1. Separating Work Centers

Recommended: A full-height, full-depth, tall obstacle* should not separate two primary work centers.

A properly recessed tall corner unit will not interrupt the workflow and is acceptable.

*Examples of a full-height obstacle are a tall oven cabinet, tall pantry cabinet, or refrigerator.

2. Work Aisle

Recommended: The width of a work aisle should be at least 42 inches for one cook and at least 48 inches for multiple cooks. Measure between the counter frontage, tall cabinets, and/or appliances.

3. Walkway

Recommended: The width of a walkway should be at least 36 inches.

4. Cleanup/Prep Sink Placement

Recommended: If a kitchen has only one sink, locate it adjacent to or across from the cooking surface and refrigerator.

5. Cleanup/Prep Sink Landing Area

Recommended: Include at least a 24-inch-wide landing area* to one side of the sink and at least an 18-inch-wide landing area on the other side.

6.Preparation/Work Area

Recommended: Include a section of continuous countertop at least 36 inches wide by 24 inches deep immediately next to a sink for a primary preparation/work area.

7. Dishwasher Placement

Recommended: Locate nearest edge of the primary dishwasher within 36 inches of the nearest edge of a cleanup/prep sink.

Provide at least 21 inches* of standing space between the edge of the dishwasher and countertop frontage, appliances, and/or cabinets, which are placed at a right angle to the dishwasher.

8. Refrigerator Landing Area

Recommended: Include at least:

• 15 inches of landing area on the handle side of the refrigerator, or
• 15 inches of landing area on either side of a side-by-side refrigerator, or
• 15 inches of landing area that is no more than 48 inches across from the front of the refrigerator, or
• 15 inches of landing area above or adjacent to any undercounter-style refrigeration appliance.

9. Cooking Surface Landing Area

Recommended: Include a minimum of 12 inches of landing area on one side of a cooking surface and 15 inches on the other side.

10. Cooking Surface Clearance

Recommended: Allow 24 inches of clearance between the cooking surface and a protected noncombustible surface above it.

Code Requirement:
• At least 30 inches of clearance is required between the cooking surface and an unprotected/combustible surface above it.
• If a microwave hood combination is used above the cooking surface, then the manufacturer's specifications should be followed.

11. Cooking Surface Safety

Recommended:

• Do not locate the cooking surface under an operable window.
• Window treatments above the cooking surface should not use flammable materials.
• A fire extinguisher should be located near the exit of the kitchen away from cooking equipment.

12. Oven Landing Area

Recommended: Include at least a 15-inch landing area next to or above the oven.

At least a 15-inch landing area that is not more than 48 inches across from the oven is acceptable if the appliance does not open into a walkway.