Accessible kitchen: 40 in clear between counters (60 in for U-shape); ≥ 30×48 in clear floor at each appliance + sink; knee space at sink
US Access Board ABA §804 KitchensDescription
Accessible kitchens require: clear floor space (30 × 48 in) at each major appliance + sink + work counter; aisle width between facing counters ≥ 40 in (60 in for U-shaped kitchens where opposite walls or counters define the working aisle); a section of work counter ≥ 30 in long that's accessible from a seated position (counter height 34 in max OR adjustable); knee space under the sink (≥ 30 in wide, 27 in high, 11-25 in deep with insulated supplies) OR a parallel approach to a removable / fold-down base cabinet; range / cooktop with accessible controls (front-mounted, not over-the-burner).
Why this exists
Most production kitchens are designed for standing cooks; accessible kitchens need to support cooking from seated. Architects designing accessible kitchens should plan the seated work counter as the prep zone, with sink + range nearby. The 40-in aisle is tighter than the typical 42-48 in residential aisle — accessible doesn't mean larger, just well-arranged.
Measurements
| Property | Operator | Value | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
aisleStandard | min | 40 | in | Aisle width between facing counters (galley) |
aisleUShape | min | 60 | in | Aisle width in U-shaped kitchen |
seatedCounter | min | 30 | in long | Length of seated-accessible counter section |
seatedHeight | max | 34 | in AFF | Maximum seated work counter height |
kneeSpaceWidth | min | 30 | in | Knee space width below sink/counter |
kneeSpaceHeight | min | 27 | in AFF | Knee space height |
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
- Doorway clear width · NKBA Kitchen 1
- Door swing into work zones · NKBA Kitchen 2
- Distance between work zones · NKBA Kitchen 3
Last reviewed 2026-05-15.