Entrances, Doors, and Gates - ADA Standards - Accessible Entrances Technical Guide

Oct 29, 2026

U.S. ADA technical guidance for scoping and technical requirements covering accessible entrances, doors, and gates. Defines minimum accessibility obligations for new construction, including the required proportion of public entrances and when additional entrance types must comply. Details required elements such as accessible routes, door and landing maneuvering clearances, communication systems with visual/audible signals, signage at inaccessible entrances, and rules for security barriers so accessible routes and egress remain unobstructed. Addresses restricted entrances, two-way communication, and accessibility requirements for alterations, including qualified historic facilities, including example compliance requirements for doorways and gates.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages21

Reading Time53 min

AccessFree to download

Accessible Entrances: Minimum Number [§206.4]

Components of Accessible Entrances

Doors and Doorways [§206.5.1]

Accessible Route [§206.3]

Security Barriers [§206.8]

Directional Signs at Inaccessible Entrances [§216.6]

Entrance Landings

Restricted Entrances [§206.4.7]

Two-Way Communication Systems [§230 and §708]

Alterations [§206.4 and §202.4]

Qualified Historic Facilities

Doors, Doorways and Gates [§206.5 and §404]

Manual Doors and Gates [§404.2]

U . S . ACCESS BOAR D T EC H NICAL G UI D E Entrances, Doors, and Gates This guide explains scoping and technical requirements for accessible entrances, doors and gates in the ADA Standards. Accessible Entrances: Minimum Number [§206.4] At least 60% of public entrances must be accessible in new construction, in addition to entrances directly serving tenancies, parking facilities, pedestrian tunnels and elevated walkways. “Public entrances” include all entrances except those that are restricted or that are used exclusively as service entrances. Public Entrances Required to be Accessible At least 60% of public entrances in addition to the other types of entrances required to comply At least one entrance serving each direct access from parking structures At least one entrance from each elevated walkway or pedestrian tunnel At least one entrance to each tenancy in a facility Additional requirements apply to transit facilities and to entrances for inmates and detainees in judicial, detention, and correctional facilities. Recommendation: Access should be provided to a primary entrance for greater usability and convenience (as is required for residential dwelling units) . Components of Accessible Entrances Communication Systems (§230) Two-way communication systems, where provided, must be equipped with visual and audible signals and compliant as operable parts Designation (§216.6) International Symbol of Accessibility label (not required if all public entrances are accessible) Doors and Doorways (§206.5.1) At least one compliant door or doorway Accessible Route (§206.3) Accessible route to entrance from site arrival points and located in the same area as general circulation paths Security Barriers (§206.8) Bollards and other security barriers cannot obstruct accessible routes Directional Signs at Inaccessible Entrances (§216.6) Signs indicating the location of the nearest accessible entrances are required at each inaccessible public entrance. These signs must include the International Symbol of Accessibility and note direction. Additional content or text is not specified, but can be helpful. It is advisable to locate signs in a manner that minimizes back-tracking. Entrance Landings Entrance landings must accommodate door maneuvering clearances as well as landings for provided ramps. Entrance Landing Door maneuvering clearance can overlap ramp landing. Recommendation: Configure landings so that maneuvering at ramps and doors does not occur near stair openings and open drop-offs. Recommendation: Locate door swing outside ramp landing for greater safety. Security Barriers [§206.8] Security bollards and screening devices at accessible entrances cannot obstruct accessible routes or accessible means of egress. Accessible routes can be adjacent to metal detectors and other screening devices that do not accommodate all people with disabilities , but the route must be located so users can maintain an equivalent level of visual contact with personal items. Accessible route adjacent to security screening device Restricted Entrances [§206.4.7] If entrances are restricted to certain occupants on a controlled basis, at least one must comply in addition to public entrances required to be accessible. This applies to those entrances where entry access is verified by security personnel and is strictly limited to certain occupants, but no one else, including guests or companions of authorized individuals. All other types of entrances, excluding service entrances, are considered“public entrances” under the Standards , including employee-only entrances requiring keys or access cards or codes but that lack the level of security of restricted entrances. Two-Way Communication Systems [§230 and §708] Where two-way communication systems are provided to gain entry to a facility or to restricted spaces, they must include visual and audible signals to accommodate people with hearing,

FAQs

What percentage of public entrances must be accessible in new construction?

At least 60% of public entrances must be accessible in new construction, plus entrances directly serving specified facility areas and uses.

What accessibility elements are required as components of accessible entrances?

Key components include communication systems with visual and audible signals, proper designation using the International Symbol of Accessibility where required, compliant doors/doorways, accessible routes, and directional signage at inaccessible public entrances.

How must security barriers affect accessible routes at entrances?

Security bollards and screening devices at accessible entrances cannot obstruct accessible routes or accessible means of egress, and adjacent routes must allow users to maintain an equivalent level of visual contact with personal items.

Oct 29, 2026

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