Understanding Door Handle Spacing – 1991 ADAAG, 2010 ADAS, and CBC 11B

If you work with accessible buildings, you know that door hardware isn’t just a handle—it should make every entrance usable for all.

Let’s break down the code requirements for the space between the door and the handle (also called “door pull clearance”) across three key standards: the 1991 ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG), 2010 ADA Standards (ADAS), and the 2022 California Building Code (CBC) 11B.

Why Door Handle Clearance Matters

• Knuckle clearance: People with limited hand strength or dexterity need enough space to grab and use door pulls or handles.

• Avoiding pinching/trapping: Sufficient space reduces the risk of trapping fingers.

  
  

1. 1991 ADAAG

What the Code Says:

• The 1991 ADAAG does not specifically provide a prescriptive (numerical) requirement for how much space should exist between the door face and the handle (the pull clearance).

• Instead, it focuses on accessible operation—handles must be easy to use with one hand, not requiring tight grasping, pinching, or twisting.

Recommended Guidance:

• The U.S. Access Board and code commentaries recommend a minimum of 1½ inches of clearance behind pulls and similar hardware for “knuckle clearance”.

  
  

2. 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (ADAS)

Code and Guide:

• The 2010 ADA Standards uphold the requirement that operable hardware—handles, pulls, latches, locks—be easy to use without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting.

• There is no direct code number specifying the minimum clearance between the door and the handle.

  
  

Access Board Guidance:

• The ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) User Guide and the U.S. Access Board’s online commentary state:

  
  

  “Bars, pulls, and similar hardware should provide sufficient knuckle clearance (1½″ minimum) to facilitate gripping.”

In Practice:

• Most construction professionals and hardware manufacturers design accessible door pulls with at least 1½ to 2 inches of clearance—often closer to 2″ or even 2¼″ to ensure comfort and compliance with industry expectations.

  
  

3. 2022 CBC 11B (California Building Code)

State Code Language:

• CBC 11B-404 refers mostly to accessible operation, mounting height (34–44 inches above the floor for hardware), and clear width of doorways but does not set a minimum numeric clearance between door and pull.

• California does enforce the general ADA requirement that hardware be operable without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting.

  
  

Industry and Inspector Guidance:

• Like ADA, professional guidance and common practice in California call for at least 1½ inches minimum clearance, with 2 inches considered a best-practice or safe-target figure for new installations.

  
  

What Do Construction Pros Install?

• Most manufacturers design ADA-compliant door pulls and levers with 2″ to 2½″ of space between the door and the handle for accessibility.

• Inspectors and plan-checkers routinely verify that the minimum is surpassed (or at least 1½″ is provided) to ensure an easy grip.

  
  

Door-to-Handle Clearance Requirements

Standard	Prescriptive Code Requirement	Recommended/Industry Practice	Notes
1991 ADAAG	None	1½″ (minimum, per Access Board Guide)	Hardware must be operable without pinching.
2010 ADA Standards	None	1½″ (minimum), 2″ best-practice	Access Board User Guide refers to 1½″.
2022 CBC 11B	None	1½″ (minimum), 2″ best-practice	34–44″ above floor for hardware mounting.

Key Takeaways for Easy Compliance

• Always provide at least 1½ inches of clearance between the door face and the handle for pulls or bars.

• Aim for 2 inches of clearance to match manufacturer norms and best practices, satisfying both code intent and inspector expectations.

• Mount handles between 34–44 inches (California) or 34–48 inches (most other states) above the finished floor.

  
  

No numeric code? Still plan for accessibility!

Even though code language in ADA (1991/2010) and CBC 11B doesn’t give an exact number, industry and Access Board guidance fill in the gap.

For designers, contractors, and property owners: If in doubt, specify 2 inches clearance behind every door handle or pull—it is code-compliant, user-friendly, and respected by all inspectors!

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified attorney or consultant for advice tailored to your situation.