Code Reference
ArchitecturalADA 2010

Section 603.1/Toilet and Bathing Room General Requirements

ADA 2010 Section 603 covers toilet room turning space, door clearances, mirror heights, and accessory mounting heights.

What this section requires

Accessible toilet and bathing rooms must provide a 60-inch diameter turning space (or a T-shaped turning space) within the room. Doors must not swing into the clear floor space required at any fixture unless the room provides maneuvering space beyond the door swing. Mirrors above lavatories must have the bottom of the reflecting surface at 40 inches maximum above the floor. Coat hooks and shelves must be within reach range (48 inches maximum for a forward reach, 54 inches for a side reach).

Why this section exists

A wheelchair user must be able to enter the restroom, close the door, maneuver to the toilet or lavatory, use the fixtures, and exit. The turning space allows a wheelchair to rotate within the room. The door swing restriction prevents the door from blocking access to fixtures. Mirror and accessory heights ensure they are usable from a seated position.

What plan reviewers look for

Plan reviewers overlay a 60-inch circle (or T-shape) on the restroom floor plan to verify turning space. They check that the door swing does not encroach into fixture clear floor spaces. They verify mirror bottom edge heights on the restroom elevations. They check that accessories (soap dispensers, paper towel dispensers, coat hooks) are within reach range.

Common violations

No turning space in restroom
The restroom layout does not provide a 60-inch diameter clear space for a wheelchair to turn. Fixtures, partitions, or walls encroach into the turning circle.
Door swings into fixture clearance
The restroom door swings inward and overlaps the clear floor space at the water closet or lavatory. The door must swing out or the room must be large enough for the door swing plus fixture clearances.
Mirror mounted too high
The bottom of the mirror reflecting surface is above 40 inches, making it unusable for a person in a wheelchair. Full-length mirrors or tilted mirrors are alternatives.
Compliance tip
Show the 60-inch turning circle on the enlarged restroom plan. Verify the door swing does not conflict with fixture clearances. Include a restroom elevation showing mirror bottom edge at 40 inches and accessory mounting heights within reach range.

Related ADA requirements

Section 604 covers water closet-specific clearances. Section 606 covers lavatory clearances and knee space. Section 308 covers reach ranges for accessories. Section 404 covers door maneuvering clearances at the restroom entry.

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Related sections

306.1Knee and Toe ClearanceADA 2010404.1Accessible Door RequirementsADA 2010604.1Accessible Water Closet ClearancesADA 2010