The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets out standards and regulations to ensure people with disabilities are allowed equal access to many things able-bodied people take for granted. These include parking spaces, building entrances, hallways and bathrooms. Even the specific heights of restroom fixtures, like sinks, are regulated by the ADA.
Application
The vast majority of public restrooms must comply with the accessibility requirements set forth by the ADA. The only exceptions are restrooms in which it is "technically infeasible" to remodel for ADA compliance. In these instances, however, a separate, unisex restroom must be installed that meets ADA requirements for disabled accessibility.
Sink Height
In most public restrooms, the counters, or sink rims, must be mounted at a maximum height of 34 inches above the floor. There must also be a space of at least 29 inches between the bottom of the sink and the floor, allowing the approach of a wheelchair. Restrooms used primarily by children between the ages of 6 and 12 are allowed a sink-to-floor clearance of only 24 inches, but the top of the sink must be no more than 31 inches above the floor. ADA sink-height requirements do not apply to bathrooms used primarily by children under 6 years old.
Knee Clearance
Accounting for any sink undercarriage, or obstacles underneath the sink, there must be a space for "knee clearance" that extends at least 27 inches above the floor. This space must also be at least 30 inches wide and 19 inches deep measured from the front of the sink.
