GuidelineRecommended
All doors must provide a clear opening of at least 32 inches when open 90 degrees
HUD FHA Design Manual Requirement 3 (Chapter Three)Description
All doors designed to allow passage into and within all premises must be sufficiently wide to allow passage by persons in wheelchairs. The clear opening, measured between the face of the door and the stop with the door open 90 degrees, must be at least 32 inches.
Why this exists
Foundational accessible-door dimension. Equivalent to NKBA Kitchen Guideline 1 (Kitchen door). Single-family designs aspiring to visitability or aging-in-place should apply universally.
Measurements
| Property | Operator | Value | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
clearOpening | min | 32 | in | Door clear opening with door open 90 degrees |
Categories
AccessibilityCirculation
Applies to
- When:
- aspires to visitability / universal design
Source
HUD (US Department of Housing and Urban Development)no manifest entry
Fair Housing Act Design Manual (1998 revised)
Section: Requirement 3 (Chapter Three)
Published 1998-08-01 · last verified 2026-05-10
Solver enforcement
Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.
Related directives
- Universal-design wider doorways · HUD UD §3.2
- Universal design features encouraged for residential accessibility under Section R320.3 · Virginia USBC 2021 Amendment 33 (IRC R320.3)
- Covered multifamily dwellings: at least one building entrance on an accessible route · HUD FHA Design Manual Requirement 1 (Chapter One)
- Public and common use areas must be readily accessible to and usable by people with disabilities · HUD FHA Design Manual Requirement 2 (Chapter Two)
- Accessible route into and through the dwelling unit must be at least 36 inches wide · HUD FHA Design Manual Requirement 4 (Chapter Four)
Last reviewed 2026-05-10.