The information below provides basic accessibility provisions of the Virginia Construction Code and is not representative of all the conditions you may encounter.

For more information, go to our FAQs, email us or call the Building Division at 703-631-5101, TTY 711.

Building Blocks for Accessible Construction - Wheelchair Requirements

The clear floor space required to accommodate a wheelchair and its occupant is shown in Figure 1. For a wheelchair user to make a 180° degree turn, a circular floor space is required, see Figure 2. An alternate to the circular floor space is a T-shaped space; see ICC/ANSI A117.1 for more information.

Figure 1: Wheelchair Clear Floor Space

Figure 2: Wheelchair Turning Space

Accessible Route

An accessible route is a path which connects accessible spaces. It includes paths from accessible parking to the building entrance, restrooms, drinking fountains, corridors, hallways, ramps, elevators, etc. The clear width of an accessible route and the minimum width when passing by an obstruction is shown in Figure 3. Doors within an accessible route must meet the requirements shown in Figure 3. Doors within an accessible route must meet requirements shown in Figure 4 for pull side; see ICC/ANSI A117.1 for push side requirements.

Figure 3: Minimum Clear Width for Single Wheelchair

Figure 4: Swinging Door Pull Side Approach

Toilet Facilities

At least one of each fixture type (i.e., lavatory, water closet) provided in all public toilet rooms shall be accessible. See Figures 5 - 9 for more information. All accessible toilet rooms shall be provided with unobstructed wheelchair turning space (Figure 2) and all accessible fixtures shall also have an unobstructed clear floor space. In multiple user toilet rooms, at least one toilet stall shall be wheelchair accessible. When six or more water closets are provided, at least one additional stall shall be ambulatory accessible. See ICC/ANSI A117.1 for more information.

Figure 5: Clear Floor Space at Water Closets
NOTE: Lavatories may not encroach into clear floor space.

Figure 6: Wheelchair Accessible Compartment

Figure 7: Side Wall Grab Bars
NOTE: Bars shall resist 250 pounds (1100 N) force in any direction.

Figure 8: Typical Grab Bars

Figure 9: Typical Single User Toilet Room

Alterations to Existing Construction

Alterations and new components to a space or area in an existing building shall be fully accessible. The accessible route to the altered area must be upgraded up to a limitation of 20 percent of the cost of the alterations (this includes mechanical, electrical and plumbing).

For example: A new office tenant is to fill a suite at an existing office building. The alteration in the suite include new offices, corridors and open office area. Cost: $100,000. Therefore, an additional $20,000 or 20 percent of the project cost, must spent to upgrade the accessible route.

Change of Use or Occupancy

When a space undergoes a change of use or change of occupancy, it must be upgraded to meet the requirements of new construction, unless technically infeasible. In addition, the existing building must also be upgraded to meet all of the items listed below:

1. At least on accessible entrance
2. At least one accessible route from an accessible entrance to the primary function areas (this includes elevators)
3. Signage
4. Accessible parking
5. At least one accessible passenger loading zone (when one is provided)
6. At least one accessible route connecting parking, loading zone and entrance.

Upgrading Toilet Facilities

The extent to which an existing toilet room is to be upgraded depends on the existing conditions.

1. UNISEX TOILET: A single-user toilet room (Figure 9) on the same floor as the alterations may be installed ONLY IF technically infeasible or the existing number of fixtures cannot be reduced.
2. FULLY ACCESSIBLE STALLS: All restrooms not meeting any of the above conditions must be upgraded to meet the accessibility requirements of the current code.

For more information, please contact Building Division at 703-631-5101, TTY 711.