Not every storage room is required to be fully accessible—but knowing which ones are can be surprisingly tricky. If you’re designing or managing a storage facility, you’ve probably wondered: Do I really need to make this storage space accessible? The answer isn’t always clear-cut. Whether a room is for public use or just for staff, part of a new build or a renovation—these details matter. And making mistakes with them can result in expensive reconfigurations or regulatory problems further along.

As a steel structure building manufacturer, we’ve worked with clients facing these exact questions. Some were developing large-scale self-storage facilities; others were simply adding a storage room to an office. In both cases, they needed clarity—not just on what the rules say, but how to apply them in real-world projects. This guide breaks down which storage rooms need to be accessible, what features are required, and how to plan for compliance without overcomplicating your design. When accessibility is built in from the start, everything else runs more smoothly.

Understanding Accessibility Requirements for Storage Spaces

When you’re planning a storage facility—whether it’s a steel-structured warehouse, a modular container unit, or a self-storage site—knowing which spaces need to be accessible is key to avoiding costly mistakes later. But before we get into the “which,” let’s talk about what “accessible” actually means in this context.

What Does “Accessible” Really Mean in a Storage Context?

In simple terms, an accessible storage space allows someone with a physical disability to approach, enter, and use it without assistance. That means the door must be wide enough, easy to open, and positioned at the right height. Within, there ought to be sufficient room to pivot, particularly for an individual utilizing a wheelchair or mobility aid. Features like pull handles, ropes, ramps, and braille signage all play a role in making a unit usable—not just reachable. This applies whether the space is a standalone steel container, a row of self-storage units, or a small storage room inside an office. 

Which Storage Rooms Are Subject to Accessibility Requirements?

In the U.S., accessibility requirements for storage spaces are primarily governed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), along with local building codes based on the International Building Code (IBC) and ANSI A117.1 standards. Under ADA Title III, any facility that serves the public—like a self-storage business—is considered a place of public accommodation and must be accessible to individuals with disabilities.

So, which storage rooms actually fall under these rules? Here’s a breakdown:

• Self-storage units available to the public — must include a specific percentage of accessible units, based on total unit count and size variety.
• Employee-only storage rooms — must allow entry and exit for individuals with disabilities, though full interior accessibility may not be required unless the space is used for regular work tasks.
• Shared-use storage areas — such as those in residential or office buildings, may require accessibility depending on who uses them and how often.
• Permanent structures — are subject to full compliance, while temporary or modular units may still need to comply if used long-term or by the public.

The ADA doesn’t require every single room to be fully accessible—but it does require that people with disabilities can access and use the spaces they’re entitled to. And when in doubt, it’s always safer to design with inclusion in mind.

When Accessibility Is Legally Required？

If you’re building or modifying a storage facility, here are the three most common situations where accessibility must be addressed:

• New construction
• Renovations
• Expansions

For new builds, accessibility must be part of the initial design—including units, entry routes, and key features. This is especially important in modular steel structures, where layouts are often locked in early.

For renovations, if you’re changing how a space is used—like turning a closet into a storage room—the updated area must meet current standards, even if the rest of the building stays the same.

For expansions, new sections must comply with accessibility rules, and often the connecting paths—like hallways or restrooms—need to be upgraded too. It isn’t solely concerning the fresh area, but rather the manner in which individuals gain access to it.

Bottom line? If you’re building something new or changing how a space functions, accessibility needs to be part of the plan from day one. It’s easier, more cost-effective, and ensures your facility is ready for everyone.

Employee-Only Storage Rooms: Do They Need to Be Accessible?

This is a question we get a lot, and the short answer is: yes—employee-only storage rooms still need to be accessible at a basic level. That means the door must be wide enough, thresholds should be level, and there should be enough space to open and close the door safely. Full turning space inside isn’t always required, but the room must be reachable and usable. We’ve seen clients overlook this, only to face retrofits later—like one who had to rebuild a staff storage room just months after opening when a new hire needed accessible access.

While the code often only requires entry and exit, we sometimes recommend going a step further—adding more space, easier door hardware, or better circulation—especially when:

• The room is used daily or by multiple staff members with different roles
• It’s located near shared work areas or along common circulation paths
• There’s a chance someone with mobility needs may join the team in the future
• Retrofitting later would be costly or complex due to the building type (e.g. modular steel units)
• Doorways should provide a minimum clear width of 32 inches when the door is open at 90 degrees
• Thresholds must be flush or beveled, with no more than 1/2 inch in height difference
• Clear floor space should be provided on both sides of the door for push/pull maneuvering
• Fixtures such as knobs or levers need to be functional using a single hand, without requiring a firm grip or twisting motion.
• Lighting and visibility should be adequate for safe use, especially in enclosed or narrow spaces

In short, designing with flexibility in mind makes your space more usable, more inclusive, and far easier to manage down the line.

How Many Accessible Storage Units Are Required?

If you’re building a storage facility with modular or container units, you’ll need to include a certain number of accessible units—and plan where they go. This isn’t just about meeting code—it’s about making sure your layout actually works for real people.

Here’s the basic rule:

• If you have fewer than 200 units, at least 5% must be accessible
• If you have more than 200 units, you need 10 accessible units plus 2% of the total over 200

However, there is more involved than merely the figures. Those accessible units can’t all be the same size or stuck in one corner. They need to reflect the variety of unit sizes you offer and be spread out across the site.

Here’s how we usually approach it when designing container-based layouts:

• Pick your most popular unit sizes first—then make sure each size has at least one accessible version
• Place accessible units in different areas, not just near the entrance. This avoids crowding and gives users more choice
• Use mirrored container layouts—so the door, handle, and clear space work whether the unit is on the left or right side of a hallway. This avoids redesigning the structure for each location and still meets accessibility needs.
• Keep the accessibility features consistent—same door hardware, same ramp setup, same signage—so they’re easy to install and maintain

As an illustration, in a particular project, the customer possessed 160 units in four distinct dimensions. We helped them select 8 accessible units—two per size—and placed them evenly across the site. This not only met the code but also gave users real options, without making the layout more complicated.

If you’re still planning your unit layout, you might also find our guide on Container Self Storage Design – Layouts, Considerations, and Profit-Boosting Tips —it covers practical strategies for maximizing space and revenue while staying compliant.

Design Features That Make a Storage Room Truly Accessible

Accessibility isn’t just about following rules—it’s about making sure people can actually use the space. From doorways to site layout, small design choices have a big impact.

Core Accessibility Features for Storage Units

Entranceways ought to measure a minimum of 32 inches in width, featuring even thresholds and ample room for effortless opening and closing. Even a minor obstruction can impede access for individuals relying on wheelchairs or walkers. We recommend using loop-style handles that are easy to grip, and for roll-up doors, adding nylon ropes with large loops, placed between 34–48 inches high. Ramps are essential when units sit above ground—they should cover the full width and have a gentle slope. Tactile signage also helps users quickly identify accessible units.

To keep things consistent and reduce on-site issues, we suggest standardizing these features across all accessible units.

Common Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

We have observed minor lapses leading to significant complications. A particular customer was compelled to reconstruct a set-back door due to insufficient space for a wheelchair to pass through. Another grouped all accessible units near the office, but users preferred units closer to loading zones.

Based on our experience as a storage container building manufacturer, we recommend keeping an eye out for a few common design issues that can cause trouble later on:

• Recessed doors without enough side clearance
• Heavy doors or hard-to-use locks
• Poor lighting at entrances
• All accessible units placed in one area
• Missing or unclear signage

Fixing these after installation is almost always more costly than planning for them early in the design process.

Site-Wide Accessibility: Planning Beyond the Unit

If users can’t reach the unit, it doesn’t matter how accessible it is inside. That’s why we look at the full site early on.

Accessible parking should be near the entrance, with a clear, level path to the units. Office counters and restrooms need to be usable for seated individuals. Walkways should be wide, well-lit, and free of steps or sudden changes in level.

We often recommend distributing accessible units across different areas of the site to give users more options and avoid crowding in one location. Distinct, easily noticeable signage scattered throughout the establishment also enhances wayfinding for every user—not solely for individuals with impairments.

Good accessibility benefits all users and saves time, cost, and stress in the long run.

How to Evaluate Your Storage Facility for Accessibility

Accessibility planning doesn’t need to be complicated. A quick, thoughtful review can help you catch issues early—before they become costly.

A Simple Accessibility Self-Check Framework

We suggest starting with a simple walkthrough—think like someone using a wheelchair or walker, not just like a builder. Can they get in, move around, and use the space without help?

Use this checklist as a starting point:

• Entry points – Are doors wide, level, and easy to open?
• Door hardware – Can it be used with one hand, no twisting or tight grip?
• Unit mix – Are accessible units available in different sizes and areas?
• Signage – Is it visible, clear, and includes tactile or braille where needed?
• Site access – Are parking, walkways, and shared areas accessible and well-lit?

You don’t need to know every code detail—just focus on real-world usability.

When to Bring in a Specialist

Should you be organizing a fresh construction project or a substantial refurbishment, it is prudent to engage an accessibility advisor at an early stage. They can assist you in steering clear of design blunders that are costly to rectify afterwards. We’ve seen clients wait too long, and even small changes became big problems once construction started.

And if you’re still in the early planning phase, check out our article on Self Storage Feasibility Study: What You Need to Know Before Building—it’s a great starting point for evaluating your site, market, and long-term potential.

How We Support Clients in Accessibility Planning

As a modular storage building manufacturer, we help clients design with accessibility in mind from day one. That includes layout suggestions, unit mix planning, and design features like mirrored units or standardized ramp placement.

Our goal is to simplify compliance—not add complexity—so your project runs smoother from start to finish!

Accessible Storage Design That Works—From Day One

Designing for accessibility isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s about building smarter, more inclusive spaces that work for everyone. When accessibility is considered from the start, you reduce risk, improve usability, and avoid costly changes later.

That’s where we come in. As a modular steel storage building manufacturer, we deliver scalable, accessibility-ready solutions built for long-term use. From the start, we help clients design units that meet both functional needs and accessibility standards.

Each unit is pre-engineered and tested in our factory to simulate real-world use, including accessibility scenarios. This reduces on-site adjustments and speeds up deployment. We offer high-volume, customizable systems made with weathering steel—built for durability, compliance, and business growth.

If you’re ready to build storage spaces that are accessible, scalable, and built to last, we’d love to help. Reach out for a consultation, explore our Portable Storage Containers projects, or ask us about our accessibility checklist to get started.