clearance	60 in. wide × 56 in. deep minimum around the toilet	§604.3
Side grab bar	42 in. long minimum, starting within 12 in. of the rear wall, 33–36 in. above floor	§604.5.1, §609
Rear grab bar	36 in. long minimum	§604.5.2
Lavatory (sink)	Rim 34 in. max above floor; 27 in. knee clearance; pipes insulated or protected	§606
Mirror	Bottom of reflecting surface 40 in. max above floor (when over a lavatory)	§603.3

Worth knowing

Doors may not swing into the required fixture clearance except in single-user rooms with clear floor space beyond the door swing (§603.2.3).
Flush controls go on the open side of the toilet, max 44 in. high (§604.6).
Accessible stalls in multi-user restrooms are 60 in. wide minimum; ambulatory stalls (35–37 in.) are also required at 6+ fixtures (§604.8).
Employee-only and residential facilities have modified rules — verify scope with your designer or AHJ.

Source: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (U.S. Department of Justice, public domain) — read the full standard at ada.gov. Your local building code (and ICC A117.1 where adopted) applies in addition — find it on your jurisdiction page.

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