7 IMPORTANT ADA RESTROOM

REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR

COMMERCIAL SPACE
F R OM A H O S P I TA LI TY I N TERI OR DESIG N ST UDIO

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602.604.6638
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 Opening a commercial business is a very
rewarding yet complex experience. When you’re
in the process of designing your establishment,
the restrooms are often the last thing on your
mind. But due to their many code requirements,
restrooms should actually be toward the top of
your to-do list—especially if you want to prevent
unexpected roadblocks that could affect your
timeline or budget.

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations

may not be a part of the International Building
Code, but the law is an important one and comes
with necessarily strict guidelines. Here are seven
broken-down and clarified restroom requirements
for your bar or restaurant.

TA B L E O F
CONTENTS

HOUSE OF FORM 3. Turn-Around Radius

ADA REQUIREMENTS 4. Grab Bar Heights
5. Toilet Seat Parameters
6. Door Accessibility
7. Sink Clearance
8. In-Wall Fixtures
9. Projection
10. About
11. Contact
2
01
TURN-AROUND RADIUS
When it comes to floor clearance, there are two different options or rules to follow. The clearance route
typically seen is known as the 5-foot turning radius. This means that there is a 5-foot circle of clear floor
space for a patron in a wheelchair to turn around within the restroom stall itself.

The other option is the T-shaped turning radius. This is just as it sounds. There is T-shaped area of clear
space on the floor for a wheelchair to back up and then turn to either the right or left. The overall dimensions
of clear space needed for this turn-around method is a 60-by-60-inch square, but the T-shape gives some
allowances on either side of the wheelchair. This method is especially effective in small or oddly shaped
restrooms.

Image Source: Page 03 of the Bobrick Planning Guide for Accessible Restrooms

ADA RESTROOM REQUIREMENTS 3

02
GRAB BAR HEIGHTS
There are three different grab bars needed in a commercial ADA accessible restroom. The first two bars
should run horizontally. One horizontal grab bar is 36 inches long and should be mounted on the wall behind
the toilet. The other horizontal bar is 42 inches long and should be mounted on the wall that’s adjacent to the
toilet. In addition to the horizontal bars, ADA law requires an 18-inch-long bar to be mounted vertically above
the 42-inch grab bar. The diagram below shows mounting heights and distances, as well as different solutions
that accommodate sanitary disposals and toilet paper holders around the grab bars.

Image Source: Page 09 of the Bobrick Planning Guide for Accessible Restrooms

ADA RESTROOM REQUIREMENTS 4

03
TOILET SEAT PARAMETERS
Before purchasing plumbing fixtures, be sure to check for ADA compliance. An ADA-compliant toilet would
have a seat height of 17 to 19 inches. All other ADA qualities are dependent on the location of the toilet and
the placement of the grab bars, but the center of the toilet should sit 16 to 18 inches from the adjacent
wall and your 36-inch grab bar should be mounted accordingly. The diagram below shows the distances
allowanced for each grab bar from the toilet.

Image Source: Page 07 of the Bobrick Planning Guide for Accessible Restrooms

ADA RESTROOM REQUIREMENTS 5

04
DOOR ACCESSIBILITY
There are three different grab bars needed in a commercial ADA accessible restroom. The first two bars
should run horizontally. One horizontal grab bar is 36 inches long and should be mounted on the wall behind
the toilet. The other horizontal bar is 42 inches long and should be mounted on the wall that’s adjacent to the
toilet. In addition to the horizontal bars, ADA law requires an 18-inch-long bar to be mounted vertically above
the 42-inch grab bar. The diagram below shows mounting heights and distances, as well as different solutions
that accommodate sanitary disposals and toilet paper holders around the grab bars.

Image Source: Pages 125-126 of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

ADA RESTROOM REQUIREMENTS 6

05
SINK CLEARANCE
There are multiple different design solutions for
bathroom sinks, but all variations are required to
be ADA compliant. Sink-height requirements are
consistent throughout all solutions and should be
no more than 34 inches high. If the sink is under-
mounted and built into the countertop, then the
countertop surface should be 34 inches, too.

However, if you’re using a vessel sink that sits

above the surface, you’re actually required
to account for the height of the sink itself and
reduce the height of the countertop or cabinetry
accordingly. This helps ensure that the overall
height of the lavatory doesn’t exceed 34 inches.

In addition to height requirements, you’ll need

to account for clearance below the sink so that a
wheelchair can comfortably pull-up to and under
the sink. In all instances, from the front of the sink,
you need to have 8 inches of clear space for the
patron’s knees. When concealing the P-trap with a
protective panel, the depth from the front face of
the sink to the base of the P-trap should be no less
than 11 inches, so that it can accommodate the
patron’s knees, legs and toes.

Image Source: Page 05 of the Bobrick

Planning Guide for Accessible Restrooms

ADA RESTROOM REQUIREMENTS 7

06
IN-WALL FIXTURES
There are many in/on-wall accessories or dispensers needed in a restroom, like soap, paper towel dispensers,
and seat cover and sanitary dispensers. The mounting height varies from accessory to accessory, but
the dispenser opening should be no more than 48 inches from the floor. Another accessory with a height
requirement is the mirror. Vanity mirrors are typically seen installed over a sink, and in this case, the
maximum distance from the floor to the bottom of the mirror is 40 inches. If it’s installed elsewhere, the
bottom of the mirror should be no more than 35 inches from the floor.

Image Source: Page 03 of the Bobrick Planning Guide for Accessible Restrooms

ADA RESTROOM REQUIREMENTS 8

07
PROJECTION
When we think ADA, we typically assume that
we’re talking only about wheelchair accessibility
because it’s what we most commonly see.
However, when designing any space, it’s important
to consider accessibility for the blind as well.
Floor clearance may not be as big of a concern for
people who are blind, but items projecting from
the wall are. Between 27 inches from the floor
and up to 80 inches from the floor, items on walls
cannot project more than 4 inches in depth into
the path of travel, unless their projection extends
into the 0- to 27-inch wall space. This includes
light fixtures, shelving, bathroom accessories and
more.

Image Source: Page 116 of the 2010

ADA Standards for Accessible Design

ADA RESTROOM REQUIREMENTS 9

 HOUSE OF FORM
ABOUT
THE TEAM

HOUSE OF FORM SPACES T HAT MAKE YOU FEEL...

HOSPITALITY DESIGN House of Form is a concept-heavy interior design studio based in Phoenix, Arizona,
with projects around the world. We are committed to using only one crucial element
as inspiration - you. Whether a restaurant, bar, hotel, retail space, or office - every
space we artfully design is a physical representation of your favorite travels,
cherished memories, and what makes you, you.

House of Form seeks to design that which does not already exist - to create and be
inspired by life’s simplest pleasures. Our mission revolves around crafting an acces-
sible form of luxury, and an intangible vibe that’s ethereal and elusive, all achieved
through the medium of impeccable interior design. It’s our belief that transformative
design possesses the power to change lives, and this belief is intertwined in every-
thing we do.
ADA RESTROOM REQUIREMENTS 10
C O N TA C T

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ADA RESTROOM REQUIREMENTS 11