What is the ADA clear floor space for a wheelchair?
The ADA clear floor or ground space for a single stationary wheelchair is 30 by 48 inches (760 by 1220 mm), positioned for either a forward or a parallel (side) approach (2010 ADA §305.3). This is the footprint that has to stay clear at fixtures, controls, and appliances so a wheelchair user can pull up and use them.
Source: 2010 ADA §305.3 · Verify against your AHJ and the adopted code edition.
Clear floor space is the rectangle a stationary wheelchair occupies. Under 2010 ADA §305.3 it’s 30 inches by 48 inches (760 × 1220 mm) — the minimum unobstructed footprint at anything a person has to reach or use.
A few things that go with it:
- Approach: the 30 × 48 space works for a forward approach (short side to the element) or a parallel/side approach (long side to the element), §305.5.
- One clear side: at least one full side must adjoin an accessible route (§305.6).
- Knee & toe clearance: if the space tucks under a counter or fixture, part of it can count only where there’s adequate knee and toe clearance (§305.7, §306).
Don’t confuse it with turning space — that’s the larger 60-inch circle (or a T-shaped area) a chair needs to turn around (§304). Clear floor space is just the parking spot. ICC A117.1 and local codes can differ — verify with your AHJ.
Look it up: the ADA clearances reference has clear floor space, turning space, and reach ranges with diagrams and citations.
Sources
- U.S. Access Board — 2010 ADA Standards — 2010 ADA Standards §305.3