GuidelineRecommended
Secondary interior doors (closets, laundry, storage): 30 inch clear opening minimum
HUD FHA Design Manual Chapter Three §3.2Description
Secondary doors that are not on the accessible route — closets, storage rooms, laundry — may provide a 30-inch minimum clear opening as a lesser standard than the 32-inch primary-route requirement.
Why this exists
Acknowledges that not every interior door needs the full 32" clear opening, but every accessible-route door does. Helps with budget on visitable single-family designs.
Measurements
| Property | Operator | Value | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
clearOpening | min | 30 | in | Secondary-door clear opening |
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: Chapter Three §3.2
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)
- 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.