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”). See 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 (Fig. 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) (Fig. 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).

Standard Roll-In (60″ depth)

Alternate Roll-In

Bathtubs — §607.4

  • Bars required on back and control-end walls; specifics vary with seat/no seat (Figs. 607.4.1 & 607.4.2). Access Board

Bar Size, Clearance, Surfaces — §609

  • Diameter (circular): 1¼″–2″. Non-circular: ≤ 2″ max cross-section; 4″–4.8″ perimeter. (§609.2). Access Board
  • Clearance: 1½″ between wall & bar; keep 12″ clear above (with limited exceptions). (§609.3). Access Board
  • Surfaces & fittings: Rounded edges; bars must not rotate in fittings. (§609.5–§609.6). Access Board
  • Strength: Resist 250 lb at any point on the bar, fastener, or supporting structure. (§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