ADA Seating Requirements
Seating of all types available to the public must make accommodations for individuals using wheelchairs. This includes seating in waiting rooms, reception areas, theaters, classrooms, auditoriums, sporting events, dining rooms, bars, and any other public facility.
Reception areas and waiting rooms Must have at least on space at least 36 inches by 48 inches to accommodate a wheelchair.
Dining room seating must be provided to accommodate wheelchair users. At least 5% of seating and standing spaces must be accessible for people who use wheelchairs. A minimum of one such space must be provided. Access aisles are required to be at least 36 inches wide.
Eating surfaces must be no more than 34 inches above the floor and no less than 28 inches. If the spaces are for use by children, the eating surface should be no less than 26 inches and no more than 30 inches above the floor.
A clear space for a forward approach needs to ne at least 30 inches wide by 48 inches long.
Eating surfaces require room underneath to allow a wheelchair to fit with adequate knee space. Clearance under the surface extend no less than 17 inches and no more than 25 inches. For children the knee space may be 24 inches high.
An adequate number of seats for assembly rooms, theaters, stadiums, and classrooms. The table below indicates the number of required handicap seats.
Seating for individuals with disabilities must be distributed to allow a selection of viewing angles equivalent to other seating including specialty seating providing distinct services and amenities.
Wheelchair accessible seating must provide a clear line of vision over and above the people seated in front of them.
This also applies where people are
expected to stand in front of
wheelchair users.
Single spaces must be 36 inches wide minimum. Double spaces can be 33 inches wide.
If spaces can be entered from front or rear, they must be at least 48 inches deep.
If the seating area can only be entered from the side, it must be at least 60 inches deep.
Wheelchair spaces must adjoin but not overlap accessible routes. 36-inch minimum space is required in the accessible lane next to wheelchair spaces.
A companion seat next to wheelchair spaces is required to aid wheelchair users if they should require assistance. The companion seat must be shoulder-to-shoulder with the wheelchair seat and be equivalent to regular seating.