Accessible route into and through the dwelling unit must be at least 36 inches wide
HUD FHA Design Manual Requirement 4 (Chapter Four)Description
There must be an accessible route into and through the dwelling units, providing access for people with disabilities throughout the unit. The route shall be at least 36 inches in width (33 inches at a point for not more than 24 inches), with maximum threshold heights of 3/4 inch for exterior sliding doors and 1/2 inch for other exterior doors and all interior thresholds.
Why this exists
Provides wheelchair-passable interior circulation. Visitable single-family design should provide an accessible route to at least the entry, a half-bath, and one social space (typically the great room).
Measurements
| Property | Operator | Value | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
routeWidth | min | 36 | in | Accessible interior route minimum width |
pinchPoint | min | 33 | in | Allowed pinch point width (over distance ≤ 24 in) |
thresholdInterior | max | 0.5 | in | Maximum threshold height for interior + non-sliding exterior doors |
thresholdSlidingExterior | max | 0.75 | in | Maximum threshold height for exterior sliding doors |
Categories
Applies to
- When:
- aspires to visitability / universal design
Source
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)
- All doors must provide a clear opening of at least 32 inches when open 90 degrees · HUD FHA Design Manual Requirement 3 (Chapter Three)
Last reviewed 2026-05-10.