Whether you run a small retail shop, a restaurant or any other type of business, complying with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is non-negotiable. In order to prevent expensive fines and lawsuits, commercial buildings must ensure that all restrooms are fully ADA compliant. ADA bathroom requirements are essential to the safety of people who use mobility aids.

Fortunately, these ADA restroom requirements 2024 aren’t difficult to meet, and they can be easily broken down into basic ADA guidelines. The main point is that every bathroom must have a toilet stall for each gender, and the door should be a minimum of 32 inches wide with compliant hardware. In addition, the stall door must open with no more than five pounds of force and be self-closing.

2024 ADA Restroom Requirements: Key Updates and Compliance

Another important part of ADA bathroom standards is that all mechanisms, knobs, and faucets must be easy to grasp and operate without requiring tight gripping or twisting the wrist. This is why it is important to choose a pull handle that is lever-operated and has a push or touch actuator rather than one that requires hard twisting.

Finally, ADA bathroom standards also require clear floor space for wheelchair maneuvering and a minimum of 6” clearance between the wall and the toilet seat. This clearance is especially important for wash stations or lavatories, as they can require additional room for users to maneuver around the sink. In addition to these guidelines, ADA-compliant bathrooms must also include accessible trash and waste receptacles, soap dispensers, and toilette paper dispensers.