1
Rules of Thumb: General
1. Overview
The following “rules of thumb” are given as general
guide­lines when considering land and building needs
for a Baptist church. Some are absolute, such as the
number of square feet required to park an auto­mobile
and some are meant only to be guidelines, such as the
number of square feet required in classrooms.
These “rules of thumb” should be used for general
planning. Their use will enable the church to avoid
many unnecessary problems. Deviation from these
guidelines should come only after careful analysis by
qualified professionals who know and understand
applicable codes and ordinances.
2. Accommodating the Disabled
Doors
The doors to all accessible areas must have at least a
32” clear opening. A door at least 36” wide is required.
Building Access
Accessible buildings may have no steps between
accessible parking spaces and the building interior.
Walks
Sidewalks must be at least 3 feet wide and may have a
slope no greater than 1 inch per 20 inches of sidewalk.
When sloped, there must be a level platform 5'-0" long
at both ends of slope
Ramps
Ramps must be at least 3 feet wide, with a maximum
slope of 1 inch per foot of ramp. A level platform 5'0" long is required at both ends of the ramp and for
every 30' of ramp. All ramps above ground level must
have hand rails.
Stairs
Risers must be no more than 7" high. Treads must be
at least 11" wide. Handrails must be 34" to 38" high
and extend 12" beyond top riser and at least 12" plus
the width of one tread beyond the bottom riser.
© Church Architecture 2011
Toilets
Accessible stalls must be 5 feet square (minimum) with
a 32" wide door opening, with handrails 33"-36" above
the floor at the back and side of the toilet, clearing the
wall 1½”. The water closet seat must be 17" to 19"
above floor level. In addition, toilet rooms must have
a clear space 5 feet in diameter (to turn a wheelchair).
Church Architecture
Parking
Accessible parking must be clearly marked and adjacent
to an accessible entrance. Spaces must be at least 9 feet
wide and have a 5 foot wide aisle to one side.
Professional Assistance
Knowledge of applicable codes is necessary to create
accessible facilities. Professional assistance is imperative.
3. Administrative
Church Office/Reception
Recommended
Minimum
Pastor’s study
Recommended
Minimum
Staff offices
Recommended
Minimum
Work Room
Recommended
Minimum
200-300 square feet
140 square feet
250-325 square feet
140 square feet
150-200 square feet
120 square feet
150 square feet
50 square feet
Administrative space should be located in an area
visible to the street or main parking area of the church
and clearly marked with signs. The office staff should
be able to see who is entering and have the ability to
control access. The church office area should always
have separately zoned heating/cooling systems.
4. Music
Choir Loft Capacity (traditional)
10% to 15% of worship center capacity
Rehearsal room
Minimum Space
14 sq.ft./person
Capacity
20% greater than choir loft area
Robing rooms
Minimum
4-6 sq.ft./person
Instrumental rehearsal rooms (where needed)
Minimum 15 sq.ft./person
Individual practice rooms (where needed)
Minimum
Maximum
Baptist General Convention of Texas • 333 N. Washington • Dallas, TX 75246 • 214.828.5125 • www.texasbaptists.org/architecture
80 square feet
150 square feet
5. Media Center/Bookstore
Media Display
Recommended
2 sq.ft./person in education program
Minimum
1 sq.ft./person in education program
Work Room
Recommended
Minimum
10% of media center
25 square feet
8. Recreation/Activity Space
Basketball
Regulation Court Size
High School
50' X 84'
Junior High
42' X 74'
Ceiling Height
Minimum
21 feet
Recommended
24 feet
Game rooms
40' X 60' desirable
6. Dining and Fellowship
Capacity (persons)
Handball
56'-7" X 131'-3"
Minimum
1/3 Sunday School attendance
Racquetball
Desirable
1/2 Sunday School attendance
Crafts rooms
Small churches Equal to Sunday School attendance
Badmitton
Space Requirements (per person)
Recommended
Rectangular Tables 12-14 square feet
Round Tables
15-17 square feet
Kitchen
Recommended
Minimum
Storage
Tables & Chairs
1/4 size dining area
1/5 size dining area
20' X 40' X 20' ceiling height
16' X 24' minimum
20' X 44'
Softball
Diamond
60' X 60'
Home plate to fence
200'
Football
160' X 360' field
Soccer
223' X 345' field
200-600 square feet
Tennis
36' X 78' court with 12' at sides and 21' at ends
Space Requirements
Under 7,000 sq.ft.
1½ percent of total building space
Over 7,000 sq.ft.
2 percent of total building space
Church Architecture
Volleyball
30' X 60' court with 6' at sides and end
Baptist General Convention of Texas • 333 N. Washington • Dallas, TX 75246 • 214.828.5125 • www.texasbaptists.org/architecture
© Church Architecture 2011
7. Mechanical Equipment Rooms