Accessibility Manual 
Prepared by: 
City of San Antonio 
Disability Access Office 
Planning Department 
Revised June 2001

This manual has been developed by the City of San Antonio, Disability Access Office, 
Planning Department, as a guide and reference on new construction and remodeling jobs 
requiring Accessible/Universal design. 
Many small jobs, such as electrical outlets, stair work, and door changes will continue 
to be done without formal design. Maintenance crews will need to be aware of accessibility 
requirements in order to carry out these typical jobs. It should be remembered that these 
guidelines are the bare essentials of a barriers elimination program. The Disability Access 
Office and the Building Inspections Department will continue to consult on questions 
regarding design details. 
The Design Standards presented herein are those related to Texas laws referring to the 
elimination of architectural barriers. The primary reference for this text is the Texas 
Accessibility Standards (T.A.S.) in accordance with Architectural Barriers Act (Art. 9102, 
Texas Civil Statutes) and administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation 
(T.D.L.R.) (www.license.state.tx.us/ab/ab.htm). These standards conform to the design 
guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act. (A.D.A.). The preparation of this manual 
was financed in part through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 
Community Development Block Grant program.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 
Page No. 
Wheelchair and Crutch Data 1 
Accessible Route 2 
Ramps 3, 4 
Vertical Access 5 
Doors 6 
Parking 7, 8 
Restrooms 9 - 11 
Fixtures/Drinking Fountains 12 
Assembly Areas 13 
Mounting Heights for Children 14 
General Items 15 
Action Plan for Compliance 16

WHEELCHAIR/CRUTCH DATA 1

Rise 
ITEM REQUIREMENT 
ACCESSIBLE A continuous unobstructed path of travel that connects all accessible elements and spaces in a building 
ROUTE or facility. An accessible route within the boundary of a site shall be provided from public transportation 
stops, accessible parking, passenger loading zones, and public streets or sidewalks to the accessible 
building entrance they serve. 
SLOPE & An accessible route with a running slope greater than 5% shall be considered a ramp. 
CROSS-SLOPE A slope of 5% has 1 inch of rise in elevation for any 20 inches of run, or length. 
Cross-slopes must not exceed 2%. 
SURFACES An accessible route must consist of a smooth, stable material with a non-slip textured surface. 
SIDEWALKS Preferred minimum unobstructed width 60 inches. When crossing driveways blend to a common level 
with a cross-slope not to exceed 2%. 
GRATES Elongated grate openings must be perpendicular to path of travel and openings must not exceed 
1/2 inch in width. 
CORRIDORS Minimum unobstructed width of 44 inches (36 inches allowed for distances less than 30 feet). 
PASSING If an accessible route has less than 60 inches clear width, then passing spaces at least 60 inches by 
SPACE 60 inches shall be located at reasonable intervals not to exceed 200 feet. A "T" intersection of two 
corridors or walks is an acceptable passing space. 
ACCESSIBLE ROUTE 2 
Run Cross-Slope 
Slope

RAMPS 3 
8.33% 
Landing 
Landing 
Height 
of Rise 
Percent of Slope 
ITEM REQUIREMENT 
RAMPS Any part of an accessible route with a slope greater than 5% (1:20) shall be considered a ramp. 
The least possible slope shall be used for any ramp. 
RAMP SLOPE The maximum slope of a ramp in new construction shall be 8.33% (1:12). 
Length of Run 
Ramps constructed on existing sites may have slopes in excess of 1 to 12 if space is limited. 
The following chart applies: 
Maximum Rise Allowable Slope 
6 inches Between 1:10 (10%) and 1:12 (8.33%) 
3 inches Between 1:8 (12.5%) and 1:10 (10%) 
NOTE: Slopes greater than 1:8 (12.5%) are not allowed 
WIDTH Ramps in excess of 30 feet overall length shall have a minimum unobstructed width of 44 inches. 
If less than 30 feet long a 36 inch minimum clear width is acceptable. 
1' 
 

 
12'

RAMPS 4 
ITEM REQUIREMENT 
LANDINGS Ramps shall have level landings at the top and bottom of each run. If ramps change direction at landings, 
the minimum landing size shall be 60" X 60". The maximum run (or length) for accessibility is illustrated below: 
HANDRAILS Any ramp with a run/horizontal projection greater than 72 inches shall have continuous 1.25 to 1.5 inch 
outside diameter handrails on both sides, mounted at between 34 and 38 inches above the ramp surface. 
Handrails shall extend 12 inches beyond the top and bottom of ramps, parallel to the landing surface with 
rounded, or returned ends. A 1.5 inch space is required between the rail and the wall if wall mounted. 
EDGE Ramps also require edge protection to prevent wheelchairs, crutches, canes or strollers from passing underneath 
PROTECTION the handrail. Various options for edge protection are illustrated below. A second set of handrails mounted at a 
height of 28" for children is recommended.* (See children's standards, p.13)

VERTICAL ACCESS 5 
ITEM REQUIREMENT 
STAIRS Uniformity of riser heights and tread depths provide 
safety for visually impaired persons. 
Risers must be a maximum of 7 inches high. 
Open risers are prohibited. Treads must be 
a minimum of 11 inches deep. Nosings are to be 
curved, not abrupt. Handrail must meet the same 
requirements as for ramps, with handrail 
extensions as illustrated. 
ELEVATORS Vertical access for wheelchairs in multi-storied buildings shall be provided by elevators. Elevators shall meet 
the minimum dimensional requirements illustrated below. Floor call signals shall be both visual and auditory. 
Hall call buttons shall be centered at 42" above the floor. 
Controls must be mounted between 35" and 54" above the floor. 
PLATFORM Platform lifts have been used successfully to provide vertical access in both interior and exterior remodeling 
LIFTS applications where neither an elevator nor a ramp are technically feasible (TDLR variance required). 
Platform lifts should facilitate users unassisted entry, operation, and exit. 
Platform lifts shall meet the following dimensional requirements: 
• Minimum clear floor area of 48 inches deep by 30 inches wide. 
• Controls mounted between 28-48 inches above the platform floor. 
• At least one handrail meeting standard accessibility requirements. 
bottom edge 
below 27" for 
cane detection

DOORS 6 
ITEM REQUIREMENT 
ENTRY A level platform for maneuvering is required for the both sides of doorways. 
DOORS Eighteen inches of this level area must be extending past the handle-side of the door. If the door has both a latch 
and a closer, at least 12 inches of level area must be extending past the handle-side of the door on the push side 
of doorways. (Also applies to toliet stall doors.) 
WIDTH A 32 inch clear width opening is required for access. This requirement applies to one door, or at least one leaf 
of double doors. 
THRESHOLDS Total level change at doorways shall not exceed .5 inch beveled. (A .75 inch beveled sill is allowed for exterior 
(door sill) sliding doors.) 
HARDWARE Door handles shall have a shape that is easy to grasp with one hand. Preferred designs include lever-operated, 
push-type mechanisms, and U-shaped handles. The force required to operate is 5 lbf. or less. Mount hardware 
no higher than 48 inches. 
KICKPLATES Kickplates are recommended for the push-side of doors to protect the door from damage. 
DOOR PRESSURE Adjust exterior door closer or otherwise reduce door pressure and weight as much as possible in order to minimize 
& WEIGHT opening force required for persons with upper mobility limitations. Interior door opening force shall be no more 
than 5 lbf. 
Pull Push

ITEM REQUIREMENT 
NUMBER If parking facilities exist, accessible parking spaces must be provided in conformance 
REQUIRED with the chart below: 
Total Parking In Lot: 1-25 26-50 51-75 76-100 101-150 151-200 201-300 301-400 401-500 501-1000 0ver 1000 
Required Minimum 2% 
Number of Spaces: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 of total 
PARKING SPACE At least one reserved space must be van accessible. (One of every eight reserved parking spaces 
DESIGN for larger applications.) 
PARKING 7 
VERTICAL Provide minimum vertical clearance of 98"at van accessible spaces and accessible passenger loading zones. 
CLEARANCE Parking garage minimum clearance shall be 114". 
20+1 for 
each100 
over 1000 
figure one 
accessible route 
figure two 
accessible route 

 

36" 

 

36"

ITEM REQUIREMENT 
PARKING 8 
SIGNAGE For proper use and enforcement of reserved parking for persons with disabilities, each parking space or area must 
be identified with a sign: 
Parking space signage must; 
1) be of a size that is readable and clear in stating reserved parking, 
2) include the International Symbol of Access, 
3) be permanently mounted in front of the vehicle space, not obstructing use of the curb ramp, and 
4) be mounted at a height which will not be blocked by parked vehicles. 
The van accessible space must be so designated with appropriate signage including the words “Van Accessible.” 
Parallel parking is not recommended for use by persons with disabilities. 
PASSENGER 1) Provide an access aisle at least 60" wide and 20' (240") long adjacent and 
LOADING ZONE parallel to the vehicle pull-up space. (See illustration at right) 
2) If curbs are present between the vehicle pull-up space and the access aisle, 
or between the access aisle and the accessible route, then a curb ramp 
must be provided. 
Sample Signs Mounting Height 
80" Max 
60" Min

RESTROOMS 9 
ITEM REQUIREMENT 
NUMBER Each public and common use toilet facility shall be accessible. A minimum of one accessible water closet per 
restroom is required. 
LOCATION In multi-storied buildings, at least one restroom per floor shall be accessible. Horizontal distance to an accessible 
restroom should not exceed 250 feet. 
ENTRY DOORS 32" clear width opening is required for access. 
MANEUVERING A 60" diameter or 36" wide “T” shaped clear floor space is required for maneuvering a wheelchair in a restroom. 
SPACE Space under an accessible lavatory may be included. 
TOILET STALLS New Construction Renovation 
TOILET SEAT 17-19 inches high. 
URINALS 17 inches high to elongated rim. 
[When new construction requirements cannot be met, a TDLR 
variance must be requested and approved in advance]

RESTROOMS/continued 10 
ITEM REQUIREMENT 
UNISEX/FAMILY/ Guidelines allow the use of 'unisex' or 'single user' accessible toilet rooms when space 
SINGLE USER limitations & technical infeasibility combine to prohibit modification of existing toilet 
TOILET ROOMS room facilities. Unisex toilet facilities have also proven useful in new facilities to 
provide access for the wheelchair user and attendant.

RESTROOMS/continued 11 
ITEM REQUIREMENT 
GRAB BARS Grab bars are required in all accessible toilet rooms and shall be mounted at 33-36 inches above the floor 
in the lengths and configurations indicated on pages 9 and 10. Grab bars shall support a minimum 
250 lbs., have a 1.25 to 1.5 inch outside diameter and 1.5 inch clearance from wall. 
LAVATORIES 29 inch undersink apron and 27 inch undersink bowl minimum clearance required. Other clearances 
as required (see illustration). Lever operated faucet handles preferred. Reach shall not exceed 
20 inches for a frontal approach or 24 inches for a side approach.

FIXTURES / DRINKING FOUNTAINS 12 
ITEM REQUIREMENT 
DRINKING At least 50% of drinking fountain units provided on each floor level shall be accessible and shall comply with the 
FOUNTAINS following illustration. If only one drinking fountain on each floor then it shall have a hi/low characteristic. 
(Accessible to persons who use wheelchairs and to those who have difficulty bending or stooping.) 
Hi/Lo Fountain 
FIXTURES 40 inch height to bottom of mirrors or top of shelves. Mount dispensers at 48 inches maximum for frontal 
approach or 54 inches maximum for a side approach. 
40" - 42" 
36"

ITEM REQUIREMENT 
SEATING Level, dispersed, accessible seating is required in all assembly areas. Each wheelchair seating location shall 
accommodate two people in wheelchairs and include regular seating for companions on either side. 
Wheelchair seating shall adjoin an accessible route that also serves as a means of egress in case of an 
emergency. Each wheelchair seating location shall provide lines of sight comparable to those for all viewing 
areas. The following illustration gives dimensional requirements for wheelchair seating locations. 
NUMBER The minimum number of seating locations for disabled persons using a wheelchair is given by the following table. 
Capacity of Seating Number of Required 
In Assembly Areas Wheelchair Locations 
4 to 25 ............................... 1 
26 - 50 ............................... 2 
51 - 300 .............................. 4 
301 - 500 ............................. 6 
Over 500 ........................ 6, plus 1 
additional space for each 
total seating capacity increase of 100 
ASSEMBLY AREAS 13 
PERFORMING One percent of all fixed seats shall be aisle seats with no armrest on the aisle side. An accessible route shall 
AREAS connect wheelchair seating locations with performing areas; including stages, arena floors, gymnasium floors, 
and other types of performing or playing areas; and support areas such as dressing rooms and locker rooms. 
ASSISTIVE Assistive listening devices and sign language interpreters for the hearing impaired audience shall be available 
LISTENING upon request in assembly areas.

MOUNTING HEIGHTS FOR CHILDREN 14 
ITEM REQUIREMENT ITEM REQUIREMENT 
Ages: 4 thru 10 or 11 Ages: 11 thru 14 or 15 
Grades: Pre-K thru 5 or 6 Grades: 6 thru 8 or 9 
Reach Ranges 
Frontal Approach 42" max. 45" max. 
Side Approach 48" max. 51" max 
Ramps and Stairs 
Top of Handrail Gripping Surface 28" - 34" 30" - 34" 
Elevators 
Car Control Floor Buttons 
Frontal Approach 42" max. 45" max. 
Side Approach 48" max. 51" max. 
Emergency Communication 
Highest Operable Part 42" max. 45" max. 
Platform Lifts (Wheelchair Lifts) 
Controls/Operating mechanisms 28" - 42" 28" - 45" 
Drinking Fountains and Water Coolers 
Frontal Approach 
Spout Height (to outlet) 32" max. 34" max. 
Knee Clearance 26" min. 27" min. 
Side Approach 
Spout Height (to outlet) 32" max. 34" max. 
Water Closets 
Top of Seat 14" - 15" 15" - 17" 
Grab Bars 28" - 30" 30" - 32" 
Flush Control 42" max. 44" max. 
Urinals 
Rim of Basin 14" max. 16" max. 
Flush Control 42" max. 44" max. 
Lavatories and Sinks 
Rim or Counter Surface 30" max. 32" max. 
Knee clearance 26" min. 27" min. 
To Faucets From Front Edge 18" max. 20" max. 
Mirrors 
To Bottom of Reflective Surface 34" max. 37" max. 
Ages: 4 thru 10 or 11 Ages: 11 thru 14 or 15 
Grades: Pre-K thru 5 or 6 Grades: 6 thru 8 or 9 
Bathtubs 
Top of Seat 14" - 15" 15" - 16" 
Grab Bars 28" - 30" 30" - 32" 
Shower Stalls 
Top of Seat 14" - 15" 15" - 16" 
Grab Bars 28" - 30" 30" - 32" 
Hand Shower Head Mounting 
Frontal Approach 42" max. 45" max. 
Side Approach 48" max. 51" max. 
Storage (Lockers, Shelfs, etc.) 
Frontal Approach 42" max. 45" max. 
Side Approach 
Distance from wheelchair 
0" - 10" 48" max. 51" max. 
10" - 21" 42" max. 45" max. 
Controls and Operating Mechanisms 
Highest Operable Part 
Frontal Approach 42" max. 45" max. 
Side Approach 48" max. 51" max. 
Telephones 
Highest Operable Part 
Frontal Approach 42" max. 45" max. 
Side Approach 48" max. 51" max. 
Fixed or Built-in Seating and Tables, 
Reading and Study Areas, and Work Stations 
Height of Tables or Counters 27" - 30" 27" - 32" 
Knee Clearances 26" 28" 
Dressing and Fitting Rooms 
Top of Bench 14" - 15" 15" - 17" 
Food Service Lines 
Top of Tray Slide 30" max. 32" max.

GENERAL ITEMS 15 
ITEM REQUIREMENT 
SIGNAGE If accessible facilities are identified as such, then the international symbol of accessibility shall be used. 
Room numbers and names signage shall consist of color contrasting characters between 5/8 to 2 inches high, 
raised 1/32 inch minimum, and mounted alongside the door on the handle-side no more than 8 inches from door 
jamb and at a height of 60 inches above the floor. 
TELEPHONES If public telephones are provided, then at least one unit per floor shall be accessible. Mount at 54 inches maximum 
to controls for side approach or 48 inches maximum for frontal approach. Equip with volume control. 
Text telephones (TTY) shall be permanently affixed within or adjacent to the enclosure, or a portable TTY shall be 
available. 
ALARMS Any electronically controlled device used for emergency warning must be visible in addition to audible. 
HAZARDOUS Uniform warning textures shall be placed on floors and door handle surfaces to hazardous areas such as stairways. 
AREAS This can be done by adhering a rough material to the floor surface (36 inch minimum width) and door handle. 
International Symbol of Access 
(Display Conditions) 
Symbol for Deaf Access 
(Assistive Listening Devices) 
Telecommunication Device 
for the Deaf TTY 
Symbol for 
Blind Access

Action Plan Outline 
For Access Compliance . 
1. Become Knowledgeable: 
Using this manual or another source, prepare a “good faith plan” for immediate barrier removal. 
2. Survey Existing Conditions: 
Assemble a survey team including people with disabilities to assist in indentifying barriers and developing 
solutions. You will need site and floor plans for making notes, and a tape measure. 
3. Summarize The Results: 
List all identified barriers and indicate the actual dimensions/conditions of each. 
4. Consider Possible Solutions: 
Brainstorm ideas for barrier removal and determine probable costs for options. Decide which solutions best 
eliminate barriers at a reasonable cost. Consider practical alternatives. 
5. Prioritize Barrier Removal: 
Priority One: Accessible entrances into the facility and path of travel to reach thoseentrances 
Priority Two: Access to Goods and Services 
Priority Three: Access to Restrooms 
Priority Four: Any other measures necessary to provide access 
6. Remove All Barriers Identified as “Readily Achievable”: 
A “Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal” is available through the Disability Access Office for use in 
completing a survey of potential architectural and communication barriers. 
7. Put a “Good Faith ” Action Plan In Place: 
It is critical to demonstrate a “good faith ” effort which includes documentation of everything you have done and 
how you plan to address future compliance requirements. 
8. Utilize Dynamic Process For Continuing Accessibility: 
Review your implementation plan each year to reevaluate whether more improvements have become readily 
achievable. 
Action Plan 16

Notes/Updates