South Florida buildings and other public facilities are adapting to comply with the IBC ADA automatic door codes.

The 2025 International Building Code (IBC) requires automatic door operators for accessible public entrances in specific occupancies and occupant loads, such as Assembly (Group A) buildings with over 300 occupants and Business (Group B), Mercantile (Group M), and Residential (Group R-1) buildings with over 500 occupants. Key requirements include a minimum 32-inch clear opening width, 80-inch minimum clear height, and appropriate maneuvering clearances. If automatic doors are not provided, an electric signaling device is needed for certain groups.  

When Are Automatic Doors Required?

Automatic doors are required at accessible public entrances for specific building types and occupant loads:

• Assembly (Group A): When the occupant load exceeds 300.

• Business (Group B), Mercantile (Group M), and Residential (Group R-1): When the occupant load exceeds 500.

• Other Occupancies: Buildings in Groups E, I-1, I-2, I-3, and R-2 also require an accessible public entrance to have automatic doors.

• B and M Occupancies less than 1,000 sq. ft. and non-residential portions of live/work units less than 1,000 sq. ft., automatic doors are not required, but an electric signaling device is.

Key Door Requirements

• Clear Opening Width: A minimum of 32 inches is required.

• Clear Opening Height: A minimum of 80 inches is required.

• Maneuvering Clearance: Sufficient space is needed on both sides of the door for a wheelchair user to operate the door, which includes level landings.

• Power-Off Operation: If an automatic door is used on an accessible egress route, it must provide the required maneuvering clearance and clear opening width even when power is lost.

• Operable Hardware: Hardware must be operable with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting.

• Opening Force: Automatic doors must provide a lower opening force compared to manual doors.

Smiley Locksmith can help you through the process of choosing the right automatic door operator, purchase and installation.

Call us for a free consultation today 954-448-0183