ADA Bathroom Stall Requirements: Dimensions, Types & More
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines toilet compartments as a partitioned space that is located within a toilet room, and that normally contains no more than one water closet [§213.3.1]. A toilet compartment may also contain a lavatory. The most common used name, bathroom stalls, are actually considered toilet compartments by the ADA. For the sake of this guide, we will use the term “bathroom stall” and “toilet compartment” interchangeably.
Accessible Toilet Compartments
In bathrooms with multiple compartments, there must be at minimum one (1) wheelchair accessible toilet compartment. This will allow wheelchair users and people with other disabilities to use the toilet facilities with the most ease. Abiding by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), will create accessibility for the most amount of people and reduce liability and complaints.
Toilet Compartment Floor Space
In addition to bathroom stall coat hooks, the ADA requires proper bathroom stall clear floor space. This means providing a minimum of 60” inches of width by 56” inches of length for wall hung water closets [§604.8.1.1]. For floor mounted toilet compartments, the ADA required 59” inches of length by 60” of width.
Coat Hooks & Shelves
When a toilet compartment provides coat hooks or shelvings, at least one must abide by the proper ADA reach range requirements. ADA compliant coat hooks can be a maximum of 48” inches tall above the finish floor. The maximum height requirements apply to any shelving in toilet compartments also.
Turning Space in Toilet Compartments
The ADA requires a 60” wide circle diameter of turning space in bathroom stalls [§603.2.1]. This is in addition to the width and length requirements of the toilet compartment.
ADA Bathroom Stall Doors
ADA bathroom stall requirements have specific standards that need to be followed. Listening to the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the best option if you want to provide a property that’s accessible to all. Lawsuits are filed daily on properties that don’t follow the ADA. As a business owner it’s important to protect yourself and your business by being ADA compliant.
Self Closing Bathroom Stall Door
Bathroom stall doors must be self closing and have a minimum closing speed of 1.5 seconds or more [§404].
Toilet Compartment Door Closing Force
The maximum force required to open a toilet compartment door is 5 lbs maximum [§404].
Toilet Compartment Door Approach
The ADA requires toilet compartment doors to have compliant door approach clearances [§404]. Check out our guide on ADA door requirements to ensure your bathroom stall door approach is correct.
ADA Bathroom Stall Lawsuit
Business owners all across the nation are facing ADA related lawsuits for their non-compliant toilet compartments. If you want to remove liability while providing access to as many potential customers as possible, schedule your ADA inspection today.
Ambulatory Accessible Toilet Compartment
An ambulatory accessible toilet compartment is a more narrow bathroom stall that provides parallel grab bars for people who use mobility aids such as canes, crutches, walkers and more. The ADA requires ambulatory stalls in addition to accessible toilet compartments, or when bathrooms have more than 6 urinals and toilets present.
ADA Bathroom Stall Toe Clearance
Compartments require correct toe clearance below partition walls. ADA bathroom stall requirements call for 6” inches of toe clearance beyond partition walls and 9” inches of height minimum. For more information, check out our complete guide on knee and toe clearance requirements.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions on Toilet Compartments
What is the difference between a toilet compartment and bathroom stall?
A toilet compartment is the official term used to describe what we commonly refer to as bathroom stalls. This guide uses the terms interchangeably.
What dimensions must I provide in my toilet compartment?
Toilet compartments require a minimum width of 60” inches and a minimum length of 56” or 59” inches depending on the compartment type.
How do I make sure my bathroom stall is ADA compliant?
In order to make sure your bathroom is ADA compliant, reach out for an ADA inspection and report to find out what’s wrong and make the necessary changes.
Am I required to provide ADA accessible toilet compartments?
If you run a business or manage a property with bathrooms that your customers or the public can access, you are required to be ADA compliant. We’ll assess your bathroom for compliance, write you a report, and help you make a plan to be ADA compliant.
