Wheelchair-maneuvering clearance at doorways
NKBA 4th ed §1.1 DoorwaysDescription
At the pull-side of a doorway, provide a clear floor space of doorway-width plus 24" wide × 60" deep. At the push-side, provide doorway-width plus 12" wide × 48-52" deep. Sliding and pocket doors get the same clear-opening provisions.
Why this exists
A wheelchair user needs space to position alongside the door before pulling it open and clearance to roll through after pushing. The pull-side requires more depth because the user has to back up to clear the swing.
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.
Plan symbols this applies to
These plan symbols invoke this directive when placed on a floor plan. Click any to see where it's drawn and what other rules apply to it.
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
- Flush flooring transitions; max 1/4" eased, 1/2" beveled · NKBA 4th ed §1.3 Floor Transitions
- Clear floor space at every activity center: 30-32" × 48-52" · NKBA 4th ed §1.5 Clear Floor Space at Activity Centers
Last reviewed 2026-05-14.