Door maneuvering clearance: 18 in beside latch on pull side; 12 in beside latch on push side (if closer); 48 in clear floor
US Access Board ABA §404.2.4 Maneuvering clearance at doorsDescription
Hinged doors require maneuvering clearances on both sides per Table 404.2.4.1 of the ABA Standards. Pull side (door pulled toward user): 18 in beside the latch + 60 in straight clearance perpendicular to the door. Push side: 12 in beside the latch only when both a closer AND a latch are present + 48 in straight clearance. Floor surface must be level (max 2% slope) throughout the maneuvering area. Carpet > ½ in pile or thresholds > ½ in violate the rule.
Why this exists
Wheelchair users can't approach a door head-on and pull it — they need space alongside the latch to position the chair. The 18-in pull-side clearance is the single most-violated accessibility detail in residential design. Architects should preserve it especially at front doors, primary bath doors, and master bedroom doors.
Measurements
| Property | Operator | Value | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
pullSideLatch | min | 18 | in beside latch | Pull-side maneuvering clearance |
pullSideStraight | min | 60 | in straight | Pull-side depth perpendicular to door |
pushSideLatch | min | 12 | in beside latch (with closer + latch) | Push-side maneuvering clearance |
pushSideStraight | min | 48 | in straight (with closer + latch) | Push-side depth perpendicular to door |
Categories
Source
Solver enforcement
Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.
Related directives
- Bathroom entry doorway · NKBA Bath 1
- Kitchen walkway and work-aisle widths · NKBA Kitchen 6
- Single-door clear opening: 34" minimum (36" door leaf) · NKBA 4th ed §1.1 Doorways
- Wheelchair-maneuvering clearance at doorways · NKBA 4th ed §1.1 Doorways
- Flush flooring transitions; max 1/4" eased, 1/2" beveled · NKBA 4th ed §1.3 Floor Transitions
Last reviewed 2026-05-15.