ADA/TAS Requirements for Commercial Grab Bar Installation (Texas)
These requirements apply to public accommodations and commercial facilities (2010 ADA Standards; enforced in Texas through the 2012 Texas Accessibility Standards “TAS”). (ADA.gov)
Applicability
- Applies to covered new construction and alterations. Texas adopts and enforces these through the 2012 TAS.
Heights (All Horizontal Bars)
- Top of gripping surface at 33″–36″ AFF. (ADA/TAS §609.4 — Access Board)
Toilets (Water Closets) — §604.5
- Side-wall bar: 42″ min, located ≤ 12″ from rear wall and extending ≥ 54″ from rear wall. (ADA/TAS §604.5.1 — Access Board)
- Rear-wall bar: 36″ min, centered so 24″ extends toward the open side and 12″ toward the side wall (exceptions for obstructions). (ADA/TAS §604.5.2 — Access Board)
Showers — §608.3 (Bars at Same Height)
Transfer-Type (36″ × 36″)
- Bars on the control wall and back wall (to within 18″ of the control wall). (ADA/TAS §608.3.1 — Access Board)
Standard Roll-In (60″ depth)
- With seat: Bars on back wall + side wall opposite the seat (no bar above seat). (ADA/TAS §608.3.2 — Access Board)
- Without seat: Bars on three walls; bars ≤ 6″ from adjacent walls. (ADA/TAS §608.3.2 — Access Board)
Alternate Roll-In
- Bars on back wall + side wall farthest from entry (no bar above seat). (ADA/TAS §608.3.3 — Access Board)
Bathtubs — §607.4
- Bars required on back and control-end walls; specifics vary with seat/no seat. (ADA/TAS §607.4 — Access Board)
Bar Size, Clearance, Surfaces — §609
- Diameter (circular): 1¼″–2″. Non-circular: ≤ 2″ max cross-section; 4″–4.8″ perimeter. (ADA/TAS §609.2 — Access Board)
- Clearance: 1½″ between wall & bar; keep 12″ clear above (with limited exceptions). (ADA/TAS §609.3 — Access Board)
- Surfaces & fittings: Rounded edges; bars must not rotate in fittings. (ADA/TAS §609.5–§609.6 — Access Board)
- Strength: Resist 250 lb at any point on the bar, fastener, or supporting structure. (ADA/TAS §609.8 — Access Board)
Texas Process & Enforcement (TDLR / TAS)
- Projects with estimated cost ≥ $50,000 must be registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), plan-reviewed by a Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS), and inspected. All projects must comply with TAS regardless of cost. (TDLR Architectural Barriers · TAS 2012)
Official References
- 2010 ADA Standards — ADA.gov
- Access Board Guide — §604 Toilets
- Access Board Guide — §607 Bathtubs
- Access Board Guide — §608 Showers
- Access Board Guide — §609 Grab Bars
- Corada — §608 Showers Overview
- 2010 ADA Standards (PDF)
- TDLR — Architectural Barriers Program
- Texas Accessibility Standards (2012 TAS)