DETAILED SUMMARY OF ADA GATE REQUIREMENTS (source: WWW.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards)

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ADA Compliant Swing Gate meets Transportation Industry Requirements

  • The gate must be bi-directional.
  • The gate must have a smooth continuous surface from
    two inches to 27 inches above the floor.
  • The gate must unlock using a ticket reader.
  • The gate must open in an emergency.
  • The gate must be vandal-resistant.
  • Width – minimum clear opening of 32 inches.
  • Closing speed – 5 seconds minimum from 90 degrees open.​
  • Opening force – maximum of 5 pounds.
  • ​Surface – smooth surface within 10 inches of the floor.

Doors, Doorways and Gates [§206.5 and §404]

Compliance is required for doors, doorways, and gates providing user  passage on accessible routes. At least one accessible door, doorway, or  gate serving each accessible room, space, and entrance must comply. 

404.2.3 Clear Width.

Door openings shall provide a clear width of 32 inches (815 mm)  minimum. Clear openings of doorways with swinging doors shall be  measured between the face of the door and the stop, with the door open  90 degrees.  Openings more than 24 inches (610 mm) deep shall provide a  clear opening of 36 inches (915 mm) minimum. There shall be no  projections into the required clear opening width lower than 34 inches  (865 mm) above the finish floor or ground.  Projections into the clear  opening width between 34 inches (865 mm) and 80 inches (2030 mm) above  the finish floor or ground shall not exceed 4 inches (100 mm).  

404.2.8.1 Door Closers and Gate Closers.

Door Closers and Gate Closers. Door closers and gate closers shall be  adjusted so that from an open position of 90 degrees, the time required to move the door to a position of 12 degrees from the latch is 5 seconds  minimum. 

404.2.9 Door and Gate Opening Force.

Fire doors shall have a minimum opening force allowable by the appropriate administrative authority.  The force for pushing or pulling open a door or gate other than fire doors shall be as follows:


  • Interior hinged doors and gates:  5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.
  • Sliding or folding doors:  5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.


These forces do not apply to the force required to retract latch  bolts or disengage other devices that hold the door or gate in a closed  position.

404.2.10 Door and Gate Surfaces.

Swinging door and gate surfaces within 10 inches (255 mm) of the finish  floor or ground measured vertically shall have a smooth surface on the  push side extending the full width of the door or gate.  Parts creating  horizontal or vertical joints in these surfaces shall be within 1/16  inch (1.6 mm) of the same plane as the other.  Cavities created by added  kick plates shall be capped.