Accessible kitchen clearances and dimensions

One-line orientation

Start with the standard named in the question. Under the 2010 ADA, use a 30×48-inch clear floor space and a 60-inch turning space; ICC A117.1–2017 uses 30×52 inches and a 67-inch turning space.

Key points

• Counter height: 34 inches AFF (vs standard 36 inches) to allow wheelchair roll-up and use from a seated position.
• Clear floor space at appliances: 30 x 48 inches at each accessible appliance (refrigerator, oven, microwave, dishwasher) for a forward or parallel approach. (2010 ADA value; 30 x 52 under ICC A117.1-2017.)
• Knee clearance at sink and work surface: the under-counter space must be open — no base cabinet blocking wheelchair roll-up. This applies to the sink and at least one section of work surface.
• Turning space:
  • U-shaped kitchen: requires a 60-inch diameter clear turning circle within the kitchen (2010 ADA; 67 inches under ICC A117.1-2017).
  • Galley kitchen (one entry): requires 60 inches clear between opposing counters.
  • Galley kitchen (two entries / pass-through): 40 inches minimum clear between opposing counters is acceptable.
• Upper cabinets and storage: apply reach limits where accessible storage is required. The permitted reach depends on the approach and any obstruction; do not apply one 48-inch bottom-shelf rule to every cabinet.
• Reach range: outlets, switches, and appliance controls must fall within 15–48 inches AFF; appliance controls should be at the front for easy access from a seated position.

Confusions / comparison

Kitchen type	Clearance required	Turning space
U-shaped	—	60” diameter turn circle inside (ADA) / 67” (A117.1-2017)
Galley — single entry	60” between opposing counters	No separate turn needed (60” serves both)
Galley — two entries (pass-through)	40” between opposing counters	Through-circulation substitutes for turn

Accessible kitchen dimension	Value
Counter height	34” AFF
Clear floor at appliance	30” × 48” (ADA) / 30” × 52” (A117.1-2017)
Knee clearance (sink/work surface)	Open under-counter; no base cabinet
Accessible storage reach	Apply the named standard to required accessible storage; approach and obstructions matter
Reach range (controls/outlets)	15”–48” AFF
Turning circle (U-shape / single-entry galley)	60” diameter (ADA) / 67” (A117.1-2017)

Related

→ Accessible reach ranges (this topic): the 15–48” reach band governs controls and outlets in the kitchen · Accessible bathrooms (this topic): the 60” turning circle and 30×48 clear floor apply in both rooms · Accessible routes (this topic): the path to the kitchen must meet route width and clearance standards.