The illustrated planning reference

Accessible restrooms.
Clearly explained.

Find the dimensions. Understand the drawings. Bring a better-informed plan to your next project.

A practical guide to clearances, compartments and fixtures, built around Bobrick’s original illustrations.

Explore the guide Get the planning checklist

Original Bobrick diagramsSource-linked dimensionsNo signup

LAYOUT STUDY / 01Individual toilet room

Enlarge drawing

Fig. 26 Individual toilet room with baby changing stationSource p. 51

Example layout · figures are not to scale

Based on Bobrick’s Planning Guide for Accessible Restrooms

2010 ADA ICC A117.1–2017 Edition notes below

Before you use a dimension

Keep the context with the number.

This reference follows the supplied Bobrick guide. Its ADA and ICC dimensions sometimes differ, especially for new buildings. A minimum, a maximum and a recommended size mean different things.

01Identify the standard

Keep ADA and ICC references distinct.

02Check the condition

New or existing, adult or child, fixture and approach.

03Read the whole detail

Follow the figure notes and review the project locally.

Source: p. 3 p. 4 p. 8

01Floor & turning space

Give movement its own space.

A clear floor space lets someone approach and use a fixture. A turning space lets someone change direction. Plan both, then check how fixtures, doors and accessories affect them.

Floor & turning space · dimensions from the supplied guide
Reference	2010 ADA	2017 ICC · existing	2017 ICC · new
Clear floor space, minimum width × length	30 × 48 in 760 × 1220 mm	30 × 48 in 760 × 1220 mm	30 × 52 in 760 × 1320 mm
Circular turning space, minimum diameter	60 in 1525 mm	60 in 1525 mm	67 in 1700 mm

A circle is one option

The guide also illustrates T-shaped turning spaces. Their arm, base and overlap conditions matter; use the complete drawings in Figure 5.

Check every overlap

Some clear spaces can overlap and some can extend under fixtures with the required knee and toe clearance. The guide’s overlap diagrams explain the conditions.

Bobrick Figures 3a and 3b show 30 by 48 inch clear floor space for 2010 ADA and 2017 ICC existing buildings, and 30 by 52 inch clear floor space for 2017 ICC new buildings. — Fig. 3a–3b Wheelchair clear floor spacesSource p. 11

Bobrick Figures 4a and 4b compare a 67-inch minimum turning circle for 2017 ICC new buildings with a 60-inch minimum circle for 2010 ADA and 2017 ICC existing buildings. — Fig. 4a–4b Circular wheelchair turning spacesSource p. 11

A turning circle by itself does not establish that the entire restroom works. Trace the route from the entrance to each fixture.

Source: p. 11 p. 12 p. 13

02Reach & controls

Put the usable part within reach.

Measure to the part a person actually operates: the dispenser outlet, lever, button or control. The height of the cabinet alone does not tell you whether the accessory is usable.

Reach & controls · dimensions from the supplied guide
Adult reference	Guide dimension	Condition
Unobstructed high reach	48 in maximum 1220 mm	Forward or side reach
Unobstructed low reach	15 in minimum 380 mm	Forward or side reach
Operating force	5 lbf maximum 22.2 N	Controls and operating mechanisms discussed in the guide

Obstructions change the reach

A countertop, lavatory or other obstruction can reduce the allowable high reach. Check the forward- and side-reach diagrams before choosing a mounting height.

Keep children’s references separate

The guide provides age-related reach ranges and uses blue labels for children’s dimensions. The adult reference above does not substitute for those tables.

Check toilet-compartment dispensers separately

The general 15-inch low reach is not a universal toilet-tissue outlet minimum. The guide gives an 18-inch ICC minimum with a limited two-roll exception. See Figures 17b–17e for the selected configuration.

Place soap and drying facilities where they can be reached from the intended approach, then check the complete route between them.

Source: p. 8 p. 9 p. 10 p. 15 p. 21 p. 22

03Lavatories

Leave room beneath the basin.

An accessible lavatory needs a usable approach, knee and toe clearance, reachable controls and protected piping. The sink and the space below it work together.

Lavatories · dimensions from the supplied guide
Adult reference	Guide dimension	Measure or check
Lavatory rim or counter	34 in maximum 865 mm	Height above finished floor
Knee clearance height	27 in minimum 685 mm	Use the full knee/toe profile in Figure 7
Knee clearance width	30 in minimum 760 mm	Clear width below the fixture

Protect the approach

Keep the required clear floor space available in front of the lavatory. Check the applicable new- or existing-building dimension.

Protect exposed piping

Insulate or otherwise configure water-supply and drain pipes to protect against contact. A protective panel must preserve the required clearances.

Bobrick Figure 7 shows a wheelchair approaching a lavatory, with rim height, knee and toe clearance, reach, and separate blue children's dimensions. — Fig. 7 Lavatory clearancesSource p. 14

Check the complete clearance profile, including depth. A single knee-height measurement is only part of the detail.

Source: p. 13 p. 14 p. 15

04Toilet compartments

Choose the compartment, then check the details.

Wheelchair-accessible and ambulatory-accessible compartments serve different needs. The dimensions below describe the guide’s standard arrangements, with the door, toe-clearance and fixture conditions still to be checked.

Toilet compartments · dimensions from the supplied guide
Reference	Guide dimension	Applies to
Wheelchair compartment width	60 in minimum 1525 mm	Standard wheelchair-accessible compartment
Wheelchair compartment depth	56 in minimum 1420 mm	Wall-hung toilet
Wheelchair compartment depth	59 in minimum 1500 mm	Floor-mounted toilet
Adult toilet centerline	16–18 in 405–455 mm	From the side wall in a wheelchair-accessible compartment
Adult toilet seat height	17–19 in 430–485 mm	Finished floor to top of seat
Ambulatory compartment	35–37 in wide; 60 in minimum deep 890–940 mm; 1525 mm	Separate ambulatory-accessible arrangement

Ambulatory is a separate arrangement

The guide shows grab bars on both sides and an outward-swinging door. It is not a replacement for the wheelchair-accessible compartment.

Larger and alternate layouts exist

Figures 11–12 show other wheelchair-accessible arrangements. The guide says Figure 13’s shorter side-entry arrangement is not offered in the 2010 ADA Standards and requires equivalent-facilitation documentation. Keep each configuration and its conditions together.

Bobrick Figure 10 shows a wheelchair accessible toilet compartment with door clearance, wall- and floor-mounted toilet depths, toilet centerline, grab bar placement and annotated exceptions. — Fig. 10 Wheelchair accessible toilet compartmentSource p. 17

Bobrick Figure 14 shows an ambulatory accessible compartment with two side grab bars, an outward-swinging self-closing door, 35–37 inch width and 60 inch minimum depth. — Fig. 14 Ambulatory accessible toilet compartmentSource p. 18

Compartment dimensions are not whole-restroom dimensions. The approach aisle, entrance, lavatory and turning space need their own room.

Source: p. 17 p. 18 p. 20 p. 21

Compare toilet partition layouts

05Doors & privacy

Follow the door swing all the way through.

Door openings, approach space and partition height can change a layout. Draw the door in its open position and keep required fixture clearances visible on the plan.

Doors & privacy · dimensions from the supplied guide
Reference	Guide dimension	Condition
Clear door opening	32 in minimum 815 mm	Accessible compartment door open 90°
Latch-side approach aisle	42 in minimum 1065 mm	Outward-swinging compartment door; other approaches differ
Horizontal toe clearance · ADA	6 in minimum 150 mm	Beyond the compartment-side face of the partition
Horizontal toe clearance · ICC	8 in minimum 205 mm	Beyond the compartment-side face of the partition

Privacy affects the footprint

Full-height panels and doors may remove the toe clearance available in a standard compartment. Review the larger-compartment alternatives in Figures 15–16 before selecting the partition system.

Toe clearance also has a height

The guide distinguishes adult and children’s vertical toe clearance under ADA and shows a separate ICC detail. Keep the horizontal and vertical requirements together.

Bobrick Figures 15a through 15d compare horizontal and vertical partition toe clearances for 2010 ADA and 2017 ICC, including adult and children's elevations. — Fig. 15a–15d Horizontal and vertical toe clearanceSource p. 19

Full-height compartment wording and dimension labels in the supplied guide need reconciliation. Use the source details for project review; do not treat a condensed full-height size as a universal minimum.

Source: p. 18 p. 19 p. 20

06Grab bars

Measure position as carefully as length.

Grab-bar length, distance from the rear wall and height above the finished floor are separate checks. The guide also distinguishes ADA details from ICC additions.

Grab bars · dimensions from the supplied guide
Adult reference	Guide dimension	Measure or check
Horizontal grab-bar height	33–36 in 840–915 mm	Finished floor to top of gripping surface
Side-wall grab-bar length	42 in minimum 1065 mm	The guide recommends a longer 48 in bar
Side-wall bar start	12 in maximum 305 mm	Distance from rear wall
Side-wall bar extent	54 in minimum 1370 mm	Extent from rear wall
Rear-wall grab bar	36 in minimum 915 mm	Placement and exceptions differ; see the source
ICC vertical grab bar	18 in long	See Figure 17a for location

Use the correct measuring point

The guide locates horizontal mounting height at the top of the gripping surface. Its grab-bar length convention measures to the centers of the mounting flanges.

Allow for accessories

Dispenser and disposal locations must be coordinated with the bars and their clearances. A product fitting on the wall does not establish a usable arrangement.

Bobrick Figure 17a shows toilet seat and grab bar heights, side-wall bar placement, the ICC vertical bar and separate blue children's dimensions. — Fig. 17a Toilet seat height and grab bar locationsSource p. 21

Keep minimum lengths and the guide’s recommended longer lengths distinct when writing the specification.

Source: p. 8 p. 20 p. 21 p. 22

Browse commercial grab bars

07Accessories & signage

Make the small details easy to use.

Mirrors, dispensers, waste receptacles, hooks, urinals and signs all affect the finished room. Coordinate them with the user’s approach and the surrounding fixtures.

Accessories & signage · dimensions from the supplied guide
Adult mirror reference	Guide dimension	Measure to
Over a lavatory or countertop	40 in maximum 1015 mm	Bottom edge of reflecting surface
Other mirror locations	35 in maximum 890 mm	Bottom edge of reflecting surface

Think about the outlet

Toilet-tissue dispenser references vary by standard and dispenser configuration. Figures 17b–17e show outlet locations and the relationship to grab bars.

Keep paths clear

Review protruding objects, operable parts and clear floor space. Recessed accessories can help keep circulation space available.

Include urinals and signs

The guide addresses wall-hung urinal placement in Figure 18 and accessible-restroom identification in Figure 19. Include these in the room review where relevant.

Bobrick Figures 17d and 17e illustrate individual and combination accessories beside a toilet, with toilet tissue outlet and grab bar relationship dimensions. Letter keys refer to the source page's product legend. — Fig. 17d–17e Individual and combination toilet-compartment accessoriesSource p. 44

The appendix’s product letters are examples tied to specific layouts. Confirm the selected product and installation detail for your project.

Source: p. 9 p. 15 p. 21 p. 22 p. 23 p. 44

08Changing stations

Plan for the station in use.

Baby and adult changing facilities need room for the person using the station and anyone assisting them. Include the station’s open position when reviewing nearby fixtures, doors and circulation.

Baby changing

Figure 9 shows approach and knee/toe details. Figure 26 places a baby changing station in an individual toilet room, with the turning spaces illustrated.

Adult changing

Figure 27 shows an adjustable-height adult changing station. The guide includes later ICC supplement material on the station, room amenities and clearances. Review those pages together.

Keep examples in context

An illustrated room is a planning example. Its overall dimensions are not a universal room-size requirement.

Bobrick Figure 26 shows an eight-foot-square example toilet room with a baby changing station in the down position, lavatory, toilet, outward door swing and both 60- and 67-inch turning-circle annotations. Letter keys refer to the source product legend. — Fig. 26 Individual toilet room with baby changing stationSource p. 51

Bobrick Figure 27 illustrates a toilet room with an adjustable-height adult changing station, recommended clear space beside the station, a lavatory, toilet and wheelchair turning circles. Letter keys refer to the source product legend. — Fig. 27 Individual toilet room with adult changing stationSource p. 52

The supplied edition uses both “proposed” and requirement language for adult-changing clearance. Confirm that detail during project review instead of relying on one isolated dimension.

Source: p. 8 p. 16 p. 27 p. 28 p. 51 p. 52

Compare baby and adult changing stations

09Showers & bathing

Match the approach to the shower type.

Transfer, standard roll-in and alternate roll-in showers have different arrangements. The seat, controls, grab bars, threshold and approach clearance are part of the same detail.

Showers & bathing · dimensions from the supplied guide
Shower reference	Guide dimension	Context
Transfer compartment interior	36 × 36 in 915 × 915 mm	Specified interior size, measured at wall centerlines; see Figure 28
Transfer approach · ADA / ICC existing	36 × 48 in minimum 915 × 1220 mm	Clearance adjacent to the opening
Transfer approach · ICC new	36 × 52 in minimum 915 × 1320 mm	Clearance adjacent to the opening
Standard roll-in interior	30 × 60 in minimum 760 × 1525 mm	Complete arrangement in Figure 30

Seats and controls belong together

Use the drawing for the selected shower type to place the seat, controls and hand shower. Do not transfer control locations between configurations.

Include bathing and dressing space

Figures 32–33 cover tubs with removable or permanent seats. Figures 34–42 show complete bathing rooms and multiple shower/dressing arrangements.

Bobrick Figures 28a and 28b compare the clear floor space outside a 36-inch-square transfer shower for 2010 ADA and 2017 ICC existing buildings with the longer clear space for 2017 ICC new buildings. — Fig. 28a–28b Transfer shower clear floor spacesSource p. 29

Bobrick Figures 30a and 30b show a standard roll-in shower with its adjacent clear space, grab bars, shower seat and control positions, including differences labeled for ADA and ICC. — Fig. 30a–30b Standard roll-in shower and control locationsSource p. 31

Review the complete bathing detail, including threshold and adjacent clearance, before selecting the enclosure or accessories.

Source: p. 28 p. 29 p. 30 p. 31 p. 32 p. 33 p. 34

10Example layouts

See how the pieces fit together.

Use these original layouts to start a discussion about circulation, fixtures and space. They are examples, not universal room-size requirements. Enlarge a drawing or open its source page for the full product legend.

Small public restroom

See compartments, lavatories and turning space working together.

More room at the entrance

Compare the entrance, approach and compartment door arrangement.

Bobrick Figure 24a illustrates an accessible public restroom with additional entry clearance, a T-shaped turning space, lavatory, baby changing station and accessible toilet compartment. Letter keys refer to the source product legend. — Fig. 24a Restroom with additional entry clearanceSource p. 49

Individual room with baby changing

Follow the clear floor spaces around the toilet, lavatory and station.

Room with adult changing

Review the adjustable-height station and its place in the room.

Large public restroom

Study circulation through an example with multiple compartments.

Bobrick Figure 20 shows a large women's restroom example with wheelchair and ambulatory accessible compartments, conventional compartments, lavatories, a changing station and wheelchair turning spaces. Letter keys refer to the source product legend. — Fig. 20 Large public restroom with single-door entrySource p. 45

Bathroom with a transfer shower

Coordinate bathing, toilet, lavatory and turning spaces.

Bobrick Figure 34 shows a bathroom example combining a transfer shower, toilet and lavatory, with clear floor areas, wheelchair turning space, grab bars and an outward-swinging entry door. Letter keys refer to the source product legend. — Fig. 34 Bathroom with transfer shower compartmentSource p. 53

More bathing and dressing examples: browse source pages 53–61

A few useful answers

Common planning questions.

Why does the guide show both 60-inch and 67-inch turning circles?

The guide distinguishes 2010 ADA and 2017 ICC existing-building references from the larger turning circle shown for 2017 ICC new buildings. Keep the standard and building context attached to the dimension.

Source: p. 11

Is a 60-inch-wide compartment enough to plan the whole room?

No. That is a standard wheelchair-compartment width reference. The room also needs the appropriate approach, door maneuvering space, turning space and fixture clearances. Full-height partitions and alternate arrangements may change the compartment detail.

Source: p. 17 p. 18 p. 19 p. 20 p. 25

Are wheelchair-accessible and ambulatory-accessible compartments interchangeable?

No. The guide describes distinct arrangements. The ambulatory example has grab bars on both sides and an outward-swinging door; the wheelchair-accessible examples provide space for wheelchair use and transfer.

Source: p. 17 p. 18

Where do I measure mirror height?

The guide measures to the bottom edge of the reflecting surface, not the bottom of the frame. It distinguishes mirrors above lavatories or counters from mirrors elsewhere.

Source: p. 9 p. 15

Can I choose full-height privacy partitions using the standard compartment size?

Review the toe-clearance conditions first. Low panels and doors can remove the clearance available beneath standard partitions. The guide discusses larger-compartment alternatives, but its full-height text and labels need reconciliation before applying a single size.

Source: p. 19 p. 20

Can I measure a dimension directly from one of these drawings?

No. The original figures are marked “not to scale.” Use their written dimensions and notes. Overall room dimensions in example layouts are examples, while individual labels may identify minimums, maximums, ranges or recommendations.

Source: p. 8 p. 11 p. 17 p. 48

Does the guide include children’s dimensions?

Yes. It provides children’s reach and fixture references and identifies children’s dimensions in blue. Keep the age-related tables and figure notes together; the adult summary tables on this page do not cover every child-specific condition.

Source: p. 8 p. 9 p. 10

Does this guide approve my restroom layout?

It is a planning reference based on Bobrick’s guide. The source describes itself as advisory and calls for review against the applicable standards and local jurisdiction. A finished project requires that project-specific review.

Source: p. 3

From reference to your room

Have a drawing ready?

Send your layout to Partition Plus for help with partition and accessory selection and a project quote.

Code and accessibility approval remain part of your project’s design and local review.

Send your drawings

Keep the reference close

The source behind the guide.

Technical content and illustrations are drawn from Bobrick’s Planning Guide for Accessible Restrooms, used with permission. Partition Plus organized the material into this visual reference and planning checklist.

The supplied file contains 60 PDF pages, numbered 2–61 in print. Our page links use the printed page number and open the corresponding PDF page.

Which edition is this based on?

The introduction describes a 2022 update using the 2010 ADA Standards and ICC A117.1–2017. Later pages include adult-changing material and a reference to the 2024 Supplement 1. Those edition distinctions remain part of the source; the file’s later metadata date is not treated as a new standards edition.

How should I use the drawings?

Figures are not to scale. Read their written dimensions and notes. Some comparison figures have been placed side by side for readability; the original labels are preserved. Open a source page to see the surrounding text and product legends.

What about conflicting details?

The source contains some inconsistent wording and metric labels. We have avoided turning unresolved details into universal dimension rules, including the full-height compartment thresholds and adult-changing clearance. Use the complete source and resolve those details during project review.

Planning guidance, not project certification. The source calls for review against applicable accessibility standards and local requirements. This page does not determine which code your jurisdiction has adopted.

Download the complete source PDF More planning resources

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