Braillito Maps · Accessibility guides
ADA kitchen requirements: clearances, counters, sinks and appliances
Where a building has a kitchen or a kitchenette, the 2010 ADA Standards require it to comply with section 804 (2010 ADA Standards, 212.1 and 212.2). The two numbers people look for first are the clearances: at least 40 inches (1015 mm) between opposing counters, appliances or walls in a pass-through kitchen, and at least 60 inches (1525 mm) in a U-shaped kitchen (2010 ADA Standards, 804.2.1 and 804.2.2). The sink is no higher than 34 inches (865 mm) (2010 ADA Standards, 606.3), and in a dwelling unit with mobility features at least one 30-inch (760 mm) section of counter works as a work surface no higher than 34 inches (2010 ADA Standards, 804.3 and 804.3.2). This guide goes through the kitchen element by element, each with its section; for the sink in a restroom, see ADA sink height.
This is a summary. The official 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design are the reference.
Where the kitchen rules apply
Section 212 starts with “Where provided”: the Standards do not require a building to have a kitchen, but when it has one, the kitchen or kitchenette complies with 804 (2010 ADA Standards, 212.1 and 212.2). For sinks, at least 5 percent, and no fewer than one, of each type of sink in each accessible room or space complies with 606; mop and service sinks are exempt (2010 ADA Standards, 212.3).
- Break rooms and office kitchenettes. An employee work area is a space used only by employees and only for work, and the Standards add that “Corridors, toilet rooms, kitchenettes and break rooms are not employee work areas” (2010 ADA Standards, 106.5, employee work area). So the narrower rule for work areas, approach, enter and exit (2010 ADA Standards, 203.9), does not cover a staff kitchenette.
- Commercial kitchens used only by employees for work are employee work areas. Employees with disabilities are still entitled to reasonable accommodations, and the advisory note lists commercial kitchen counters among the work stations an employer may need to adjust (2010 ADA Standards, advisory 226.1).
- Hotel rooms. In guest rooms with mobility features, kitchens and kitchenettes comply with 804 (2010 ADA Standards, 806.2.5). The rest of the room is in ADA hotel room requirements.
- Apartments and other dwelling units. In facilities with residential dwelling units, at least 5 percent, and no fewer than one, provide mobility features (2010 ADA Standards, 233.3.1.1), and where such a unit has a kitchen, it complies with 804 (2010 ADA Standards, 809.3).
- Student housing. Kitchens in housing units with accessible sleeping rooms with mobility features, or on floors with such rooms, provide a turning space under 809.2.2 and a work surface under 804.3 (ADA Title III regulations, 28 CFR 36.406(e)(1)).
Clearance: 40 inches or 60 inches
| Layout | Requirement | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Pass-through kitchen: counters, appliances or cabinets on two opposing sides, or opposite a parallel wall | 40 inches (1015 mm) minimum between all opposing base cabinets, counter tops, appliances or walls within the work area; two entries | 2010 ADA Standards, 804.2.1 |
| U-shaped kitchen, enclosed on three contiguous sides | 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum between all opposing base cabinets, counter tops, appliances or walls within the work area | 2010 ADA Standards, 804.2.2 |
| Space without a cooktop or conventional range | the clearance rules of 804.2 do not apply | 2010 ADA Standards, 804.2, exception |
The advisory note explains how to measure: from the furthest projecting face of the opposing base cabinets, counter tops, appliances or walls, not counting hardware such as handles (2010 ADA Standards, advisory 804.2). Advisory notes explain the requirements but do not set enforceable requirements of their own (2010 ADA Standards, 28 CFR 36.406(b)).
In a dwelling unit with mobility features, the kitchen is also where the turning space usually has to fit. The advisory note on 809.2.2 says a clear floor space at least 36 inches (915 mm) wide under the work surface, instead of the required 30 inches (760 mm), can be part of a T-shaped turning space, but not the clearances under both the work surface and the sink at once (2010 ADA Standards, advisory 809.2.2). The turning space itself is explained in ADA turning space.
The work surface
Section 804.3 applies in residential dwelling units required to comply with 809: at least one section of counter, 30 inches (760 mm) wide minimum, works as a kitchen work surface (2010 ADA Standards, 804.3). It has these features:
- Approach. A clear floor space for a forward approach, centered on the work surface, with knee and toe clearance underneath (2010 ADA Standards, 804.3.1).
- Cabinets underneath. Allowed only if they can be removed without removing or replacing the work surface, the finish floor extends under them and the walls behind and around them are finished (2010 ADA Standards, 804.3.1, exception).
- Height. 34 inches (865 mm) maximum above the floor, or a counter adjustable from 29 inches (735 mm) to 36 inches (915 mm) (2010 ADA Standards, 804.3.2 and its exception).
- Underneath. No sharp or abrasive surfaces under the counter (2010 ADA Standards, 804.3.3).
The same work surface serves the oven: a side-hinged oven has it next to the latch side of the door, and a bottom-hinged oven next to one side (2010 ADA Standards, 804.6.5.1 and 804.6.5.2). For counters where customers pay or are served, see ADA counter height.
The kitchen sink
| Element | Requirement | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Height | the front of the rim or the counter, whichever is higher, 34 inches (865 mm) maximum above the floor | 2010 ADA Standards, 606.3 |
| Adjustable sink in a dwelling unit kitchen | 29 inches (735 mm) to 36 inches (915 mm), where the rough-in plumbing allows a sink mounted at 29 inches | 2010 ADA Standards, 606.3, exception 2 |
| Approach | clear floor space for a forward approach, with knee and toe clearance | 2010 ADA Standards, 606.2 |
| Parallel approach allowed | at a kitchen sink in a space without a cooktop or conventional range, and at wet bars | 2010 ADA Standards, 606.2, exception 1 |
| Sinks with several bowls | only one bowl needs knee and toe clearance | 2010 ADA Standards, 606.2, exception 7 |
| Faucet | operable with one hand, without tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist, with 5 pounds (22.2 N) of force or less | 2010 ADA Standards, 606.4; 2010 ADA Standards, 309.4 |
| Pipes | water supply and drain pipes insulated or configured to protect against contact; no sharp or abrasive surfaces underneath | 2010 ADA Standards, 606.5 |
In dwelling units, cabinets may stand under the sink on the same three conditions as under the work surface (2010 ADA Standards, 606.2, exception 3). If soap and towel dispensers are provided, the advisory note places them within reach of a person at the sink (2010 ADA Standards, advisory 606.1). The knee and toe clearance underneath is explained in ADA sink height.
Appliances and storage
Where a kitchen has appliances, each one has a clear floor space of at least 30 by 48 inches (760 × 1220 mm) in front of it; the spaces of different appliances may overlap (2010 ADA Standards, 804.6.1 and 305.3).
- Controls are within reach and operable with one hand. Appliance doors and latches are exempt from the operation rule, and a bottom-hinged door, once open, is exempt from the reach rule (2010 ADA Standards, 804.6.2, 309.3 and 309.4).
- Dishwasher. The clear floor space is next to the door, and the open door does not block the clear floor space for the dishwasher or the sink (2010 ADA Standards, 804.6.3).
- Range or cooktop. Where it has a forward approach, there is knee and toe clearance underneath, with the underside insulated or configured to prevent burns, abrasions or electrical shock. The controls never require reaching across the burners (2010 ADA Standards, 804.6.4).
- Oven. Controls on the front panel (2010 ADA Standards, 804.6.5.3).
- Refrigerator and freezer. At least 50 percent of the freezer space is no higher than 54 inches (1370 mm), with a clear floor space for a parallel approach whose centerline is offset no more than 24 inches (610 mm) from the centerline of the appliance space (2010 ADA Standards, 804.6.6).
- Storage. At least 50 percent of the shelf space in cabinets and pantries has a clear floor space and is within one of the reach ranges (2010 ADA Standards, 804.5, 811.2 and 811.3). For an unobstructed forward reach, that is no higher than 48 inches (1220 mm) and no lower than 15 inches (380 mm) (2010 ADA Standards, 308.2.1); the other ranges are in ADA reach range.
Kitchens and Braillito Maps
Kitchen rules matter most where you stay: a hotel suite, a rented apartment, student housing. Braillito Maps is a community map that answers ten questions about each place: step-free entrance or ramp, wide doorway, accessible restroom, accessible parking, tactile paving, braille signage, braille menu, audible signals, guide dogs welcome and a quiet environment.
The kitchen is not one of the ten, so the map does not record counter heights or clearances. Several of the ten still decide whether a stay works. Step-free entrance or ramp and wide doorway say whether you can get in at all; the door is explained in ADA door width. Accessible restroom says whether there is one you can use, braille signage whether you can find your way inside, and guide dogs welcome whether your dog can come in with you.
Each question is answered yes or no, or stays without data until someone knows. The score of a place is the number of yes answers out of ten, and its color always appears next to the number, never on its own. Only mark what you saw, and if what a place says is wrong, use “Report a problem”. Meet Braillito Maps.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ADA kitchen clearance?
At least 40 inches (1015 mm) between opposing counters, appliances, cabinets or walls in a pass-through kitchen, which also has two entries, and at least 60 inches (1525 mm) in a U-shaped kitchen enclosed on three sides. Kitchens without a cooktop or conventional range are exempt from these clearances (2010 ADA Standards, 804.2, 804.2.1 and 804.2.2).
What is the ADA kitchen counter height?
In a dwelling unit with mobility features, at least one section of counter 30 inches (760 mm) wide is a work surface no higher than 34 inches (865 mm), or adjustable from 29 to 36 inches (735–915 mm) (2010 ADA Standards, 804.3 and 804.3.2).
What is the ADA kitchen sink height?
34 inches (865 mm) maximum to the front of the rim or counter, whichever is higher. In dwelling unit kitchens, a sink adjustable from 29 to 36 inches (735–915 mm) is also allowed where the plumbing permits a sink at 29 inches (2010 ADA Standards, 606.3 and its exception 2).
Does an ADA kitchen sink need knee clearance?
Generally yes, for a forward approach. A parallel approach is allowed at a kitchen sink in a space without a cooktop or conventional range and at wet bars, and in a sink with several bowls only one needs knee clearance (2010 ADA Standards, 606.2 and its exceptions 1 and 7).
Does an office break room kitchenette have to meet the ADA?
Yes, where it is provided. Kitchenettes and break rooms are not employee work areas, so the kitchenette complies with section 804 and its sinks with 212.3 (2010 ADA Standards, 106.5, 212.2 and 212.3).
How high can the freezer be in an ADA kitchen?
At least 50 percent of the freezer space in a combination refrigerator and freezer is no higher than 54 inches (1370 mm) above the floor (2010 ADA Standards, 804.6.6).
More accessibility guides
- ADA sink height: 34 inches to the rim, knee and toe clearance, faucets, insulated pipes and the mirror above the sink.
- ADA counter height: how high and how long the accessible part of a sales, service or check-out counter must be, and what applies at bars.
- ADA reach range: forward and side reach, with and without an obstruction, and where the 15 to 48 inch range applies: switches, outlets and controls.
- ADA turning space: the 60-inch turning circle, the T-shaped turn, the 30 by 48 inch clear floor space and where the ADA asks for each.
- ADA hotel rooms: how many accessible rooms and roll-in showers a hotel needs, rooms for deaf and hard of hearing guests, and what each room has inside.
- 2010 ADA Standards: what each of the ten chapters covers, since when the Standards apply and to which buildings, with the guide for each element.
- ADA compliance: a checklist for small businesses, with the 2010 Standards section behind each item.
- All accessibility guides
Sources
Every figure in this guide comes from one of these official texts, which we read in October 2026.
- 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. U.S. Department of Justice, published September 15, 2010; required for new work since March 15, 2012.
- Americans with Disabilities Act Title III Regulations (28 CFR part 36). U.S. Department of Justice (ADA.gov), current text with its appendices, read October 2026.
Braillito Maps
Find places with ramps, accessible toilets or tactile paving near you in Braillito Maps
In Braillito Maps, every place answers ten questions: step-free entrance or ramp, wide doorway, accessible restroom, accessible parking, tactile paving, braille signage, braille menu, audible signals, guide dogs welcome and a quiet environment. It is built by the people who need it, and every place gets a score out of ten.
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