Accessible doors are a fundamental component of building safety and usability. Governed primarily by the ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities standard, these requirements ensure that people with disabilities can navigate a building independently and safely. ANSI A117.1 provides the detailed technical specifications referenced by the International Building Code (IBC) and is harmonized with the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

Key requirements for an accessible door under ANSI A117.1-2017 include:

• Minimum Clear Width: 32 inches, measured from the face of the door (at 90 degrees) to the frame's stop.
•  Maneuvering Clearance: Varies by approach and door swing. The most common is an 18-inch clear space on the latch (strike) side of a door on the pull side for a forward approach.
• Hardware: Must be operable with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting the wrist. Levers are compliant; traditional round doorknobs are not.
• Opening Force: For interior, non-fire-rated hinged doors, the maximum opening force is 5 pounds.
• Thresholds: Generally limited to 1/2 inch in height with a beveled edge.
• Power-Operated Doors: Low-energy operators must take at least 3 seconds to open to 80 degrees and remain open for at least 5 seconds.

Understanding these technical details is critical for architects, engineers, and contractors to achieve compliance, avoid costly rework, and create truly inclusive spaces.

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Why Accessible Door Design Matters

Doors are one of the most frequently encountered architectural elements. For a person using a wheelchair, walker, or other mobility aid, a non-compliant door can be an insurmountable barrier. Proper design isn't just about meeting code - it's about ensuring equal access and a positive user experience.

In the project workflow, door accessibility touches multiple disciplines:

• Architects are responsible for specifying door locations, sizes, swings, and ensuring adequate maneuvering clearances are designed into the floor plan from the very beginning.
• MEP Engineers must locate devices like thermostats, light switches, and fire alarm pulls outside of required door maneuvering clearances.
• Security and Low-Voltage Consultants must place card readers and access controls in locations that are both reachable and do not obstruct door operation.
• Inspectors and Plan Reviewers meticulously check these details in drawings and in the field, as they are common sources of compliance failures.

A common pitfall is treating these requirements as a checklist item late in the design process. Maneuvering clearances, in particular, must be integrated into the spatial layout early on, as they can significantly impact room dimensions and corridor widths.

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When measuring the 18 inches of strike-side clearance on the pull side of a door, is the measurement taken from the face of the door, the edge of the door frame, or the edge of the clear opening? Does the 2017 ANSI A117.1 clarify this?

The 18-inch strike-side maneuvering clearance is measured from the leading edge of the door frame on the latch side, perpendicular to the face of the closed door. The ICC A117.1-2017 standard explicitly clarifies this with diagrams, leaving no room for ambiguity.

This measurement is illustrated in Figure 404.2.4.1(a) for a front approach on the pull side of a swinging door. The dimension line for the 18-inch minimum clearance clearly starts at the edge of the door frame (the jamb) and extends parallel to the wall. It is not measured from the face of the door panel itself or from the centerline of the door hardware.

The purpose of this clearance is to provide a clear, level floor space for a person using a wheelchair to position themselves alongside the door, reach the handle, and pull the door open without being in the path of the door's swing. Measuring from the frame ensures this necessary space is fully provided. This requirement is identical in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design §404.2.4.1, which uses a matching diagram.

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What are the specific force and timing requirements for a low-energy power-operated door according to the ANSI A117.1-2017 standard, and how are these measured during a field inspection?

According to ICC A117.1-2017 Section 404.3, low-energy and power-assisted doors must meet specific timing criteria to ensure safe operation. The standard requires the door to take at least 3 seconds to move from the fully closed position to an open position of 80 degrees. Furthermore, the door must remain fully open for a minimum of 5 seconds before beginning its closing cycle.

While ANSI A117.1 sets these timing and control requirements, it references a separate standard for the detailed operational forces: ANSI/BHMA A156.19, Standard for Power Assist and Low Energy Power Operated Doors. This referenced standard sets limits on:

• Opening Force: Maximum force to set the door in motion.
• Closing Force: Maximum force exerted during the closing cycle.
• Kinetic Energy: Limits the combination of the door's speed and weight to prevent injury upon impact.

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During a field inspection, these requirements are measured as follows:

1.  Timing: An inspector will use a stopwatch. They activate the door and time its opening swing from the moment it begins to move until it reaches approximately 80 degrees. They then time the hold-open duration before the closer initiates.

2.  Force: An inspector uses a door force gauge (a calibrated push-pull meter) to measure the force required to manually stop the moving door. This test verifies that the door will not strike a person with excessive force if they are in its path.

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Does a key card reader at a secured entrance need to be located within the reach ranges specified in the ANSI A117.1 standard, and how does this coordinate with the strike-side clearance of the door it operates?

Yes, a key card reader is considered an "operable part" and must comply with the height and location requirements of ICC A117.1-2017 Section 309 (Operable Parts) and Section 308 (Reach Ranges). This means it must be placed within accessible reach ranges so a person with a disability can use it.

The primary reach range requirements are:

• Unobstructed Forward Reach: Maximum 48 inches high, minimum 15 inches high.
• Unobstructed Side Reach: Maximum 48 inches high, minimum 9 inches high.
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Coordination with the door's maneuvering clearance is critical and a common point of error. The card reader must be located so that a person can use it and then proceed to open the door without obstruction.

• The card reader and its associated clear floor space for the user cannot overlap or obstruct the required maneuvering clearance at the door, as defined in Section 404.2.4.
• For example, you cannot place the card reader in the middle of the required 18-inch strike-side clearance, because a person using it would then be in the way of their own maneuvering space.

A best practice is to locate the card reader adjacent to the maneuvering clearance, typically on the wall just before the 18-inch clear space begins. This allows a person in a wheelchair to pull up, use the reader, and then move forward into the maneuvering clearance to open the door.

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What is the minimum clear width for a handicap accessible door?

The minimum clear opening width for a single accessible swinging door is 32 inches. This requirement is specified in ICC A117.1-2017 Section 404.2.3 (Clear Width) and is a fundamental accessibility standard.

This clear width is measured from the face of the door panel when it is open to 90 degrees to the face of the stop on the latch-side door frame. It is crucial to understand that this is not the width of the door slab itself. For example, a standard 36-inch-wide door (a 3'-0" door) will typically provide about 34 inches of clear width, which is compliant. A 32-inch door slab will not provide the required 32-inch clear width.

Protruding hardware, such as panic bars or surface-mounted vertical rods, may project into this opening but cannot reduce the clear width to less than 32 inches when measured at the point of projection.

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How much space do you need next to a door for wheelchair access according to ANSI 117.1?

The amount of clear floor space required next to a door for wheelchair access is called "maneuvering clearance." It varies significantly based on the user's direction of approach and whether they are pushing or pulling the door open. These dimensions are detailed in ICC A117.1-2017 Table 404.2.4.1.

The goal is to provide enough room for a wheelchair user to approach the door, operate the handle, and move out of the way of the door's swing.

Here are the most common requirements:

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The floor surface within these maneuvering clearances must be level, with a maximum slope of 1:48 (2%) in any direction.

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Do round doorknobs comply with the A117.1 code?

No, standard round doorknobs that must be tightly gripped and twisted to operate do not comply with the accessibility standards. ICC A117.1-2017 Section 404.2.7 (Door and Gate Hardware) references Section 309.4 (Operation), which states that operable parts must be usable with one hand and "shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist."

This performance requirement effectively prohibits the use of traditional round doorknobs on accessible routes. Compliant hardware options include:

• Lever-operated handles
• Push-type mechanisms (like panic bars)
• U-shaped pulls

The force to activate these operable parts cannot exceed 5 pounds (22.2 N). This ensures that people with limited hand strength or dexterity can operate the door hardware.

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Common Mistakes and Misinterpretations

Even with clear standards, several common errors occur in design and construction. Being aware of these can prevent costly change orders and failed inspections.

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• Obstructing Maneuvering Clearances: The most frequent failure. Items like fire extinguisher cabinets, drinking fountains, signage, or even wall-mounted hand sanitizer dispensers are placed within the required clear floor space next to a door. This space must be kept completely clear.
• Incorrect Closer Specification: A door closer can make a door inaccessible if its spring is too strong. The 5-pound opening force limit for interior doors is critical. For fire-rated doors, which require a stronger closer to latch properly, finding a balance can be challenging and may necessitate a power-operated door.
• Forgetting Floor Slope: Maneuvering clearances must be on a stable, firm, and slip-resistant surface with a maximum slope of 1:48. This is especially important at exterior entrances where sidewalks may slope for drainage or connect to ramps. The door landing itself must be level.
• Measuring Clear Width Incorrectly: During plan review or field inspection, some may mistakenly measure the door panel width instead of the clear opening between the door face at 90 degrees and the frame stop.

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Jurisdictional Variations and the ADA

While the ICC A117.1 standard is the primary technical resource adopted by the IBC, it's essential to remember two things:

• State and Local Amendments: Many states (like California with the CBC, Florida with the FBC, and New York) adopt the IBC but make amendments. Always verify if the state or local code has more stringent requirements for accessible doors.
• The ADA: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law, not a building code. The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design are the enforceable rules for accessibility. Fortunately, the technical requirements for doors in the 2010 ADA Standards are highly harmonized with the ICC A117.1-2009 and later editions. Compliance with ICC A117.1-2017 will almost always ensure compliance with the ADA Standards for these provisions.

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Permitting and Plan Review Checklist

When preparing documents for permitting, ensure your drawings clearly demonstrate compliance:

• Door Schedule: Clearly lists the clear opening width for every door on an accessible route.
• Floor Plans: Use a clear symbol or hatched area to show the required maneuvering clearance at each accessible door. Dimension these clearances.
• Details: Provide wall sections or large-scale plans showing threshold details and heights.
• Hardware Specifications: Ensure the specified hardware set includes lever handles, compliant closers, and other accessible components.
• Coordination: Double-check that no other building element (millwork, MEP devices, security devices) encroaches on the required clearances shown on the floor plans.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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What is the difference between ANSI A117.1 and the ADA?

ANSI A117.1 is a technical standard that provides detailed specifications on how to build accessible elements. The ADA is a federal civil rights law that mandates accessibility in public accommodations and commercial facilities. Building codes like the IBC adopt ANSI A117.1 as the standard for compliance, and the 2010 ADA Standards are closely aligned with it.

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Do these door rules apply to private residential homes?

Generally, no. The accessibility requirements of the IBC and ANSI A117.1 apply to buildings covered by those codes, which are typically public and commercial buildings. However, they do apply to common areas in multi-family housing and to individual units covered by the Fair Housing Act or specific local codes (e.g., Type A and Type B dwelling units).

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What are the code requirements for door thresholds?

Per ICC A117.1-2017 Section 404.2.5, thresholds at swinging doors cannot exceed 1/2 inch in height. The edge must be beveled with a slope no steeper than 1:2 if the height exceeds 1/4 inch.

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What is the maximum opening force for an accessible door?

For interior, non-fire-rated hinged doors, the maximum force to push or pull the door open is 5.0 pounds (Section 404.2.9). This does not apply to the force needed to retract latch bolts or disengage other hardware. Fire doors must have the minimum opening force allowed by the authority having jurisdiction.

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Can a door swing into the clear floor space of an accessible plumbing fixture?

No. Section 404.2.4.4 states that door maneuvering clearances are permitted to overlap with clear floor spaces and turning spaces. However, the door swing itself cannot encroach into the required clear floor space for a fixture like a toilet or sink, except in single-user toilet rooms where a clear space is provided beyond the arc of the door swing.

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How is clear width measured for a pair of double doors?

For a pair of doors, at least one of the active leaves must provide the minimum 32-inch clear width when measured from the face of that leaf to the edge of the other leaf in the closed position, or to the mullion.

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Do automatic doors have different clearance requirements?

Yes. Per Section 404.3, fully automatic doors (which open automatically upon approach) do not require maneuvering clearances. However, low-energy power-operated doors, which are activated by a user control like a push plate, still require maneuvering clearances so the user can reach the control.

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Are kick plates required on accessible doors?

No, kick plates are not explicitly required by ANSI A117.1. However, Section 404.2.10 requires the bottom 10 inches of the push side of a door to be a smooth surface to prevent crutches or wheelchair footrests from getting caught. A kick plate is a common and durable way to satisfy this requirement.

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References

1. ICC A117.1–2017: Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities (Official Standard – Digital View): https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/icca117-12017/american-national-standard
2. ANSI/BHMA A156.19 – Power Assist & Low Energy Power Operated Doors (Referenced by A117.1-2017): https://www.buildershardware.com/standards/ansi-bhma-a15619
3. 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design – Section 404: Doors, Doorways, & Gates: https://www.ada.gov/
4. International Building Code (IBC) 2021 – Chapter 11 Accessibility: https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IBC2021P1/chapter-11-accessibility
5. U.S. Access Board – ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG): Doors & Entrances: https://www.access-board.gov/ada/guides/chapter-4-entrances-doors-and-gates/

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