U.S. COURTS

DESIGN GUIDE

JUDICIAL CONFERENCE

OF THE UNITED STATES
Revised March 2021
iii | Acknowledgments U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Acknowledgments

The Judicial Conference of the United States (JCUS) acknowledges that the completion of the 

U.S. Courts Design Guide (Design Guide) could not have been possible without the participation 

and assistance of many people across the Judiciary whose names are enumerated in this section. 

The Judicial Conference thanks each of them for their contributions. 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Acknowledgments | iv

COMMITTEE ON SPACE AND FACILITIES

The JCUS thanks the following members of the Committee on Space 

and Facilities for their support, time, and expertise in reviewing drafts 

of this edition of the Design Guide.

Honorable David Jeremiah Barron

United States Court of Appeals Judge, First Circuit

Member 2019-Present

Honorable Karon Bowdre

United States District Court Judge, Northern District of Alabama

Member 2019–Present 

Honorable Philip A. Brimmer

United States District Court Chief Judge, District of Colorado

Member 2019–Present

Honorable James A. Beaty, Jr. 

United States District Court Judge, Middle District of North 

Carolina

Member 2012–2018

Honorable Susan R. Bolton

United States District Court Judge, District of Arizona

Member 2011–2016; Chair 2016–2019

Honorable Kevin J. Carey

United States Bankruptcy Court Judge, District of Delaware

Member 2010–2016

Honorable Robert H. Cleland

United States District Court Judge, Eastern District of Michigan

Member 2011–2017

Honorable Christopher Reid Cooper

United States District Court Judge, District of Columbia

Member 2018–Present

Honorable Aida M. Delgado-Colon

United States District Court Judge, District of Puerto Rico

Member 2013–2019

Honorable Michael Walter Fitzgerald

United States District Court Judge, Central District of California

Member 2019–Present

Honorable Gregory K. Frizzell

United States District Court Chief Judge, Northern District of 

Oklahoma

Member 2013–2019

Honorable James Rodney Gilstrap

United States District Court Chief Judge, Eastern District of 

Texas

Member 2018–Present

Honorable F.A. Gossett III

United States Magistrate Judge, District of Nebraska

Member 2011–2017

Honorable Pamela Harris

United States Court of Appeals Judge, Fourth Circuit

Member 2017–Present

Honorable Jeffrey J. Helmick

United States District Court Judge, Northern District of Ohio

Member 2017–2019, Chair 2019–Present 

Honorable John E. Jones III

United States District Court Judge, Middle District of 

Pennsylvania 

Member 2018–Present

Honorable David C. Keesler

United States Magistrate Judge, Western District of North 

Carolina

Member 2017–Present

Honorable Denzil Price Marshall, Jr.

United States District Court Judge, Eastern District of Arkansas

Member 2016–Present 

Honorable Beverly B. Martin

United States Court of Appeals Judge, Eleventh Circuit

Member 2013–Present
v | Acknowledgments U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Honorable Michael J. Melloy

United States Court of Appeals Judge, Eighth Circuit

Member 2009–2016

Honorable Robert E. Nugent

United States Bankruptcy Court Judge, District of Kansas

Member 2016–2019

Honorable Sul Ozerden

United States District Court Judge, Southern District of 

Mississippi

Member 2012–2018

Honorable James E. Shadid

United States District Court Judge, Central District of Illinois

Member 2019–Present

Honorable D. Brooks Smith

United States Court of Appeals Chief Judge, Third Circuit

Member 2006–2013; Chair 2013–2016

Honorable Glenn T. Suddaby

United States District Court Chief Judge, Northern District of 

New York

Member 2018–Present

Honorable Emmet G. Sullivan

United States District Court Judge, District of Columbia

Member 2012–2018

Honorable Alvin W. Thompson

United States District Court Judge, District of Connecticut

Member 2010–2016

Honorable Michael George Williamson

United States Bankruptcy Court Judge, Middle District of Florida

Member 2019–Present

Honorable Richard L. Young

United States District Court Judge, Southern District of Indiana

Member 2013–Present

U.S. COURTS DESIGN GUIDE WORKING GROUP

The JCUS thanks the members of the Design Guide Working Group for 

their dedication, leadership, and expertise in planning, developing, and 

editing of the Design Guide. 

Honorable Robert Jonker (Chair)

United States District Court Chief Judge, Western District of 

Michigan

Cliff Harlan (Chair)

Assistant Circuit Executive for Space and Facilities, Ninth Circuit

Honorable Charles Caldwell

United States Bankruptcy Court Judge, Southern District of Ohio

Honorable Michael J. Melloy

United States Court of Appeals Judge, Eighth Circuit

Honorable Michael Roemer

United States Magistrate Judge, Western District of New York

Stephanie Butler

United States Bankruptcy Court Clerk, Eastern District of North 

Carolina

Douglas Bys

	 Deputy Chief Probation Officer, Central District of California

Michael Gans

United States Court of Appeals Clerk, Eighth Circuit

Chris Maloney

	 Chief Probation Officer, District of Massachusetts

Karen Mitchell

United States District Court Clerk, Northern District of Texas

Laura Nelson

Assistant Circuit Executive for Space and Facilities, Tenth 

Circuit
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Acknowledgments | vi

Una O’Boyle

United States Bankruptcy Court Clerk, District of Delaware

Amy Rice

United States Bankruptcy Court Architect, Southern District of 

Alabama

Owen Smith

United States Court of Appeals Circuit Librarian, Sixth Circuit

Robin Tabora

United States District Court Clerk, District of Connecticut

Jeanne Walsh

	 Chief Probation Officer, Northern District of Illinois

Margaret Wiegand 

United States Court of Appeals Circuit Executive, Third Circuit

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE U.S. COURTS

The JCUS appreciates the efforts of James C. Duff, Director of the 

Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, and the Office of Facilities and

Security staff and thanks them for their coordination, administration, 

and expertise in implementing the latest edition of the Design Guide. 

Melanie F. Gilbert

	 Chief, Facilities and Security Office

Jack Cummins

Chief, Security and Facilities Policy Staff

David Insinga

Chief, Space and Facilities Division 

Christopher Smith 

Chief, Facilities Integration and Transformation Branch 

Reema Gupta

Supervisory Architect, Space and Facilities Division

Sheritta W. Taylor

Management Analyst, Security and Facilities Policy Staff

Erica Carter

Program Analyst, Space and Facilities Division

Lydia Piper

Project Manager, Space and Facilities, U.S. District Court, 

District of New Mexico

CONSULTANTS

The JCUS thanks the following individuals from AECOM for their 

contributions to the Design Guide.

Kristine Johnson, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

Associate Vice President, Justice Market Sector Lead 

Southeast

Dilip Parikh, PE

Senior Project Manager

Eric Zeldis, AIA

Project Architect
vii | Preface U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Preface

U.S. Courts Design Guide Update

The U.S. Courts Design Guide (Design Guide) sets forth the federal judiciary’s requirements for 

the design, construction, and renovation of court facilities and is intended for use by judges, 

architects, engineers, General Services Administration (GSA) personnel, and court administrators 

who are involved in federal court construction projects.

In 2017, the Judicial Conference of the United States (JCUS), upon the recommendation of the 

Committee on Space and Facilities, approved the undertaking of a comprehensive review and 

revision of the 2007 Design Guide. JCUS approved this revision in March 2021. This latest edition 

of the Design Guide is intended to provide guidance for the interpretation and applicability of 

building standards and Judiciary policy, and to incorporate industry standards and best practices 

for the design and construction of federal courthouses. Since every district has its own set of 

unique opportunities and challenges, this Design Guide update emphasizes the need for flexibility

in the design and construction process. Project stakeholders are encouraged to collaborate and 

think creatively about their spatial needs to uphold the integrity and accomplish the mission 

of the federal court system. Where the Design Guide conflicts with other guidance, policy,

and standards, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC) should be contacted to

determine the appropriate guidance.

The Design Guide is both a design and financial commitment document. The JCUS’s space-rental

budget correlates to the design standards contained in the Design Guide. The Design Guide

lists and describes major spaces and spatial groupings located within federal courthouses. The 

number of major space groupings required for a particular court building is not determined 

by this document and should be determined by the program of requirements developed and 

submitted by the Judiciary. Individual project circumstances and requirements dictate which of 

the major space groupings should be included in a building program.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Preface | viii

How to Use this Guide

The Design Guide consists of 18 chapters, one appendix, a glossary, 

and an index. Each chapter begins with a cover sheet that summarizes 

the respective chapter. If the chapter cover sheet is viewed 

electronically, the information under the “Chapter Topics” and “Chapter 

Figures and Tables” subheadings offers hyperlinks to the respective 

chapter subsections, figures, and/or tables. Other cross references and

hyperlinks provided in the body of the chapter will appear in blue. Cross 

references and hyperlinks might link the user to references within other 

chapters, appendices, or external information, such as websites. Each 

chapter contains space standards, adjacency requirements, and other 

applicable technical information for that chapter’s topic. The spatial 

and technical information in these chapters is to be used to design the 

various types of court projects.

Room Data Sheets

A major feature of the latest version of the Design Guide is the inclusion 

of room data sheets (RDS) located in the appendix. The RDS compile 

information previously contained in the various chapters of the Design 

Guide and consolidate the information into one area. Each RDS contains 

spatial, programmatic, and technical requirements for a specific space

or grouping of spaces. The RDS are not intended to be used as standalone documents and should be used in conjunction with information 

located throughout the guide.

Each RDS contains one or multiple depictions of how each space may 

be used. It is important to note that these graphics are not designs but 

are idealized diagrams and for illustrative purposes only. Each court 

project will contain unique challenges that may suggest alternative 

spatial layouts that are more appropriate for that specific project. It is

essential that the Design Guide user obtain additional information from 

the court, GSA, and other stakeholders to tailor the design response to 

the specific court requirements demanded by that project or situation.

Adjacency Diagrams

Adjacency diagrams are provided in Chapters 3 through 11. Each 

diagram represents an idealized arrangement of the required types of 

spaces, circulation patterns, and access points. Effort should be made 

during the design process to maintain the arrangements illustrated in 

the adjacency diagrams. In practice, however, this arrangement may 

not be possible. 

It is important for users of the Design Guide to understand what the 

diagrams do and do not represent. Adjacency diagrams depict only 

circulatory relationships among spaces; they are not floor plans, which

normally describe exact spatial sizes, configurations, and corridor

distances between spaces. The boxes in the adjacency diagrams 

represent spaces and illustrate relative size to one another. Rectangular 

shapes do not imply that actual spaces must be rectangular. Similarly, 

irregular shapes convey no particular form, since physical conditions, 

external constraints, and design considerations may dictate other 

configurations. In addition, the relationships between spaces along

circulation routes indicate adjacencies only, not approximate distances. 

For example, to facilitate courtroom sharing, chambers may be located 

on one common floor with a judges’ elevator moving between several

courtroom floors. The location of spaces on one side of the diagram or

another does not necessarily fix their position on any side of a planned

facility or office. Circles showing vertical circulation do not indicate the

number or specific location of elevators or stairwells; for example, while

a diagram may indicate circles to represent vertical service circulation, 

the requirements for a freight elevator might be accommodated by a 

single elevator and will be dictated by building occupants and individual 

project requirements. 

The adjacency diagrams include three circulation patterns: public, 

restricted, and secure. Each is indicated by a different line color. 

A yellow line represents public traffic patterns used by lawyers,

spectators, media representatives, and other individuals. Restricted 

circulation patterns within and between office spaces are represented

by blue lines. Restricted circulation is generally used by judges, 

courtroom deputy clerks, court security officers, authorized visitors,

and administrative or clerical support staff. A red line represents secure 

circulation for prisoner movement; secure circulation must not intersect 

public or restricted circulation.

Although the lines used to indicate traffic patterns imply the existence

of corridors, this is not always the case. In some instances, a circulation 

pattern is subsumed by another space, such as when lobby space 

is used as a public circulation area. In other instances, a circulation 

pattern might intersect an indicated space—for example, where public 

traffic intersects a reception counter used to control access from

waiting areas to restricted spaces. Any uncontrolled intersection of 

differing circulation patterns constitutes a breach of security and must 

be avoided. Additionally, lines indicating circulation do not describe 

egress requirements. 
ix | Preface U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Dots containing red and white triangles on the adjacency diagrams 

indicate either transition or circulation termination points: termination 

points for public or private circulation, points of transition from one 

circulation type to another (e.g., public to restricted or external to 

internal), or transition points from a circulation type to a given space 

(e.g., from public access to a reception area). 

Vertical circulation is also shown on the adjacency diagrams. A solid 

yellow dot indicates vertical public circulation for movement between 

floors. A solid blue dot indicates restricted vertical circulation,

extending to secure parking within the building and connecting with 

restricted circulation on other floors. A solid gray dot indicates vertical

circulation for the movement of freight and other bulky items. A solid 

red dot indicates vertical secure circulation exclusively for in-custody 

defendants and security officers of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS).

The types, numbers, and sizes of spaces shown on the adjacency 

diagrams should not be interpreted literally as specific requirements;

instead, the actual types, numbers, and sizes of spaces must be 

determined on a case-by-case basis, and will be dependent upon the 

program, design, applicable building codes, and other requirements. 

For certain spaces, such as courtrooms and judges’ chambers suites, 

the number of boxes shown on the adjacency diagrams does not 

necessarily indicate the number of actual spaces in a planned facility. 

The diagram should be used as a guide for determining the type of 

spaces required. 

xi | Summary of Revisions U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Summary of Revisions

As a living document, the U.S. Courts Design Guide (Design Guide) must keep pace with 

suggestions for changes, which arise from new Judiciary policies and new technical criteria 

intended to keep pace with state-of-the-art construction practices. Changes to the 2021 edition 

of the Design Guide are summarized below.

Revisions through June 2021

Summary of Revisions

• Added new section to summarize changes and revisions to this edition of the Design Guide. 

(AO Technical Update 06/21)

Chapter 4

Table 4.3, Table 4.4, and Table 4.5

• Revised footnote 1 to clarify restroom requirements and provisions. (AO Technical Update 

06/21)

Chapter 6

Table 6.1

• Corrected total net square footage values for all judges’ chambers suites. (AO Technical 

Update 06/21)
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Table of Contents | xii

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments.....................................................................iii

Preface.....................................................................................vii

Summary of Revisions................................................................xi

Table of Contents......................................................................xii

Chapter 1 - Introduction and the Federal Court System..........1-1

Introduction........................................................................................................1-2

Programming and Budgetary Notes...................................................................1-2

The System.........................................................................................................1-4

Organization of the Design Guide......................................................................1-5

Chapter 2 - Courthouse Programming and Budgetary

Considerations ........................................................................2-1

Introduction........................................................................................................2-2

Supporting Documents.......................................................................................2-2

General Cost-Control Strategies.........................................................................2-4

Value Engineering and Life-Cycle Costing........................................................2-6

Typical Federal Courthouse Project Development.............................................2-7

Chapter 3 - Planning for U.S. Courthouses...............................3-1

Introduction........................................................................................................3-2

Supporting Documents.......................................................................................3-2 

Programming and Budgetary Notes...................................................................3-2

Spaces Common to Federal Courts....................................................................3-4

Functions of the Three Court Types...................................................................3-5

Users and Capacities..........................................................................................3-6

Access for People with Disabilities...................................................................3-6

Courthouse Zoning and Building Circulation....................................................3-7

Program Stacking.............................................................................................3-10

Chapter 4 - Courtrooms and Associated Spaces.......................4-1

Introduction........................................................................................................4-2

Supporting Documents.......................................................................................4-2

Programming and Budgetary Notes...................................................................4-2

General Requirements for All Courtrooms.........................................................4-4 

Appellate Courtrooms.........................................................................................4-8

District Judge Courtrooms................................................................................4-11 

Magistrate Judge Courtrooms...........................................................................4-15

Bankruptcy Judge Courtrooms..........................................................................4-20

Chapter 5 - Jury Facilities........................................................5-1

Supporting Documents.......................................................................................5-2

Programming and Budgetary Notes...................................................................5-2

Functions and Activities.....................................................................................5-3 

Users and Capacities..........................................................................................5-5

Design Requirements.........................................................................................5-5

Adjacency and Circulation.................................................................................5-7

Chapter 6 - Judges’ Chambers Suites.......................................6-1

Supporting Documents.......................................................................................6-2

Programming and Budgetary Notes...................................................................6-2

Functions and Activities.....................................................................................6-4

Users and Capacities..........................................................................................6-4

Design Requirements.........................................................................................6-4

Adjacency and Circulation.................................................................................6-8

Chapter 7 - Court Libraries.......................................................7-1

Supporting Documents.......................................................................................7-2

Programming and Budgetary Notes...................................................................7-2

Functions and Activities.....................................................................................7-4

Users and Capacities..........................................................................................7-5

Design Requirements.........................................................................................7-5

Planning Issues...................................................................................................7-6 

Space Allotments................................................................................................7-9

Adjacency and Circulation.................................................................................7-9

Chapter 8 - Clerk’s Office.........................................................8-1

Supporting Documents.......................................................................................8-2

Programming and Budgetary Notes...................................................................8-2

Functions and Activities.....................................................................................8-4

Users and Capacities..........................................................................................8-4

Design Requirements.........................................................................................8-5

Adjacency and Circulation.................................................................................8-9

Chapter 9 - Probation and Pretrial Services Offices.................9-1

Introduction........................................................................................................9-2

Supporting Documents.......................................................................................9-2

Programming and Budgetary Notes...................................................................9-2

Functions and Activities.....................................................................................9-4

Users and Capacities..........................................................................................9-4 

Design Requirements.........................................................................................9-5

Adjacency and Circulation.................................................................................9-9
xiii | Table of Contents U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Chapter 10 - Other Court Units..............................................10-1

Supporting Documents......................................................................................10-2

Programming and Budgetary Notes..................................................................10-2

Functions and Activities....................................................................................10-4

Users and Capacities.........................................................................................10-4

Design Requirements........................................................................................10-4

Adjacency and Circulation................................................................................10-8

Chapter 11 - Shared Support Spaces.....................................11-1

Supporting Documents......................................................................................11-2

Programming and Budgetary Notes..................................................................11-2

Functions and Activities....................................................................................11-4

Users and Capacities..........................................................................................11-5

Design Requirements........................................................................................11-5

Adjacency and Circulation................................................................................11-7

Chapter 12 - Tenant Improvements and Furnishings.............12-1

Introduction......................................................................................................12-2

Supporting Documents......................................................................................12-2

Programming and Budgetary Notes..................................................................12-2

Tenant Improvements - Interior Finishes..........................................................12-3

Tenant Improvements - Millwork....................................................................12-10

Furnishings.....................................................................................................12-11

Chapter 13 - Interior Signage................................................13-1

Introduction......................................................................................................13-2

Supporting Documents......................................................................................13-2

Programming and Budgetary Notes..................................................................13-2

Design Requirements........................................................................................13-2

Chapter 14 - Acoustics...........................................................14-1

Introduction......................................................................................................14-2

Supporting Documents.....................................................................................14-2

Design Requirements........................................................................................14-3

Renovations and Alterations (R&A)...............................................................14-10

Chapter 15 - Building Systems...............................................15-1

Supporting Documents......................................................................................15-2

Mechanical Systems..........................................................................................15-3

Electrical Distribution Systems.........................................................................15-8

Lighting Systems.............................................................................................15-11

Communication Systems.................................................................................15-15

Renovations and Alterations (R&A)...............................................................15-18

Chapter 16 - Building Security...............................................16-1

Introduction......................................................................................................16-2

Supporting Documents.....................................................................................16-2

Agency Responsibilities...................................................................................16-2

Security Systems and Resource Request Process.............................................16-3

Security Concepts.............................................................................................16-4

Exterior Security...............................................................................................16-4

Interior Security................................................................................................16-6

Co-tenancy with the Federal Judiciary...........................................................16-10

Security Funding............................................................................................16-10

Chapter 17 - Renovations and Alterations (R&A)..................17-1

Introduction......................................................................................................17-2

Supporting Documents.....................................................................................17-2

Programming and Budgetary Notes.................................................................17-2

Roles and Responsibilities...............................................................................17-3

Types of R&A Projects....................................................................................17-4

Considerations and Suggested Actions............................................................17-7

Chapter 18 - Alternative Workplace Strategies......................18-1

Introduction.....................................................................................................18-2

Background.....................................................................................................18-2

Supporting Documents....................................................................................18-2

Programming and Budgetary Notes................................................................18-3

Functions and Activities..................................................................................18-5

Alternative Workplace Strategies Concepts....................................................18-5

Workplace Settings..........................................................................................18-6

Neighborhoods................................................................................................18-7

Alternative Workplace Strategies Programming and Planning.......................18-7

Alternative Workplace Strategies Design........................................................18-8

Appendix - Room Data Sheets.................................................A-1

Glossary

Index

1-1 U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

INTRODUCTION AND THE 

FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM 1 This chapter outlines the intent of the Design Guide, and how to use its contents. It also briefly 

describes the organization of the federal court system, its administrative functions, and the 

judicial process.

• Introduction

• Programming and Budgetary Notes

• The System

• Organization of the Design Guide

Figure 1.1 U.S. Court of Appeals - Relevant Chapters

Figure 1.2 U.S. District Court - Relevant Chapters

Figure 1.3 U.S. Bankruptcy Court - Relevant Chapters

Chapter Topics:

Chapter Figures and Tables:
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Introduction and The Federal Court System | 1-2

Introduction

Scope

The comprehensive design guidelines contained in this document describe the types of 

spaces commonly associated with facilities for the U.S. Court of Appeals (USCA), U.S. 

District Court (USDC), U.S. Bankruptcy Court (USBC), Court of Appeals for the Federal 

Circuit, Court of Federal Claims, and Court of International Trade. The Design Guide

includes criteria for accommodating courts in both multi-tenant and leased facilities. 

In accordance with Federal Emergency Management Agency guidelines, new courthouses 

are considered critical action facilities. Where indicated, appropriate floodplain mitigation 

measures ensuring the life safety requirements of the facility are required. Refer to 

Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service (GSA PBS P-100), section 1.3.12.2 

Critical Action Facilities. 

The design guidelines presented in this document apply to the design and construction of 

new buildings, annexes, all new leased space in new locations, and repair and alteration 

projects in which new space is being configured for a court unit, including courtrooms and 

chambers.

Objectives

The Design Guide has three major objectives. First, it serves as a planning tool for 

federal judges and key judicial personnel who are directly involved in the design of a 

federal court facility. Second, it provides relevant information for the General Services 

Administration (GSA) and an architectural/engineering (A/E) team to effectively plan, 

budget, program, and design a functional, aesthetically appropriate, and cost-effective 

court facility. Information in the Design Guide enables judges and judiciary personnel 

to collaborate effectively with the GSA and the A/E team throughout a project’s design 

and documentation phases. The Design Guide also provides information for the A/E 

team and specialists regarding security, acoustics, telecommunications, data, and audiovisual systems. Finally, the Design Guide provides policy guidance from the Judicial 

Conference of the United States (JCUS) for the overall planning, programming, and 

designing of federal court facilities throughout the United States and its territories, 

through its Committee on Space and Facilities, and the Administrative Office of the U.S. 

Courts (AOUSC). 

It is not the intent of the Design Guide to be overly prescriptive and hinder creative ideas 

to address court needs. The absence of a Design Guide standard or requirement does not 

mean a plan cannot be implemented given the appropriate authority. Courts should work 

closely with their respective assistant circuit executives (ACEs) for space and facilities, 

GSA, and A/E teams to identify areas of concern and develop cost-efficient and effective 

solutions to problems. If the best solution is outside of, or not included as part of, Design 

Guide standards or requirements, courts should seek the proper exception. The goal of the 

Design Guide is to provide guidance for new construction and renovations that addresses 

the needs of the Judiciary.

The Design Guide contains design criteria for courthouses. Users should read all 

introductory text carefully to understand the scope, function, and intent of the guidelines 

and their relationship to the design process.

Programming and Budgetary Notes

Programming and budgetary notes found throughout the Design Guide provide assistance 

with decisions to be made during the development of courthouse projects. The notes 

include both judicial branch policy and lessons learned from completed projects. The 

notes supplement the criteria in the Design Guide; their purpose is to provide direction in 

using the flexibility of the Design Guide to develop justifiable and cost-effective federal 

courthouse projects. 

Space Envelope Flexibility

A total space envelope for new space will be calculated using appropriate circulation 

factors, allowances for support-type spaces, and the space standards described in the 

Design Guide. Courts have the flexibility to configure space within the envelope to meet 

their local needs. However, design and construction should be in general compliance 

with the square footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling 

requirements tables. If the court unit wishes to significantly change the space standards 

described in the space and ceiling requirements tables without exceeding the total envelope 

of space for the unit, it must seek approval from its respective circuit judicial council.

The space envelope for a respective court unit is defined as:

• Entire clerk’s office 

• Entire probation office 

• Entire pretrial services office 

• Entire staff attorney’s office 

• Entire circuit executive’s office 

• All courtrooms designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate 

judges, and bankruptcy judges) 

• All chambers designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate 

judges, and bankruptcy judges)

For existing space, courts have the flexibility to configure space within the existing 

envelope to meet their local needs. However, any significant departure from the square 

footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling requirements 
1-3 | Introduction and The Federal Court System U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

reauthorized by Congress if the exception had not been previously identified. Contact the 

AOUSC for more detailed information.

For prospectus-level courthouse projects, if an exception is approved by the JCUS which 

would result in additional estimated costs, the chair of the circuit’s space and facilities 

committee or the chief judge or other judge designated by the court that sought the 

exception that exceeds the Design Guide criteria must be willing, if requested by the 

Committee on Space and Facilities, to appear before Congress concerning funding for 

such construction.

General Programming Notes

The Design Guide is intended to be a performance document. Criteria for any space or 

grouping of spaces should be considered in conjunction with the specific needs of the court 

office or function for which space is being designed. 

Criteria in the Design Guide do not represent space entitlements. The criteria apply to an 

array of space types that should be justified based on the specific purpose of each project. 

Facility plans, programs, and designs should include only the space needed to satisfy the 

functional and security requirements of the court. 

Differences between the space in an existing facility and the criteria in the Design Guide

are not justification for facility alteration and expansion. In such cases, alternatives to 

space expansion are investigated before any additional space is requested. In addition, 

like-for-like space is not a guarantee. Space allocated in an existing location is not 

justification for the same amount of space in a new location if the space allocation is not 

warranted. Current needs should be evaluated when moving into new space to determine 

the appropriate space envelope. Any additional space must be approved by the appropriate 

authority. Design architects and court staff are prohibited from adding spaces not originally 

contemplated in the approved prospectus or design program. Increasing the floor area or 

building volume requires the necessary approvals.

General Budgetary Notes

Renovation and new construction occur when the court and circuit judicial council identify 

space needs through the Judiciary’s asset management planning process and document 

these needs in the long-range facilities plan. GSA determines by what method the space 

is provided—for example, by the construction of a new building, the renovation of an 

existing building, a lease, or other means.

The Judicial Conference recognizes and strongly supports a pragmatic approach to design 

that includes the use of durable and sustainable materials. This approach ensures that 

courthouses constructed now will last well into the future. 

tables must be approved by the respective circuit judicial council. This does not mean that 

existing space must be changed to meet Design Guide standards. Only new construction 

completed as part of a renovation should be considered. 

Renovations and Alterations (R&A)

Many of the construction projects conducted in the Judiciary are renovations to existing 

space. Although the Design Guide applies to these projects, it is understood that some 

standards in the Design Guide are difficult or impossible to achieve in existing space, 

particularly in historic buildings. Courts should consult Chapter 17, “Renovations and 

Alterations (R&A),” and GSA PBS P-100 for guidance in these circumstances. References 

to R&A guidelines are also included throughout the Design Guide where appropriate.

Exceptions to the Design Guide Standards 

The Design Guide provides guidance on standards for courthouse construction and 

renovations to existing space. Any significant departure from these standards is considered 

an exception and must be approved by the respective authority as outlined below. 

Authority of the Circuit Judicial Councils 

Circuit judicial councils play an important space-management role by reviewing 

district-wide facility plans, approving requests for new or modified space, and enforcing 

adherence to design guidelines. The circuit judicial councils have authority over, and 

responsibility for, a circuit’s space-management program (28 USC §332 and §462(b)) and 

for determining the need for space. As directed by the JCUS, any significant departure 

from the standards in the Design Guide must be approved by the respective circuit judicial 

council. 

Authority of the Committee on Space and Facilities 

The authority to approve the following exceptions to the Design Guide standards rests 

with the Committee on Space and Facilities: (1) exceeding the total envelope for either the 

court unit or the project as a whole, (2) changing the standard configurations for judges’

chambers and courtrooms, and (3) exceeding the plumbing standards. If the Committee 

on Space and Facilities disagrees with a circuit judicial council request for one of these 

exceptions, the Judicial Conference will decide whether to grant the exception. 

Authority of the Judicial Conference

The authority for approving any exception to prospectus-level courthouse projects that 

would result in additional estimated costs, including additional rent payment obligations, 

lies with the Judicial Conference. Approval is required, after review by the Committee 

on Space and Facilities, for any exception to the Design Guide approved by a circuit 

judicial council. The request must include (1) a justification for the exception and (2) 

a construction cost estimate. All approved exceptions for prospectus-level projects are 

reported to GSA and Congress. Approved exceptions may require the project to be 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Introduction and The Federal Court System | 1-4

Following the publication of the 2007 Design Guide, the Judiciary introduced several costsaving measures, such as courtroom sharing and the Integrated Workplace Initiative (IWI), 

that sought to provide flexibility and efficiency in court spaces while preserving the dignity 

of the Judiciary. Courtroom sharing for certain judge types is now a standard throughout 

the Judiciary, and IWI is recognized as an alternative to traditional office design. For more 

information on cost- and space-saving efforts and programs, contact the AOUSC Space 

and Facilities Division.

The System

Introduction

As established by the Constitution, the federal courts constitute one of three coequal 

branches of our national government. The other two branches are the executive and 

legislative. While positions established under the Constitution for the executive and 

legislative branches (e.g., President, Vice President, senators, and representatives) are 

elected for a set number of years, justices of the Supreme Court and judges of the inferior 

courts established by Congress are appointed to lifetime positions by the President, with 

advice and consent of the Senate. These judges are subject to removal from office only 

through impeachment, as provided in the Constitution. The Constitution also prohibits 

lowering the pay of federal judges. These two forms of protection allow federal judges to 

make decisions, even unpopular ones, without fear of removal from office or reduction of 

salary and maintain the independence of the federal judiciary.

Types of Federal Courts

Article III of the Constitution provides for a Supreme Court and whatever other federal 

courts Congress considers necessary. The number of federal judges is small. While the 

Supreme Court and its justices are located in Washington, D.C., most members of the 

federal judiciary are dispersed throughout the United States and its territories. 

Trial Courts 

Congress has divided the country into 94 federal judicial districts, each with its own 

USDC. The USDCs are the federal trial courts where cases are tried, witnesses testify, and 

juries serve. 

In the federal trial courts, the broadest judicial responsibility is given to district judges. 

District judges conduct a wide range of judicial proceedings, including jury trials, and 

sometimes appeals from bankruptcy judges. Proceedings occur in both civil and criminal 

cases. Only district judges are authorized to conduct felony criminal trials. 

Typically, one to five district judges are located in small- to medium-sized court facilities; 

however, in several large metropolitan areas, 15 or more district judges are located in 

a single facility. Generally, one trial courtroom is required for each district judgeship. 

Magistrate and bankruptcy judges assist district judges by conducting some of the 

proceedings in the federal trial courts. 

Magistrate judges are appointed by the district judges to exercise jurisdiction in a narrower 

range of cases than district judges, as determined by statute and a delegation of authority 

from district judges. Magistrate judges hear preliminary matters in criminal cases and try 

minor criminal cases. Under certain circumstances, magistrate judges may conduct the full 

range of proceedings in civil cases, up to and including jury trials. Bankruptcy judges are 

appointed by the circuit courts and have authority under federal bankruptcy law to act over 

all matters involving debtor-creditor relationships. Bankruptcy judges conduct a variety of 

civil hearings and, in very limited circumstances, may conduct civil jury trials.

Court of International Trade

The geographic jurisdiction of the United States Court of International Trade extends 

throughout the United States. The court hears and decides cases that arise anywhere in the 

nation and is also authorized to hold hearings in foreign countries. There are nine judges 

assigned to the Court of International Trade. The types of cases the court is authorized 

to decide are limited and defined by the Constitution and specific laws enacted by the 

Congress. Headquartered in New York City, the Court of International Trade often 

conducts trials in U.S. courthouses in districts throughout the country. 

Court of Federal Claims

The United States Court of Federal Claims is a court of record with national jurisdiction. 

The United States Court of Federal Claims was created in October 1982 by the Federal 

Courts Improvement Act pursuant to Article 1 of the United States Constitution. The court 

consists of 16 judges nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate for a term 

of 15 years. The Court of Federal Claims is authorized to hear primarily money claims 

founded upon the Constitution, federal statutes, executive regulations, or contracts, express 

or implied in fact, with the United States. The court is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Courts of Appeals

Congress grouped the 94 USDCs into 12 regional circuits and a federal circuit and 

established within each circuit a single USCA. Litigants who lose in the USDC may 

appeal their case to the USCA, which reviews cases to see whether the trial judge correctly 

applied the law. The USCA also reviews cases decided by the tax court and various federal 

agencies, such as the National Labor Relations Board. The USCA is the final stop for most 

litigation in the federal system. There are currently 179 circuit judges authorized to review 

cases in the 13 circuits, including the federal circuit. Typically, one to five circuit judges are 

located in a few cities in the various circuits. Occasionally, many more judges are housed in 

a single location. Only one headquarters courtroom (en banc courtroom) exists within each 

circuit. One or more auxiliary, or panel, courtrooms may be located throughout each circuit. 

Most federal court facilities, however, do not house circuit judges or courtrooms.
1-5 | Introduction and The Federal Court System U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is unique among the 13 Circuit 

Courts of Appeals. It has nationwide jurisdiction in a variety of subject areas, including 

international trade, government contracts, patents, trademarks, certain money claims against 

the United States government, federal personnel, veterans’ benefits, and public safety 

officers’ benefits claims. Appeals to the court come from all federal district courts, the 

United States Court of Federal Claims, the United States Court of International Trade, and 

the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. The court has 12 active judges who 

are appointed for life by the President. The court is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

The Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court is the highest court in the nation. Cases from the 13 appellate courts 

and the highest courts of each state can be appealed to the Supreme Court. The Supreme 

Court is not required to hear every case brought before it. In fact, each year the Supreme 

Court agrees to hear a small fraction of the appeals presented. The courtroom and other 

facilities for the nine Supreme Court justices are located in the Supreme Court Building in 

Washington, D.C. Design criteria for the Supreme Court are not included in the Design Guide.

Administration of the Federal Courts

National-level policies for federal courts are established by a standing body of federal 

judges called the Judicial Conference of the United States. The JCUS is chaired by 

the Chief Justice of the United States. Standing committees of judges have policy 

responsibilities that are exercised on behalf of the JCUS. In each of the various circuits, 

administrative oversight is carried out through committees called circuit judicial councils. 

Most local court management is vested in the court itself. Chief judges have certain 

statutory and delegated authorities. Additionally, each court type is authorized by statute 

to appoint a clerk of court to carry out duties assigned by the court, by statute, as well as 

duties delegated under authority of the Director of the AOUSC. Courts may also appoint 

other specialized officers, such as probation and pre-trial services chiefs, circuit

librarians, and chief mediators. Circuit judicial councils appoint circuit executives to

support the work of the councils.

The federal judiciary is served by the AOUSC, which is located in Washington, D.C. 

The AOUSC performs a wide range of administrative duties to assist the operation of 

the federal courts. Section 462 of Title 28, United States Code, gives the Director of the 

AOUSC authority to provide accommodations for the courts, “but only if the judicial 

council of the appropriate circuit has approved the accommodations as necessary” and 

directs that the Administrator of the GSA shall provide the accommodations that the 

Director requests.

Organization of the Design Guide

Three figures at the end of this chapter (Figures 1.1-1.3) identify the relevant chapters that 

provide information on the policy and standards for each court unit within the three types 

of courts: USCA, USDC, and USBC. The information in these chapters and the appendix, 

“Room Data Sheets,” along with technical information found in Chapters 12–18, are to be 

used to design the various types of court projects.

Chapter 1: Introduction and the Federal Court System outlines the intent, use, and contents 

of the Design Guide and briefly describes the organization of the federal court system, its 

administrative functions, and the judicial process.

Chapter 2: Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations includes a guide to 

supporting documents; describes the processes used to plan, program, design, and construct 

federal court facilities; and discusses strategies for developing cost-effective courthouses to 

accommodate the Judiciary’s current and future needs. The budgetary responsibilities of the 

Judiciary, GSA, and other courthouse project participants are also described.

Chapter 3: Planning for U.S. Courthouses contains general design guidelines for judges 

and judicial personnel working with an A/E team to design a new court facility. In 

addition, the chapter assists A/E team members in understanding the functional and spatial 

relationships among the major components of a court facility, and the need for separate 

circulation systems. The chapter describes the major spaces in each of the three court types 

(USCA, USDC, and USBC) and spaces common to all courthouses, contains a typical 

floor plan for a courtroom floor, and discusses collegial versus collocated judges’ chambers 

and courts in multi-tenant buildings. 

Chapters 4 through 11 contain specific design guidelines to assist the A/E team in the 

design of a new court facility. Each chapter addresses a major functional category of space 

or grouping of spaces. These chapters include discussions of functions and activities, user 

capacities, and specific design requirements, and contain programming and budgetary 

notes, a list of possible space types, and adjacency diagrams. 

Chapter 4: Courtrooms and Associated Spaces contains specific design guidelines for 

appellate courtrooms and for district, magistrate, and bankruptcy judges’ courtrooms.

Chapter 5: Jury Facilities describes specific design guidelines for the jury assembly suite, 

trial jury suite, and grand jury suite. 

Chapter 6: Judges’ Chambers Suites describes specific design guidelines for the resident 

and non-resident chambers suites of circuit, district, magistrate, and bankruptcy judges.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Introduction and The Federal Court System | 1-6

Chapter 7: Court Libraries contains specific design guidelines for circuit headquarters 

libraries, satellite libraries, and unstaffed libraries.

Chapter 8: Clerk’s Office contains specific design guidelines for clerks’ offices of the 

USCA, USDC, and USBC.

Chapter 9: Probation and Pretrial Services Offices contains specific design guidelines for 

the offices of probation and pretrial services personnel.

Chapter 10: Other Court Units contains specific design guidelines for the Office of 

the Circuit Executive (USCA), Office of the Bankruptcy Administrator, Office of the 

Bankruptcy Appellate Panel clerk (BAP), Office of the Senior Staff Attorney (USCA), 

Office of the Pre-Argument/Conference Attorney (USCA), Office of the District Court 

Executive (USDC), and the trial preparation suite for the federal public defender. 

Chapter 11: Shared Support Spaces defines specific design guidelines for shared judges’ 

conference rooms, news media rooms, central mail and package screening stations, central 

mail facilities, bulk and archival storage, and communications equipment rooms and risers. 

There are two distinct types of shared support space: 

Judiciary Shared Spaces - judges’ conference room, news media room, bulk and 

archival storage, and communications equipment rooms and risers.

Building Joint Use Shared Spaces - central mail and package screening and building 

mail facilities.

Chapter 12: Tenant Improvements and Furnishings contains specific design criteria for 

finishes, built-in millwork, and movable furniture. 

Chapter 13: Interior Signage contains specific standards for interior signage.

Chapter 14: Acoustics contains specific acoustic criteria for various areas of the 

courthouse.

Chapter 15: Building Systems contains specific technical requirements relevant to courthouse 

functions and spaces. Performance criteria for these systems are provided in GSA PBS 

P-100.

Chapter 16: Building Security describes security requirements for court facilities. 

Chapter 17: Renovations and Alterations provides guidance and information for major and 

minor renovation and alteration projects that are planned either by the Judiciary or by the 

GSA.

Chapter 18: Alternative Workplace Strategies describes alternative workplace strategies 

that result in more efficient use of space than traditional office/workstation layouts 

and complement a mobile work force, collaborative work environments, and modern 

information technologies.

The appendix contains the RDS referenced in the Design Guide, and the glossary provides 

definitions to referenced abbreviations.

Changes to the Design Guide

Any suggestions for modifications to the Design Guide should be forwarded to the Chief, 

Space and Facilities Division, AOUSC.
1-7 | Introduction and The Federal Court System U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Figure 1.1

U.S. Court of Appeals - Relevant Chapters

Circuit

Exec.’s

Office

Nonresident

Judge’s

Chambers

Circuit

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Circuit

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Circuit

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Circuit

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Circuit

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Circuit

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Robing Robing

Conf. Room Conf. Room

Public

Waiting

Public

Waiting

Attorney

Work Rm

Public

Entry

Circuit

Clerk’s

Office

Senior

Staff

Attorney’s

Office

Headquarters

Circuit

Library

Appellate

Panel

Courtroom

Conference/

Training

Room

Appellate

En Banc

Courtroom

Colors Legend:

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration.

Chapter 3

Planning for U.S. Courthouses

Chapter 4

Courtrooms and Associated Spaces

Chapter 6

Judges’ Chambers Suites

Chapter 7

Court Libraries

Chapter 8

Clerk’s Office

Chapter 10

Other Court Units

Symbols Legend:

Public Circulation

Public Vertical Circulation

Restricted Circulation

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Introduction and The Federal Court System | 1-8

Figure 1.2

U.S. District Court - Relevant Chapters

Colors Legend:

Symbols Legend:

Chapter 3

Planning for U.S. Courthouses

Chapter 4

Courtrooms and Associated Spaces

Chapter 5

Jury Facilities

Chapter 6

Judges’ Chambers Suites

Chapter 7

Court Libraries

Chapter 8

Clerk’s Office

Chapter 9

Probation and Pretrial Services Offices

Chapter 10

Other Court Units

Public Circulation 

Public Vertical Circulation

Restricted Circulation

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Secure Circulation

Secure Vertical Circulation

Service Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration.

District

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

District

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Magistrate

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Magistrate

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Central

Cell

Block

U.S.

Marshals

Service

Office

Public

Entry

U.S.

Probation

Office

U.S.

Pretrial

Services

Office

District

Clerk’s

Office

Satellite

Court

Library

District

Judge’s

Courtroom

Public

Waiting

Witness

Security

Grand

Jury

Jury

Assembly

Suite

Public

Waiting

Public

Waiting

Public

Waiting

Conference/

Training

Room

U.S.

Attorney’s

Office

Court

Rep. District

Judge’s

Courtroom

Magistrate

Judge’s

Courtroom

Magistrate

Judge’s

Courtroom

Trial

Suite

Trial

Suite

Trial

Suite

Trial

Suite
1-9 | Introduction and The Federal Court System U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Figure 1.3

U.S. Bankruptcy Court - Relevant Chapters

Symbols Legend:

Public Circulation

Public Vertical Circulation

Restricted Circulation 

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Service Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration.

Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Public

Entry

Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Courtroom

Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Courtroom

Public

Waiting

Public

Waiting

Conference/

Training

Room

Unstaffed

Library

Bankruptcy

Clerk’s

Office

Colors Legend:

Chapter 3

Planning for U.S. Courthouses

Chapter 4

Courtrooms and Associated Spaces

Chapter 6

Judges’ Chambers Suites

Chapter 7

Court Libraries

Chapter 8

Clerk’s Office

2-1 U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

COURTHOUSE PROGRAMMING 

AND BUDGETARY 2 CONSIDERATIONS

This chapter describes the process used to plan, program, design, and construct federal court 

facilities and provides strategies for developing cost-effective courthouses to accommodate the 

Judiciary’s current and future needs. The budgetary responsibilities of the Judiciary, the General 

Services Administration (GSA), and other courthouse project participants are also described.

Chapter Topics:

• Introduction

• Supporting Documents

• General Cost-Control Strategies

• Value Engineering and Life-Cycle Costing

• Typical Federal Courthouse Project Development Process

Figure 2.1 Cost Influence Graph

Table 2.1 Construction Costs of Judicial Facilities by Building Element

Table 2.2 Funding Responsibilities

Chapter Figures and Tables:
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations | 2-2

Introduction

Federal courthouse space and ceiling requirements for specific projects are developed 

through a process of planning, programming, design, and construction. This process 

includes a project team composed of the Judiciary (judges, court unit executives, court 

project architects, assistant circuit executives (ACEs) for space and facilities, circuit 

judicial councils, and Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC) management 

and professional staff); consultants (architects, engineers, audiovisual engineers, 

registered communications distribution designers, acoustic and lighting engineers, and 

U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) systems, security, and equipment engineers); GSA and 

other federal agencies; and contractors. Court unit executives manage and oversee court 

operations in their court unit, ensuring that judges and court employees are able to meet 

the Judiciary’s mission of equal justice under law. The project team is required to make 

informed decisions about the Judiciary’s functional needs while effectively controlling 

project costs. The project team should consider efficiency, value, life-cycle cost, and 

budgetary impact when making design decisions.

The criteria presented in this document do not represent an entitlement to space, 

furnishings, or finishes. However, the application of the criteria presented is intended to 

help direct project decisions toward producing functional, cost-effective facilities. Project 

teams should be conscious of the estimated project budget during the decision-making 

process. It is not the intent of the Design Guide to be overly prescriptive or to impede 

creative ideas to address the space and operational needs of the courts. The absence of a 

Design Guide standard or requirement does not imply authorization of a project without 

approval by the appropriate authority. Courts should work closely with their respective 

ACEs, GSA, and their architectural/engineering (A/E) team to identify areas of concern 

and develop cost-efficient and effective solutions. 

Supporting Documents

The references listed below provide information on many facets of the design and 

construction of federal courthouses. They are not intended to be a substitution for Design 

Guide standards.

General References

• American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers 

(ASHRAE) Handbook Series, most current editions adopted by the Department of 

Energy

• Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standard (ABAAS) 

This document contains scoping technical requirements for implementation 

of the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) of 1968 and is the GSA accessibility 

standard which replaced the UFAS on May 9, 2006. This standard applies to all 

federal projects.

• Design Notebook for Federal Building Lobby Security, GSA and USMS, undated

The goal of this publication is to illustrate how effective security screening and 

the related equipment and personnel can be integrated into the design of lobby 

spaces in new courthouses. The notebook includes prototype designs as well as 

typical details.

• Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service (GSA PBS P-100), most 

current edition

Court facilities are built under GSA’s construction program. GSA PBS P-100 

establishes design standards and criteria for new buildings, major and minor 

alterations, and work in historic structures for the Public Buildings Service 

(PBS) of GSA. The publication includes criteria for the site; building structure 

(including seismic design); building mechanical and electrical systems; building 

services such as elevators, fire protection, and security; resilience for the 

service life of the asset; and general office design. The publication also contains 

references to appropriate building codes. In contrast, the Design Guide covers 

only those criteria pertaining to the unique functions of the U.S. Courts. Where 

appropriate, the Design Guide directly references criteria found in GSA PBS 

P-100. 

• GSA CourtsWeb

• GSA Design Guide for Operational Excellence, most current edition.

• GSA National Business Space Assignment Policy (NBSAP), most current edition

• GSA Smart Building Implementation Guide

• GSA Smart Building Program Guide

• Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Lighting Handbook, most current edition, 

Chapter 10, “Lighting Design Guide”

This document contains the recommended foot-candles for all types of spaces, 

such as offices, conference rooms, courtrooms, etc., that could be designed 

within a court facility.

• IES G-1-16, Guide for Security Lighting for People, Property, and Critical 

Infrastructure, most current edition

This document is intended to provide specific guidelines for situations where it 

has been determined that security is an issue and an important determining factor 

in the design or retrofit of a given property.

• IES RP-1, American National Standard Practice for Office Lighting, most current 

edition

• IES RP-20, Lighting for Parking Facilities, most current edition

The primary purpose of this document is to provide recommendations for design 

of fixed lighting for parking facilities.
2-3 | Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021

• Interagency Security Committee (ISC) Security Design Criteria for New Federal 

Office Buildings and Major Modernization Projects, Medium-High-Level 

Construction, GSA, most current edition

• Pricing Desk Guide, GSA PBS, most current edition

The Pricing Desk Guide presents the policies and procedures that the PBS uses 

to price real estate and related services to federal agencies.

• Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual 

(USMS Publication 64), Volume One, Courthouse Management Group Engineering 

and Architectural, most current edition

• Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual 

(USMS Publication 64), Volume Two, Electronic Security and Hardware, most current 

edition

• Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual 

(USMS Publication 64), Volume Three, Judicial Security Systems Requirements and 

Specifications, most current edition

Detailed specifications for security equipment and criteria for USMS 

administrative and secure spaces are found in USMS Publication 64. 

• Site Security Design Guide, GSA, most current edition

The guide establishes the principles, elements, and process that should be 

followed when designing site security at any new or existing federal project site. 

• Sound Matters, GSA, most current edition

The guide establishes the principles, elements, and best practice processes that 

should be followed when designing open offices for occupant acoustical comfort 

and speech privacy. 

Telecommunications Cabling Standards 

• GSA IT - Building Technologies Technical Reference Guide, most current edition

• GSA Data Normalization for Building Automation Systems

• Telecommunications Design and Distribution Guide (TDDG)

• Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and Electronics Industries Alliance 

(EIA), TIA/EIA-568-B Series, Commercial Building 

Telephone/Data Procurement Policy 

• ANSI/CSA/TIA/EIA-942, Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data 

Centers, most current edition 

• TIA/EIA-569-A, Commercial Building Standards for Telecommunications Pathways

• Vulnerability Assessment of Federal Facilities, Level IV Buildings, Department of 

Justice, most current edition

In addition, the following related guides and manuals published by the AOUSC should 

guide architectural and engineering decisions. 

Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts References

The following references are available through the Space and Facilities Division (SFD) of 

the AOUSC. 

• “AnyCourt” (Program of Requirements) 

The Judiciary’s automated space-planning tool is used to provide a court’s space 

program of requirements for a specific location and project based on personnel 

data documented in the long-range facilities plan reviewed by the circuit judicial 

council. This document is utilized by GSA to determine a project’s scope of 

work, space requirement, and budget.

• United States Courts Asset Management Planning (AMP) Business Rules, most 

current edition

The Judiciary’s AMP business rules were adopted by the Judicial Conference 

of the United States (JCUS) in 2008 to guide the long-range facilities planning 

process, provide a framework to identify planning alternatives and housing 

strategies that optimize existing court facilities, support operational needs, and 

ensure cost efficiency and effectiveness. The rules also specifically address 

the application of space standards, planning assumptions, and parameters for 

determining if and when a potential housing strategy will be recommended for 

progression to the next stage of the planning process, i.e., a prospectus-level 

GSA feasibility study or a below prospectus-level project.

• Courtroom Technology Audiovisual Infrastructure Standard, most current edition

The Courtroom Technology Audiovisual Infrastructure Standard defines the roles 

of GSA, A/E teams, and technical consultants for courthouse technology projects 

and provides technical standards for infrastructure, video evidence presentation 

systems, videoconferencing systems, and sound systems. 

• Guide to Judiciary Policy

The Guide to Judiciary Policy is the official medium by which guidance and 

information are provided to the Judiciary in support of its day-to-day operations. 

The guide also codifies policies that are promulgated by the Director of the AOUSC 

and/or approved by the JCUS. Contributing offices and divisions within the 

AOUSC are responsible for maintaining their information in a current condition.

This document also provides information on the funding, authorization, and 

documentation required for new furnishings. In addition, information is provided 

on the hierarchy system for furniture quality and furniture types per position/

level of courthouse staff and cost ceilings. 

• U.S. Courts, “The Federal Judiciary”

• United States Courthouse Design and Construction Process, most current edition

• United States Courts Courtroom Mock-up Evaluation and Assessment Report, 

Gulfport, MS; Helena, MT; Miami, FL; Orlando, FL, most current edition

• United States Courts Moving Guide: A Handbook for Relocating or Expanding Court 

Operations, most current edition

• AO Best Practices Guide for Courthouse Construction, most current edition
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations | 2-4

The SFD of the AOUSC has available upon request post-occupancy evaluation reports of 

completed courthouse and courtroom designs, courthouse videos, and other documentation 

of the lessons learned from completed projects. 

Design professionals who use the Design Guide are expected to possess knowledge of and 

access to literature pertaining to their particular skill areas. Such professionals are also 

expected to use government, industry, and consensus-based standards in applying Design 

Guide criteria to the design of court projects.

General Cost-Control Strategies

The cost of a courthouse is primarily determined by the size of the building, including 

both the area (the size and number of spaces) and the volume (the floor-to-floor heights). 

The size is determined by evaluating the functional requirements of the court (planning), 

applying the criteria in the Design Guide to determine space needs (programming), and 

developing efficient spatial relationships (design). A more efficient design will likely yield 

a smaller, more affordable building. An efficient implementation of the program creates a 

better building for its occupants and users. For each courthouse, construction materials and 

methods should be selected to satisfy the court’s requirements and achieve an optimum 

balance of up-front initial costs and life-cycle costs.

The JCUS established one of the Judiciary’s most critical cost-containment initiatives by 

calling on the Judiciary to reduce its overall space inventory. In response, the Judiciary has 

continued to be proactive in cost containment activities related to space and facilities by 

exploring ways to reduce costs through its national space reduction policies. 

New buildings provide the opportunity to explore cost-saving strategies while defining the 

functional needs of the courthouse. The project development process for renovations and 

alterations of a courthouse facility in an existing structure represents a greater challenge 

in creating a balance between function and cost-effectiveness, and therefore demands 

greater flexibility in defining the program and its relationship to the Design Guide. In 

these situations, courts have the flexibility to configure space within the existing envelope 

to meet their local needs. However, any significant departure from the square footage 

standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling requirements tables must 

be approved by the respective circuit judicial council. This does not mean that existing 

space is required to be changed to meet Design Guide standards. Only new construction 

completed as part of a renovation should be considered. Courts should consult Chapter 17, 

“Renovations and Alterations (R&A),” for guidance in these circumstances. References to 

R&A guidelines are also included throughout the Design Guide where appropriate.

The AOUSC, judges, and court unit executives should be a part of the initial planning 

and program development process to ensure that all requirements are addressed. Before 

beginning program development and design phases, GSA and the Judiciary should 

work together to reach an agreement on the appropriate budget for tenant improvements 

and shell and core costs. As the cost influence graph in Figure 2.1 shows, the greatest 

opportunity to influence project cost occurs in the planning and programming phases. 

Management participation in the planning and programming phases is very important 

to ensure cost-effectiveness during design and construction. As the project progresses 

toward the design and construction phases, the cost to implement changes increases. As 

a cost control strategy, project scope should be defined and agreed upon before designs 

are developed. Value engineering (VE) is another cost control strategy. During design 

development, it is optimal to perform value engineering early in the design process. 

Controlling costs is ultimately an aspect of risk management. During early project 

planning, programming, and schematic design, integrated involvement of end-users, 

management, executives, judges, and resource-providing stakeholders is essential to ensure 

the right project is defined and its costs are controlled.

Construction Cost Benchmarking

The GSA construction cost benchmarks are the estimates used for project budgets. The 

benchmarks are determined by the GSA benchmark formula. 

The cost of constructing judicial facilities is typically higher than the cost of constructing 

standard federal office buildings, due to the courts’ special requirements, including 

security, separate circulation, and specialized spaces such as courtrooms and judges’ 

chambers. Refer to Table 2.1 for a summary of constructed costs by building element.

Figure 2.1

Cost Influence Graph
2-5 | Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021

Funding Responsibilities

Rental fees paid by the Judiciary to GSA are based on an occupancy agreement (OA) 

executed by GSA and the AOUSC. The OA identifies shell and core, tenant improvements, 

parking, and GSA fees. With very few exceptions, GSA’s rental rates include standards 

contained in the Design Guide. The project team should refer to GSA’s Pricing Desk Guide. 

The Design Guide works in conjunction with GSA criteria to define which features and 

finishes are provided by GSA as part of the construction cost and which must be funded 

separately by the Judiciary. Tenant improvement features, such as service counters and 

ballistic-resistant glazing, result in the Judiciary paying either a higher rental rate or a onetime reimbursable charge.

Refer to Table 2.2 for more details concerning the funding responsibilities of the Judiciary, 

GSA, and court-related agencies.

Programming and Design Cost-Control Considerations

A facility program that is too rigidly defined does not allow for growth and flexibility. 

Since a project can typically take seven years from initiation to completion, a rigid program 

may result in redesign change orders. To avoid this redesign cost, the AnyCourt program 

of requirements will be used by GSA and the A/E firm to determine the court’s needs. 

However, each court has unique needs based on such factors as geographic location and 

population. These factors should be considered when developing program requirements. 

As noted above, courts have the flexibility to configure space within the given envelope, 

as long as design and construction are in compliance with the square footage standards 

designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling requirements tables. If the court 

unit wishes to change the space standards described in the space and ceiling requirements 

without exceeding the total envelope of space for the unit, it must seek approval from its 

respective circuit judicial council. Courts should understand that costs for choices in the 

design that exceed those assumed in the benchmark (e.g., finishes and space allocation) 

must be absorbed elsewhere in the program and funded by the court.

The Judiciary allows for program growth, with detailed 10- and 30-year housing 

requirements (as specified in the AnyCourt). GSA typically designs and constructs 

courthouses to meet a court’s 10-year requirement on a 30-year site. For courthouses, 30-

year needs should be considered to avoid having to relocate the courts from a building after 

it has been constructed. On all prospectus-level construction projects, GSA should require 

the design architect to provide a plan for accommodating the 30-year needs of the court on 

the acquired site and demonstrate how the plan complements the project’s 10-year housing 

requirements.

A well-designed courthouse includes a flexible strategy for relocation, expansion, and 

movement of spaces to address not only the 10-year requirements but also the court’s 30-

year growth requirements.

Convertible Spaces

Court-related offices initially located in the courthouse can be relocated from the facility 

to allow expansion of the court. Vacated spaces can be converted into courtrooms and/or 

associated support facilities. Major court-related offices with the least need to be adjacent 

to the court include the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In addition, areas housing non-courtrelated offices may be converted to court space, or shell space may be constructed and 

finished as needed.

Future Expansion

Additional space can be provided within court and court-related spaces to accommodate 

future expansion for a 10-year requirement only. The amount of space set aside should be 

based on growth projections contained in the court’s long-range facilities plan, as updated 

through the AnyCourt process. Vertical expansion should not be considered as a viable 

option due to potential noise and other disruptions to court operations. 

For internal expansion and convertible spaces, the following design considerations apply:

• Creating structural zones to accommodate present and future needs

• Constructing court-related office areas with a high bay structure if these offices are to 

be set aside for future courtroom expansion

• Anticipating the location of future chambers and courtrooms so that judges will have 

continued access to restricted elevators and circulation patterns

• Planning acoustic isolation to accommodate future offices requiring privacy from the 

public, but not confidential privacy within the offices

• Creating isolated mechanical zones to accommodate the present and future off-hours 

needs and/or air-handling needs of courtrooms and chambers

• Designing for the expansion and movement of spaces to allow for the relocation and 

reuse of workstations, partitions, HVAC equipment and registers, lighting fixtures, 

electrical outlets, and communication systems

The size of a courthouse may incorporate space-saving approaches, such as the following:

• Staffing projections reflecting current staffing, allocation policy, and trends.

• Operational efficiencies, such as limiting the number of conference rooms, training 

rooms, libraries, and other office support spaces by sharing among court units.

• Efficient designs reducing the amount of space needed for circulation.

• Judicial support spaces such as conference rooms.

• Multi-use jury assembly areas and grand jury suites.

• Collocating similar functions (e.g., probation and pretrial services offices) so they 

may share resources.

• Collocating technology (e.g. court technology, telecom, and network) in shared IDF/

technology rooms.

• Incorporating alternative workplace strategies and principles as outlined in Chapter 

18, “Alternative Workplace Strategies.” These strategies may reduce overall 

programmed area by incorporating space-sharing principles.
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Other space-saving measures include the following:

• Circulation space in the courthouse is reduced when spaces are organized vertically 

and corridor lengths are minimized. Double-loaded corridors (rooms on both sides of 

a hallway) should be provided where practical. Circulation requirements are further 

reduced by organizing mechanical and electrical shafts, elevators, exit stairs, and 

public toilets around a central core.

• Building volume may be minimized by locating courtrooms, which require greater 

floor-to-floor heights than office spaces, on as few floors as possible. Additionally, 

building volume may be reduced by using mezzanine space when grouping low 

structural bay spaces (i.e., chambers and support space) around high bay spaces (i.e., 

courtrooms). 

• Administrative space may be minimized by providing the clerk’s office and records 

shelving with contiguous space on a single floor. Storage for bulk supplies, inactive 

records, furniture, and equipment should be located in basement areas, on the same 

floor as the loading dock, or in space provided for long-term expansion. 

Site Design Cost Drivers

Courthouse construction and operational costs are greatly influenced by the site and 

environmental characteristics that define the building’s footprint, orientation, and exterior 

appearance. The size of the site may determine the cost and availability of secured or 

public parking and govern strategies for future expansion. In 1999, the JCUS adopted 

a policy regarding parking. To balance concerns about the number of parking spaces 

assigned against financial constraints, refer to Vol. 16, Ch. 6, § 630 of the Guide to 

Judiciary Policy.

Access to the site, current setback requirements, and the location of other federal agencies 

will influence security considerations. Additional expenses may be incurred for specialized 

lighting or landscaping to mitigate site conditions. Generally, a level, square, or rectangular 

site has proven to be most cost-effective.

Architectural Design Cost Drivers

The most cost-effective court building generally has a rectangular or square footprint. 

Facilities with low ratios of wall area to space also tend to be more efficient because of 

reduced circulation requirements, HVAC system costs, and energy consumption.

Other architectural considerations for cost-effective courthouses include the following:

• Spaces sized so that the most efficient structural spans may be used.

• Heavy live load areas such as libraries and file storage grouped around core areas 

where structural strengthening may be provided economically.

• Non-square angles and rounded areas have been proven to waste space. Areas with 

non-square angles also require custom-designed furniture, resulting in additional cost.

• Windows and glazed areas are sized and selected appropriately. Glazing costs are higher 

in judicial facilities in order to address blast, seismic, and ballistic threats. Glazing using 

custom sizes and shapes, and custom glass types, is even more expensive.

• Exterior wall detailing is simplified, especially on upper floors. This allows the use of 

high-quality materials on lower floors where they can be appreciated.

• Fully-glazed and oddly-shaped atria increase cost of the enclosure, structure, and 

MEP systems.

• Building efficiency is a key cost driver and should always be considered during 

programming and design. A more efficient building has less common and circulation 

space when compared to the overall usable programmed space and causes the building 

footprint to shrink, reducing gross building area and building construction cost.

• Skylights increase HVAC costs and can cause maintenance problems. Windows, 

borrowed light, and clerestories provide natural light at lower initial and life-cycle costs.

• Energy, water, and mechanical operations efficiency substantially lowers costs over 

the life of the asset.

• Placing speech privacy areas adjacent to each other requires dense walls between 

the spaces to meet acoustical requirements. Including buffer spaces and sound locks 

helps limit the construction requirements. Design of areas or rooms requiring sound 

privacy should be attentive to acoustics and sound transmission and the cost impacts 

of construction required to contain sound.

Value Engineering and Life-Cycle Costing

VE is a method of calculating the value received for the dollars spent over the lifetime 

of a building, with the emphasis placed on obtaining the maximum life-cycle value. 

These calculations should include the cost of construction, operation, and repair of the 

facility, and the efficient delivery of services. If value engineering is not applied until 

the later stages of design or after the design is completed, it may cause an examination 

of alternative design solutions; the substitution of materials, finishes, or systems; and 

a reevaluation of project priorities. Performing value engineering before the design 

development stage of design will give the design team the most options in making 

changes while not causing major redesign. It is important to have a non-biased value 

engineering approach which emphasizes the use of a “cold” design team and certified 

value specialist (CVS) as part of the VE workshop. This “cold” team should approach the 

VE workshop with a blank slate and be able to consider all options in order to improve 

the value of any project. The maximum life-cycle value may result in increased initial 

construction costs in exchange for decreased operation costs over the useful life of 

the building system. Value engineering should not be a vehicle for reducing the initial 

construction cost of the building. The construction cost per square foot is not the only 

measure of value when considering the efficiency of the total facility. The life-cycle 

cost of a building will be reflected in the efficiency of a building long after it is built and 

occupied. 
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Life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) should be used to assess the total cost of building 

ownership. It considers all costs of acquiring, owning, and disposing of a building or 

building system. LCCA is very useful when the owner is considering and analyzing the 

project and/or design alternatives that fulfill the same performance requirements but 

differ with respect to initial and operating costs. For example, LCCA will help determine 

whether the incorporation of a high-performance HVAC or glazing system, which may 

increase initial cost but result in dramatically reduced operating and maintenance costs, is 

cost-effective. Accurately forecasting the LCCA of a building system can be broken into 

two equally important parts. First, understanding the initial installation cost of the system 

is critical in accurately forecasting a specific item’s life-cycle cost. Cost estimates need 

to be completed for these building systems as these costs will form part of any LCCA. 

Second, and equally important, an analysis of operations and maintenance costs needs to 

be completed for all large building systems, especially the mechanical and electrical trades. 

It is critical to forecast these two aspects as part of the life-cycle cost of a specific item or 

system. LCCA should be performed in accordance with the National Institute of Standards 

and Technology’s Life-Cycle Costing Manual for the Federal Energy Management 

Program handbook. The output files from the approved government software will be a 

deliverable during the design process. LCCA should consider the following and refer to 

10 CFR 436 for the appropriate LCCA study period for new courthouses (new federal 

buildings) and courthouse retrofits:

• The payback period for each building component should take into account the useful 

life of a federal courthouse.

• The functions performed in the building may change or be relocated over time.

• The location of a particular building system, fixture, or finish should take into account 

special conditions that arise in federal courthouses.

Typical Federal Courthouse Project Development 

Process

There are different models for courthouse project development, and a summary of the 

commonly used project delivery methods is provided below. For an in-depth discussion of 

the roles and responsibilities of each agency as they relate to the project delivery methods, 

refer to the AO Best Practices Guide for Courthouse Construction, most current edition.

Design-Bid-Build 

Design-bid-build (DBB) or design-award-build (DAB) is a traditional project delivery 

method that involves three sequential project phases: the design phase, bid phase, and 

construction phase. At the outset of a project, GSA contracts a design team, typically 

composed of architects and engineers, to develop construction drawings and specifications 

that meet the project goals and budget. After the construction documents have been 

completed, a contractor, with whom GSA contracts separately, is selected through a 

bidding process to build the project. The project then enters the construction phase where it 

is built by the contractor per the design team’s plans and specifications.

Design-Build

Design-build (DB) is a method of project delivery whereby GSA contracts a single entity 

to provide both design and construction services. Because the design and construction 

services are integrated, this project delivery method allows the project schedule to be 

accelerated by overlapping portions of the design and construction phases.

Bridging Design-Build

Bridging design-build (BDB) is a hybrid project delivery method that utilizes aspects 

of both the traditional DBB and DB processes. At the beginning of a project, GSA will 

contract directly with a design consultant to develop bridging contract drawings and 

specifications that meet the project’s goals and budget. The bridging contract documents 

will establish the project’s design intent; however, the documents will be less developed 

than traditional construction documents. After the completion of the bridging contract 

documents, a design-builder is selected through a bidding process. Upon selection, the 

design-builder will continue to develop the project, produce construction drawings and 

specifications, and be responsible for the construction of the project.

Construction Manager as Constructor

Construction manager as constructor (CMc) is a project delivery method that utilizes 

a construction manager during the late stages of design to provide constructibility 

consultations, cost estimating, and other professional services prior to constructing the 

project. At the beginning of this project delivery method, GSA contracts a design team 

similarly to a traditional DBB process. However, after the early stages of design, GSA 

will contract a CMc to consult on several aspects of the project and provide a guaranteed 

maximum price for the construction of the project. After assuming responsibility for the 

construction, the CMc will contract subcontractors to complete the construction phase within 

the set project schedule and parameters outlined in the contract documents. Refer to GSAR 

536.71 Construction-Manager-As-Constructor Contracting for additional information.

The Planning, Programming, Design, and Construction Process

Although there are different models available for development of a courthouse 

construction project, a typical project development process includes four phases: 

Planning

The planning phase includes evaluation of workloads, staffing levels, procedures, 

organizations, and administrative requirements. 

Programming

The programming phase translates functional requirements into a space needs (housing) 

plan and defines the project’s design objectives. 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations | 2-8

Design

Drawings and specifications for constructing the facility are developed in the design phase 

through an iterative process of increasing detail. 

Construction

Materials and labor are organized to implement the design in the construction phase.

A typical project development process for a federal courthouse is described below. Not all 

projects will follow this exact sequence of events. Cost evaluation and control opportunities 

occur at each step and should be addressed by the court, GSA, and all consultants.

Planning Phase

Before the project begins, a group of court personnel responsible for facility planning 

and development should be formed, consisting of judges, court unit executives, and other 

representatives of the Judiciary. The group should be cost-conscious and creative in 

developing efficient court facilities. The services of a design and construction professional 

working directly for the court may be needed to ensure complete and thorough compliance 

with the Design Guide.

Asset Management Planning

In March 2006, the JCUS adopted, in concept, the AMP process as an objective 

methodology that identifies costs and benefits of alternatives to enhance the current 

long-range facility planning process. AMP holistically assesses facilities, identifies 

non-prospectus- and prospectus-level new construction and renovation space projects, 

considers pros and cons of specific housing strategies, and determines the best strategy by 

city to meet current and future operational needs.

The court begins planning by evaluating existing facilities and identifying any space 

deficiencies. Concurrent with the evaluation of existing facilities, the court identifies 

current and future caseload and staffing requirements. The criteria in the Design Guide are 

combined with this data to identify and develop alternative housing strategies to meet the 

court’s short- and long-term needs. These housing strategies might include leases, minor 

or major repair and alteration projects, or new courthouse solutions. Accurate data and 

justifiable assumptions are essential to maximize cost-effectiveness. The resulting longrange facilities plan documents the court’s immediate and long-term facility requirements, 

recommended potential strategies, and cost-benefit analysis, which is provided by an A/E 

consultant and must be approved by the chief judge of the district and reviewed by the 

circuit judicial council. AMPs are used by the Judiciary to identify, justify, and prioritize 

projects that become part of the Federal Judiciary Courthouse Project Priorities (CPP). 

The CPP is a national prioritized list of proposed court construction projects approved by 

the JCUS. 

In 2008, the JCUS delegated to the Committee on Space and Facilities the authority to 

establish and amend the business rules that govern the AMP methodology. Refer to the 

AMP Business Rules Appendix and Vol. 16, Ch. 1, § 120 of the Guide to Judiciary Policy.

Circuit Rent Budget (CRB) Program

The JCUS approved the Circuit Rent Budget (CRB) program as a cost-containment 

initiative that limits annual rent growth and puts more responsibility on the circuit judicial 

councils to determine space need priorities within set allocations for rent. 

The rent budget has been separated into three components: 

Component A: Funds for Current Space

Rent funding is provided for the existing space inventory, including inflationary increases. 

Component B: Project-Specific Funds

• Major projects (e.g., new courthouses, annexes, modernizations, and lease-construct 

courthouses) approved by both the Committee on Space and Facilities and the JCUS.

• Chambers and courtrooms for senior/replacement judges and new judgeships 

approved by the Committee on Space and Facilities.

• Security pavilion requests to adjoin an existing building must be reviewed by the 

Committee on Judicial Security before they are considered by the rent management 

subcommittee of the Committee on Space and Facilities, so that the need for a 

pavilion from a security standpoint and the impact of the project on the Court 

Security Appropriation can be taken into account, as well as any potential increase in 

rent costs. These projects must receive approvals from the Committee on Space and 

Facilities, Committee on Judicial Security, and the JCUS.

Component C: Circuit Discretionary Funds

Funding allocated to circuit judicial councils by formula for under-prospectus space 

acquisitions and alteration projects.

For under-prospectus-level renovation or alteration projects, courts can utilize either local 

funds or request Component C funding from circuit councils. If a project involves a new 

chambers or courtroom, then Component B funding can be requested and coordinated 

through circuit executives’ offices and the AOUSC. 

For prospectus-level renovation or alteration projects, the process will take more time, 

primarily because congressional authorization and appropriation must be secured. Project 

drivers must be identified and the following questions asked:

• If new or replacement judges are expected – has the existing court space been 

thoroughly assessed for alteration or expansion possibilities?

• If other agency space is viewed for possible expansion, have their occupancy 
2-9 | Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021

agreement1 (OA) terms been checked? If sufficient notice is given and planned to 

coincide with the expiration of the other agency’s OA, the Judiciary can save money 

by not paying forced move costs.

• Is the space viewed for expansion occupied by a large agency which cannot move 

piecemeal and should move all at once? This may create excess vacant space that 

GSA may not be able to rent out easily, or on which the Judiciary may be obligated 

to pay rent.

• Has an AMP recently been completed for the district or circuit? What are the 

findings?

• Have all the relevant CRB business rules2

 been followed?

• Is GSA planning systems work that will affect tenant space or operations?

It is important to understand GSA’s plans for its buildings. What may appear initially 

as a cost-saving measure for the Judiciary (such as remaining in an existing building or 

in leased space), may not always end up being the most cost-effective solution in the 

long run. For example, if GSA is unable to find other tenants to fill the building, or if a 

building’s deficiencies cost more to fix than a new building would cost, the Judiciary may 

end up paying higher rent than originally contemplated.

Program Development Phase

The detailed programming, design, and construction of federal courthouses is the 

responsibility of GSA. GSA initiates a project as requested in the Judiciary’s CPP. The 

GSA’s development process begins with a feasibility study that identifies the federal 

government’s facility resources and requirements in a given geographic area. The plan 

identifies other agencies that may use space in a courthouse for long-term or interim 

occupancy. The design of facilities for the long-range needs of the courts and overall project 

budgets is greatly influenced by these occupancy and federal dollars investment decisions. 

Since a courthouse is a major investment of capital, the need to properly plan and program 

the project requires integrated commitment and earnest attention to the details available 

to plan the right project for the investment of federal taxpayer dollars. In response to its 

real property investment responsibilities, GSA oversees and delivers courthouse projects 

as a program, and follows standard project management policies and practices to deliver 

each courthouse project with a regional structure. GSA’s central and regional subject 

matter experts, including the courthouse program’s subject matter experts, review projects 

to ensure consistent, excellent, and cost-effective delivery of the courthouse construction 

program. The courthouse program is responsible for the management of new federal 

courthouse construction and the modernization of existing courthouses. 

GSA retains the services of a consulting architect or planner to produce a feasibility study. 

The feasibility study is a programming document that evaluates housing alternatives and 

further defines the project scope and budget. It uses the court’s long-range facilities plan, 

the court’s AnyCourt program of requirements, and the GSA construction cost benchmark 

as a basis for development. AnyCourt provides detailed square footage requirements 

for each court function for a specific location, based upon the AMP and supplemental 

information provided by the Judiciary. 

The study addresses site acquisition, design and construction, building systems, and tenant 

support services, as well as related design issues such as security, court electronic systems, 

telecommunications, and cost. The study contains a project implementation strategy, 

including project scheduling, cost-control measures, and other factors.

The purpose of the construction cost benchmark is to establish a budget that provides 

sufficient funding to deliver a new court facility that meets all Design Guide requirements.

The construction cost benchmark is based entirely on information developed in GSA’s 

courthouse program. Because subsequent changes are difficult and more expensive to 

make as a project progresses, each court should help ensure that its courthouse program is 

accurate and complete. Features or systems not included in the initial cost estimate will not 

be funded if they are identified later in the process.

1

 Occupancy agreement – Each space assigned in a GSA-controlled space has an 

 agreement between GSA and the customer agency, stating the financial terms and 

 conditions for occupancy.

2

 Circuit Rent Budget (CRB) business rules – A set of 11 business rules governs 

 how the three funding components are determined and how rent funds can be used.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations | 2-10

Determining the Number of Courtrooms Per Courthouse

The JCUS has adopted policies requiring courts to take several factors into account when 

considering the construction of courtrooms.

The availability of a courtroom is essential to the fulfillment of the judge’s responsibility 

to serve the public by disposing of criminal trials, sentencing, and civil cases in a fair 

and expeditious manner, and presiding over the wide range of activities that take place in 

courtrooms requiring the presence of a judicial officer. With this in mind, the JCUS has 

adopted policies to determine the number of courtrooms needed at a facility. Refer to Vol. 

16, Ch. 2, § 220 and § 230 of the Guide to Judiciary Policy for more information regarding 

these policies.

Active Article III Judges

Provide one courtroom for each active district judge.

Senior District Judges

Provide one courtroom for every two senior district judges. If the court projects an odd 

number of senior district judges, the number of senior district judges’ courtrooms will 

be rounded up (e.g., for seven senior district judges, four courtrooms will be provided). 

Magistrate Judges

In courthouses with one or two magistrate judges, provide one courtroom for each 

magistrate judge. 

In courthouses with three or more magistrate judges, provide one courtroom for 

every two magistrate judges, plus an additional criminal duty courtroom. If the 

district court has an odd number of magistrate judges, the number of magistrate 

judges’ courtrooms will be rounded down (e.g., for seven magistrate judges, three 

courtrooms will be provided plus the criminal duty courtroom).

Bankruptcy Judges

In courthouses with one or two bankruptcy judges, provide one courtroom for every 

bankruptcy judge. 

In courts with three or more bankruptcy judges, provide one courtroom for every 

two bankruptcy judges plus one courtroom for emergency matters. If the bankruptcy 

court has an odd number of bankruptcy judges, the number of bankruptcy judge’s 

courtrooms will be rounded down (e.g., for seven bankruptcy judges, three 

courtrooms will be provided, plus the additional courtroom).

Multi-Party Courtrooms

A multi-party courtroom may be planned for a new courthouse with at least four 

standard district judge’s courtrooms. Such courtrooms should be provided only 

when needed and must be assigned for normal daily use in addition to use for special 

proceedings and large, multi-party trials. A multi-party courtroom must be considered 

an exception if it is provided at a location where there are fewer than four district 

judge courtrooms. Provision of more than one such courtroom in any facility is also 

considered an exception.

Courts should determine whether there is a need for a multi-party courtroom at the 

onset of a project. Multi-party courtrooms may provide a more flexible space, which 

may be ideal for multi-party trials, naturalization ceremonies, and other uses. Refer to 

Chapter 4, “Courtrooms and Associated Spaces,” Programming and Budgetary Notes

for information pertaining to multi-party courtrooms.

The following assumptions, endorsed by the JCUS, should be considered to determine 

courtroom capacity in new buildings, new space, or space undergoing renovation. This 

model allows assumptions to be made about caseload projections and the time frames in 

which replacement, senior, and new judgeships will occupy the new facility. The model 

affords flexibility to courts and circuit judicial councils when making decisions about the 

number of courtrooms to construct in a new facility since adjustments to the assumptions 

may be made to reflect a specific housing situation “on line.”

• The number of new judgeships recommended by the JCUS.

• The number of years senior district and circuit judges will need a courtroom after 

taking senior status (retirement age is assumed to be 85). 

• The senior status eligibility date for appointed judges at the court location.

• Caseload projections based on the district’s long-range facilities plan.

• The percentage of the total district caseload handled at the location.

• The year the district and circuit judges are expected to take senior status once they 

become eligible (a court or circuit judicial council should assume that a judge will 

take senior status when eligible). 

The planning assumptions listed above are subject to modification for just cause by courts 

in consultation with the respective judicial council.

In addition, the following factors should be taken into account:

Courtrooms for Projected Judgeships

New courthouse construction projects shall be designed to provide space for the 

existing circuit, district, bankruptcy, and magistrate judges (including vacant 

judgeship positions), and senior district and circuit judges, as well as space to account 

for judges who will be eligible for senior status within the 10-year planning period for 

the project consistent with JCUS policy and congressional direction.
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Space for JCUS-recommended judgeships not yet created by Congress is to be taken 

into consideration at the design concept phase where architects will show how space 

for these judgeships could fit into the design. Architects will not, however, complete 

a detailed design that includes space for these judgeships because they have not yet 

been created by Congress. At this stage, the project would be authorized for a specific 

number of courtrooms and chambers. A change (increase) would require an amended 

prospectus, authorization, and funding from the Judiciary.

Space for judgeships that the Judiciary projects will be needed, but have not yet been 

recommended to the JCUS for approval, will be considered by GSA as part of future 

expansion plans for the building. Space will not be programmed or included in the 

design for these projected positions.

Courtroom Sharing

With declining resources and implementation of space- and cost-saving measures by 

the Judiciary over the last few years, courtroom sharing is recognized as a necessary 

model for future court operations. In addition, the Judiciary’s courtroom sharing policy 

shall be considered for renovation and alteration projects, including forced moves or 

existing buildings that inherit new senior judges but lack enough courtrooms. For more 

information on courtroom sharing policies, refer to Vol. 16, Ch. 2, § 230 of the Guide to 

Judiciary Policy.

In the event a sharing arrangement would cause substantial difficulty to the effective 

and efficient disposition of cases, a court, as a whole, with the approval of its circuit 

judicial council, may seek an individual exemption to the JCUS sharing policy 

from the JCUS’s Committee on Space and Facilities. Such exemptions should be 

considered the exception and not the rule. 

Senior District Judge Sharing Policy Exemption Criteria

To be considered for an exemption, a court shall first show a per-active-judge 

caseload that, absent special circumstances, meets or exceeds the standard established 

by the JCUS for the consideration of the creation of a new judgeship. Thereafter, 

a court should demonstrate that deviation from the basic sharing policy of one 

courtroom for two senior district judges is necessary, based on the following:

• An assessment of the number and type of courtroom events anticipated to be 

handled by the senior district judge that would indicate that sharing a courtroom 

would pose a significant burden on the effective and efficient management of 

that judge’s docket.

• The estimated number of years the senior district judge for whom an exemption 

is sought would need a courtroom after taking senior status, along with a 

description of how the district has historically utilized senior district judges.

• An assessment of the current complement of courtrooms and their projected 

use in the facility and throughout the district, to reaffirm the necessity of 

constructing an additional courtroom.

• Whether a multi-party or other courtroom is available for the senior district 

judge’s use in the new or existing facility.

Magistrate Judge Sharing Policy Exemption Criteria

To be considered for an exemption, a court shall first show that the magistrate judge’s 

courtroom is in use over 75 percent of the work day for case-related purposes. 

Thereafter, a court should demonstrate that deviation from the basic sharing policy is 

necessary, based on the following:

• An assessment of the number and type of courtroom events anticipated to be 

handled by the magistrate judge that would indicate that sharing a courtroom 

would pose a significant burden on the secure, effective, and efficient 

management of that judge’s docket.

• An assessment of how the district has historically utilized its magistrate judges, 

supported by actual courtroom use data.

• An assessment of the current complement of courtrooms and their projected 

use in the facility and throughout the district, to reaffirm the necessity of 

constructing an additional courtroom.

• Whether a multi-party or other courtroom is available for the magistrate judge’s 

use in the new or existing facility.

Bankruptcy Judge Sharing Policy Exemption Criteria

To be considered for an exemption, a court shall first show that the bankruptcy 

judge’s courtroom is in use over 75 percent of the work day for case-related purposes. 

Thereafter, a court should demonstrate that deviation from the basic sharing policy is 

necessary, based on the following:

• An assessment of the number and type of courtroom events anticipated to be 

handled by the bankruptcy judge that would indicate that sharing a courtroom 

would pose a significant burden on the secure, effective, and efficient 

management of that judge’s docket.

• An assessment of the current complement of courtrooms and their projected 

use in the facility and throughout the district, to reaffirm the necessity of 

constructing an additional courtroom.

• Whether a multi-party or other courtroom is available for the bankruptcy judge’s 

use in the facility.

Many bankruptcy judges are housed in leased facilities where security concerns 

may arise due to the configuration of the space. Because of this unique situation, 

an alternative exemption to the sharing policy, notwithstanding the exemption 

requirements of the previous paragraph, may be considered for bankruptcy judges in 

leased facilities based on an assessment of the security of a bankruptcy judge’s access 

from chambers to a shared courtroom.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations | 2-12

Sizing Courthouse Support Spaces 

Certain design decisions are based on the number of people served by the courthouse 

(the number of exits and restrooms, etc.). Most building codes have square footage 

allotments per person. Such allotments, which vary by building type, generally yield an 

estimate far exceeding the actual population in court facilities. The primary cause of this 

overestimation is the failure to adequately consider the following two factors:

• Some users of a courthouse have different facilities requirements at various times 

of the day, resulting in duplicate spaces. For example, in a typical day, a single juror 

might occupy the jury assembly room, jurors’ lounge, courtroom jury box, trial 

jury room, and other spaces. Similarly, a judge might use a private chambers office, 

judges’ conference room, and courtroom.

• A simple count of the number of seats in a courtroom does not accurately yield the 

size of the spectator population. Because spectator seating is used in the jury selection 

process, the average size of a jury panel largely determines the number of seats 

provided in the spectator area (usually 65–85 seats). A typical U.S. District Court 

(USDC) trial usually attracts fewer than a dozen spectators.

For the above reasons, population estimates for court facilities should take into account the 

different types of space, the users of the space, and overlapping space use.

Design Phase

When project design funding has been authorized and appropriated, GSA selects the design 

architect/engineer with input from the courts, in accordance with the requirements of the 

Brooks Act (40 USC Sections 541–544). The courts should actively participate throughout 

the selection process to become familiar with the various design teams and to ensure that 

each team understands the court’s facility requirements. Court participation is important 

because once a design team is selected, the success of a project depends on the ability of 

all parties to communicate effectively.

During the design stage, after a more definite cost estimate has been generated, a 

construction prospectus is submitted to Congress for the authorization and appropriation 

of construction funds. The courthouse construction benchmark tool is used to generate the 

cost for construction and informs the construction prospectus request if there is one. The 

construction prospectus is not developed based on a cost estimate of a design. Current 

escalation factors, locality factors, and market conditions are taken into account. If 

appropriations are lower than requested, or if construction bids are higher than estimated, 

the courts, GSA, and consultants may have to modify the facility program and redesign the 

project to meet the appropriated budget.

Construction Phase

Once a construction prospectus is funded, a contract is awarded. The contract may specify 

that the GSA contractor identify opportunities for cost savings. The courts should be aware 

of the functional and cost impact of changes made during construction.

Construction Costs of Judicial Facilities by Building Element

Table 2.1 provides an overview of relative construction costs for major components of 

federal courthouses.

Table 2.2 outlines funding responsibilities as they relate to new courthouses. Refer to the 

GSA Pricing Desk Guide for more information.
2-13 | Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021

Element Share of 

Total Costs Major Variables

Foundations2 1%–4%

- Local Soil Conditions

- Water Table

- Number of Floors

Substructure3 0.5%–3.5%

- Basement Requirements

- Soil Capacity

- Water Table

Superstructure 10%–18%

- Spans

- Live Loads

- Seismic Conditions

- Plan Shape

Exterior 

Closure 7%–17%

- Wall-to-Area Ratio

- Floor-to-Floor Height

- Material Selections

- Amount and Choice of Glazing

- Wall Detailing

Roofing 0.5%–2.5%

- Roof Treatment

- Traffic Requirements

- Number of Floors

Interior 

Construction 

and Tenant 

Improvements 

(TIs)

13%–25%

- Partitions

- Lighting

- Material Selection

- Acoustics/Floor-to-Slab Partitions

- Finish Detailing 

- Security Requirements

- Number of Court Units/Specialized Spaces

Conveying 

Systems 3%–5%

- Traffic Requirements

- Number of Core Areas

- Elevators/ Cab Detailing

- Escalators

- Number of Floors

Element Share of 

Total Costs Major Variables

Mechanical 12%–20%

- Load Requirements

- Security and Acoustics

- Operating Flexibility

- System Selections

- Controls

- Local Geographic Conditions

- Level of Energy Savings

Electrical 10%–18%

- Load Requirements

- Lighting Levels and Quality

- Security

- Operating Flexibility

- Communications

- Audio and Video Design

- Level of Energy Savings, Features, Systems 

Selections

Equipment 0.3%–1.5% - Scope

Site Work 2%–7%

- Utility Service Location

- Local Conditions

- Access/Egress

- Security

- Parking3

General 

Conditions,

Overhead, and 

Profit

6%–13%

- Project Magnitude

- Project Complexity

- Market Conditions

- Other Risks

- Location

Table 2.1

Construction Costs of Judicial Facilities by Building Element1

1

 These ranges for building elements do not include any overhead or profit. Overhead and 

 profit are shown as a separate element.

2

 Foundations, substructure, and roofing percentages will vary by the number of floors and 

 the building footprint.

3

 The parking area does not count as usable square feet assigned to tenants but is included 

 in the total gross square feet of a new courthouse construction project. 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations | 2-14

Table 2.2

Funding Responsibilities

Building 

Component GSA Budget Cost Judiciary Budget Cost Funded By Others

Base Building

Site Improvements

Building Envelope and Structure

Building Systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical)

None

None

None

None

None

None

Exterior Materials Exterior facade materials of brick, stone, glass, 

precast, metal, or similar materials

None None

Finishes in Interior 

Public Spaces

Courtroom lobbies on each floor finished as 

an extension of the main public lobby spaces; 

all areas and corridors connecting the main 

public lobby on the primary entry level to all 

courtroom lobbies finished at a quality level 

equivalent to the main public lobby; and 

public corridors connecting other office areas 

finished at standards described in the Facilities 

Standards for the Public Buildings Service.

None None

Finishes in 

Courtrooms, Judges’ 

Chambers, Associated 

Spaces, and Offices

Per requirements outlined in Chapter 12 of the 

Design Guide

Any tenant improvements beyond the TI 

construction budget allotment should be avoided 

if possible as they shall be funded via RWA.

None

Movable Furniture 

and Equipment

Four (4) attorney tables per district courtroom 

and two (2) tables per magistrate and bankruptcy 

judge courtroom. Tables shall accommodate AV 

technology and power cabling.

All movable furniture and equipment, including 

demountable walls. Costs should not be 

included in the project budget and are budgeted 

separately by the Judiciary in a furniture 

acquisition plan (FAP).

None
2-15 | Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021

Table 2.2

Funding Responsibilities (cont’d)

Building 

Component GSA Budget Cost Judiciary Budget Cost Funded By Others

Fixed Furniture

Because GSA is responsible for providing 

most fixed improvements in the tenant spaces, 

the GSA project budget should include fixed 

improvements that are attached to the building, 

such as counters, cabinets in urinalysis 

laboratories and testing facilities, service units, 

and bio-safe central mail facilities. The only 

chairs included as a GSA budget cost are all 

jury and witness chairs (including chairs affixed 

in grand jury hearing rooms), which are fixed 

improvements and typically installed with a 

fixed base. An allowance for one movable, 

height-adjustable attorney lectern and four 

“smart” attorney tables are included in the 

GSA budget. Cost above the allowance shall be 

funded by RWA. The GSA project budget also 

includes the cost of all fixed furnishings such 

as the judge’s bench, jury box, witness box, 

courtroom deputy clerk’s station, law clerk’s 

station, fixed public seating, railings separating 

public seating from the well of the courtroom, 

and cabinetry and fixed bookcases in the judge’s 

chambers.

None None

Signage The building signage system will be provided 

by GSA, except within internal spaces.

Signage (including court seals) within internal 

judiciary-occupied spaces

Signage within internal executive branch courtrelated agency spaces

Artwork

GSA administers a federal art-in-architecture 

program, which commissions specific artists on 

a building-by-building basis. The GSA project 

budget includes 0.5 percent of the estimated 

construction cost at award (ECCA) plus 

contingency for the federal art-in-architecture 

program.

None None

Interior Plantings

Plantings are not included in the GSA budget. Appropriated funds may not be used for live 

plants per the Guide to Judiciary Policy, Vol. 

16, Ch. 4, Section 480.20(e).

Plantings should not be included without first 

consulting with GSA and the executive branch 

court-related agency.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations | 2-16

Building 

Component GSA Budget Cost Judiciary Budget Cost Funded By Others

Security Systems

Conduits, closets, and raceways for security 

systems; appropriate electrical power. Cameras, 

consoles, conduit and wiring for prisoner 

holding cells, and other prisoner occupied areas, 

and main security console.

None The USMS Office of Security Systems (OSS) 

pays for ballistic glazing where installed in 

courtrooms and chambers (or as required). 

USMS pays for all judicial security systems 

equipment and installation including interior 

security surveillance and monitoring systems, 

including Closed Circuit Video cameras and 

monitors, duress alarm devices, annunciators, 

and motion detection equipment; electronic 

security hardware, remote control devices, 

and communications systems; and the control 

wiring for each of these security components 

and systems in judicial spaces. This includes 

swipe cards on all interior judiciary spaces, 

including chambers and courtrooms.

Security Systems

(cont’d)

At the building perimeter, egress controls 

such as strike releases, card readers, PIN 

keypads, or keys and controlling mechanisms, 

including lobby turnstiles and their card readers 

(reference GSA, AOUSC, FPS, USMS MOA). 

FPS monitoring equipment such as exterior 

video surveillance systems and intrusion 

detection systems, direct or remote monitoring.

None Control and monitoring equipment within the 

building is paid for by the USMS.

Security Systems

(cont’d)

Security door hardware (manual and 

electronic), raceways, conduits, power wiring, 

and connections to fire alarm systems for 

electric locks and strikes

Standard, emergency, backup, and predefined 

electrical power needs, including batterypowered lights (as specified under GSA PBS 

P-100)

None

None

The USMS pays for the installation of control 

wiring to interior electronic locks and strikes.

The uninterrupted power supply required for the 

internal security systems is the responsibility of 

the USMS (not GSA PBS P-100 required).

Acoustic Planning Physical treatments (gasketing, etc.) to meet 

standards

None None

Table 2.2

Funding Responsibilities (cont’d)
2-17 | Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021

Table 2.2

Funding Responsibilities (cont’d)

Building 

Component GSA Budget Cost Judiciary Budget Cost Funded By Others

Clock and Clock 

Systems

Wall outlets Building-wide clock systems should not be 

specified. Movable clocks may be provided as 

per the Guide to Judiciary Policy, Volume 16, 

Chapter 4, Section 420.20.

Consult with the executive branch court-related 

agency.

Audiovisual 

Equipment

None, except for the design and development 

of infrastructure specifications for speech 

reinforcement systems in courtrooms. Includes 

provisions for microphone amplification and 

speaker/broadcast systems; conduits for the 

audio and video system; and built-in or pulldown screens in the courtrooms.

None None

Telecommunications

The basic building infrastructure for 

telecommunications wiring, including telephone 

and data distribution closets, and the vertical 

and horizontal distribution system (e.g., chases, 

under-floor ducts, cable trays, raised floors, etc.) 

are part of the GSA project budget.

Conduits and ducts for court 

telecommunications are provided for not more 

than one voice and one data outlet for every 100 

net square feet (NSF) (9.3 net square meters).

Telecommunications equipment, wiring, and 

service is purchased and installed separately 

either by GSA or by the Judiciary, and should 

not be included as a contract bid option in the 

coordinated A/E construction bid package.

Requirements in excess of the 100 NSF (9.3 net 

square meters) standard are to be budgeted by 

the Judiciary.

Telecommunications equipment and service are 

purchased and installed by the executive branch 

court-related agency.

Information Systems 

Equipment

The basic building infrastructure for computer 

cabling, including the horizontal and vertical 

distribution system, is provided as part of the 

GSA project budget.

Data systems equipment, including terminals, 

computer workstations, file servers, and 

computer cabling and connecting wiring, is the 

responsibility of the Judiciary and should not be 

included in the project budget.

Data systems equipment is purchased and 

installed by the executive branch court-related 

agency.

3-1 U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

PLANNING FOR U.S. 

COURTHOUSES 3 This chapter addresses detailed planning concepts for U.S. courthouses. Spaces common to all 

courts and the functions of the three court types are discussed, along with space allocations for 

circulation and definitions of area accounting techniques. This chapter concludes with direction 

for planning the zoning of courthouses and adjacency diagrams illustrating the relationships 

among various court occupancies.

Chapter Topics:

• Introduction

• Supporting Documents

• Programming and Budgetary Notes

• Spaces Common to Federal Courts

• Functions of the Three Court Types

• Users and Capacities

• Access for People with Disabilities

• Courthouse Zoning and Building Circulation

• Program Stacking

Figure 3.1 General Organizational Relationships

Figure 3.2 Typical Stacking Diagram

Figure 3.3 U.S. Court of Appeals Adjacency Relationships

Figure 3.4 U.S. District Court Adjacency Relationships

Figure 3.5 U.S. Bankruptcy Court Adjacency Relationships

Table 3.1 Metrication

Table 3.2 Circulation Multipliers

Chapter Figures and Tables:
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Planning for U.S. Courthouses | 3-2

Introduction

The architecture of federal courthouses should promote respect for the tradition and 

purpose of the American judicial process. To this end, a courthouse facility should express 

solemnity, integrity, rigor, and fairness. The facility should also provide a civic presence 

and contribute to the architecture of the local community.

Courthouses should be planned and designed to frame, facilitate, and mediate the 

encounter between the citizen and the justice system. All architectural elements should be 

proportional and arranged hierarchically to signify orderliness. The materials employed 

should be consistently applied, natural and regional in origin, and durable, and should 

invoke a sense of permanence. Colors should complement the natural, regional materials 

used in the design.

A U.S. courthouse may house multiple court units, court-related offices, and other federal 

government agencies. Courthouses should be planned and designed to accommodate the 

needs of the public, judges, court staff, U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and other courtrelated offices. The guidelines set forth in this chapter address the adjacency requirements 

for judges’ and court staff offices and court-related offices (e.g., USMS, U.S. Attorney’s 

Office), along with sizing and volume factors for common spaces in all buildings, 

specifically, segments of public spaces such as entrances, lobbies, atria, and corridors. The 

chapter includes a typical diagram and stacking plan for a multi-level courthouse and a 

typical court floor layout.

The criteria presented in this document do not represent an entitlement to space, 

furnishings, or finishes. However, the application of the criteria presented is intended to 

help direct project decisions toward producing functional, cost-effective facilities. Project 

teams should be conscious of the benchmark budget during the decision-making process. 

It is not the intent of the Design Guide to be overly prescriptive or to impede creative ideas 

to address the space and operational needs of the courts. However, the absence of a Design 

Guide standard or requirement does not imply authorization of a project without approval 

by the appropriate authority. Courts should work closely with their respective assistant 

circuit executives (ACEs) for space and facilities, the General Services Administration 

(GSA), and their architectural/engineering (A/E) team to identify areas of concern and 

develop cost-efficient and effective solutions. The goal of the Design Guide is to provide 

guidance for new construction and renovations that addresses the needs of the Judiciary.

Supporting Documents

A comprehensive guide to supporting documents should be found in Chapter 2, 

“Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program 

and design criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information 

on many facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The references listed 

below relate specifically to this chapter. 

• “AnyCourt” (Program of Requirements), the Judiciary’s automated space-planning 

tool used to provide a court’s space program of requirements

• Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standard (ABAAS)

• Courtroom Technology Audiovisual Infrastructure Standard

• Design Notebook for Federal Building Lobby Security

• Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service (GSA PBS P-100), most current 

edition

• National Business Space Assignment Policy (NBSAP), GSA, most current edition

• Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual, 

Volume Three, Judicial Security Systems Requirements and Specifications (USMS 

Publication 64), most current edition

• United States Courts, Courthouse Design Reference Manual: An Architect’s Desk 

Reference, most current edition, all chapters

Programming and Budgetary Notes

Programming and budgetary notes found throughout the Design Guide provide assistance 

with decisions to be made during the development of courthouse projects. The notes 

include both judicial branch policy and lessons learned from completed projects. The 

notes supplement the criteria in the Design Guide; their purpose is to provide direction in 

using the flexibility of the Design Guide to develop justifiable and cost-effective federal 

courthouse projects. 

Space Envelope Flexibility

A total space envelope for new space will be calculated using appropriate circulation 

factors, allowances for support-type spaces, and the space standards described in the 

Design Guide. Courts have the flexibility to configure space within the envelope to meet 

their local needs. However, design and construction should be in general compliance 

with the square footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling 

requirements tables. If the court unit wishes to significantly change the space standards 

described in the space and ceiling requirements tables without exceeding the total envelope 

of space for the unit, it must seek approval from its respective circuit judicial council.

The space envelope for a respective court unit is defined as:

• Entire clerk’s office 

• Entire probation office 

• Entire pretrial services office 

• Entire staff attorney’s office 

• Entire circuit executive’s office 
3-3 | Planning for U.S. Courthouses U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

• All courtrooms designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate 

judges, and bankruptcy judges) 

• All chambers designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate 

judges, and bankruptcy judges)

For existing space, courts have the flexibility to configure space within the existing 

envelope to meet their local needs. However, any significant departure from the square 

footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling requirements 

tables must be approved by the respective circuit judicial council. This does not mean 

that existing space is required to be changed to meet Design Guide standards. Only new 

construction completed as part of a renovation should be considered. 

Renovations and Alterations (R&A)

Many of the construction projects conducted in the Judiciary are renovations to existing 

space. Although the Design Guide applies to these projects, it is understood that some 

standards in the Design Guide are difficult or impossible to achieve in existing space, 

particularly in historic buildings. Courts should consult Chapter 17, “Renovations and 

Alterations (R&A),” and GSA PBS P-100 for guidance in these circumstances. References 

to R&A guidelines are also included throughout the Design Guide where appropriate.

Exceptions to the Design Guide Standards 

The Design Guide provides guidance on standards for courthouse construction and 

renovations to existing space. Any significant departure from these standards is considered 

an exception and must be approved by the respective authority as outlined below. 

Authority of the Circuit Judicial Councils 

Circuit judicial councils play an important space-management role by reviewing 

district-wide facility plans, approving requests for new or modified space, and enforcing 

adherence to design guidelines. The circuit judicial councils have authority over, and 

responsibility for, a circuit’s space-management program (28 USC §332 and §462(b)) and 

for determining the need for space. As directed by the Judicial Conference of the United 

States (JCUS), any significant departure from the standards in the Design Guide must be 

approved by the respective circuit judicial council. 

Authority of the Committee on Space and Facilities 

The authority to approve the following exceptions to the Design Guide standards rests 

with the Committee on Space and Facilities: (1) exceeding the total envelope for either the 

court unit or the project as a whole, (2) changing the standard configurations for judges’

chambers and courtrooms, and (3) exceeding the plumbing standards. If the Committee 

on Space and Facilities disagrees with a circuit judicial council request for one of these 

exceptions, the Judicial Conference will decide whether to grant the exception. 

Authority of the Judicial Conference

The authority for approving any exception to prospectus-level courthouse projects that 

would result in additional estimated costs, including additional rent payment obligations, 

lies with the Judicial Conference. Approval is required, after review by the Committee 

on Space and Facilities, for any exception to the Design Guide approved by a circuit 

judicial council. The request must include (1) a justification for the exception and (2) 

a construction cost estimate. All approved exceptions for prospectus-level projects are 

reported to the GSA and Congress. Approved exceptions may require the project to be 

reauthorized by Congress if the exception had not been previously identified. Contact the 

Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC) for more detailed information.

For prospectus-level courthouse projects, if an exception is approved by the JCUS which 

would result in additional estimated costs, the chair of the circuit’s space and facilities 

committee or the chief judge or other judge designated by the court that sought the 

exception that exceeds the Design Guide criteria must be willing, if requested by the 

Committee on Space and Facilities, to appear before Congress concerning funding for 

such construction.

General Programming Notes

The Design Guide is intended to be a performance document. Criteria for any space or 

grouping of spaces should be considered in conjunction with the specific needs of the court 

office or function for which space is being designed. 

Criteria in the Design Guide do not represent space entitlements. The criteria apply to an 

array of space types that should be justified based on the specific purpose of each project. 

Facility plans, programs, and designs should include only the space needed to satisfy the 

functional and security requirements of the court. 

Differences between the space in an existing facility and the criteria in the Design Guide

are not justification for facility alteration and expansion. In such cases, alternatives to 

space expansion are investigated before any additional space is requested. In addition, 

like-for-like space is not a guarantee. Space allocated in an existing location is not 

justification for the same amount of space in a new location if the space allocation is not 

warranted. Current needs should be evaluated when moving into new space to determine 

the appropriate space envelope. Any additional space must be approved by the appropriate 

authority. Design architects and court staff are prohibited from adding spaces not originally 

contemplated in the approved prospectus or design program. Increasing the floor area or 

building volume requires the necessary approvals.

General Budgetary Notes

Renovation and new construction occur when the court and circuit judicial council identify 

space needs through the Judiciary’s asset management planning process and document 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Planning for U.S. Courthouses | 3-4

these needs in the long-range facilities plan. GSA determines by what method the space 

is provided—for example, by the construction of a new building, the renovation of an 

existing building, a lease, or other means.

The Judicial Conference recognizes and strongly supports a pragmatic approach to design 

that includes the use of durable and sustainable materials. This approach ensures that 

courthouses constructed now will last well into the future. 

Following the publication of the 2007 Design Guide, the Judiciary introduced several costsaving measures, such as courtroom sharing and the Integrated Workplace Initiative (IWI), 

that sought to provide flexibility and efficiency in court spaces while preserving the dignity 

of the Judiciary. Courtroom sharing for certain judge types is now a standard throughout 

the Judiciary, and IWI is recognized as an alternative to traditional office design. For more 

information on cost- and space-saving efforts and programs, contact the AOUSC Space 

and Facilities Division.

Spaces Common to Federal Courts

Federal courthouses contain several common elements, including public spaces and atria, 

secure parking, service areas, heavy traffic areas, clerk’s offices, judges’ chambers, and 

court libraries. 

Public Spaces and Atria 

The public space should be designed as an integrated continuum of spaces that leads 

from the building’s main entrance to the various public destinations within it. Each 

segment of space along the continuum performs multiple functions and should be 

designed accordingly. The functions include ingress/egress, admittance/discharge, 

security screening, provision of information/orientation, circulation/conveyance, and 

accommodation/queuing/waiting/seating.

Entrance

The entrance or entrance vestibule should be clearly visible and recognizable as such from 

the exterior of the building. The vestibule should be a minimum of 7 feet in depth and able 

to handle the flow of traffic at peak times.

Security Screening Station

The security screening station should be designed with a non-secure zone in front of 

the screening equipment (i.e., metal detectors and X-ray machine). The non-secure 

zone should be large enough to provide safe and comfortable queuing during peak load 

periods. The design team should include a representative from the USMS to ensure that 

the requirements for the screening equipment are provided in accordance with USMS 

Publication 64. The screening stations, security equipment, and associated gun locker 

should be integrated with the design of the surrounding architecture. In addition, special 

consideration should be given to the design of the mechanical system to ensure adequate 

heating, cooling, and ventilation at the screening station.

Lobby

The building lobby is the main occupant and public gathering point on the secure side of 

the security screening station. The size and shape of the lobby should facilitate the process 

of understanding the layout of the building. The amount of floor area required for the 

lobby space will be determined by the number of people who pass through it, as well as by 

the ways that other segments of the public space are developed.

Atrium

If the design of the public space includes an atrium, there should be no more than one in 

the building. If an atrium is provided as a substitute for a lobby, it should otherwise be 

designed to perform all the functions normally performed by the lobby.

As a volume that connects two or more floors, the atrium’s proportional relationships 

of height to floor area should conform to familiar ratios and responsible budgeting. The 

relationship of the atrium volume to a source of natural light at its top, side(s), or base is 

also critical. 

Corridors

Corridors convey, orient, and provide places for people to confer and, often, to wait. 

Corridor lengths and widths vary according to the volume of traffic and the nature of the 

spaces to which they lead. Basic corridor widths should enable a minimum of four people 

to pass abreast of each other (one person escorted by two others and a fourth passing from 

the opposite direction).

Corridors may be developed uniformly throughout the building, that is, with standardized 

dimensions and layout from floor to floor. More typically, however, the public corridor 

layout will vary between the ground level and the floors above, and it may also vary on a 

single floor—for example, from one wing of a building to another. Some portions of the 

corridor system may be developed on a double-loaded basis, while others are single loaded.

When the corridor is on a courtroom floor, an additional 400 net square feet (NSF) (37.2 

net square meters) for appellate, district, and bankruptcy courtrooms should be provided for 

the public waiting area outside each courtroom. The space for waiting should not obstruct 

the adjacent space for circulation. Single-loaded corridors on court floors may be able to 

accommodate the required waiting area(s) more easily. Double-loaded corridors on court 

floors where entrances to the courtrooms are opposite each other may involve an added 

design challenge to provide sufficient waiting space.
3-5 | Planning for U.S. Courthouses U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

All public corridors should be straight, not unduly long, and comfortably proportioned; all 

should have access to daylight and views.

Court Staff Entry

Other spaces common to all courts include the court staff entry. Staff entry should be 

through the central public screening point. If the Facility Security Committee and/or 

the Court Security Committee approves a separate staff entrance, the entrance shall be 

manned by a court security officer and be provided with the required screening equipment. 

Circulation for judges and others requiring additional security should not intersect public 

circulation; these individuals should enter through a restricted lobby from secure parking.

Secure Parking

Parking for judges and the USMS should be secure and located within the court building. 

Refer to Chapter 16, “Building Security”, for details of judges’ and staff parking.

Service Areas

A building service area requires loading docks with direct restricted entry. In smaller 

courthouses where a loading dock is not required, the receiving area should have direct 

restricted entry. The building service area requires access via freight elevator to all 

building offices. 

Heavy Traffic Areas

All areas generating heavy traffic, such as the clerk’s office and building services, should 

be located on or adjacent to the main public entry level. 

Clerk’s Offices

The clerk’s offices of the three courts should have quick and convenient restricted access 

to and from each courtroom and chambers. Additionally, district clerk’s office staff should 

have convenient restricted access to and from the jury assembly area.

Judges’ Chambers

Judges’ chambers may be located close to a courtroom or clustered in a separate 

area. Chambers are accessed from restricted circulation with convenient access to the 

courtroom(s). Refer to Chapter 6, “Judges’ Chambers Suites,” for a discussion of functions 

within the judges’ chambers suites. 

Court Libraries

The location of central court libraries should provide access for judges, law clerks, and 

other court staff by means of a restricted staff corridor. Public access may also be required, 

as determined by the court. Refer to Chapter 7, “Central Court Libraries,” for a discussion 

of functions within the central court libraries.

Probation Offices

The probation office requires access from public circulation after the security screening 

area in the lobby. If the office operates during off-hours, a separate controlled off-hours 

access point is desirable.

Pretrial Services Office

The pretrial services office also requires access from public circulation after the security 

screening area at the main courthouse entrance. In addition, the office requires restricted 

access to the USMS and magistrate judges’ courtrooms. 

Functions of Three Court Types

Major Spaces in Three Federal Court Types

The following is a discussion of the major spaces, groupings, and circulation systems in 

each of the three most common federal courts. Special courts (Court of Appeals for the 

Federal Circuit, Court of Federal Claims, and Court of International Trade) have not been 

included due to their limited number. 

U.S. Court of Appeals (USCA)

Since the USCA does not conduct trials, unlike the district court, it requires only two 

circulation systems: public and restricted. For an overview of the USCA’s circulation and 

adjacency patterns, refer to Figure 3.3.

The major functional spaces in the USCA are the appellate courtrooms, circuit judges’ 

robing rooms, and circuit judges’ chambers suites. For court proceedings, the judges move 

from their chambers to the judges’ conference room, then through the robing room to the 

courtroom.

The circuit executive’s office should have restricted access to judges’ chambers and the 

USCA clerk’s office. Since the circuit executive’s office often has little contact with the 

public, the level of public access should be coordinated with each circuit executive.

The office of the senior staff attorney should be located off a restricted corridor, adjacent to 

both the USCA clerk’s office and the central court library, and with easy access to judges’ 

chambers, if possible.

U.S. District Court (USDC)

The USDC conducts jury trials for both civil and criminal cases and other court 

proceedings. The court requires public, restricted, and secure circulation patterns. For an 

overview of the USDC’s circulation and adjacency patterns, refer to Figure 3.4.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Planning for U.S. Courthouses | 3-6

The activities of the USDC focus on the courtroom. The district and magistrate judge 

courtrooms require direct access from public, restricted, and secure circulation. Associated 

spaces located near the district courtroom include attorney/witness conference rooms, 

accessed from public circulation; the judges’ conference/robing room (provided only if 

the judges’ chambers are not located close to the courtroom), accessed from restricted 

circulation; the trial jury suite, accessed directly from the courtroom or restricted 

circulation; and prisoner holding cells, accessed from secure circulation.

Jury assembly facilities should be located on the main public entry floor, preferably close 

to the district court clerk’s office. The facilities should have controlled entry and should 

provide for the convenient movement of jurors to and from courtrooms.

The grand jury suite should be located near the Office of the U.S. Attorney, as that office 

is responsible for presenting evidence to and obtaining indictments from the grand jury. 

Grand jurors enter the suite through restricted circulation from a controlled area or an 

area that is remote from public view. In-custody witnesses enter the suite from secure 

circulation.

Federal public defenders’ staffed offices should be located outside the courthouse unless 

the federal public defender determines that being in such buildings would compromise 

the organization’s mission. If the Judicial Conference Committee on Defender Services 

approves the request by a federal public defender to occupy space in a new courthouse, 

the comparable office space standards for other court units shall apply. The office should 

be distanced from the offices of the U.S. attorney. A trial preparation suite of 450 usable 

square feet (41.9 usable square meters), which includes internal circulation for use by 

federal public defenders during trials, shall be provided in the USDC courthouse. Refer to 

Chapter 10, “Other Court Units,” for additional requirements regarding the Office of the 

Federal Public Defender’s trial preparation suite.

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (USBC)

The USBC hears only civil cases. Like the USCA, the USBC needs only two circulation 

systems: public and restricted. In some locations, jury trials may be held by bankruptcy 

courts. When this occurs, the USBC should use a vacant USDC courtroom. For an 

overview of the USBC’s circulation and adjacency patterns, refer to Figure 3.5.

USBC courtrooms are accessed by public and restricted circulation. Similar to those near 

USDC courtrooms, associated spaces located near the bankruptcy courtroom include 

attorney/witness rooms, accessed from public circulation, and the judges’ conference/

robing room (provided only if the judges’ chambers are not located close to the 

courtroom), accessed from restricted circulation. 

Users and Capacities

Users vary according to the size of the courthouse, the type and volume of cases, and the 

number of maintenance staff, service company/agency personnel, and the public. For the 

purposes of certain references in this Design Guide, the following designations apply:

A small courthouse has five or fewer courtrooms. 

A medium courthouse has 6-12 courtrooms. 

A large courthouse has 13-18 courtrooms.

An extra-large courthouse has more than 18 courtrooms.

Access for People with Disabilities 

The federal courts are required to conform to the standard of the Architectural Barriers Act 

(ABA) of 1968 for new construction and renovation of existing facilities. ABAAS is the 

GSA accessibility standard. It replaces the previous UFAS requirements for accessibility. 

The standard is based on the ABA accessibility guidelines published by the U.S. Access 

Board on July 23, 2004. In addition, GSA policy requires compliance with the local 

accessibility standards if they are more stringent (refer to GSA PBS P-100). 

Public areas in federal court facilities, including jury facilities, as well as restricted and 

secure areas, shall be made accessible when newly constructed or renovated. Under 

ABAAS, an “accessible” facility shall be usable by persons with disabilities. This includes 

not only those with mobility limitations, but also persons with sight, speech, or hearing 

disabilities. Per ABAAS and the International Building Code, employee work stations 

(judge’s bench, clerk’s station, bailiff’s station, deputy clerk’s station, and court reporter’s 

station) shall be located on an accessible route. The vertical access to elevated employee 

work stations within a courtroom is not required at the initial time of construction, 

provided a ramp or lift may be installed without requiring significant reconfiguration or 

extension of the courtroom or extension of the electrical system. Other publicly accessible 

areas such as the litigant and counsel stations, witness station, jury box, lectern, and public 

seating shall be accessible at the initial start of court operation.

Accessibility within the courtroom shall be achieved with minimum use of well space and 

the accessible path to all stations within the courtroom shall be facilitated in a dignified 

manner. The design team shall consider the court’s requirements for the height of the judge’s 

bench and other elevated work stations when determining the use of ramps and/or lifts to 

facilitate accessibility. There are many acceptable courtroom configurations including the 

use of ramps within the restricted staff corridor to achieve an accessible path to elevated 

work stations. Coordinate with the AOUSC for additional sample courtroom layouts. 
3-7 | Planning for U.S. Courthouses U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

In addition to facility design and courtroom layouts, other technology and devices may be 

employed to assist persons with disabilities in navigating the courthouse. It is important to 

have a court plan for accessibility assistance and it is recommended to provide information 

on this plan at building entry lobbies and public information areas. 

People who are deaf or hard of hearing shall be accommodated. Assisted listening 

systems (ALSs) shall be provided in accordance with ABAAS. Accommodations beyond 

the requirements of the ABAAS will likely be necessary. In some cases, a soundreinforcement system may be sufficient; in others, a sign language interpreter is necessary 

for proceedings involving participants with hearing disabilities. Courtroom layouts shall 

accommodate the sign language interpreter within the reader’s field of vision and also 

provide the reader with a view of the speaker. This allows the participants to observe the 

speaker’s gestures, facial expressions, and other visual cues.

Provisions for sight-impaired persons shall be accommodated. Accommodations may 

include utilizing contrasting finishes, spatial cues for navigating, and appropriate use of 

signage and wayfinding devices. Coordinate infrastructure with wayfinding devices for 

disabled persons. 

Newly constructed courthouse facilities, including all courtrooms, shall comply with the 

ABAAS. For existing courtrooms that pre-date the ABAAS, renovations and alterations 

will also need to comply unless it is not technically feasible to do so. Additionally, 

some alterations will not address all courtrooms in a facility. If all courtrooms cannot be 

designed to be fully accessible at the initial start of court operation, a minimum of one 

courtroom per court type and per court floor shall be made fully accessible at the initial 

start of court operation. Additional sample courtroom layouts and best practice information 

may be obtained from the Space and Facilities Division of the AOUSC.

Courthouse Zoning and Building Circulation

Courthouses are unique buildings that require special circulation provisions. Courthouses 

are typically organized into five distinct zones that collocate areas of similar activity, 

operational need, and access requirements. 

Public 

The public circulation zone provides access from main building entrances to the functional 

areas of the building. This zone includes all areas of the building used by the general 

public, attorneys, clients, witnesses, and jurors. It includes but is not limited to such areas 

as the main lobby, corridors accessing departmental spaces that interface with the public, 

public elevators and escalators, public restrooms, court library, pro se areas, waiting areas, 

snack bars, clerk of court counters, and reception areas. Any member of the community 

with business in the courthouse would utilize the public circulation zone.

Figure 3.1

General Organizational Relationships

Restricted

The restricted circulation zone provides controlled access to particular courthouse users. 

Restricted circulation is not typically used by the general public or legal community unless 

they are escorted by approved court personnel. The restricted circulation zone is intended 

to safely facilitate the movement of judges and other approved court personnel between 

chambers, courtrooms, and sometimes departmental areas. It may also be used to facilitate 

the movement of jurors between courtrooms and jury deliberation rooms. This prevents 

jurors from interacting with witnesses or the general public during proceedings. Restricted 

circulation typically connects court and chambers areas to secure or restricted parking 

facilities and includes dedicated restricted elevators.

Secure

The secure circulation zone provides for the movement of defendants in custody. Access 

to this building zone is through a secure vehicular or pedestrian sally port. Defendants in 

custody may be taken to a secure central holding area and then escorted to courtrooms 

as needed. Circulation from the central holding area to the individual courtrooms is 

accommodated using dedicated, secure elevators to holding areas located adjacent to the 

courtrooms. The USMS maintains control of the secure circulation zone.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Planning for U.S. Courthouses | 3-8

Interface

In a modern court facility, the only time public, restricted, and secure circulation zones 

interface is within the courtroom or hearing room.

Service

The service zone includes all the spaces that serve as support areas for the courthouse, 

including but not limited to loading docks, recycling areas, storage areas, building systems 

spaces, and building maintenance areas.

Establishing a clear circulation and zoning approach is key to developing an efficient 

courthouse plan. In addition to court units, courthouses may also house other federal 

government agencies. The team should review and optimize adjacencies between the 

courts and other government agencies to be located in the building and clearly define 

parameters for interface in the circulation zones. Figure 3.1 is a typical diagram of a 

multilevel courthouse.

Space Allocation for Circulation in Courthouses

Several references have been made to the functional and physical uniqueness of 

courthouses. One distinguishing feature of courthouse planning is the amount of space 

required to accommodate the various circulation zones. Courthouses are not typically as 

efficient as typical office buildings. If circulation and efficiency factors are not clearly 

understood during the programming, planning, and early design process, total building 

areas may be miscalculated and funding may not be adequate. 

Space Measurement Standards

This section defines terms used in the planning and measurement of space for court 

buildings. Space criteria in the Design Guide are presented in terms of net square feet 

(NSF) and net square meters (Nm2

). It is important to note that NSF (Nm2), as used in the 

Design Guide, is not synonymous with ANSI/BOMA’s definition of usable space. 

Net Square Footage (NSF)

NSF identifies the area of individual room or space, such as an office, workstation, 

storage space, or conference room, measured from the inside face of the wall to inside 

face of wall or from area boundary line to area boundary line. Wall thicknesses, 

vertical slab penetrations, and circulation space are not included in the NSF of 

a space. Likewise, the NSF of a workstation in an open office does not include 

circulation space around it.

Circulation Area

Circulation space includes corridors, aisles, and other similar spaces required for 

occupants to access means of egress and all other functions in and serving their space. 

Circulation may be fully enclosed, as in a corridor, or unenclosed, as in an aisle 

between workstations in an open office configuration.

There are two types of circulation areas: primary and secondary. Primary circulation 

is the main travel path connecting the building core, various court units, and 

common spaces, such as elevators and stairs. Secondary circulation connects offices, 

workstations, and support spaces.

Circulation Multipliers

Circulation multipliers are used to convert the total NSF of a court unit to usable 

square feet. Each multiplier accounts for the wall thicknesses and circulation required 

between spaces. Each multiplier is dictated by different design parameters and varies 

per function within the building.

It should be noted that the circulation multiplier for a specific court unit applies to 

all spaces within the court unit. For instance, the courtroom multiplier applies to all 

associated courtroom spaces as well as the courtrooms.

Usable Square Footage (USF)

USF is the area within a building that should be assigned to a specific tenant. The 

USF of a single organization is the footprint of that organization on the floor plan of 

the building. USF excludes building infrastructure spaces such as mechanical rooms, 

building common area, circulation, and public toilets but does include columns and 

other structural elements located within a court unit’s space. In addition, the total USF 

of a court unit includes any joint use spaces.

The total envelope of space for a given court unit is the total usable square feet. A 

court unit has the discretion to reconfigure this total envelope.

GSA utilizes the NBSAP to assign, classify, and measure space in federally-owned 

buildings. ANSI/BOMA standards serve as the foundation of the NBSAP; however, there 

are some specific differences between the two. The purpose of the NBSAP is to account 

for and assign space after a building has been constructed. Although the following terms 

do not apply to the planning or programming of court space, they should be understood:

Rentable Area

Rentable area is used to determine how much rent a tenant will pay. At a tenant level, 

rentable area is the amount of USF a tenant should occupy or use within a building 

plus their respective share of common areas, such as a lobby and joint use spaces.

Gross Area

The Gross area is the total constructed area of a building measured to the outside of 

the exterior enclosing walls. Gross area may include partially enclosed areas, but it 

does not include voids.
3-9 | Planning for U.S. Courthouses U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Metrication

The Metric Conversion Act of 1975, as amended by the Omnibus Trade Act of 1988, 

establishes the modern metric system (International System of Units) as the preferred 

system of measurement in the United States. To facilitate the transition to the metric 

system, English units in the text are followed by metric equivalents in parentheses. Metric 

units have been rounded to simplify their use in design and construction. Table 3.1 lists the 

equivalent types of English and metric units used in the Design Guide.

Circulation Requirements in Court Space

The net areas specified in the subsequent chapters of the Design Guide are exclusive of 

the area required to accommodate circulation among spaces. The circulation requirements 

for court space vary based on function, but are also influenced by other factors, such as 

site limitations and building configuration. The Design Guide provides specific values 

to estimate circulation space requirements for various offices and functional areas of a 

courthouse. Refer to Table 3.2, Circulation Multipliers, for approved multipliers per court 

unit or space type.

NSF serves as the base unit or space standard for each space in a courthouse. Space 

standards for specific spaces should be found within the space tables in the following 

chapters. For these spaces to appropriately function, the NSF of each space is multiplied 

by the stipulated circulation multiplier. The product is the USF of a court unit inclusive of 

wall thickness and internal court unit circulation space. AnyCourt utilizes this formula to 

determine the total USF for judiciary space listed in the program. This AnyCourt USF is 

utilized in determining the project budget.

Courtrooms and Associated Spaces

The courtroom is programmed with no internal additional circulation space. 

Circulation space is required, however, to connect the courtroom to other support 

functions, such as the Judge’s Conference Room or Attorney Work Room. The spaces 

associated with courtrooms are listed in Chapter 4, and every space listed in this 

chapter should utilize the same circulation multiplier.

Jury Facilities (Jury Assembly, Trial Jury Suites, and Grand Jury Suites)

Jury Facility spaces are listed in Chapter 5, and vary in terms of function. The jury 

assembly suite gives potential jurors a place to receive orientation, gather, and wait 

to be called to a courtroom for jury selection. The trial jury suite gives juries a space 

to deliberate at the conclusion of a trial. Grand jury suites are utilized to present 

evidence and witnesses before grand jurors. Because these spaces function differently, 

each utilizes a different circulation multiplier.

Judges’ Chambers Suites

The spaces that comprise a judge’s chambers suite are listed in Chapter 6. Circulation 

space is required to connect the various offices and functions required within a 

chambers suite. Each space listed in Chapter 6 should utilize the same circulation 

multiplier.

Court Libraries

Court library spaces are listed in Chapter 7. Although many of the library spaces 

are large, open spaces, circulation is still required to connect the office and support 

spaces. Court libraries and their associated spaces listed in Chapter 7 should utilize 

the same circulation multiplier.

Clerk’s Office, Probation and Pretrial Services Office, and Other Court Units

Although the clerk’s office, probation and pretrial services offices, and other unlisted 

court units function differently, they are all generally composed of closed offices, 

open workstations, conferencing amenities, and other support spaces. Circulation 

space is required to connect office spaces with one another and their respective 

support functions. These court units should utilize the same circulation multiplier, 

unless alternate workplace strategies (AWS) are implemented.

These court units have the greatest potential to utilize space-saving strategies listed 

in Chapter 18, “Alternative Workplace Strategies.” Because open-office floor plans 

Table 3.1

Metrication

Measurement 

Category English Unit Metric Unit

Area Square Foot (SF) Square Meter (m2

)

Length Foot (ft), Inch (in) Millimeter (mm)

Thickness Gauge (ga) Millimeter (mm)

Weight/Mass Ounce (oz) Kilogram (kg)

Load Pounds per Square Foot 

(PSF) Pascals (Pa)

Volume Gallon (gal) Liter (L)

Temperature Degrees Fahrenheit (oF) Degrees Celsius (oC)

Air Flow Cubic Feet per Minute 

(CFM) Liters per Second (L/S)

Illuminance Foot-Candles (FC) Lux (lx)
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Planning for U.S. Courthouses | 3-10

require greater circulation space than closed office spaces, these court units will be 

required to utilize a larger circulation multiplier to accurately estimate the needed 

amount of circulation area.

Judicial Shared Support Spaces

Judicial common building spaces are listed in Chapter 11, and include technology 

spaces, such as telecommunications closets, and other functions, such as fitness 

centers.

Program Stacking

The plan for a courthouse should locate all public traffic functions on the lower floors and 

provide dedicated elevator and stairway systems for the public, court staff, judges, freight, 

and prisoner movement. Refer to Figure 3.2.

Table 3.2

Circulation Multipliers

Space Type Circulation Multiplier

Courtrooms and Associated Spaces 1.35

Jury Assembly 1.15

Trial Jury Suites 1.20

Grand Jury Suites 1.35

Judges’ Chambers Suites 1.20

Court Libraries 1.32

Clerk’s Office1 1.32

Probation and Pretrial Services Offices1 1.32

Other Court Units1 1.32

Judicial Shared Support Spaces 1.25

1

 Court units that implement alternate workplace strategies (AWS) shall utilize a 

circulation multiplier of 1.4. Refer to Chapter 18, “Alternative Workplace Strategies.”
3-11 | Planning for U.S. Courthouses U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Figure 3.2

Typical Stacking Diagram
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Planning for U.S. Courthouses | 3-12

Figure 3.3

U.S. Court of Appeals Adjacency Relationships

Circuit

Exec.’s

Office

Nonresident

Judge’s

Chambers

Circuit

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Circuit

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Circuit

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Circuit

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Circuit

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Circuit

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Robing Robing

Conf. Room Conf. Room

Public

Waiting

Public

Waiting

Attorney

Work Rm

Public

Entry

Circuit

Clerk’s

Office

Senior

Staff

Attorney’s

Office

Headquarters

Circuit

Library

Appellate

Panel

Courtroom

Conference/

Training

Room

Appellate

En Banc

Courtroom

Colors Legend:

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration.

Chapter 3

Planning for U.S. Courthouses

Chapter 4

Courtrooms and Associated Spaces

Chapter 6

Judges’ Chambers Suites

Chapter 7

Central Courts Libraries

Chapter 8

Clerk’s Office

Chapter 10

Other Court Units

Symbols Legend:

Public Circulation

Public Vertical Circulation

Restricted Circulation

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point
3-13 | Planning for U.S. Courthouses U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Figure 3.4

U.S. District Court Adjacency Relationships

Colors Legend:

Symbols Legend:

Chapter 3

Planning for U.S. Courthouses

Chapter 4

Courtrooms and Associated Spaces

Chapter 5

Jury Facilities

Chapter 6

Judges’ Chambers Suites

Chapter 7

Central Courts Libraries

Chapter 8

Clerk’s Office

Chapter 9

Probation and Pretrial Services Offices

Chapter 10

Other Court Units

Public Vertical Circulation

Public Circulation

Restricted Circulation

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Secure Circulation

Secure Vertical Circulation

Service Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration.

District

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

District

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Magistrate

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Magistrate

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Central

Cell

Block

U.S.

Marshals

Service

Office

Public

Entry

U.S.

Probation

Office

U.S.

Pretrial

Services

Office

District

Clerk’s

Office

Satellite

Court

Library

District

Judge’s

Courtroom

Public

Waiting

Witness

Security

Grand

Jury

Jury

Assembly

Suite

Public

Waiting

Public

Waiting

Public

Waiting

Conference/

Training

Room

U.S.

Attorney’s

Office

Court

Rep. District

Judge’s

Courtroom

Magistrate

Judge’s

Courtroom

Magistrate

Judge’s

Courtroom

Trial

Suite

Trial

Suite

Trial

Suite

Trial

Suite
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Planning for U.S. Courthouses | 3-14

Figure 3.5

U.S. Bankruptcy Court Adjacency Relationships

Symbols Legend:

Public Vertical Circulation

Public Circulation

Restricted Circulation 

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Service Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration.

Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Chambers

Suite

Public

Entry

Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Courtroom

Bankruptcy

Judge’s

Courtroom

Public

Waiting

Public

Waiting

Conference/

Training

Room

Unstaffed

Library

Bankruptcy

Clerk’s

Office

Colors Legend:

Chapter 3

Planning for U.S. Courthouses

Chapter 4

Courtrooms and Associated Spaces

Chapter 6

Judges’ Chambers Suites

Chapter 7

Central Courts Libraries

Chapter 8

Clerk’s Office
4-1 U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021

COURTROOMS AND ASSOCIATED 

SPACES 4 This chapter applies to courtrooms and associated spaces for circuit, district, magistrate, and 

bankruptcy judges. It provides descriptions of functions and activities, users and capacities, 

design requirements, and space allocation requirements, and includes adjacency diagrams for 

courtrooms and associated spaces.

Chapter Topics:

• Introduction

• Supporting Documents

• Programming and Budgetary Notes

• General Requirements for All Courtrooms

• Appellate Courtrooms

• District Judge Courtrooms

• Magistrate Judge Courtrooms

• Bankruptcy Judge Courtrooms

Figure 4.1 Fully Accessible Courtroom

Figure 4.2 Appellate (Panel or En Banc Courtrooms) Adjacency Relationships

Figure 4.3 U.S. District Court Adjacency Diagram

Figure 4.4 U.S. Magistrate Court Adjacency Relationships

Figure 4.5 U.S. Bankruptcy Court Adjacency Relationships

Table 4.1 Ceiling Requirements for Courtrooms and Associated Spaces

Table 4.2 Space Requirements for Appellate Courtrooms and Associated Spaces

Table 4.3 Space Requirements for District Judge Courtrooms and Associated Spaces

Table 4.4 Space Requirements for Magistrate Judge Courtrooms and Associated Spaces

Table 4.5 Space Requirements for Bankruptcy Judge Courtrooms and Associated Spaces

Chapter Figures and Tables:
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Courtrooms and Associated Spaces | 4-2

Introduction

The size and design of each type of federal courtroom varies according to the functions 

and activities that the courtroom should accommodate. These functions are largely 

determined by the types of cases that the court hears, such as appeals, civil, criminal, or 

bankruptcy cases. 

While the U.S. Court of Appeals (USCA) hears only appeals cases and the U.S. 

Bankruptcy Court (USBC) handles only bankruptcy cases, both civil and criminal cases 

are heard by U.S. District Court (USDC) judges. Magistrate judges, who are appointed by 

each district court, may also handle certain types of civil and criminal cases. The major 

functions of each courtroom type —appellate courtrooms, district judge courtrooms, 

magistrate judge courtrooms, and bankruptcy judge courtrooms—are described in the 

following sections.

Supporting Documents

A comprehensive guide to supplementary publications can be found in Chapter 2, 

“Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program 

and design criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information 

on many facets of federal courthouse design and construction. The references listed below 

relate specifically to this chapter.

• Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standard (ABAAS)

• Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service (GSA PBS P100)

• Courtroom Technology Audiovisual Infrastructure Standard

• United States Courts, Courthouse Design Reference Manual: An Architect’s Desk 

Reference, most current edition, Chapter 4.

• Guide to Judicial Policy, Vol. 16, Ch. 2.

Programming and Budgetary Notes

Programming and budgetary notes found throughout the Design Guide provide assistance 

with decisions to be made during the development of courthouse projects. The notes 

include both judicial branch policy and lessons learned from completed projects. The 

notes supplement the criteria in the Design Guide; their purpose is to provide direction in 

using the flexibility of the Design Guide to develop justifiable and cost-effective federal 

courthouse projects. 

Space Envelope Flexibility

A total space envelope for new space will be calculated using appropriate circulation 

factors, allowances for support-type spaces, and the space standards described in the 

Design Guide. Courts have the flexibility to configure space within the envelope to meet 

their local needs. However, design and construction should be in general compliance 

with the square footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling 

requirements tables. If the court unit wishes to significantly change the space standards 

described in the space and ceiling requirements tables without exceeding the total envelope 

of space for the unit, it must seek approval from its respective circuit judicial council.

The space envelope for a respective court unit is defined as:

• Entire clerk’s office 

• Entire probation office 

• Entire pretrial services office 

• Entire staff attorney’s office 

• Entire circuit executive’s office 

• All courtrooms designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate 

judges, and bankruptcy judges) 

• All chambers designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate 

judges, and bankruptcy judges)

For existing space, courts have the flexibility to configure space within the existing 

envelope to meet their local needs. However, any significant departure from the square 

footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling requirements 

tables must be approved by the respective circuit judicial council. This does not mean that 

existing space must be changed to meet Design Guide standards. Only new construction 

completed as part of a renovation should be considered. 

Renovations and Alterations (R&A)

Many of the construction projects conducted in the Judiciary are renovations to existing 

space. Although the Design Guide applies to these projects, it is understood that some 

standards in the Design Guide are difficult or impossible to achieve in existing space, 

particularly in historic buildings. Courts should consult Chapter 17, “Renovations and 

Alterations (R&A),” and GSA PBS P-100 for guidance in these circumstances. References 

to R&A guidelines are also included throughout the Design Guide where appropriate.

Exceptions to the Design Guide Standards 

The Design Guide provides guidance on standards for courthouse construction and 

renovations to existing space. Any significant departure from these standards is considered 

an exception and must be approved by the respective authority as outlined below. 
4-3 | Courtrooms and Associated Spaces U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021

Authority of the Circuit Judicial Councils 

Circuit judicial councils play an important space-management role by reviewing 

district-wide facility plans, approving requests for new or modified space, and enforcing 

adherence to design guidelines. The circuit judicial councils have authority over, and 

responsibility for, a circuit’s space-management program (28 USC §332 and §462(b)) and 

for determining the need for space. As directed by the Judicial Conference of the United 

States (JCUS), any significant departure from the standards in the Design Guide must be 

approved by the respective circuit judicial council. 

Authority of the Committee on Space and Facilities 

The authority to approve the following exceptions to the Design Guide standards rests 

with the Committee on Space and Facilities: (1) exceeding the total envelope for either the 

court unit or the project as a whole, (2) changing the standard configurations for judges’

chambers and courtrooms, and (3) exceeding the plumbing standards. If the Committee 

on Space and Facilities disagrees with a circuit judicial council request for one of these 

exceptions, the Judicial Conference will decide whether to grant the exception. 

Authority of the Judicial Conference

The authority for approving any exception to prospectus-level courthouse projects that 

would result in additional estimated costs, including additional rent payment obligations, 

lies with the Judicial Conference. Approval is required, after review by the Committee 

on Space and Facilities, for any exception to the Design Guide approved by a circuit 

judicial council. The request must include (1) a justification for the exception and (2) 

a construction cost estimate. All approved exceptions for prospectus-level projects

are reported to the General Services Administration (GSA) and Congress. Approved 

exceptions may require the project to be reauthorized by Congress if the exception had not 

been previously identified. Contact the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC) 

for more detailed information.

For prospectus-level courthouse projects, if an exception is approved by the JCUS which 

would result in additional estimated costs, the chair of the circuit’s space and facilities 

committee or the chief judge or other judge designated by the court that sought the 

exception that exceeds the Design Guide criteria must be willing, if requested by the 

Committee on Space and Facilities, to appear before Congress concerning funding for 

such construction.

General Programming Notes

The Design Guide is intended to be a performance document. Criteria for any space or 

grouping of spaces should be considered in conjunction with the specific needs of the court 

office or function for which space is being designed. 

Criteria in the Design Guide do not represent space entitlements. The criteria apply to an 

array of space types that should be justified based on the specific purpose of each project. 

Facility plans, programs, and designs should include only the space needed to satisfy the 

functional and security requirements of the court. 

Differences between the space in an existing facility and the criteria in the Design Guide

are not justification for facility alteration and expansion. In such cases, alternatives to 

space expansion are investigated before any additional space is requested. In addition, 

like-for-like space is not a guarantee. Space allocated in an existing location is not 

justification for the same amount of space in a new location if the space allocation is not 

warranted. Current needs should be evaluated when moving into new space to determine 

the appropriate space envelope. Any additional space must be approved by the appropriate 

authority. Design architects and court staff are prohibited from adding spaces not originally 

contemplated in the approved prospectus or design program. Increasing the floor area or 

building volume requires the necessary approvals.

General Budgetary Notes

Renovation and new construction occur when the court and circuit judicial council identify 

space needs through the Judiciary’s asset management planning process and document 

these needs in the long-range facilities plan. GSA determines by what method the space 

is provided—for example, by the construction of a new building, the renovation of an 

existing building, a lease, or other means.

The Judicial Conference recognizes and strongly supports a pragmatic approach to design 

that includes the use of durable and sustainable materials. This approach ensures that 

courthouses constructed now will last well into the future. 

Following the publication of the 2007 Design Guide, the Judiciary introduced several costsaving measures, such as courtroom sharing and the Integrated Workplace Initiative (IWI), 

that sought to provide flexibility and efficiency in court spaces while preserving the dignity 

of the Judiciary. Courtroom sharing for certain judge types is now a standard throughout 

the Judiciary, and IWI is recognized as an alternative to traditional office design. For more 

information on cost- and space-saving efforts and programs, contact the AOUSC Space 

and Facilities Division.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Courtrooms and Associated Spaces | 4-4

General Requirements for All Courtrooms

Design requirements for various stations and overall functions are discussed here. 

More detailed design direction is included for each courtroom type (appellate, district, 

magistrate, and bankruptcy) in the chapter subsections that follow. Chapter 12, “Tenant 

Improvements and Furnishings,” provides general guidelines for finishes in courtrooms 

and associated spaces.

Functions and Associated Spaces

Public Waiting Areas

Public waiting areas are programmed spaces that are utilized by the patrons of the court. 

The waiting areas are used by attorneys, civil plaintiffs and defendants, out-of-custody 

criminal defendants, witnesses, spectators, family members, and the news media. The 

waiting areas are directly adjacent to the courtroom entrances and are separate and 

distinct from the public circulation and courtroom lobbies. Public waiting areas serve 

as extensions of public lobby and circulation areas adjacent to courtrooms; therefore, 

the design and furnishing of these spaces should be consistent. Infrastructure should be 

considered to support audio and video distribution from the courtrooms and electronic 

docket signage displays.

Soundlocks 

Every courtroom should have a soundlock entry from the public lobby/circulation area. 

The exterior courtroom door should have locking hardware. 

Spectator Seating

The public has the right to attend most court proceedings and shall be able to see and hear 

all participants as clearly as possible without infringing upon the proceedings in the well of 

the courtroom. 

For controversial and high-security trials, spectators entering the courtroom may be subject 

to additional screening. Therefore, accommodation for equipment to detect firearms, 

bombs, and other weapons should be made at the entrance to the spectator area in the 

public lobby outside the courtroom.

A rail divides the well and spectator area. The rail should have an accessible opening or 

gate to admit attorneys, witnesses, U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) personnel, and other 

authorized persons into the well.

Attorney/Witness Rooms 

Attorney/witness rooms are associated facilities for courtrooms. Attorneys use the rooms 

to confer with one another, their clients, and witnesses. Witnesses requiring separation 

from the general public while in the courthouse may use this room while waiting to testify. 

Two attorney/witness rooms, which are adjacent to the courtrooms, may be provided per 

courtroom. The rooms should be programmed for multiple functions, such as for use as a 

news media room and for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) proceedings. Infrastructure 

should be considered to support audio distribution from the courtrooms.

Attorney Work Room

There shall be only one attorney work room provided per courthouse. It is provided for 

attorneys to use while waiting to appear in court.

Courtroom Positions and Design Requirements

Judge’s Bench

The height and location of the judge’s bench conveys the role of the judge and facilitates 

control of the court. The height of the judge’s bench and other courtroom stations is 

determined by the court. Generally, the judge’s bench should be elevated three steps 

(18 inches) above the courtroom well. The bench work surface should be 28-34 inches 

(711-864 mm) above the floor level of the judge’s station (i.e., normal desk height) and 

30 inches (775 mm) deep. The front of the work surface should have a rail or barrier a 

maximum of 4 inches (100 mm) high around the top to prevent paper and materials from 

falling to the floor. Space is provided for a computer that does not obstruct essential sight 

lines. Each judge shall be provided with a lockable drawer for writing instruments and 

paper (legal size), and 6 linear feet (1,830 mm) of shelf space. The judge’s bench shall 

be outfitted with ballistic material providing a minimum of Level IIIA ballistic stopping 

power and should be configured to allow easy access to duress devices. A clock power 

and data outlet should be located in the courtroom directly opposite the bench wall, above 

the entry door(s). Additionally, the judge’s bench shall be able to accommodate a sidebar 

conversation with attorneys without being overheard by the jury. For additional guidance 

on sidebar requirements, refer to the Courtroom Technology Audiovisual Infrastructure 

Standard.

Courtroom Deputy Clerk Station 

The courtroom deputy clerk station is recommended to be at the same elevation or 6 

inches above the courtroom well and set so that the judge and courtroom deputy clerk 

can easily see and confer with each other. The courtroom deputy clerk shall also be able 

to see and hear all court participants clearly, especially witnesses. The courtroom deputy 

clerk typically controls the temperature, light levels, and audiovisual equipment in the 

courtroom and should have the necessary controls at their station. The station should 

be large enough to accommodate a second staff person, who would be present during 

training or periodic high-volume hearings. The front of the work surface should have a 

rail or barrier a maximum of 4 inches (100 mm) high around the top to prevent paper and 

materials from falling to the floor. The computer should be ergonomically placed without 

obstructing essential sight lines. Infrastructure should be provided to support display 

of video presentation or video conferencing. Audiovisual (AV) accommodation should 

be lockable to prevent tampering with the system. Provisions for a printer with sound 
4-5 | Courtrooms and Associated Spaces U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021

isolation may be required. The station shall be outfitted with ballistic material providing 

a minimum of Level IIIA ballistic stopping power and should be configured to allow easy 

access to duress devices.

In district, magistrate, and bankruptcy judge courtrooms, a pass-through between the 

judge’s bench and the courtroom deputy can be provided. The pass-through allows for the 

convenient and inconspicuous transfer of case files and messages.

In district and magistrate judge courtrooms, a securable cabinet should be provided near 

the deputy clerk’s station for letter- or legal-sized documents or large, bulky objects.

The station should accommodate the following storage:

• Two built-in file drawers, each a minimum of 20 inches (500 mm) deep, able to 

accommodate both letter- and legal-sized files 

• A lockable drawer for writing instruments and paper (legal size) 

• Storage for AV equipment supplies 

• An adjustable shelf in the station a minimum of 18 inches (450 mm) deep by 36 

inches (925 mm) long for different sized exhibits 

Law Clerk Station 

Unless noted otherwise, one or two law clerks may be present at the discretion of the 

judge. The law clerks provide research assistance to the judge and may attend courtroom 

proceedings. In a courtroom, the law clerk station should be set so that the judge and law 

clerk can easily see and confer with each other. In addition, they should be able to see and 

hear electronic evidence presentation materials.

If seated adjacent to the judge’s bench, the law clerk station is recommended to be one step 

(6 inches) above the well. A work surface a minimum of 24 inches (600 mm) deep by 60 

inches (1,525 mm) wide should be provided at desk height. Where more than one law clerk 

occupies a station, each clerk should be allocated a work surface area a minimum of 30 

inches (775 mm) wide. Where a computer is used, a corner or side work surface should be 

provided that is sized to support a computer. The computer should be ergonomically placed 

for the clerk’s comfort without obstructing essential sight lines. The front of the work 

surface should have a rail or barrier a maximum of 4 inches (100 mm) high around the top 

to prevent paper and materials from falling to the floor.

Two 20-inch (500-mm) deep file drawers should be provided to accommodate both letterand legal-size files. Lockable storage drawers should be provided to accommodate writing 

implements and legal pads. 

In district, magistrate, or bankruptcy judges’ courtrooms, a pass-through between the 

judge’s bench and the law clerk station can be provided to allow for the convenient and 

inconspicuous transfer of documents and messages.

Infrastructure should be provided to support display of video presentation or video 

conferencing. In addition, a station may be required for an electronic court recording 

operator (ECRO) technician/clerk. This function may also be performed by the deputy 

clerk.

Spectator Seating 

The right to a public trial necessitates a certain volume of general public seating. Demand 

for spectator, news media, and family seating varies depending on the public interest and 

the number of parties in a particular case. Most trials will draw only a few or occasional 

spectators.

Benches or fixed chairs should be provided. A millwork rail divides the well and spectator 

area. The rail should have an accessible gate or opening to admit attorneys, witnesses, 

USMS personnel, and other authorized persons into the well.

Windows

Designing courtrooms with windows requires careful consideration of the benefits, 

potential problems, and costs. If a courtroom is designed with windows, precautions 

are necessary to maintain security and environmental controls. A courtroom may have 

windows (regular or clerestory) or skylights to obtain the benefits of daylight.

Windows and skylights should be sealed, double- or triple-glazed, and equipped to control 

heat gain/loss, brightness, glare, noise, and dust infiltration. A means of light control and 

room darkening should also be provided. To prevent distraction and increase security, 

higher window sills or clerestory windows or skylights are more desirable. Interior 

windows or interior clerestory windows, incorporated for “borrowed” light, shall meet the 

acoustic requirements stated in Chapter 14, “Acoustics.”

Ceiling Height

Courtroom ceiling heights should reflect the solemnity of court proceedings. The raised 

judge’s bench and ceiling height contribute to the order and decorum of the proceedings. 

The ceiling height standards in the Design Guide were calculated using generally 

accepted principles of architectural proportion and by direct observation of effective 

courtroom designs.

The ceiling is a designed surface. It may be uniformly flat, or it may have two or more 

planes and include elements such as soffits, perimeter coves, recesses, and reveals as 

required to integrate HVAC and lighting into a harmonious design. An adjustment of a 

ceiling surface may also occur where it meets an exterior curtain wall to accommodate 

different equipment. In situations where there are several different surfaces at different 

heights above the finished floor, there may be different ways of determining which one 

is the dominant plane. Ceiling heights should be measured from the finished floor to the 

dominant surface that either covers the most amount of ceiling square footage, or the 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Courtrooms and Associated Spaces | 4-6

surface that defines the overall character of the ceiling design. The design team should 

ensure that in all newly constructed spaces the dominant plane of the ceiling does not 

exceed the maximum ceiling height listed in the Design Guide. Dominant planes that 

exceed these maximum heights are considered an exception. The application of this 

maximum ceiling height in renovation and alteration projects may be dependent on 

limitations of existing conditions.

The ceiling height should be in proportion to the area of the space. If the space is located 

on a floor with a higher floor-to-floor height, the ceiling height of the room may be 

designed to maximize use of available natural light, volume, and window configuration 

of that space. Ceiling heights for courtrooms and their associated spaces shall be in 

accordance with the maximum ceiling heights listed in Table 4.1.

Image Projection/Displays 

Mobile projectors, video monitors, and recorders should be stored at a central location 

for use in the courtroom. All positions within the courtroom should be positioned for 

optimal viewing of fixed and mobile display technology. Projection screens are considered 

equipment items funded by the Judiciary. Architectural integration of screens and electrical 

infrastructure is provided as part of the construction cost.

Space Name Ceiling Height 

(feet)

Ceiling Height 

(mm)

En Banc Courtroom 18 5,500

Panel Courtroom 16 4,900

Multi-Party Courtroom 18 5,500

District Judge Courtroom 16 4,900

Magistrate Judge Courtroom 16 4,900

Bankruptcy Judge Courtroom 16 4,900

Judges’ Conference/Robing Room 10 3,000

Attorney/Witness Rooms 10 3,000

Attorney Work Area 10 3,000

Table 4.1

Ceiling Requirements for Courtrooms and Associated Spaces

Refer to Chapter 15, “Building Systems,” and the Courtroom Technology Audiovisual 

Infrastructure Standard for additional technology requirements for courtrooms and their 

associated spaces. 

Audiovisual Storage 

A storage location central to similar courtrooms should be provided for audiovisual 

equipment, including mobile video monitors and cameras, portable interpretation (TIPS) 

systems, and portable audio recording/playback equipment. Audiovisual equipment 

remaining in courtrooms should be built into walls or courtroom furniture. The design 

team should refer to Chapter 15, “Building Systems,” and the Courtroom Technology 

Audiovisual Infrastructure Standard.

Audiovisual Equipment Room 

An audiovisual equipment room should be provided for audiovisual equipment racks 

adjacent to the courtroom with power and cooling sufficient to support the audiovisual 

equipment in both operational and standby modes. Audiovisual equipment rooms may be 

shared, typically with one larger equipment room per pair of courtrooms. The design team 

should refer to the Courtroom Technology Audiovisual Infrastructure Standard.

Renovations and Alterations (R&A)

Certain design requirements stated in the Design Guide may be impractical, impossible, 

or cost-prohibitive to meet because of challenging existing conditions. Stakeholders 

should discuss these challenges early in the project and determine how to best implement 

the Design Guide requirements to suit their specific needs and uphold its intent. Refer to 

Chapter 17, “Renovations and Alterations,” for additional guidance.

In existing, older courthouses, the size, location, and configuration of courtrooms may vary 

depending on the structural limitations of the building. A number of factors may contribute 

to variances:

• Courtrooms were built to previous standards or for different court functions.

• Existing floor plates vary in size and shape and do not always accommodate the most 

functional dimensions for a courtroom.

• Historic buildings may have limited or restricted space for courtrooms.

• Available space is not always contiguous due to historic elements, other tenants, or 

building elements such as stairwells, elevators, and corridors. 

• Fire and life safety restrictions may affect or conflict with optimum security or 

functionality.
4-7 | Courtrooms and Associated Spaces U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021

Figure 4.1

Fully Accessible Courtroom

JUDGE

EL. +18"

LAW CLERK

EL. +6"

COURTROOM 

DEPUTY CLERK

EL. 0"

COURT REPORTER

EL. 0"

SPECTATOR

SEATING

(62+4 HC)

EL. 0"

ATTORNEY/

WITNESS ROOM

ATTORNEY/

WITNESS ROOM

SOUNDLOCK

HC

WITNESS

EL. +6"

ATTORNEY TABLES/WELL

EL. 0"

EL. 0"

EL. +6"

EL. 0"

EL. 0"

EL. +6"

EL. +6"

EL. 0"

EL. +6"

EL. 0"

EL. +18"

MOVABLE

LECTERN

5-0” Turning Radius

Accessible Spectator Wheelchair Space

Symbols Legend: Note: The diagram is intended only as an illustration.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Courtrooms and Associated Spaces | 4-8

Special Considerations

Barrier-Free Accessibility

Courtroom areas used by the public shall be accessible to people with disabilities. A 

sample floor plan, shown in Figure 4.1, illustrates barrier free design accommodations for 

courtrooms. Refer to Chapter 3, “Planning for U.S. Courthouses,” for detailed accessibility 

requirements in the courtroom spaces.

Multi-Party Courtrooms

Multi-party courtrooms shall be assigned for normal daily use, in addition to being used for 

multi-party and large multi-party trials. Refer to Chapter 2, “Courthouse Programming and 

Budgetary Considerations” for additional information regarding multi-party courtrooms. 

Appellate Courtrooms

Functions

The primary function of appellate courtrooms is the presentation of oral arguments by 

counsel to circuit judges. Arguments involve appeals of decisions by the USDC and 

USBC, as well as by the tax court and various federal administrative agencies. Other 

functions may include ceremonial events such as the investiture of judges newly appointed 

to the bench.

Judges’ Conference Rooms

Judges’ conference rooms provide space for meeting, training sessions, case conferences 

by circuit judges, and other functions involving judges. The facility includes a small 

service unit where food and beverages can be staged. Infrastructure should be provided to 

support audio and video feeds and display from the courtroom.

Judges’ Robing Room

The judges’ robing room is an associated facility for appellate courtrooms. Circuit 

judges use the robing room to don and remove judicial robes before and after courtroom 

proceedings. User capacity varies according to the number of circuit judges and the type of 

courtroom (i.e., en banc or panel). Infrastructure should be provided to support audio and 

video feeds and display from the courtroom.

Attorney Work Room

The attorney work room is an associated facility for appellate courtrooms. The facility 

comprises both a waiting and work area. Attorneys use the work room while waiting to 

present arguments in USCA proceedings. The work area is used for discussions and lastminute preparation of court presentations. The number of users varies with the number of 

attorneys waiting to present arguments. Infrastructure should be provided to support audio 

and video feeds and display from the courtroom.

Design Requirements for Appellate Courtrooms

The well of an en banc or panel courtroom should accommodate an en banc or panel 

judge’s bench, court personnel workstations, and at least two counsel tables. For both 

panel and en banc hearings, a courtroom deputy clerk and at least three law clerks are 

present.

Design requirements for each court position are listed below. Courtroom and associated 

space requirements for appellate courtrooms are listed in Table 4.2.

Judge’s Bench

A panel of three judges hears appeals (panel courtroom). Some cases are heard by all 

judges sitting en banc, except in the Ninth Circuit, which typically sits in en banc panels. 

Since circuit judges sit en banc or in panels, benches may be curved or angled to allow 

the judges to see one another. Elevating the bench three steps (18 inches) above finished 

well floor level may be required to facilitate proper sight lines. Infrastructure should be 

provided to support display of video presentation or video conferencing. The judge’s 

bench shall be outfitted with ballistic material providing a minimum of Level IIIA ballistic 

stopping power and should be configured to allow easy access to duress devices.

Courtroom Deputy Clerk Station

In appellate courtrooms, the courtroom deputy clerk may be responsible for announcing 

cases to be heard and for operating the timing system and recording equipment. The 

deputy clerk often confers with the judges during proceedings. The deputy clerk station 

shall be outfitted with ballistic material providing a minimum of Level IIIA ballistic 

stopping power and should be configured to allow easy access to duress devices.

Law Clerk Stations

The law clerks provide research assistance to the judges and attend oral arguments. Circuit 

judges’ courtrooms should accommodate a workstation near the bench for at least three 

law clerks. 

Electronic Court Recording Operator (ECRO) Technician/Clerk

Manages the electronic court recording system.

Security Personnel

Normally, no security personnel are present in the courtroom.

Attorney Stations

In appellate cases, at least one attorney is present on each side of the case. Counsel should 

be accommodated in appellate courtrooms with two attorney tables, each seating at least 

four participants. Additional seating may be provided within the well for attorneys waiting 

for their cases to be called. 
4-9 | Courtrooms and Associated Spaces U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021

Appellate Courtrooms and Associated Spaces

Courtrooms NSF Nm2

En Banc Courtroom 3,000 278.7

Panel Courtroom 1,800 167.2

Associated Spaces NSF Nm2

Public Waiting Area 400 27.8

Soundlock 80 7.4

Public/Attorney Coat Closet 20 1.9

Judges’ Conference Room1 250 23.3

Judges’ Robing Room2 - -

Soundlock 80 7.4

Toilet 1 50 4.7

Toilet 2 50 4.7

Attorney Work Area3 250 23.3

Attorney Waiting Area 100 9.3

Audiovisual Equipment Room 120 11.1

Equipment Storage Room 100 9.3

Exhibits Storage 50 4.7

Staff Toilets4 - -

Table 4.2

Space Requirements for Appellate Courtrooms and Associated 

Spaces

1

 Allocation of 250 NSF (23.3 Nm2) includes a service unit.

2

 Allocate 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2) plus 25 NSF (2.3 Nm2) per judge for judges’ robing room. 3

 Only one per courthouse, not per courtroom.

4

 Total staff toilet requirements are to be determined in design by the International 

Plumbing Code, most current edition. Plumbing fixtures required to serve a given floor 

shall be proportionally split between the staff and public occupant loads. 

Attorney stations are not fixed; however, they are located within a defined area of the 

courtroom well. Attorneys should see and hear each other and be seen and heard by judges 

and the courtroom deputy clerk. With the permission of the judge, attorneys may use 

portable computers at or next to counsel tables. In appellate courtrooms, the lectern may be 

fixed but should be height adjustable and ABAAS compliant.

Each attorney/litigant table should have a work surface a minimum of 36 inches (915 

mm) deep and 84 inches (2,150 mm) wide, allowing at least two linear feet per person. 

Infrastructure should be provided to support display of video presentation or video 

conferencing.

Litigants

Typically, no litigants are present in the well of the courtroom. 

Witnesses and Interpreters

No witnesses or interpreters are present in the well of the courtroom.

Jurors

No jurors are present.

Spectators

Spectator seating should be provided as follows: en banc courtroom seating for a 

maximum of 120-150 spectators, and panel courtroom seating for 40-80 spectators. 

Refer to the “General Requirements for All Courtrooms” section of this chapter for more 

information regarding spectator seating.

Adjacency and Circulation

The most effective configuration of the courtroom floor minimizes the distance of 

movement and conflicting circulation patterns of trial participants (Figure 4.2). For an 

overview of this topic, refer to Chapter 3, “Planning for U.S. Courthouses,” for circulation 

factors.

Courtrooms

Appellate courtrooms should provide both public and restricted access. The courtroom is 

separated from the public corridor by a soundlock. Restricted access is provided separately 

for judges and court staff; for court staff, just below the bench, and for judges, close to 

robing and conference rooms, allowing a formal entry from the side or behind the bench. 

For ceremonial functions, indirect access may also be provided from the bench down to the 

well. Circulation space behind the bench should allow a judge to arrive and depart without 

disrupting other judges. 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Courtrooms and Associated Spaces | 4-10

Chapter 4

Courtrooms and Associated Spaces

Figure 4.2

Appellate (Panel or En Banc Courtrooms) Adjacency Relationships

Colors Legend:

Appellate En Banc or 

Panel Courtroom

AV

Service 

Unit

Staff 

Toilet

Staff 

Toilet

Toilet

Toilet

Circuit Judge’s 

Chambers Suite

Circuit Non-Resident 

Judge’s Chambers 

Suite

Public Waiting

Judge’s Conference 

Room

Coat 

Closet

Soundlock

Soundlock

Equipment

Storage

Equipment

Storage

Attorney Work Room

(only one per courthouse)

Judge’s Robing Room

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration.

Symbols Legend:

Public Circulation

Public Vertical Circulation

Restricted Circulation

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point
4-11 | Courtrooms and Associated Spaces U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021

Judges’ Robing Room

The judges’ robing room should be directly accessible from the associated courtroom 

through a soundlock; it should also be accessible from a restricted circulation area. To 

provide a processional path from the courtroom to the conference room, a robing room 

may also directly adjoin the USCA shared judges’ conference room. For additional 

information regarding adjacency and circulation related to robing rooms, refer to the 

USCA adjacency diagrams in Chapter 3, “Planning for U.S. Courthouses.”

The judges’ robing room should allow access to private toilets for the judges’ use, with 

separate men’s and women’s toilet rooms. The toilets should be provided with a soundlock. 

Judges’ Conference Room

The judges’ conference room is accessible from public circulation and restricted 

circulation through the adjoining robing room.

Attorney Work Room

The attorney work room should be accessible from public circulation.

District Judge Courtrooms

Functions

The primary function of district judge courtrooms is to conduct criminal and civil 

proceedings. District judges conduct hearings, bench trials, and jury trials in both civil and 

criminal cases. Only district judges conduct felony criminal trials. 

The well of the courtroom should accommodate a judge’s bench, court personnel 

workstations, a witness box, a 16-person jury box, and at least four counsel tables. This 

allows for 15-20 lawyers, plaintiffs, defendants, and interpreters. Space should be included 

for exhibit display and USMS personnel stationed around the perimeter of the well. 

In the district judge’s courtroom well, 10-20 people are typically present in addition to 

court personnel and the seated jury. However, multi-defendant cases are becoming more 

common and the need for accommodations for multiple parties is necessary. For example, 

a criminal trial involving six in-custody defendants could generate 50 or more participants, 

including the judge, courtroom deputy clerk, court reporter/recorder, law clerk, two 

assistant U.S. attorneys, two case agents, the six defendants and their defense attorneys, 

12 deputy marshals, 16 jurors, a witness, and possibly an interpreter. For examples of 

courtroom layouts, including a Jeffersonian courtroom, refer to the AO Best Practices 

Guide for Courthouse Construction. 

Courtroom Sharing

Courtroom sharing has been recognized as a necessary model for future operations; 

it is recommended that courtrooms in all new courthouses be designed in a uniform 

way so that they are interchangeable for this purpose. This includes consideration of 

placing courtrooms on floors separated from chambers accessible by a secure judges’

elevator. Additionally, consideration should be given to duplicate network connectivity 

in shared courtrooms of different types. Refer to the Courtroom Technology Audiovisual 

Infrastructure Standard for additional information.

Judges’ Conference/Robing Room

The conference/robing room is an associated facility for district judge courtrooms only 

when chambers are located in an area remote from the courtroom (i.e., collegial design). 

Conference/robing rooms are used for private conferences with attorneys during brief 

trial recesses, and as a place for trial court judges to store robes and prepare to enter the 

courtroom. Consideration should be given to designs that allow judges’ conference/robing 

rooms to be shared between pairs of courtrooms. Infrastructure should be provided to 

support audio and video feeds and display from the courtroom.

Design Requirements for District Judge Courtrooms

Design requirements for each court position are listed below. Courtroom and associated 

space requirements for district judge courtrooms are listed in Table 4.3.

Judge’s Bench

A single judge presides over civil and criminal proceedings, although a limited number of 

district cases are heard by panels of three judges.

Refer to the “General Requirements for All Courtrooms” section of this chapter for more 

information regarding the judge’s bench.

Courtroom Deputy Clerk Station

The courtroom deputy clerk typically is responsible for tracking all court activity during 

the proceedings, including the order of cases called, as well as documenting decisions by 

the court and tagging and caring for exhibits. The deputy clerk often confers with the judge 

during proceedings and can swear in the jury and witnesses.

Refer to the “General Requirements for All Courtrooms” section of this chapter for more 

information regarding the courtroom deputy clerk station.

Law Clerk Station 

One or two law clerks and an ECRO technician/clerk may also be present at the judge’s 

discretion. 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Courtrooms and Associated Spaces | 4-12

Refer to the “General Requirements for All Courtrooms” section of this chapter for more 

information regarding the law clerk station.

Court Reporter/Recorder Station 

The court reporter/recorder records court proceedings. The court reporter/recorder should be 

able to see the facial expressions of witnesses, attorneys, and the judge, and hear every word 

spoken. Thus, the court reporter/recorder station should be located close to the witness box. 

In addition, they should be able to see and hear electronic evidence presentation materials.

Some court reporting/recording technologies require a work surface as part of the station. 

Work surfaces should be sized to satisfy the requirements of the specific technologies used. 

The workstation should include a modesty panel.

A lockable, built-in cabinet should be provided for stenographic equipment. Provision 

of an electrical outlet in the cabinet should be considered to allow the battery of the 

stenographic equipment to be charged while in storage. In addition, a cabinet with an 

adjustable shelf and a drawer should be provided for recording equipment. The drawer 

should be at least 6 inches (150 mm) high and lockable. The cabinet should be provided in 

a location convenient to the court staff operating the recording equipment. 

Furniture and other equipment used by the court reporter/recorder should be movable so 

that it may be easily rearranged to suit each court reporter or judge. 

Witness Box

Witnesses should be able to see, hear, and be seen and heard by all court participants as 

close to full face as possible. The witness box should accommodate one witness and one 

interpreter. Witnesses seated in the witness box receive, examine, and return exhibits 

utilizing technology as well as handle physical objects and papers. 

The witness box is recommended to be raised one or two steps (6 or 12 inches) above 

the well. If an interpreter is necessary, the interpreter should be seated next to or slightly 

behind the witness and between the witness and the judge. The witness should remain the 

primary focus. A separate interpreter station accommodating two staff persons may be 

required in some locations.

District Judge Courtrooms and Associated Spaces

Courtrooms NSF Nm2

Multi-Party Courtroom 3,000 278.7

District Judge Courtroom 2,400 223

Associated Spaces NSF Nm2

Public Waiting Area 400 27.8

Soundlock 80 7.4

Public/Attorney Coat Closet 20 1.9

Judges’ Conference/Robing Room1 200 23.3

Attorney/Witness Room 1 150 14.0

Attorney/Witness Room 2 150 14.0

Court Reporter/Recorder Office 150 14.0

Court Reporter/Recorder Storage 50 4.7

Attorney Work Area2 250 23.3

Attorney Waiting Area 100 9.3

Shared Work Room 100 9.3

Transcriber/Typist Workstation 48 4.5

Audiovisual Equipment Room 120 11.1

Equipment Storage Room 100 9.3

Exhibits Storage 50 4.7

Staff Toilets3 - -

Table 4.3

Space Requirements for District Judge Courtrooms and 

Associated Spaces

1

 Provided when chambers are located on a separate floor. If a judges’ conference/

robing room is provided, a 56 NSF restroom may be programmed in addition to the 200 

NSF space. Refer to the “Adjacency and Circulation” subsection of the “District Judge 

Courtrooms” section. 2

 Only one per courthouse, not per courtroom.

3

 Total staff toilet requirements are to be determined in design by the International 

Plumbing Code, most current edition. Plumbing fixtures required to serve a given floor 

shall be proportionally split between the staff and public occupant loads. 
4-13 | Courtrooms and Associated Spaces U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021

Spectator Seating

Spectator seating should be provided to accommodate seating for 65-85 people. However, 

in cases involving multiple parties, this number may be lowered to accommodate trial 

participants. Additional seating may be accommodated in another courtroom through the 

use of an audio/video feed. 

Refer to the “General Requirements for All Courtrooms” section of this chapter for more 

information regarding spectator seating.

Jury Box 

Jury boxes for district judges’ courtrooms should accommodate 16 jurors; multi-party 

courtrooms should accommodate 18 jurors. Although there may be instances where fewer 

juror seats are needed in a courtroom, it is recommended that the standard be used for 

uniformity to allow for courtroom sharing.

A 12-member jury is typically selected from a panel of 45-60 potential jurors and a 

six-member jury is selected from 15-25 potential jurors. The number of potential jurors 

may reach 100 or more in cases with heavy media coverage, multiple parties, or lengthy 

trials. During impaneling, the potential jurors may be seated in the spectator area of 

the courtroom. These seats may be made available to the public after the jury has been 

impaneled. 

Jurors should be able to see, hear, and be seen by the judge, attorneys, and witnesses. 

During witness examination, all jurors should be able to see the attorneys, litigants, and 

witnesses as close to full face as possible. In addition, there should be a clear line of sight 

to video evidence presentation devices if they are used in the courtroom.

Jurors should be separated from attorneys and litigants to prevent the overhearing of 

private conversations. The maximum allowable distance between a juror and a litigant 

sitting at a counsel table across the courtroom well is 40 feet (12,200 mm). In addition, 

jurors should be separated from the public to avoid interference or intimidation. At least 6 

feet (1,825 mm) of space should separate the jury box and the rail dividing the spectator 

seating area and courtroom well.

The front row of the jury box may be raised one step (6 inches or 150 mm) or on the same 

floor level as the courtroom well. If the first row is one step above the well, a ramp shall 

be provided to allow unassisted access for jurors with disabilities using the same path 

as all other jurors. Gates and openings into the jury box, clear floor space, and vertical 

clearance shall allow for space to maneuver a wheelchair and for jurors with disabilities to 

participate from the same position as all other jurors. The front row may have a dedicated 

wheelchair space or a removable chair to provide the necessary space when needed.

The floor level of the highest tier of the jury box should be at least one step (6 inches or 

150 mm) lower than that of the judge’s bench. Jury box requirements should be discussed 

with the local court and may include requirements for evidence presentation systems. The 

top tier of a jury box is recommended to be elevated a minimum of 6 inches above the 

finished well floor.

Attorney and Litigant Stations

At least one attorney is present on each side of the case. Trial attorneys may be assisted 

by paralegals and other staff, all of whom are positioned in the courtroom at the discretion 

of the presiding judge. In USDC criminal cases, U.S. government attorneys are usually 

assisted in court by case agents from the investigative agency involved. Attorney and 

litigant stations are not fixed; however, they are located within a defined area of the 

courtroom well. The number of litigants depends entirely upon the number of parties and 

the nature and complexity of the case. For civil cases, the number of litigants on each 

side may range from one to 10, although more than 10 litigants is not unusual. In criminal 

cases, the number of defendants may range from one to 20, although cases with more than 

20 defendants do occur. Generally, each defendant is represented by an attorney.

Each attorney/litigant table should have a work surface a minimum of 36 inches (915 mm) 

deep and 84 inches (2,150 mm) wide, allowing at least two linear feet per person. With the 

permission of the judge, attorneys may use portable computers at or next to counsel tables. 

A movable, ABAAS-compliant height-adjustable lectern should be provided for attorneys. 

Refer to the Courts Technology Audiovisual Infrastructure Standard for presentation 

requirements.

In district judges’ courtrooms, attorneys and their clients should be able to confer in 

private at their courtroom stations without being overheard by jurors, witnesses, opposing 

attorneys and litigants, spectators, or others in the courtroom. Attorneys should be able to 

move easily within the well of the courtroom.

U.S. Marshals Service 

USMS personnel are responsible for the custody and movement of criminal defendants; 

the safety, security, and privacy of the judge, jurors, and witnesses; the security of the 

courtroom and safety of its occupants; and maintaining order in the courtroom. Typically, 

one or more USMS personnel are present in the courtroom. The total number of USMS 

personnel depends on the nature of the matter being heard. In criminal cases, two USMS 

personnel may be present for each in-custody defendant in the courtroom. 

USMS personnel should be able to see all participants and the public. Although USMS 

personnel generally do not have fixed workstations in the courtrooms, they are usually 

provided with chairs that may be moved to suit the needs of a proceeding. Infrastructure to 

provide audio and video feeds to the USMS command center should be provided.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Courtrooms and Associated Spaces | 4-14

Chapter 4

Courtrooms and Associated Spaces

Figure 4.3

U.S. District Court Adjacency Relationships

Colors Legend:

USDC Multi-Party 

Courtroom

District Judge 

Courtroom

Storage Storage

Staff 

Toilet

Staff 

Toilet

District Judge’s 

Chambers Suite

District Judge’s 

Chambers Suite

Trial Jury Suite Trial Jury Suite

Public Waiting Public Waiting

Court 

Reporter/

Recorder

Court 

Reporter/

Recorder

Sound

Lock

Attorney/

Witness 

Room

Attorney/

Witness 

Room

Sound

Lock

ShortTerm 

Exhibits

AV Equip

Store

Equip

Store

ShortTerm 

Exhibits

Attorney/

Witness 

Room

Attorney/

Witness 

Room

Shared 

Workroom

Cell Block Area 

(USMS Pub 64)

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an 

illustration. Conference/robing room(s) are allowed where 

chambers are not on the same floor as the courtroom.

Symbols Legend:

Public Circulation 

Public Vertical Circulation

Restricted Circulation

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Secure Circulation

Secure Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point
4-15 | Courtrooms and Associated Spaces U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021

Adjacency and Circulation

The most effective configuration of the courtroom floor minimizes the distance of 

movement and conflicting circulation patterns of trial participants (Figure 4.3). For an 

overview of this topic, refer to Chapter 3, “Planning for U.S. Courthouses,” for circulation 

factors.

Courtrooms

District judge courtrooms should typically provide the following three types of access: 

(1) public circulation and access for spectators, news media representatives, attorneys, 

litigants, and witnesses; (2) restricted circulation and access for judges, law clerks, 

courtroom deputy clerks, court reporters/recorders, and jurors; and (3) secure circulation 

and access for prisoners and USMS personnel. These three circulation and access patterns 

should be separate to provide security for all groups. The courtroom should have separate 

entrances from restricted circulation for the judge; jury, courtroom deputy clerk, and 

court reporter/recorder; prisoners and USMS personnel; and the public. Entrances for the 

various groups should be located as close as possible to their stations in the courtroom. 

Courtrooms are separated from the public corridor by a soundlock. 

Judges’ Conference/Robing Room

Conference/robing rooms are required for district, magistrate, and bankruptcy judges’ 

courtrooms only when judges’ chambers are located in an area remote from the courtroom.

Conference/robing rooms should be located close to the courtroom and accessible 

from restricted circulation. Consideration should be given to designs that allow judges’ 

conference/robing rooms to be shared between pairs of courtrooms.

Judges should have access to toilets convenient to the courtroom and accessible through 

restricted circulation. If necessary, a toilet may be programmed with the conference/robing 

room. 

Attorney/Witness Room

Attorney/witness rooms should be directly accessible from public circulation. In some 

instances, access from restricted or secure circulation is also desirable. Restricted access 

provides a higher degree of privacy and security, especially for sensitive witnesses. An 

occupancy indicator should be provided for each room (e.g., a small sign or view panel 

adjacent to the door). 

Attorney Work Room 

The attorney work room should be accessible from public circulation.

Court Reporter/Recorder Facilities

Court reporter/recorder facilities should generally be located near courtrooms. The 

facilities should be accessible primarily from restricted circulation areas; however, some 

public accessibility should also be provided to accommodate the public purchase of 

transcripts. 

Magistrate Judge Courtrooms

Functions

The function of magistrate judge courtrooms is to hold hearings on preliminary matters in 

criminal cases (e.g., an arraignment, where a defendant is brought before a judge to enter a 

plea). Magistrate judges preside over these hearings and also conduct misdemeanor trials. 

Under certain circumstances, magistrate judges conduct the full range of proceedings in 

civil cases, up to and including jury trials.

Proceedings conducted by magistrate judges typically include multiple defendants or 

litigants and a number of spectators. The well of the courtroom should accommodate a 

judge’s bench, court personnel workstations, a witness box, a 12-person jury box, and at 

least two counsel tables for lawyers, plaintiffs, defendants, and interpreters. Space should 

be included for exhibit display and USMS personnel stationed around the perimeter of the 

well. 

Courtroom Sharing

The JCUS adopted the following courtroom sharing policy for magistrate judges in new 

courthouse construction projects: (1) in courthouses with one or two magistrate judges, 

one courtroom will be provided for each magistrate judge; (2) in courthouses with three or 

more magistrate judges, one courtroom will be provided for every two magistrate judges; 

and (3) in courthouses where the application of this formula will result in a fraction (i.e., 

those with an odd number of magistrate judges), the number of courtrooms allocated will 

remain at the next lower whole number. In addition, one courtroom will be provided for 

magistrate judge criminal duty proceedings. Refer to the Guide to Judiciary Policy, Vol. 

16, Ch. 2, Sec. 230.20

It is recommended that magistrate courtrooms in all new courthouses be designed in a 

uniform way so they are interchangeable for courtroom sharing. A court, with the approval 

of its circuit judicial council, may seek an exemption to the courtroom sharing policy 

from the Committee on Space and Facilities if the required sharing arrangement inhibits 

the effective and efficient disposition of cases. Such exemptions should be considered the 

exception and not the rule. Refer to the Guide to Judiciary Policy, Vol. 16, Ch. 2, Sec. 

230.20.

Additionally, consideration should be given to duplicate network connectivity in 

shared courtrooms of different types. Refer to the Courtroom Technology Audiovisual 

Infrastructure Standard for additional information.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Courtrooms and Associated Spaces | 4-16

Judges’ Conference/Robing Room

The conference/robing room is an associated facility for magistrate judge courtrooms 

when chambers are located in an area remote from the courtroom (i.e., collegial design). 

Conference/robing rooms are used for private conferences with attorneys during brief 

trial recesses, and as a place for trial court judges to store robes and prepare to enter the 

courtroom. Consideration should be given to designs that allow judges’ conference/robing 

rooms to be shared between pairs of courtrooms. Infrastructure should be provided to 

support audio and video feeds and display from the courtroom.

Design Requirements for Magistrate Judge Courtrooms

Design requirements for each court position are listed below. Courtroom and associated 

space requirements for magistrate judge courtrooms are listed in Table 4.4.

Judge’s Bench

A single judge presides over civil and criminal proceedings. A magistrate judge presides 

over a narrower range of criminal and civil cases than does a district judge.

Refer to the “General Requirements for All Courtrooms” section of this chapter for more 

information regarding the judge’s bench.

Courtroom Deputy Clerk Station

The courtroom deputy clerk typically is responsible for tracking all court activity during 

the proceedings, including the order of cases called, as well as documenting decisions by 

the court and tagging and caring for exhibits. The deputy clerk often confers with the judge 

during proceedings and can swear in the jury and witnesses.

Refer to the “General Requirements for All Courtrooms” section of this chapter for more 

information regarding the courtroom deputy clerk station.

Law Clerk Station 

One or two law clerks and an ECRO technician/clerk may also be present, at the discretion 

of the judge. 

Refer to the “General Requirements for All Courtrooms” section of this chapter for more 

information regarding the law clerk station.

Court Reporter/Recorder Station 

The court reporter/recorder records court proceedings. The court reporter/recorder should 

be able to see the facial expressions of witnesses, attorneys, and the judge, and hear 

every word spoken. Thus, the court reporter/recorder station should be located close 

to the witness box. In addition, they should be able to see and hear electronic evidence 

presentation materials. 

Some court reporting/recording technologies require a work surface as part of the station. 

Work surfaces should be sized to satisfy the requirements of the specific technologies used. 

The workstation should include a modesty panel.

A lockable, built-in cabinet should be provided for stenographic equipment. Provision 

of an electrical outlet in the cabinet should be considered to allow the battery of the 

stenographic equipment to be charged while in storage. In addition, a cabinet with an 

adjustable shelf and a drawer should be provided for recording equipment. The drawer 

should be at least 6 inches (150 mm) high and lockable. The cabinet should be provided in 

a location convenient to the court staff operating the recording equipment. 

Furniture and other equipment used by the court reporter/recorder should be movable so 

that it may be rearranged easily to suit each court reporter or judge. 

Witness Box

Witnesses are routinely called to testify in trials. An interpreter is furnished if required 

by a witness or defendant. Witnesses should be able to see and hear, and be seen and 

heard by, all court participants as close to full face as possible. The witness box should 

accommodate one witness and an interpreter. Witnesses in the box receive, examine, and 

return exhibits. In addition, the witness should be able to see and hear electronic evidence 

presentation materials.

The witness box is recommended to be raised one or two steps (6 or 12 inches) above 

the well. If an interpreter is necessary, the interpreter should be seated next to or slightly 

behind the witness and between the witness and the judge. The witness should remain the 

primary focus. A separate interpreter station, accommodating two staff persons may be 

required in some locations.

Spectator Seating 

In a magistrate judge courtroom, seating should be provided for 55-60 persons. However, 

in cases involving multiple parties, this number may be lowered to accommodate trial 

participants. Additional seating may be accommodated in another courtroom through the 

use of an audio/video feed. 

Refer to the “General Requirements for All Courtrooms” section of this chapter for more 

information regarding spectator seating.

Jury Box 

In magistrate judge courtrooms, the jury for civil trials is determined in consultation with 

the court. Jury boxes for magistrate judges’ courtrooms should accommodate 12 jurors. 

Although there may be instances where fewer or no juror seats are needed in a courtroom, 

it is recommended that the standard be used for uniformity to allow for courtroom sharing.
4-17 | Courtrooms and Associated Spaces U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021

A 12-member jury is typically selected from a panel of 45-60 potential jurors; a sixmember jury is selected from 15-25 potential jurors. The number of potential jurors 

may equal 100 or more in cases with heavy media coverage, multiple parties, or lengthy 

trials. During impaneling, the potential jurors may be seated in the spectator area of 

the courtroom. These seats may be made available to the public after the jury has been 

impaneled. 

Jurors should be able to see, hear, and be seen by the judge, attorneys, and witnesses. 

During witness examination, all jurors should be able to see the attorneys, litigants, and 

witnesses as close to full face as possible. In addition, there should be a clear line of sight 

to video evidence presentation monitors if they are used in the courtroom.

Jurors should be separated 6 feet (1,825 mm) from attorneys and litigants to prevent the 

overhearing of private conversations. The maximum allowable distance between a juror 

and a litigant sitting at a counsel table across the courtroom well is 40 feet (12,200 mm). In 

addition, jurors should be separated from the public to avoid interference or intimidation. 

At least 6 feet (1,825 mm) of space should separate the jury box and the rail dividing the 

spectator seating area and courtroom well.

The front row of the jury box may be raised one step (6 inches or 150 mm) or on the 

same floor level as the courtroom well. If the first row is one step above the well, a ramp 

shall be provided to allow unassisted access for jurors with disabilities using the same 

path as all other jurors. Gates and openings into the jury box, clear floor space, and 

vertical clearance shall allow for space to maneuver a wheelchair and for jurors with 

disabilities to participate from the same position as all other jurors. The front row may 

have a dedicated wheelchair space or a removable chair to provide the necessary space 

when needed.

The floor level of the highest tier of the jury box should be at least one step (6 inches or 

150 mm) lower than that of the judge’s bench. Jury box requirements should be discussed 

with your local court. The top tier of a jury box is recommended to be elevated a minimum 

of 6 inches above the finished well floor.

Attorney and Litigant Stations

At least one attorney is present on each side of the case. Trial attorneys may be assisted by 

paralegals and other staff, all of whom are positioned in the courtroom at the discretion of 

the presiding judge. In criminal cases, U.S. government attorneys may be assisted in court 

by case agents from the investigative agency involved. The number of litigants depends 

Magistrate Judge Courtrooms and Associated Spaces

Courtrooms NSF Nm2

Magistrate Judge Courtroom 1,800 167.2

Associated Spaces NSF Nm2

Public Waiting Area 400 27.8

Soundlock 80 7.4

Public/Attorney Coat Closet 20 1.9

Judges’ Conference/Robing Room1 200 23.3

Attorney/Witness Room 1 150 14.0

Attorney/Witness Room 2 150 14.0

Court Reporter/Recorder Office 150 14.0

Court Reporter/Recorder Storage 50 4.7

Attorney Work Area2 250 23.3

Attorney Waiting Area 100 9.3

Shared Work Room 100 9.3

Transcriber/Typist Workstation 48 4.5

Audiovisual Equipment Room 120 11.1

Equipment Storage Room 100 9.3

Exhibits Storage 50 4.7

Staff Toilets3 - -

Table 4.4

Space Requirements for Magistrate Judge Courtrooms and 

Associated Spaces

1

 Provided when chambers are located on a separate floor. If a judges’ conference/robing 

room is provided, a 56 NSF restroom may be programmed in addition to the 200 NSF 

space. Refer to the “Adjacency and Circulation” subsection of the “Magistrate Judge 

Courtrooms” section.

2

 Only one per courthouse, not per courtroom.

3

 Total staff toilet requirements are to be determined in design by the International 

Plumbing Code, most current edition. Plumbing fixtures required to serve a given floor 

shall be proportionally split between the staff and public occupant loads. 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Courtrooms and Associated Spaces | 4-18

entirely upon the number of parties and the nature and complexity of the case. For civil 

cases, the number of litigants on each side may range from one to 10, although more 

than 10 litigants is not unusual. In criminal cases, the number of defendants may range 

from one to 20, although cases with more than 20 defendants do occur. Generally, each 

defendant is represented by an attorney.

Attorney and litigant stations are not fixed; however, they are located within a defined area 

of the courtroom well. Attorneys and litigants should see and hear and be seen and heard 

by one another, the judge, witnesses, jurors, the courtroom deputy clerk, and the court 

reporter/recorder.

Each attorney/litigant table should have a work surface a minimum of 36 inches (915 mm) 

deep and 84 inches (2,150 mm) wide, allowing at least two linear feet per person. With 

the permission of the judge, attorneys may use portable computers at or next to counsel 

tables. An ABAAS-compliant movable, height-adjustable lectern should be provided for 

attorneys. Refer to the Courtroom Technology Audiovisual Infrastructure Standard for 

presentation requirements.

In magistrate judge courtrooms, attorneys and their clients should be able to confer in 

private at their courtroom stations without being overheard by jurors, the witnesses, 

opposing attorneys and litigants, spectators, or others in the courtroom. Attorneys should 

be able to move easily within the well of the courtroom.

U.S. Marshals Service

USMS personnel are responsible for the custody and movement of criminal defendants; 

the safety, security, and privacy of the judge, jurors, and witnesses; the security of the 

courtroom and safety of its occupants; and maintaining order in the courtroom. Typically, 

one or more USMS personnel are present in the courtroom. The total number of USMS 

personnel depends upon the nature of the matter being heard. In criminal cases, two USMS 

personnel may be present for each in-custody defendant in the courtroom. 

USMS personnel should be able to see all participants and the public. Although USMS 

personnel generally do not have fixed workstations in the courtrooms, they are usually 

provided with chairs that may be moved to suit the needs of a proceeding. Infrastructure to 

provide audio and video feeds to the USMS command center should be provided.

Adjacency and Circulation

The most effective configuration of the courtroom floor minimizes the distance 

of movement and conflicting circulation patterns of trial participants (Figure 4.4). 

Efficient circulation around the courtroom, especially the separation of public and 

restricted circulation, is more readily achieved by locating the courtroom in the interior 

of the building. For an overview of this topic, refer to Chapter 3, “Planning for U.S. 

Courthouses,” for circulation factors.

Courtrooms

Typically, magistrate judge courtrooms should provide the following three types of access: 

(1) public circulation and access for spectators, news media representatives, attorneys, 

litigants, and witnesses; (2) restricted circulation and access for judges, law clerks, 

courtroom deputy clerks, court reporters/recorders, and jurors; and (3) secure circulation 

and access for prisoners and USMS personnel. These three circulation and access patterns 

should be separate to provide security for all groups. The courtroom should have separate 

entrances from restricted circulation for the judge; jury, courtroom deputy clerk, and 

court reporter/recorder; prisoners and USMS personnel; and the public. Entrances for the 

various groups should be located as close as possible to their stations in the courtroom. 

Courtrooms are separated from the public corridor by a soundlock. 

Judges’ Conference/Robing Room

In a collegial design, conference/robing rooms should be located close to the courtroom 

and accessible from restricted circulation. Consideration should be given to designs that 

allow judges’ conference/robing rooms to be shared between two courtrooms.

Judges should have access to toilets convenient to the courtroom and accessible through 

restricted circulation. If necessary, a toilet may be programmed with the conference/

robing room. 

Attorney/Witness Room

Attorney/witness rooms should be directly accessible from public circulation. In some 

instances, access from restricted or secure circulation is also desirable. Restricted access 

provides a higher degree of privacy and security, especially for sensitive witnesses. An 

occupancy indicator should be provided for each room (e.g., a small sign or view panel 

adjacent to the door).

Attorney Work Room 

The attorney work room may be directly accessible from an adjoining courtroom.

Court Reporter/Recorder Facilities

Court reporter/recorder facilities should generally be located near courtrooms. The facilities 

should be accessible primarily from restricted circulation areas; however, some public 

accessibility should also be provided to accommodate the public purchase of transcripts. 
4-19 | Courtrooms and Associated Spaces U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021

Chapter 4

Courtrooms and Associated Spaces

Figure 4.4

U.S. Magistrate Court Adjacency Relationships

Colors Legend:

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an 

illustration. Conference/robing room(s) are allowed where 

chambers are not on the same floor as the courtroom.

Magistrate Judge’s 

Courtroom

Magistrate Judge’s 

Courtroom

Storage Storage

Staff 

Toilet

Staff 

Toilet

Magistrate Judge’s 

Chambers Suite

Magistrate Judge’s 

Chambers Suite

Trial Jury Suite Trial Jury Suite

Public Waiting Public Waiting

Court 

Reporter/

Recorder

Court 

Reporter/

Recorder

Sound

Lock

Attorney/

Witness 

Room

Attorney/

Witness 

Room

Sound

Lock

AV ShortTerm 

Exhibits

Equip

Storage

Equip

Storage ShortTerm 

Exhibits

Attorney/

Witness 

Room

Attorney/

Witness 

Room

Shared 

Workroom

Cell Block Area 

Use USMS Guide

Symbols Legend:

Public Circulation 

Public Vertical Circulation

Public Circulation

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Secure Circulation

Secure Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Courtrooms and Associated Spaces | 4-20

Bankruptcy Judge Courtrooms

Functions

Bankruptcy judges conduct hearings, bench trials, and, in rare situations, jury trials in civil 

proceedings relating to debtor-creditor relationships. Bankruptcy judges sometimes sit on 

bankruptcy appellate panels. 

Proceedings conducted by bankruptcy judges typically require a well that accommodates 

a judge’s bench, court personnel workstations, a witness box, at least two attorneys’ 

tables, and seating for lawyers, creditors, debtors, plaintiffs, trustees, accountants, and 

interpreters. Space should also be allowed for the display of exhibits.

Courtroom Sharing

The Judicial Conference adopted a courtroom sharing policy for bankruptcy judges in new 

courtroom construction projects: (1) in court facilities with one or two bankruptcy judges, 

one courtroom will be provided for each bankruptcy judge; (2) in court facilities with three 

or more bankruptcy judges, one courtroom will be provided for every two bankruptcy 

judges; and (3) in court facilities where the application of this formula will result in a 

fraction (i.e., those with an odd number of bankruptcy judges), the number of courtrooms 

allocated will remain at the next lower whole number. In addition to the above, an 

additional courtroom will be provided for emergency matters, such as Chapter 11 first-day 

hearings. Refer to the Guide to Judiciary Policy, Vol. 16, Ch. 2, Section 230.30.

It is recommended that bankruptcy courtrooms in all new courthouses be designed in a 

uniform way so that they are interchangeable for courtroom sharing. In situations where 

bankruptcy judges will be housed in the same courthouse as district and magistrate judges 

and courtrooms will be shared among all judges, courtrooms should be designed with 

jury boxes, to allow for greater courtroom sharing among all judges. If a jury box and 

associated facilities are added into a bankruptcy court, the Judiciary is responsible for 

the additional costs. A court, with the approval of its circuit judicial council, may seek an 

exemption to the courtroom sharing policy from the Committee on Space and Facilities if 

the required sharing arrangement inhibits the effective and efficient disposition of cases. 

Such exemptions should be considered the exception and not the rule. Refer to the Guide 

to Judiciary Policy, Vol. 16, Ch. 2, Sec. 230.20.

Additionally, consideration should be given to duplicate network connectivity in 

shared courtrooms of different types. Refer to the Courtroom Technology Audiovisual 

Infrastructure Standard for additional information.

Judges’ Conference/Robing Room

The conference/robing room is an associated space for bankruptcy judge courtrooms 

when chambers are located in an area remote from the courtroom (i.e., collegial design). 

Conference/robing rooms are used for private conferences with attorneys during brief 

trial recesses, and as a place for trial court judges to store robes and prepare to enter the 

courtroom. Consideration should be given to designs that allow judges’ conference/robing 

rooms to be shared between two courtrooms. Infrastructure should be provided to support 

audio and video feeds and display from the courtroom.

Design Requirements for Bankruptcy Judge Courtrooms

Design requirements for each court position are listed below. Courtroom and associated 

space requirements for bankruptcy judge courtrooms are listed in Table 4.5.

Judge’s Bench

A single judge presides over bankruptcy proceedings. Refer to the “General Requirements 

for All Courtrooms” section of this chapter for more information regarding the judge’s bench.

Courtroom Deputy Clerk Station

The courtroom deputy clerk typically is responsible for tracking all court activity during 

the proceedings, including the order of cases called, as well as documenting decisions by 

the court and tagging and caring for exhibits. The deputy clerk often confers with the judge 

during proceedings.

Refer to the “General Requirements for All Courtrooms” section of this chapter for more 

information regarding the courtroom deputy clerk station.

Law Clerk Station 

The law clerk provides research assistance to the judge and attends courtroom proceedings.

Refer to the “General Requirements for All Courtrooms” section of this chapter for more 

information regarding the law clerk station.

Court Reporter/Recorder Station 

The court reporter/recorder records court proceedings. The court reporter/recorder should be 

able to see the facial expressions of witnesses, attorneys, and the judge, and hear every word 

spoken. Thus, the court reporter/recorder station should be located close to the witness box. 

In addition, they should be able to see and hear electronic evidence presentation materials.

Some court reporting/recording technologies require a work surface as part of the station. 

Work surfaces should be sized to satisfy the requirements of the specific technologies used. 

The workstation should include a modesty panel.

A lockable, built-in cabinet should be provided for stenographic equipment. Provision 

of an electrical outlet in the cabinet should be considered to allow the battery of the 

stenographic equipment to be charged while in storage. In addition, a cabinet with an 

adjustable shelf and a drawer should be provided for recording equipment. The drawer 
4-21 | Courtrooms and Associated Spaces U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021

should be at least 6 inches (150 mm) high and lockable. The cabinet should be provided in 

a location convenient to the court staff operating the recording equipment. 

Furniture and other equipment used by the court reporter/recorder should be movable so 

that it may be rearranged easily to suit each court reporter or judge. 

Witness Box

Witnesses are routinely called to testify in trials. An interpreter is furnished if required by 

a witness. Witnesses should be able to see and hear, and be seen and heard, by all court 

participants as close to full face as possible. The witness box should accommodate one 

witness and an interpreter, and the preferences of the presiding judge. Witnesses in the box 

receive, examine, and return exhibits. In addition, the witness should be able to see and 

hear electronic evidence presentation materials

The witness box is recommended to be raised one or two steps (6 or 12 inches) above 

the well. If an interpreter is necessary, the interpreter should be seated next to or slightly 

behind the witness and between the witness and the judge. The witness should remain the 

primary focus. A separate interpreter station accommodating two staff persons may be 

required in some locations.

Spectator Seating 

Spectator seating should be provided for 75-82 people. However, in “mega” proceedings, 

this number may be lowered to accommodate trial participants. Additional seating may be 

accommodated in another courtroom through the use of an audio/video feed. 

Refer to the “General Requirements for All Courtrooms” section of this chapter for more 

information regarding spectator seating.

Jury Box

Juries are rarely used in USBC proceedings. However, in situations where bankruptcy 

judges will be housed in the same courthouse as district and magistrate judges and 

courtrooms will be shared among all judges, it is recommended that courtrooms be 

designed in a uniform way, with jury boxes, to allow for greater courtroom sharing. 

However, if not housed in the same courthouse, an available magistrate and district judge 

courtroom in another location should be used for all trials that require a jury. In this 

situation, no jury box is provided in a bankruptcy judge’s courtroom. 

Attorney and Litigant Stations

At least one attorney is present on each side of the case. Other supporting legal staff 

may be present at the discretion of the presiding judge. The U.S. Trustee may also be 

represented. The number of litigants varies from two to 20 or more; however, no criminal 

defendants are present. 

Attorney and litigant stations are not fixed; however, they are located within a defined area 

of the courtroom well. Each attorney/litigant table should have a work surface a minimum 

of 36 inches (915 mm) deep and 84 inches (2,150 mm) wide, allowing at least two linear 

feet per person. With the permission of the judge, attorneys may use portable computers at 

or next to counsel tables. A movable, ABAAS-compliant height-adjustable lectern should 

be provided for attorneys. Refer to the Courtroom Technology Audiovisual Infrastructure 

Standard for presentation requirements.

U.S. Marshals Service 

In certain instances, USMS personnel will be present. When present, USMS personnel 

should be able to see all participants and the public. Although USMS personnel generally 

do not have fixed workstations in the courtrooms, they are usually provided with chairs 

that may be moved to suit the needs of a proceeding. Infrastructure to provide audio and 

video feeds to the USMS command center should be provided.

Special Considerations

USBC “Mega Proceedings”

“Mega proceedings” require bankruptcy judge courtrooms larger than 1,800 net square 

feet (NSF) or 167.2 net square meters (Nm2). Courts should develop procedures for 

the routine use of district judge courtroom space to accommodate these large, complex 

bankruptcy proceedings. In unusual circumstances, a bankruptcy courtroom of 2,400 NSF 

(223 Nm2) may be programmed, but only if requested by the court and approved by the 

respective circuit judicial council and the Committee on Space and Facilities. A courtroom 

of this type may be considered at a location with more than one resident bankruptcy 

judge if the USBC is not located in the same building as the USDC and there is a need to 

accommodate mega proceedings on a regular basis. Consult with the AOUSC for further 

information. 

A cooperative arrangement between the USDC and USBC should ensure that jury facilities 

are available to the USBC when needed.

Adjacency and Circulation

The most effective configuration of the courtroom floor minimizes the distance of 

movement and conflicting circulation patterns of participants (Figure 4.5). Efficient 

circulation around the courtroom, especially the separation of public and restricted 

circulation, is more readily achieved by locating the courtroom in the interior of 

the building. For an overview of this topic, refer to Chapter 3, “Planning for U.S. 

Courthouses,” for circulation factors.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Courtrooms and Associated Spaces | 4-22

Courtrooms

Typically, bankruptcy judge courtrooms should provide the following two types of access: 

(1) public circulation and access for spectators, news media representatives, attorneys, 

litigants, and witnesses; and (2) restricted circulation and access for judges, law clerks, 

courtroom deputy clerks, and court reporters/recorders. These two circulation and access 

patterns should be separate to provide security for both groups. The courtroom should 

have separate entrances for the judge; the jury, courtroom deputy clerk, and court reporter/

recorder; and the public. Entrances for the various groups should be located as close as 

possible to their stations in the courtroom. Courtrooms are separated from the public 

corridor by a soundlock. 

Judges’ Conference/Robing Room

In a collegial design, conference/robing rooms should be located close to the courtroom 

and accessible from restricted circulation.

Judges should have access to toilets convenient to the courtroom and accessible through 

restricted circulation. If necessary, a toilet may be programmed with the conference/robing 

room. 

Attorney/Witness Room

Attorney/witness rooms should be directly accessible from public circulation. In some 

instances, access from restricted or secure circulation is also desirable. Restricted access 

provides a higher degree of privacy and security, especially for sensitive witnesses. An 

occupancy indicator should be provided for each room (e.g., a small sign or view panel 

adjacent to the door). 

Attorney Work Room

The attorney work room may be directly accessible from an adjoining courtroom.

Court Reporter/Recorder Facilities

Court reporter/recorder facilities should generally be located near courtrooms. The 

facilities should be accessible primarily from restricted circulation areas; however, some 

public accessibility should also be provided to accommodate the public purchase of 

transcripts. 

Bankruptcy Judge Courtrooms and Associated Spaces

Courtrooms NSF Nm2

Bankruptcy Judge Courtroom 1,800 167.2

Associated Spaces NSF Nm2

Public Waiting Area 400 27.8

Soundlock 80 7.4

Public/Attorney Coat Closet 20 1.9

Judges’ Conference/Robing Room1 200 23.3

Attorney/Witness Room 1 150 14.0

Attorney/Witness Room 2 150 14.0

Court Reporter/Recorder Office 150 14.0

Court Reporter/Recorder Storage 50 4.7

Attorney Work Area2 250 23.3

Attorney Waiting Area 100 9.3

Shared Work Room 100 9.3

Transcriber/Typist Workstation 48 4.5

Audiovisual Equipment Room 120 11.1

Equipment Storage Room 100 9.3

Exhibits Storage 50 4.7

Staff Toilets3 - -

Table 4.5

Space Requirements for Bankruptcy Judge Courtrooms and 

Associated Spaces

1

 Provided when chambers are located on a separate floor. If a judges’ conference/robing 

room is provided, a 56 NSF restroom may be programmed in addition to the 200 NSF 

space. Refer to the “Adjacency and Circulation” subsection of the “Bankruptcy Judge 

Courtrooms” section.

2

 Only one per courthouse, not per courtroom.

3

 Total staff toilet requirements are to be determined in design by the International 

Plumbing Code, most current edition. Plumbing fixtures required to serve a given floor 

shall be proportionally split between the staff and public occupant loads. 
4-23 | Courtrooms and Associated Spaces U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021

Chapter 4

Courtrooms and Associated Spaces

Figure 4.5

U.S. Bankruptcy Court Adjacency Relationships

Colors Legend:

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration.

Bankruptcy Judge’s 

Courtroom

Staff 

Toilet

Staff 

Toilet

Bankruptcy Judge’s 

Chambers Suite

Public Waiting

Sound

Lock

Attorney/

Witness 

Room

Attorney/

Witness 

Room

AV

Equip

Storage

ShortTerm 

Exhibits

Bankruptcy Judge’s 

Courtroom

Bankruptcy Judge’s 

Chambers Suite

Public Waiting

Attorney/

Witness 

Room

Attorney/

Witness 

Room

ShortTerm 

Exhibits

Equip

Storage

Sound

Lock

Symbols Legend:

Public Circulation

Public Vertical Circulation

Restricted Circulation

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point

5-1 U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

JURY FACILITIES 5 This chapter applies to the areas of the courtroom designed to accommodate the jury selection 

and deliberation process, including jury assembly areas, trial jury suites, and the grand jury 

suite. It describes jury functions and activities, users and capacities, design requirements, and 

space allocation requirements, and contains adjacency diagrams.

Chapter Topics:

• Supporting Documents

• Programming and Budgetary Notes

• Functions and Activities

• Users and Capacities

• Design Requirements

• Adjacency and Circulation

Figure 5.1 Jury Assembly Suite Adjacency Relationships

Figure 5.2 Trial Jury Suite Adjacency Relationships

Figure 5.3 Grand Jury Suite Adjacency Relationships

Table 5.1 Ceiling Requirements for Jury Facility Spaces

Table 5.2 Space Requirements for Jury Facility Spaces

Chapter Figures and Tables:
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Jury Facilities | 5-2

Supporting Documents

A comprehensive guide to supporting documents can be found in Chapter 2, “Courthouse 

Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program and design 

criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information on many 

facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The reference listed below 

relates specifically to this chapter. 

• United States Courts, Courthouse Design Reference Manual: An Architect’s Desk 

Reference, most current edition, Chapter 7.

Programming and Budgetary Notes

Programming and budgetary notes found throughout the Design Guide provide assistance 

with decisions to be made during the development of courthouse projects. The notes 

include both judicial branch policy and lessons learned from completed projects. The 

notes supplement the criteria in the Design Guide; their purpose is to provide direction in 

using the flexibility of the Design Guide to develop justifiable and cost-effective federal 

courthouse projects. 

Space Envelope Flexibility

A total space envelope for new space will be calculated using appropriate circulation 

factors, allowances for support-type spaces, and the space standards described in the 

Design Guide. Courts have the flexibility to configure space within the envelope to meet 

their local needs. However, design and construction should be in general compliance 

with the square footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling 

requirements tables. If the court unit wishes to significantly change the space standards 

described in the space and ceiling requirements tables without exceeding the total envelope 

of space for the unit, it must seek approval from its respective circuit judicial council.

The space envelope for a respective court unit is defined as:

• Entire clerk’s office 

• Entire probation office 

• Entire pretrial services office 

• Entire staff attorney’s office 

• Entire circuit executive’s office 

• All courtrooms designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate 

judges, and bankruptcy judges) 

• All chambers designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate 

judges, and bankruptcy judges)

For existing space, courts have the flexibility to configure space within the existing 

envelope to meet their local needs. However, any significant departure from the square 

footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling requirements 

tables must be approved by the respective circuit judicial council. This does not mean that 

existing space must be changed to meet Design Guide standards. Only new construction 

completed as part of a renovation should be considered. 

Renovations and Alterations (R&A)

Many of the construction projects conducted in the Judiciary are renovations to existing 

space. Although the Design Guide applies to these projects, it is understood that some 

standards in the Design Guide are difficult or impossible to achieve in existing space, 

particularly in historic buildings. Courts should consult Chapter 17, “Renovations and 

Alterations (R&A),” and Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service (GSA 

PBS P-100) for guidance in these circumstances. References to R&A guidelines are also 

included throughout the Design Guide where appropriate.

Exceptions to the Design Guide Standards 

The Design Guide provides guidance on standards for courthouse construction and 

renovations to existing space. Any significant departure from these standards is considered 

an exception and must be approved by the respective authority as outlined below. 

Authority of the Circuit Judicial Councils 

Circuit judicial councils play an important space-management role by reviewing 

district-wide facility plans, approving requests for new or modified space, and enforcing 

adherence to design guidelines. The circuit judicial councils have authority over, and 

responsibility for, a circuit’s space-management program (28 USC §332 and §462(b)) and 

for determining the need for space. As directed by the Judicial Conference of the United 

States (JCUS), any significant departure from the standards in the Design Guide must be 

approved by the respective circuit judicial council. 

Authority of the Committee on Space and Facilities 

The authority to approve the following exceptions to the Design Guide standards rests 

with the Committee on Space and Facilities: (1) exceeding the total envelope for either the 

court unit or the project as a whole, (2) changing the standard configurations for judges’

chambers and courtrooms, and (3) exceeding the plumbing standards. If the Committee 

on Space and Facilities disagrees with a circuit judicial council request for one of these 

exceptions, the Judicial Conference will decide whether to grant the exception. 

Authority of the Judicial Conference

The authority for approving any exception to prospectus-level courthouse projects that 

would result in additional estimated costs, including additional rent payment obligations, 

lies with the Judicial Conference. Approval is required, after review by the Committee 
5-3 | Jury Facilities U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

on Space and Facilities, for any exception to the Design Guide approved by a circuit 

judicial council. The request must include (1) a justification for the exception and (2) 

a construction cost estimate. All approved exceptions for prospectus-level projects

are reported to the General Services Administration (GSA) and Congress. Approved 

exceptions may require the project to be reauthorized by Congress if the exception had not 

been previously identified. Contact the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC) 

for more detailed information.

For prospectus-level courthouse projects, if an exception is approved by the JCUS which 

would result in additional estimated costs, the chair of the circuit’s space and facilities 

committee or the chief judge or other judge designated by the court that sought the 

exception that exceeds the Design Guide criteria must be willing, if requested by the 

Committee on Space and Facilities, to appear before Congress concerning funding for 

such construction.

General Programming Notes

The Design Guide is intended to be a performance document. Criteria for any space or 

grouping of spaces should be considered in conjunction with the specific needs of the court 

office or function for which space is being designed. 

Criteria in the Design Guide do not represent space entitlements. The criteria apply to an 

array of space types that should be justified based on the specific purpose of each project. 

Facility plans, programs, and designs should include only the space needed to satisfy the 

functional and security requirements of the court. 

Differences between the space in an existing facility and the criteria in the Design Guide

are not justification for facility alteration and expansion. In such cases, alternatives to 

space expansion are investigated before any additional space is requested. In addition, 

like-for-like space is not a guarantee. Space allocated in an existing location is not 

justification for the same amount of space in a new location if the space allocation is not 

warranted. Current needs should be evaluated when moving into new space to determine 

the appropriate space envelope. Any additional space must be approved by the appropriate 

authority. Design architects and court staff are prohibited from adding spaces not originally 

contemplated in the approved prospectus or design program. Increasing the floor area or 

building volume requires the necessary approvals.

General Budgetary Notes

Renovation and new construction occur when the court and circuit judicial council identify 

space needs through the Judiciary’s asset management planning process and document 

these needs in the long-range facilities plan. GSA determines by what method the space 

is provided—for example, by the construction of a new building, the renovation of an 

existing building, a lease, or other means.

The Judicial Conference recognizes and strongly supports a pragmatic approach to design 

that includes the use of durable and sustainable materials. This approach ensures that 

courthouses constructed now will last well into the future. 

Following the publication of the 2007 Design Guide, the Judiciary introduced several costsaving measures, such as courtroom sharing and the Integrated Workplace Initiative (IWI), 

that sought to provide flexibility and efficiency in court spaces while preserving the dignity 

of the Judiciary. Courtroom sharing for certain judge types is now a standard throughout 

the Judiciary, and IWI is recognized as an alternative to traditional office design. For more 

information on cost- and space-saving efforts and programs, contact the AOUSC Space 

and Facilities Division.

General Space Notes

Multiuse Jury Facilities

Jury facilities are generally used intermittently. Courthouse programs should consider 

multiuse opportunities for jury facilities, including but not limited to training, conferences, 

and alternative dispute resolution. Jury assembly areas may be equipped with movable 

walls to facilitate use for other activities. Alternate functions should be considered when 

determining furnishings and equipment. 

Size of Jury Deliberation Rooms

The size of the trial jury deliberation room is dependent upon the type of court. Jury 

deliberation rooms for district court judge courtrooms are 350 net square feet (NSF) (32.5 

net square meters (Nm2)) and 250 NSF (23.2 Nm2) for magistrate judge courtrooms. One 

trial jury deliberation room at 500 NSF shall be provided for every four district judge 

courtrooms. In buildings with fewer than four district judge courtrooms, one of the jury 

deliberation rooms to be constructed shall be 500 NSF. If a multi-party courtroom is 

planned, the 500 NSF jury deliberation room shall be placed adjacent to it. 

Jury Facilities for Bankruptcy Judges

A cooperative arrangement between the U.S. District Court (USDC) and U.S. Bankruptcy 

Court (USBC) ensures that jury facilities will be available to the USBC when needed. Jury 

facilities shall not be incorporated into the USBC courtroom unless included as discussed 

in Chapter 4 (Courtroom sharing).

Functions and Activities

In criminal cases, the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees 

the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury. In civil cases, the Seventh 

Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the right to a jury trial in lawsuits 

for damages. Although the judge decides the law in the case and instructs the jury on the 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Jury Facilities | 5-4

law, it is the jury’s role to decide the facts in the case and apply the law on which the judge 

has instructed it to reach a verdict. In cases in which there is contradictory evidence, it is 

the jury’s job to resolve the conflict and decide what really happened.

Broadly speaking, there are two types of juries. A trial jury, which is also called a petit 

jury, serves in both criminal and civil trials as described above. In federal criminal cases, 

there are usually 12 jurors and 2-6 alternate jurors. Alternate jurors replace jurors who 

become ill, disqualified, or unable to perform their duties. In federal civil cases, there are 

6-12 jurors. Unlike criminal cases, civil cases do not have alternate jurors.

A grand jury is a group of citizens who listen to evidence of criminal activity presented by 

the government in order to determine whether there is enough evidence to justify issuing 

an indictment, in which they charge the defendant with a crime. Federal grand juries have 

16-23 members. Unlike petit jurors, who are selected to serve on one trial only, grand 

jurors serve 1-3 years, sitting one or two days a week, and may hear evidence in many 

different cases.

Congress requires that each district court develop a plan for selecting jurors. Generally, 

the selection process begins when the clerk of court randomly draws names from the list 

of registered voters in the judicial district, and sometimes from other sources, such as 

the list of licensed drivers. This selected group is called the master wheel. The clerk then 

sends questionnaires to all the people on the master wheel to determine whether they 

meet the requirements for jury service. People who fall into certain categories may ask to 

be excused at this point. The group found eligible to serve and not excused is called the 

qualified wheel.

The jury administrator then chooses by random means a group of prospective jurors from 

the qualified wheel, who receive a summons to appear at the courthouse to serve on juries 

as trials are scheduled. Potential jurors must either wait in the courthouse jury assembly 

suite or remain available to be used as grand or petit jurors during their term of service. 

When a jury is needed for a trial, a part of this group, or a panel of potential jurors, is 

chosen and sent to the courtroom. The trial jurors for the case are then selected from the 

panel, in the courtroom, during a question-and-answer process called voir dire.

Once a petit jury has been selected for a criminal or civil trial, the lawyers for both sides 

give their opening statements to provide the jury an overview of the evidence they will 

present. After the evidence has been presented, the lawyers for each side make their 

closing arguments to the jury to review the most important features of each side’s case. 

Before or following the closing arguments, the judge gives instructions to the jury, 

explaining the relevant law, how the law applies to the case being tried, and what questions 

the jury must decide. After receiving its instructions from the judge, the jury retires to 

the trial jury suite to discuss the evidence and to reach a verdict (a decision on the factual 

issues in the case).

A grand jury is different from a trial or petit jury. A grand jury determines whether 

sufficient evidence exists for a person to be tried for a crime; a petit jury listens to the 

evidence presented at the trial and determines whether the defendant is guilty of the 

charge. Also, grand jury proceedings are held ex parte, or government only, while a petit 

jury trial is public.

A criminal case formally begins with an indictment or information. An indictment may 

be obtained when a lawyer for the executive branch of the U.S. government—the U.S. 

attorney or an assistant U.S. attorney, also referred to as the prosecutor—presents evidence 

to a federal grand jury that, according to the government, indicates a person committed 

a crime. The U.S. attorney tries to convince the grand jury that there is enough evidence 

to show that the person probably committed the crime and should be formally accused of 

it. If the grand jury agrees, it issues a formal accusation, called an indictment. After the 

indictment is issued, the accused person (the defendant) is summoned to court or arrested 

(if not already under arrest), depending upon the severity of the crime.

The major functions of courthouse spaces designed to accommodate juries are as follows.

Jury Assembly Suite 

Potential jurors receive orientation in the jury assembly area and wait there to be called 

to a courtroom for jury selection. Jurors often spend long periods waiting; therefore, 

comfortable and appropriate facilities are needed. Because the jury assembly area 

significantly impacts the jurors’ perception of the justice system, it must reflect the 

importance of jury service to the administration of justice. 

Trial Jury Suite 

The jury uses the trial jury suite throughout the trial and during deliberations at the 

conclusion of the trial. The deliberations of a trial jury must be strictly confidential. During 

deliberations, the jury discusses testimony, exhibits, and other materials. If audiovisual 

(AV) or graphical displays were used during the proceedings, the displays may also be 

reviewed during deliberations. Trial jury deliberations may vary in length from less than an 

hour to several days.

Grand Jury Suite 

The U.S. attorney uses the grand jury suite to present evidence and witnesses before grand 

jurors, who then decide whether to return an indictment. Deliberating grand jurors and 

waiting witnesses must be accommodated in separate, adjacent spaces. Jurors take notes 

and ask questions during the proceedings.
5-5 | Jury Facilities U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Users and Capacities

Jury Assembly Suite 

The number of users varies, depending on the number of clerical staff, potential jurors 

(usually between 60 and 200), and the number of cases set for trial in the facility.

Trial Jury Suite 

In district judge cases, users consist of up to 18-member juries (12 jurors plus 2-6 

alternates). In magistrate judge cases, users consist of up to 12 jurors. 

Grand Jury Suite 

Users consist of 16-23 jurors, U.S. attorney personnel, witnesses, the foreperson, the 

secretary, and the court reporter/recorder.

Design Requirements

The design requirements for jury facilities outlined in this chapter are detailed in the 

following information. Specific space requirements may be found in Table 5.1, Table 5.2

and the room data sheets.

Ceiling Height

The ceiling is a designed surface. It may be uniformly flat, or it may have two or more 

planes and include elements such as soffits, perimeter coves, recesses, and reveals as 

required to integrate HVAC and lighting into a harmonious design. An adjustment of a 

ceiling surface may also occur where it meets an exterior curtain wall to accommodate 

different equipment. In situations where there are several different surfaces at different 

heights above the finished floor, there may be different ways of determining which one 

is the dominant plane. Ceiling heights should be measured from the finished floor to the 

dominant surface that either covers the most amount of ceiling square footage, or the 

surface that defines the overall character of the ceiling design. The design team must 

ensure that in all newly constructed spaces the dominant plane of the ceiling does not 

exceed the maximum ceiling height listed in the Design Guide. Dominant planes that 

exceed these maximum heights are considered an exception unless the space is in an area 

envisioned for a future courtroom or on a floor with a higher floor-to-floor height. The 

application of this maximum ceiling height in renovation and alteration projects may be 

dependent on limitations of existing conditions.

The ceiling height must be in proportion to the area of the space. If the space is located 

on a floor with a higher floor-to-floor height, the ceiling height of the room may be 

designed to maximize use of available natural light, volume, and window configuration 

of that space. Ceiling heights above the finished floor for jury facility spaces shall be in 

accordance with the maximum ceiling heights listed in Table 5.1.

Jury Assembly Suite

In the jury assembly area, a jury clerk station is provided near the check-in counter in the 

reception area. The workstation must accommodate a desk and movable chair.

Storage must be provided for jurors’ personal belongings (i.e., coats, hats, handbags), 

preferably in or near the entrance vestibule. 

Exterior windows in the jury assembly area, lounges, and staff work areas are encouraged.

Technology requirements vary depending on the size and multi-use functions. Refer to the 

Courtroom Technology Audiovisual Infrastructure Standard for specific requirements and 

recommendations.

Trial Jury Suite

In the trial jury suite, a sworn-jury custodian station must be provided outside the 

soundlock entrance. The station must accommodate a work surface with a drawer and an 

armchair located to allow visual surveillance of the circulation areas leading to the trial 

jury suite.

Storage must be provided for jurors’ personal belongings (i.e., coats, hats, handbags), 

preferably in or near the entrance vestibule. Lockable cabinets must be provided for 

exhibits, audiovisual equipment, and supplies that must be left in the room.

Space Name Ceiling Height 

(feet)

Ceiling Height 

(mm)

Jury Assembly1 12 3,000

Trial Jury Suite 10 3,000

Grand Jury Hearing Room2 11 3,350

Table 5.1

Ceiling Requirements for Jury Facility Spaces

1

 The ceiling height for jury assembly may exceed the maximum if located on a floor with 

 a higher floor-to-floor height.

2

 11’-0” above the highest tier of juror seating.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Jury Facilities | 5-6

Grand Jury Suite NSF Nm2

Entry Area 50 4.7

Security Workstation 48 4.5

Jurors’ Toilets (Two Toilets @ 56 NSF each) 112 10.4

Service Unit 20 1.9

Witness Room (min/max) 120/200 11.1/18.6

Hearing Room 700 65

Video Equipment Closet 10 0.93

Closet 20 1.9

1

 Provide 3 linear inches of coat space (75 mm) per juror.

2

 Provide jury lounge space for 20 percent of jurors.

3

 One jury deliberation room at 500 NSF (46.4 Nm2) shall be provided for every four 

district judge courtrooms. In courthouses with fewer than four district courtrooms,

 one of the jury deliberation rooms to be constructed shall be 500 NSF (46.4 Nm2). If 

a multi-party courtroom is planned, the 500 NSF (46.4 Nm2) jury deliberation 

room shall be adjacent.

Jury Assembly Suite NSF Nm2

Check-In 100 9.3

Jury Clerk’s Office, per clerk 100 9.3

Coat Closet1

Jurors’ Toilets 56 5.2

Service Unit 200 18.6

Vending Area, per machine 15 1.4

Juror Lounge, per person2 20 1.9

Orientation Area, per person 10 0.93

Equipment Storage 150 13.9

Supplies Storage (minimum space) 50 4.7

Trial Jury Suite NSF Nm2

Soundlock Entry 50 4.7

Sworn-Jury Custodian Station 48 4.5

Jurors’ Toilets (Two Toilets @ 56 NSF each) 112 10.4

Coat Closet 20 1.9

Trial Jury Room (Multi-Party Courtroom)3 500 46.4

Trial Jury Room (District Judge Courtrooms)3 350 32.5

Trial Jury Room (Magistrate Judge Courtrooms)3 250 23.2

Service Unit 20 1.9

Exhibits Display 50 4.7

Video Equipment Closet 10 0.93

Table 5.2

Space Requirements for Jury Facility Spaces
5-7 | Jury Facilities U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

With a growing need for multipurpose space within the courthouse, the jury assembly area 

is permitted to be located on the first floor of the courthouse with direct public access from 

the main lobby within the secure perimeter. This optional location for the suite encourages 

the multi-use of the jury assembly area and better supports other public gathering 

requirements.

Overall size varies, but the assembly area requires 10 NSF (0.93 Nm2) per person for the 

number of people expected to be called for jury service. In addition, 20 NSF (1.9 Nm2) per 

person for 20 percent of the prospective jurors must be provided for a lounge area. The 

suite must accommodate the necessary furniture with sufficient room for unencumbered 

movement. The ceiling height must be in proportion to the area of the space. For further 

detail and the sizes of jury spaces, refer to Table 5.1 and Table 5.2.

Trial Jury Suite

Jurors must access the trial jury suite from public circulation through a controlled access 

point into a restricted corridor. The jury must not pass through the public seating area of 

the courtroom when moving to or from the trial jury suite; instead, jurors must access the 

courtroom directly from the trial jury suite or through a restricted corridor. Trial jury suites 

must not be located where the public, attorneys, and litigants can see, hear, or gain access 

to jurors. During deliberations, access to the suite is strictly controlled by the sworn-jury 

custodian.

Grand Jury Suite

The grand jury suite must be accessible through public circulation, with an entrance 

controlled by U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) personnel. The suite must be easily 

accessible to U.S. attorney staff without requiring them to enter the court’s restricted 

access areas. The suite must be located in an area with light public traffic, and on a floor 

not occupied by courtrooms. Protected and in-custody witnesses must enter this area 

through the USMS secure circulation system. During grand jury hearings, the suite must 

be secure.

Adjacency diagrams (Figures 5.1-5.3) are located on the following pages. The number of 

spaces shown on the adjacency diagrams are intended only as an illustration; the actual 

number of spaces required for a specific facility is determined in the building program.

The design team should refer to Chapter 3, “Planning for U.S. Courthouses,” for 

circulation factors.

For trial jury suites located above the ground floor, exterior windows are recommended. 

For trial jury suites on the ground level, provision of indirect daylight through clerestory 

windows or other design features that maintain security and confidentiality should be 

considered. In both cases, lighting should be controlled with blinds or drapes.

Technology requirements vary depending on multi-use functions. At a minimum, it is 

recommended that power, raceway, and blocking be provided to support a large screen 

display to be used for evidence review or for staff conferences. 

Grand Jury Suite

In the grand jury suite, a court security workstation at the entry reception area must be 

provided. The workstation must accommodate a work surface with a drawer(s) and a 

swivel-base armchair.

Storage must be provided for jurors’ personal belongings (i.e., coats, hats, handbags), 

preferably in or near the entrance vestibule. Lockable cabinets must be provided for 

exhibits, audiovisual equipment, and supplies that must be left in the room.

Unlike the other types of jury suites, the grand jury hearing room typically contains tiered 

juror seating and work surfaces. The tiered juror seating may be arranged in either two or 

three tiers. Optionally, courts with space limitations and restrictions may utilize movable 

furniture instead of fixed, tiered seats. Refer to the grand jury hearing room room data 

sheet for more information and an alternate room layout.

To help maintain security and privacy, grand jury suites should not have windows; 

however, if windows are provided, opaque shades must be installed.

Technology requirements vary depending on multi-use functions. At a minimum, an 

audio system and assistive listening system (ALS) are typically provided. Refer to the 

Courtroom Technology Audiovisual Infrastructure Standard for specific requirements and 

recommendation.

Adjacency and Circulation

Jury Assembly Suite

The jury assembly area must be easy to find from public entrances and must be 

conveniently accessible to all jury courtrooms. A reception area located outside the 

assembly space must be provided. A set of barrier-free toilet facilities for the exclusive use 

of jurors may be provided inside the space through a soundlock. Access to the courtrooms 

may be through either public or restricted circulation.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Jury Facilities | 5-8

Figure 5.1

Jury Assembly Suite Adjacency Relationships

Colors Legend:

Chapter 5

Jury Facilities

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration.

Equipment

storage

Juror Orientation

Toilet

Toilet

Service Unit

Vending

Juror Lounge

Reception

Check-in 

Counter

Coats

Jury Clerk’s 

Office

Supply

Storage

Symbols Legend:

Public Vertical Circulation

Public Circulation

Restricted Circulation

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Secure Circulation

Secure Vertical Circulation

Service Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point
5-9 | Jury Facilities U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Chapter 5

Jury Facilities

Figure 5.2

Trial Jury Suite Adjacency Relationships

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration.

Colors Legend:

Coats Video

Equip.

Service 

Unit

Exhibits

Storage

Toilet

Toilet

Soundlock

Jury

Custodian

Trial Jury 

Deliberation Room

(District & Magistrate Judges)

Symbols Legend:

Public Vertical Circulation

Public Circulation

Restricted Circulation

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Secure Circulation

Secure Vertical Circulation

Service Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Jury Facilities | 5-10

Figure 5.3

Grand Jury Suite Adjacency Relationships

Witness

Room

Toilet

Toilet

Closet Juror 

Entry

Service

Unit

Witness

Room Security

Workstation

Video 

Equipment

Grand Jury 

Hearing Room

Colors Legend:

Chapter 5

Jury Facilities

Symbols Legend:

Public Vertical Circulation

Public Circulation

Restricted Circulation

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Secure Circulation

Secure Vertical Circulation

Service Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point
6-1 U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

JUDGES’ CHAMBERS SUITES 6 This chapter applies to judges’ chambers suites for the U.S. Court of Appeals (USCA), the U.S. 

District Court (USDC), and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court (USBC). It describes their functions and 

activities, users and capacities, design requirements, and space allocation requirements, and 

contains adjacency diagrams.

Chapter Topics:

• Supporting Documents

• Programming and Budgetary Notes

• Functions and Activities

• Users and Capacities

• Design Requirements

• Adjacency and Circulation

Figure 6.1 Circuit Judge’s Resident Chambers Adjacency Relationships

Figure 6.2 Circuit Judge’s Non-resident/Visiting Chambers 

 (Headquarters and Outside Headquarters) Adjacency Relationships

Figure 6.3 District Judge’s Resident Chambers Adjacency Relationships

Figure 6.4 District, Magistrate, or Bankruptcy Judge’s Visiting Chambers Adjacency 

 Relationships

Figure 6.5 Magistrate or Bankruptcy Judge’s Resident Chambers Adjacency Relationships

Figure 6.6 Sample Plan - Circuit Judge’s Resident Chambers (2060 NSF)

Figure 6.7 Sample Plan - Circuit Judge’s Non-resident Chambers (602 NSF)

Figure 6.8 Sample Plan - District Judge’s Resident Chambers (1670 NSF)

Figure 6.9 Sample Plan - Magistrate or Bankruptcy Judge’s Resident Chambers (1340 NSF)

Table 6.1 Space Requirements for Judges’ Chambers Suites

Chapter Figures and Tables:
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Judges' Chambers Suites | 6-2

Supporting Documents

A comprehensive guide to supplementary publications can be found in Chapter 2, 

“Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program 

and design criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information 

on many facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The reference listed 

below relates specifically to this chapter.

• United States Courts, Courthouse Design Reference Manual: An Architect’s Desk 

Reference, most current edition, Chapter 5.

Programming and Budgetary Notes

Programming and budgetary notes found throughout the Design Guide provide assistance 

with decisions to be made during the development of courthouse projects. The notes 

include both judicial branch policy and lessons learned from completed projects. The 

notes supplement the criteria in the Design Guide; their purpose is to provide direction in 

using the flexibility of the Design Guide to develop justifiable and cost-effective federal 

courthouse projects. 

Space Envelope Flexibility

A total space envelope for new space will be calculated using appropriate circulation 

factors, allowances for support-type spaces, and the space standards described in the 

Design Guide. Courts have the flexibility to configure space within the envelope to meet 

their local needs. However, design and construction should be in general compliance 

with the square footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling 

requirements tables. If the court unit wishes to significantly change the space standards 

described in the space and ceiling requirements tables without exceeding the total envelope 

of space for the unit, it must seek approval from its respective circuit judicial council.

The space envelope for a respective court unit is defined as:

• Entire clerk’s office 

• Entire probation office 

• Entire pretrial services office 

• Entire staff attorney’s office 

• Entire circuit executive’s office 

• All courtrooms designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate 

judges, and bankruptcy judges) 

• All chambers designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate 

judges, and bankruptcy judges)

For existing space, courts have the flexibility to configure space within the existing 

envelope to meet their local needs. However, any significant departure from the square 

footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling requirements 

tables must be approved by the respective circuit judicial council. This does not mean that 

existing space must be changed to meet Design Guide standards. Only new construction 

completed as part of a renovation should be considered. 

Renovations and Alterations (R&A)

Many of the construction projects conducted in the Judiciary are renovations to existing 

space. Although the Design Guide applies to these projects, it is understood that some 

standards in the Design Guide are difficult or impossible to achieve in existing space, 

particularly in historic buildings. Courts should consult Chapter 17, “Renovations and 

Alterations (R&A),” and Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service (GSA 

PBS P-100) for guidance in these circumstances. References to R&A guidelines are also 

included throughout the Design Guide where appropriate.

Exceptions to the Design Guide Standards 

The Design Guide provides guidance on standards for courthouse construction and 

renovations to existing space. Any significant departure from these standards is considered 

an exception and must be approved by the respective authority as outlined below. 

Authority of the Circuit Judicial Councils 

Circuit judicial councils play an important space-management role by reviewing 

district-wide facility plans, approving requests for new or modified space, and enforcing 

adherence to design guidelines. The circuit judicial councils have authority over, and 

responsibility for, a circuit’s space-management program (28 USC §332 and §462(b)) and 

for determining the need for space. As directed by the Judicial Conference of the United 

States (JCUS), any significant departure from the standards in the Design Guide must be 

approved by the respective circuit judicial council. 

Authority of the Committee on Space and Facilities 

The authority to approve the following exceptions to the Design Guide standards rests 

with the Committee on Space and Facilities: (1) exceeding the total envelope for either the 

court unit or the project as a whole, (2) changing the standard configurations for judges’

chambers and courtrooms, and (3) exceeding the plumbing standards. If the Committee 

on Space and Facilities disagrees with a circuit judicial council request for one of these 

exceptions, the Judicial Conference will decide whether to grant the exception. 

Authority of the Judicial Conference

The authority for approving any exception to prospectus-level courthouse projects that 

would result in additional estimated costs, including additional rent payment obligations, 

lies with the Judicial Conference. Approval is required, after review by the Committee 
6-3 | Judges' Chambers Suites U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

on Space and Facilities, for any exception to the Design Guide approved by a circuit 

judicial council. The request must include (1) a justification for the exception and (2) 

a construction cost estimate. All approved exceptions for prospectus-level projects

are reported to the General Services Administration (GSA) and Congress. Approved 

exceptions may require the project to be reauthorized by Congress if the exception had not 

been previously identified. Contact the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC) 

for more detailed information.

For prospectus-level courthouse projects, if an exception is approved by the JCUS which 

would result in additional estimated costs, the chair of the circuit’s space and facilities 

committee or the chief judge or other judge designated by the court that sought the 

exception that exceeds the Design Guide criteria must be willing, if requested by the 

Committee on Space and Facilities, to appear before Congress concerning funding for 

such construction.

General Programming Notes

The Design Guide is intended to be a performance document. Criteria for any space or 

grouping of spaces should be considered in conjunction with the specific needs of the court 

office or function for which space is being designed. 

Criteria in the Design Guide do not represent space entitlements. The criteria apply to an 

array of space types that should be justified based on the specific purpose of each project. 

Facility plans, programs, and designs should include only the space needed to satisfy the 

functional and security requirements of the court. 

Differences between the space in an existing facility and the criteria in the Design Guide

are not justification for facility alteration and expansion. In such cases, alternatives to 

space expansion are investigated before any additional space is requested. In addition, 

like-for-like space is not a guarantee. Space allocated in an existing location is not 

justification for the same amount of space in a new location if the space allocation is not 

warranted. Current needs should be evaluated when moving into new space to determine 

the appropriate space envelope. Any additional space must be approved by the appropriate 

authority. Design architects and court staff are prohibited from adding spaces not originally 

contemplated in the approved prospectus or design program. Increasing the floor area or 

building volume requires the necessary approvals.

General Budgetary Notes

Renovation and new construction occur when the court and circuit judicial council identify 

space needs through the Judiciary’s asset management planning process and document 

these needs in the long-range facilities plan. GSA determines by what method the space 

is provided—for example, by the construction of a new building, the renovation of an 

existing building, a lease, or other means.

The Judicial Conference recognizes and strongly supports a pragmatic approach to design 

that includes the use of durable and sustainable materials. This approach ensures that 

courthouses constructed now will last well into the future. 

Following the publication of the 2007 Design Guide, the Judiciary introduced several costsaving measures, such as courtroom sharing and the Integrated Workplace Initiative (IWI), 

that sought to provide flexibility and efficiency in court spaces while preserving the dignity 

of the Judiciary. Courtroom sharing for certain judge types is now a standard throughout 

the Judiciary, and IWI is recognized as an alternative to traditional office design. For more 

information on cost- and space-saving efforts and programs, contact the AOUSC Space 

and Facilities Division.

General Space Notes

Standardized Chamber Layouts

All resident and non-resident/visiting judges’ chambers suites shall be designed in a 

standard layout based on the type (i.e., circuit, district, magistrate, and bankruptcy judges’ 

chambers). Judges shall agree to a standard layout for their court type. Any exceptions to 

this policy must be approved by the Committee on Space and Facilities. 

Senior Judges

There is no differentiation between chambers space specifications for active and senior 

judges. As a result, local court and some circuit policies determine whether an active judge 

who takes senior status may continue in the same chambers. Some courts have special 

chambers reserved for senior judges. Refer to the Guide to Judiciary Policy, Volume 3, 

Chapter 8 for more information regarding space allocation for senior judges. 

Recalled and Part-Time Judges

Judicial Conference policy does not allow planning space for recalled or part-time 

chambers within new or existing facilities. Refer to the Asset Management Planning 

(AMP) Business Rules and the Guide to Judiciary Policy, Volume 3, for more information. 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Judges' Chambers Suites | 6-4

Functions and Activities

The chambers suite includes the judge’s private chambers (with adjoining private toilet 

and vestibule), a reference/conference room, work areas, offices, and other associated 

spaces used by the judge and support staff. Refer to Figures 6.1 through 6.5 for adjacency 

diagrams.

Judges’ chambers suites provide an area for receiving and screening visitors; storage for 

staff members’ and visitors’ coats and other belongings; storage for files used by the judge 

and staff; a small service unit for coffee and light food preparation; a research area for law 

clerks; a clerical work area for the judge’s judicial assistant; and space for a copier, printer, 

and other equipment. 

In addition to judicial assistants and law clerks, many judges also employ unpaid law 

school externs/interns. Although the guidelines that follow do not formally designate 

work spaces for externs/interns, workstations are often provided in the suite’s reference/

conference room.

Users and Capacities

U.S. Court of Appeals

Chief Judge’s Chambers Suite 

Users consist of the chief judge, three law clerks, and three judicial assistants (or four law 

clerks and two judicial assistants), plus visitors.

Circuit Judge’s Chambers Suite

Users consist of one judge, three law clerks, and two judicial assistants (or four law clerks 

and one judicial assistant), plus visitors.

U.S. District Court

Chief Judge’s Chambers Suite

Users consist of the chief judge, two law clerks, and one judicial assistant (or three law 

clerks and no judicial assistant), plus visitors; the chief judge may have a third law clerk 

or second judicial assistant if there are five or more authorized judgeships in the district. In 

some courts, the courtroom deputy is also located in the chambers suite. If this is the case, 

no space is to be provided for the courtroom deputy in the clerk’s office.

District Judge’s Chambers Suite

Users consist of one judge, two law clerks, and one judicial assistant (or three law 

clerks and no judicial assistant), plus visitors. In some courts, the courtroom deputy is 

also located in the chambers suite. If this is the case, no space is to be provided for the 

courtroom deputy in the clerk’s office.

Magistrate Judge’s Chambers Suite

Users consist of one magistrate judge, one law clerk, and one judicial assistant (or two law 

clerks and no assistant), plus visitors. In some courts, the courtroom deputy is also located 

in the chambers suite. If this is the case, no space is to be provided for the courtroom 

deputy in the clerk’s office.

U.S. Bankruptcy Court

Bankruptcy Judge’s Chambers Suite

Users consist of one bankruptcy judge, one law clerk, and one judicial assistant (or two 

law clerks and no judicial assistant), plus visitors. In some courts, the courtroom deputy 

is also located in the chambers suite. If this is the case, no space is to be provided for the 

courtroom deputy in the clerk’s office.

Design Requirements 

The following section describes the design requirements for the different judicial chambers 

described in the “Users and Capacities” section of this chapter. Refer to Table 6.1 for 

additional spatial requirements and Figures 6.6 through 6.9 for sample space plans.

General Design Elements

The following is a description of the design elements in the judge’s chambers suite. 

Privacy

Total enclosure of the judge’s chambers suite is necessary for acoustic and visual privacy, 

to protect confidentiality, and to prevent distraction. An entrance to the judge’s chambers 

located directly off restricted circulation should be provided with a vestibule to ensure 

confidentiality. Refer to Chapter 14, “Acoustics,” for acoustical privacy goals.

Natural Light

Access to natural light is desired for all workstations. Windows are desirable; however, 

natural light should be controlled to eliminate excessive brightness, glare, or heat. 

Ceiling Height 

The ceiling is a designed surface. It may be uniformly flat, or it may have two or more 

planes and include elements such as soffits, perimeter coves, recesses, and reveals as 

required to integrate HVAC and lighting into a harmonious design. An adjustment of a 

ceiling surface may also occur where it meets an exterior curtain wall to accommodate 

different equipment. In situations where there are several different surfaces at different 

heights above the finished floor, there may be different ways of determining which one 

is the dominant plane. Ceiling heights should be measured from the finished floor to the 

dominant surface that either covers the most amount of ceiling square footage, or the 
6-5 | Judges' Chambers Suites U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

surface that defines the overall character of the ceiling design. The design team should 

ensure that in all newly constructed spaces the dominant plane of the ceiling does not 

exceed the maximum ceiling height of 10 feet (3,000 mm) above finished floor for 

judges’ chambers suites and their associated spaces. Dominant planes that exceed this 

maximum height are considered an exception unless the space is in an area envisioned 

for a future courtroom or on a floor with a higher floor-to-floor height. The application of 

this maximum ceiling height in renovation and alteration projects may be dependent on 

limitations of existing conditions.

The ceiling height should be in proportion to the area of the space. If the space is located on 

a floor with a higher floor-to-floor height, the ceiling height of the room may be designed to 

maximize use of available natural light, volume, and window configuration of that space. 

Specific Design Elements 

Circulation in Chambers

Additional circulation space is not to be included in the chambers design unless needed. 

The design team should refer to Chapter 3, “Planning for U.S. Courthouses,” for 

circulation factors.

Judicial Assistant Work Area

The judicial assistant work area should be designed to allow the suite entrance to be 

continuously monitored.

Space for a computer printer should be conveniently accessible from the judicial 

assistant work area but separate from the reception area, to maintain the confidentiality of 

documents being printed.

Law Clerk Office(s)

A separate office for each law clerk may be provided. Alternatively, clerks may be 

provided with semiprivate workstations, either in an alcove or separated by modular 

partitions, bookcases, and so on, depending on the judge’s preference. Refer to Chapter 18, 

“Alternative Workplace Strategies,” for additional information. 

Courtroom Deputy

Each suite may also require a courtroom deputy clerk work area within or close to the 

chambers suite. If the courtroom deputy clerk is assigned to chambers, a private office of 

150 net square feet (NSF) (13.9 Nm2

) shall be provided within the space envelope of the 

chambers suite. No additional space shall be provided for the courtroom deputy clerk in 

the clerk’s office. This applies to chambers for district, magistrate, and bankruptcy judges. 

Reference/Conference Room

The reference/conference room is used by the judge and law clerks to research and discuss 

cases, as well as by the judge to meet with other court staff or attorneys. It may also 

house workstations for externs/interns. Shelving should be provided to accommodate the 

chambers reference collection. In addition, the area should accommodate a conference 

table and chairs for up to 12 people. Infrastructure should be provided to support audio and 

video presentation and video conferencing.

Requirements for bookshelves are changing because of evolving methods of legal research. 

The increasing use of electronic databases and a decreasing reliance on bound volumes are 

resulting in smaller chambers reference collections. The changes in legal research methods 

provide an opportunity to reduce the court’s expenses for maintaining collections and the 

space needed to house them. The location and quantity of bookshelves is at the discretion 

of the judge. If bookshelves are required, shelving shall be affixed to the wall, and the 

wood shall match or complement the architectural trim. One fixed bookshelf is three linear 

feet wide by 10 inches deep. Provide fixed bookcases with adjustable shelving in the 

following quantities: 

• Circuit judge – 25 bookshelves

• District judge – 20 bookshelves

• Magistrate judge – 10 bookshelves

• Bankruptcy judge – 10 bookshelves

Informal sharing among chambers should be encouraged. Adjacent chambers in new 

courthouse designs should be encouraged by providing controlled access into each 

chamber from a shared reference/conference room. This design provides additional 

flexibility for individual judges to share books.

Shared Reference (Library) Collections

The sharing of chambers reference collections is currently practiced in some courts 

and is encouraged when planning courthouse construction projects. In addition to cost 

savings, sharing collections may offer other advantages such as increasing the depth of 

the collection available to judges and promoting collegial relations among law clerks and 

judges, and accommodating workstations for interns and externs. Disadvantages may 

include reduced convenience or the increased possibility that a desired book may be in use.

The Judiciary’s Committee on Court Administration and Case Management has identified 

space-planning scenarios for sharing chambers reference collections. Variations of the 

scenarios listed below may be adapted to fit the myriad possible configurations for 

chambers suites.

• In courthouses where chambers suites are clustered on the same floor, there may be 

a central shared collection augmented by a minimal number of often-used volumes 

maintained in chambers. This arrangement increases the possibility of providing 

library staff and offers the greatest opportunity to increase the depth of the collection; 

however, access to books may be less convenient. 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Judges' Chambers Suites | 6-6

Circuit Judge’s Resident Chambers Suite NSF Nm2

Judge’s Chambers Office 600 55.8

Judge’s Private Toilet 56 5.2

Storage 100 9.3

Filing Room 140 13.0

Law Clerks: Three @ 150 NSF (13.9 Nm2) 450 41.9

Conference/Reference Room 240 22.3

Judicial Assistant Work Space: Two @ 120 NSF (11.2 Nm2) 240 22.3

Printer/Copier/Fax 60 5.6

Service Unit 20 1.9

Coat Closet 10 0.9

Vestibule 50 4.7

Reception Area 100 9.3

Total NSF1 2,066 191.9

District Judge’s Resident Chambers Suite NSF Nm2

Judge’s Chambers Office 500 46.5

Judge’s Private Toilet 56 5.2

Storage 80 7.4

Filing Room 140 13.0

Law Clerks: Two @ 150 NSF (13.9 Nm2) 300 27.9

Conference/Reference Room 240 22.3

Judicial Assistant Work Space 120 11.2

Printer/Copier/Fax 60 5.6

Table 6.1

Space Requirements for Judges’ Chambers Suites

• The collegial arrangement of chambers suites also provides an opportunity for shared 

conference rooms and other support spaces. A shared conference room may be larger 

and better equipped than individual conference rooms in chambers suites.

• In courthouses that do not have clustered chambers suites, reference collections 

may be shared between adjoining suites. A single shared reference/conference room, 

situated between the suites, with controlled access into each chamber may be used to 

store books and legal research, as well as accommodate workstations for interns and 

externs. This arrangement preserves convenient access to the collection and provides 

flexibility for individual judges to share books. This scenario places responsibility for 

administering the collection on the judges’ staff.

The total NSF allocated for shared reference collections should not exceed the total NSF 

allotted in chambers suites for this purpose. Space programmed for shared reference 

collections should be deducted on a pro rata basis from each chambers suite. Although 

space savings may be minimal, the cost of maintaining two separate collections is 

significantly reduced. Shared collections may save net programmed space but may 

increase space required for circulation. Efficient planning may decrease total space 

requirements and provide enhanced library services. Consideration should be given to 

placing workstations for externs and interns in the shared reference library. 

Storage 

The general storage area in the judge’s chambers suite should provide the following:

• Space for lateral files or other appropriate filing equipment

• A closet convenient to the reception area that provides hanging and shelf space for 

visitors’ and staff members’ coats and other belongings

• Space for general office and coffee/refreshment supplies

• At least one range of bookshelves for each staff member, including the judicial assistant

Within the judge’s private chambers, storage should be provided for the following:

• The judge’s personal belongings (storage should be lockable)

• Office supplies (in conveniently located drawers or cabinets, large enough to 

accommodate legal-sized pads and files)

• Files (storage should be lockable; file storage may be located outside the chambers 

but should have convenient access)

• Law books (shelves should be conveniently located)

Toilet

A private toilet room should be provided in the chambers suite. Access to the toilet should 

be through a vestibule that also provides access from the chambers to restricted circulation. 

The private toilet room should be designed as adaptable and shall meet all necessary 

clearances for judges with a disability. A toilet lavatory cabinet shall accommodate a sink 

and a drawer with storage below. Refer to Table 6.1 for more detail on private toilets.
6-7 | Judges' Chambers Suites U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Magistrate/Bankruptcy Judge’s Resident 

Chambers Suite NSF Nm2

Judge’s Chambers Office 400 37.2

Judge’s Private Toilet 56 5.2

Storage 80 7.4

Filing Room 60 5.6

Law Clerk 150 14.0

Conference/Reference Room 240 22.3

Judicial Assistant Work Space 120 11.2

Printer/Copier/Fax 60 5.6

Service Unit 20 1.9

Coat Closet 10 0.9

Vestibule 50 4.7

Reception Area 100 9.3

Total NSF1 1,346 125.0

Service Unit 20 1.9

Coat Closet 10 0.9

Vestibule 50 4.7

Reception Area 100 9.3

Total NSF1 1,676 155.7

Circuit Judge’s Non-Resident Suite 

(Headquarters and Non-Headquarters) NSF Nm2

Judge’s Chambers Office 240 22.3

Judge’s Private Toilet 56 5.2

Law Clerk Open Workstations: Three @ 64 NSF (5.8 Nm2

) 192 17.9

Judicial Assistant & Reception 120 11.2

Total NSF1 608 56.5

Other Non-Resident Chambers Suite NSF Nm2

Judge’s Chambers Office 240 22.3

Judge’s Private Toilet 56 5.2

Law Clerk Open Workstations: Two @ 64 NSF (5.8 Nm2) 128 11.9

Judicial Assistant & Reception 120 11.2

Filing Room 140 13.0

Printer/Copier/Fax 60 5.6

Storage 80 7.4

Vestibule 50 4.7

Coat Closet 12 1.1

Service Unit 20 1.9

Total NSF1 906 84.2

1

 If a different complement of judicial assistants and law clerks is selected, the total NSF 

shall not be exceeded. If the courtroom deputy clerk is assigned to chambers, a private 

office of 150 NSF (13.9 Nm2) shall be provided within the space envelope of the chambers 

suite. No additional space shall be provided for the courtroom deputy clerk in the clerk’s 

office.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Judges' Chambers Suites | 6-8

Renovations and Alterations (R&A)

Certain design requirements stated in the Design Guide may be impractical, impossible, or 

cost-prohibitive to meet because of challenging existing conditions. Stakeholders should 

discuss these challenges early in the project and determine how to best implement the 

Design Guide requirements to suit their specific needs and uphold its intent.

In existing, older courthouses, the size, location, and configuration of chambers may vary 

depending on the structural limitations of the building. A number of factors may contribute 

to variances:

• Chambers were designed to previous standards or for different court functions.

• Existing floor plates vary in size and shape and do not always accommodate the most 

functional dimensions for a chambers suite.

• Historic buildings may have limited or restricted space for chambers suites.

• Available space is not always contiguous due to historic elements, other tenants, or 

building elements such as stairwells, elevators, or corridors.

• Fire and life safety restrictions may affect or conflict with optimum security or 

functionality.

Adjacency and Circulation 

Each judge’s chambers suite is accessible only through restricted circulation. The suite is 

located to be conveniently accessible to the judge’s courtroom and its associated areas, 

unless a collegial chambers floor scheme is selected. When chambers are located on 

different floors from courtrooms, judges will utilize a restricted judges’ elevator that allows 

for convenient restricted access to courtrooms. 

See the adjacency diagrams that follow (Figures 6.1–6.5) for additional detail regarding 

adjacency and circulation. Chapter 3, “Planning for U.S. Courthouses,” provides a 

discussion on circulation factors to be used in initial programming and design studies.
6-9 | Judges' Chambers Suites U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Symbols Legend:

Chapter 6

Judges’ Chambers Suites

Figure 6.1

Circuit Resident Judge’s Chambers Adjacency Relationships

Colors Legend:

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an 

illustration.

Restricted Circulation 

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point

Conference/ 

Reference 

Room

Storage, Fax, Copier, 

Files, and Service Unit

Law Clerk

Law Clerk

Law Clerk

Coat

Closet

Judge’s Chambers

Reception

Judicial Assistant(s)

Toilet

Vestibule
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Judges' Chambers Suites | 6-10

Chapter 6

Judges’ Chambers Suites

Figure 6.2

Circuit Judge’s Non-resident/Visiting Chambers (Headquarters and Outside Headquarters) Adjacency Relationships

Colors Legend:

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an 

illustration.

Law Clerk

Law Clerk

Law Clerk

Judge’s Chambers

Judicial Assistant/

Reception

Toilet

Symbols Legend:

Restricted Circulation 

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point
6-11 | Judges' Chambers Suites U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Chapter 6

Judges’ Chambers Suites

Figure 6.3

District Judge’s Resident Chambers Adjacency Relationships

Colors Legend:

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an 

illustration. If a courtroom deputy clerk is provided an 

office in chambers or near chambers, no additional office 

shall be provided in the clerk’s office.

Conference/ 

Reference 

Room

Storage, Fax, Copier, 

Files, and Service Unit

Law Clerk

Law Clerk

Coat

Closet

Judge’s Chambers

Reception

Judicial Assistant

Toilet

Vestibule

Symbols Legend:

Restricted Circulation 

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Judges' Chambers Suites | 6-12

Chapter 6

Judges’ Chambers Suites

Figure 6.4

District, Magistrate, or Bankruptcy Judge’s Visiting Chambers Adjacency Relationships

Colors Legend:

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an 

illustration. If a courtroom deputy clerk is provided an 

office in chambers or near chambers, no additional office 

shall be provided in the clerk’s office.

Law Clerk

Law Clerk

Judge’s Chambers

Judicial Assistant/

Reception

Toilet

File/Copy/

Storage

Symbols Legend:

Restricted Circulation 

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point
6-13 | Judges' Chambers Suites U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Chapter 6

Judges’ Chambers Suites

Figure 6.5

Magistrate or Bankruptcy Judge’s Resident Chambers Adjacency Relationships

Colors Legend:

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an 

illustration. If a courtroom deputy clerk is provided an 

office in chambers or near chambers, no additional office 

shall be provided in the clerk’s office.

Conference/ 

Reference 

Room

Storage, Fax, Copier, 

Files, and Service Unit

Law Clerk

Coat

Closet

Magistrate or Bankruptcy 

Judge’s Chambers

Reception

Judicial Assistant

Toilet

Vestibule

Symbols Legend:

Restricted Circulation 

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Judges' Chambers Suites | 6-14

Figure 6.6

Sample Plan - Circuit Judge’s Resident Chambers (2060 NSF)

Note: The above figure illustrates a sample layout for a 

chamber suite. The actual design of chambers will vary 

according to the overall design of the courthouse. The 

sample has been provided to illustrate adjacencies and 

relative sizes of spaces.

JUDGE'S 

CHAMBERS

JUDICIAL ASSISTANT 

AND 

RECEPTION 

CLOSET

TOILET

CONFERENCE / 

REFERENCE

LAW CLERK LAW CLERK LAW CLERK 

LAW CLERK 

STORAGE/FAX/FILES

COPIER & SERVICE UNIT 

VESTIBULE
6-15 | Judges' Chambers Suites U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Figure 6.7

Sample Plan - Circuit Judge’s Non-resident Chambers (602 NSF)

Note: The above figure illustrates a sample layout for a 

chambers suite. The actual design of chambers will vary 

according to the overall design of the courthouse. The 

sample has been provided to illustrate adjacencies and 

relative sizes of spaces.

LAW CLERK 

LAW CLERK 

LAW CLERK 

JUDICIAL ASSISTANT 

AND 

RECEPTION 

JUDGE'S 

CHAMBERS

TOILET
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Judges' Chambers Suites | 6-16

Figure 6.8

Sample Plan - District Judge’s Resident Chambers (1670 NSF)

Note: The above figure illustrates a sample layout for a 

chambers suite. The actual design of chambers will vary 

according to the overall design of the courthouse. The 

sample has been provided to illustrate adjacencies and 

relative sizes of spaces.

CONFERENCE / 

REFERENCE

VESTIBULE

JUDICIAL ASSISTANT 

AND 

RECEPTION 

TOILET

JUDGE'S LAW CLERK LAW CLERK CHAMBERS

CLOSET

STORAGE/FAX/FILES

COPIER & SERVICE UNIT 
6-17 | Judges' Chambers Suites U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Figure 6.9

Sample Plan - Magistrate or Bankruptcy Judge’s Resident Chambers (1340 NSF)

Note: The above figure illustrates a sample layout for a 

chambers suite. The actual design of chambers will vary 

according to the overall design of the courthouse. The 

sample has been provided to illustrate adjacencies and 

relative sizes of spaces.

VESTIBULE

TOILET

CLOSET

LAW CLERK 

JUDICIAL ASSISTANT 

AND 

RECEPTION STORAGE/FAX/FILES

COPIER & SERVICE UNIT 

CONFERENCE / 

REFERENCE

JUDGE'S 

CHAMBERS

7-1 U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

COURT LIBRARIES 7 This chapter applies to court libraries, including circuit headquarters, satellite, and unstaffed 

libraries. It describes functions and activities, users and capacities, design requirements, and 

space allocation requirements, and includes adjacency diagrams.

Chapter Topics:

• Supporting Documents

• Programming and Budgetary Notes

• Functions and Activities 

• Users and Capacities 

• Design Requirements 

• Planning Issues

• Space Allotments

• Adjacency and Circulation 

Figure 7.1 Circuit Headquarters Library Adjacency Relationships 

Figure 7.2 Satellite Libraries Adjacency Relationships

Figure 7.3 Unstaffed Libraries Adjacency Relationships

Table 7.1 Space Requirements for Court Libraries 

Chapter Figures and Tables:
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Court Libraries | 7-2

Supporting Documents

A comprehensive guide to supporting documents can be found in Chapter 2, “Courthouse 

Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program and design 

criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information on many 

facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The reference listed below 

relates specifically to this chapter.

• United States Courts, Courthouse Design Reference Manual: An Architect’s Desk 

Reference, most current edition, Chapter 5. 

Programming and Budgetary Notes

Programming and budgetary notes found throughout the Design Guide provide assistance 

with decisions to be made during the development of courthouse projects. The notes 

include both judicial branch policy and lessons learned from completed projects. The 

notes supplement the criteria in the Design Guide; their purpose is to provide direction in 

using the flexibility of the Design Guide to develop justifiable and cost-effective federal 

courthouse projects. 

Space Envelope Flexibility

A total space envelope for new space will be calculated using appropriate circulation 

factors, allowances for support-type spaces, and the space standards described in the 

Design Guide. Courts have the flexibility to configure space within the envelope to meet 

their local needs. However, design and construction should be in general compliance 

with the square footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling 

requirements tables. If the court unit wishes to significantly change the space standards 

described in the space and ceiling requirements tables without exceeding the total envelope 

of space for the unit, it must seek approval from its respective circuit judicial council.

The space envelope for a respective court unit is defined as:

• Entire clerk’s office 

• Entire probation office 

• Entire pretrial services office 

• Entire staff attorney’s office 

• Entire circuit executive’s office 

• All courtrooms designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate 

judges, and bankruptcy judges) 

• All chambers designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate 

judges, and bankruptcy judges)

For existing space, courts have the flexibility to configure space within the existing 

envelope to meet their local needs. However, any significant departure from the square 

footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling requirements 

tables must be approved by the respective circuit judicial council. This does not mean that 

existing space must be changed to meet Design Guide standards. Only new construction 

completed as part of a renovation should be considered. 

Renovations and Alterations (R&A)

Many of the construction projects conducted in the Judiciary are renovations to existing 

space. Although the Design Guide applies to these projects, it is understood that some 

standards in the Design Guide are difficult or impossible to achieve in existing space, 

particularly in historic buildings. Courts should consult Chapter 17, “Renovations and 

Alterations (R&A),” and Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service (GSA 

PBS P-100) for guidance in these circumstances. References to R&A guidelines are also 

included throughout the Design Guide where appropriate.

Exceptions to the Design Guide Standards 

The Design Guide provides guidance on standards for courthouse construction and 

renovations to existing space. Any significant departure from these standards is considered 

an exception and must be approved by the respective authority as outlined below. 

Authority of the Circuit Judicial Councils 

Circuit judicial councils play an important space-management role by reviewing 

district-wide facility plans, approving requests for new or modified space, and enforcing 

adherence to design guidelines. The circuit judicial councils have authority over, and 

responsibility for, a circuit’s space-management program (28 USC §332 and §462(b)) and 

for determining the need for space. As directed by the Judicial Conference of the United 

States (JCUS), any significant departure from the standards in the Design Guide must be 

approved by the respective circuit judicial council. 

Authority of the Committee on Space and Facilities 

The authority to approve the following exceptions to the Design Guide standards rests 

with the Committee on Space and Facilities: (1) exceeding the total envelope for either the 

court unit or the project as a whole, (2) changing the standard configurations for judges’

chambers and courtrooms, and (3) exceeding the plumbing standards. If the Committee 

on Space and Facilities disagrees with a circuit judicial council request for one of these 

exceptions, the Judicial Conference will decide whether to grant the exception. 

Authority of the Judicial Conference

The authority for approving any exception to prospectus-level courthouse projects that 

would result in additional estimated costs, including additional rent payment obligations, 

lies with the Judicial Conference. Approval is required, after review by the Committee 
7-3 | Court Libraries U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

on Space and Facilities, for any exception to the Design Guide approved by a circuit 

judicial council. The request must include (1) a justification for the exception and (2) 

a construction cost estimate. All approved exceptions for prospectus-level projects

are reported to the General Services Administration (GSA) and Congress. Approved 

exceptions may require the project to be reauthorized by Congress if the exception had not 

been previously identified. Contact the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC) 

for more detailed information.

For prospectus-level courthouse projects, if an exception is approved by the JCUS which 

would result in additional estimated costs, the chair of the circuit’s space and facilities 

committee or the chief judge or other judge designated by the court that sought the 

exception that exceeds the Design Guide criteria must be willing, if requested by the 

Committee on Space and Facilities, to appear before Congress concerning funding for 

such construction.

General Programming Notes

The Design Guide is intended to be a performance document. Criteria for any space or 

grouping of spaces should be considered in conjunction with the specific needs of the court 

office or function for which space is being designed. 

Criteria in the Design Guide do not represent space entitlements. The criteria apply to an 

array of space types that should be justified based on the specific purpose of each project. 

Facility plans, programs, and designs should include only the space needed to satisfy the 

functional and security requirements of the court. 

Differences between the space in an existing facility and the criteria in the Design Guide

are not justification for facility alteration and expansion. In such cases, alternatives to 

space expansion are investigated before any additional space is requested. In addition, 

like-for-like space is not a guarantee. Space allocated in an existing location is not 

justification for the same amount of space in a new location if the space allocation is not 

warranted. Current needs should be evaluated when moving into new space to determine 

the appropriate space envelope. Any additional space must be approved by the appropriate 

authority. Design architects and court staff are prohibited from adding spaces not originally 

contemplated in the approved prospectus or design program. Increasing the floor area or 

building volume requires the necessary approvals.

General Budgetary Notes

Renovation and new construction occur when the court and circuit judicial council identify 

space needs through the Judiciary’s asset management planning process and document 

these needs in the long-range facilities plan. GSA determines by what method the space 

is provided—for example, by the construction of a new building, the renovation of an 

existing building, a lease, or other means.

The Judicial Conference recognizes and strongly supports a pragmatic approach to design 

that includes the use of durable and sustainable materials. This approach ensures that 

courthouses constructed now will last well into the future. 

Following the publication of the 2007 Design Guide, the Judiciary introduced several costsaving measures, such as courtroom sharing and the Integrated Workplace Initiative (IWI), 

that sought to provide flexibility and efficiency in court spaces while preserving the dignity 

of the Judiciary. Courtroom sharing for certain judge types is now a standard throughout 

the Judiciary, and IWI is recognized as an alternative to traditional office design. For more 

information on cost- and space-saving efforts and programs, contact the AOUSC Space 

and Facilities Division.

General Space Notes 

Establishing the Size of Libraries 

Specific requirements for court library collections and libraries should be defined by the 

court in consultation with the circuit librarian and the librarian of the specific library that is 

being designed or redesigned. 

The lack of availability/proximity of adequate alternate means for obtaining needed 

materials, such as nearby law library collections and the availability of interlibrary loan 

arrangements, may affect the size of the library.

The size of a court library is determined largely by the size of its collection. Factors that 

influence the size of the library, and which must be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the 

circuit judicial council in order to justify special requirements above guidelines, are listed 

below. These factors are not intended to be used to unreasonably increase the library size 

above the spaces listed in Table 7.1. 

• Research population needs, including the numbers, types, and jurisdictions of judges 

served by the library; the numbers of court staff and public users; the size of the 

library staff; the extent to which chambers law book collections are pooled; the extent 

to which judges served by the library have reduced their chambers collections, and 

thus placed greater reliance on the library collection; and the difficulty and expense of 

using compact shelving and microforms.

• Compact shelving for library collections should be considered where appropriate to 

reduce the size of the library collection space. Floor strengthening may be required 

for high-density or full-height shelving and avoided if low-height shelving is used 

instead.

• The library service needs of active circuit, district, magistrate, and bankruptcy judges 

and their staff, as well as the requirements of judges located outside the courthouse 

within the same city or a designated radius, should be considered.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Court Libraries | 7-4

• Planning should take into account the need for patron/user space, including court 

public patron access policies requiring greater space for public access computers, 

collaborative work areas, and study spaces; the court-approved need for private 

research areas for judges, law clerks, staff attorneys, and court staff; and the lack of 

alternative intern, extern, law clerk, and/or staff attorney research study space.

Preferences for Rectangular Spaces 

Square or rectangular spaces, with minimum columns and partitions, should be designed 

for court libraries.

Cost-Control Issues 

The cost of and space for new or shared court library collections should be partially offset 

by reducing judges’ chambers law book collections. When a shared chambers’ collection is 

planned, reducing or increasing the size of a chambers conference/reference room must be 

approved by the circuit judicial council and shall not exceed the two chambers’ envelopes 

of space.

To reduce unnecessary duplication, the effect of shared chambers law book collections and 

the coordination of court library and chambers collections should be considered. Informal 

sharing among chambers should be encouraged. Adjacent chambers in new courthouse 

designs should be encouraged by providing controlled access to each chambers from a 

shared reference/conference room. This design provides additional flexibility for individual 

judges to share books.

Space for shared chambers law book collections should be deducted from space allocated 

to the chambers suites on a prorated basis. This approach is not considered an exception to 

the space standards in the Design Guide.

The effect on library staffing requirements should be considered when planning court 

libraries located on more than one floor.

There is a preference for naturally lit environments in the book stack areas.

Functions and Activities

Court librarians assist patrons by collecting and organizing legal materials in a court 

library to support the research process. How a library’s electronic and print resources are 

used should be a consideration when designing a library. The court library is not to be 

confused with collections maintained in chambers and other court units’ offices. Central 

libraries are administered by the U.S. Court of Appeals (USCA) and operate autonomously 

from circuit to circuit.

Each circuit requires a circuit headquarters library, with satellite and unstaffed libraries 

provided elsewhere in the circuit as needed in those court locations.

Circuit Headquarters Library

The circuit headquarters library is the hub for the administrative operation of each circuit’s 

library services. The library also typically houses the largest and most complete research 

collection in the circuit.

Administrative and management functions may include space planning, policy 

development, personnel, budgeting, and procurement. The circuit headquarters library has 

specialists and technicians who provide centralized services for the circuit. These services 

may include cataloging; acquisitions for libraries, chambers, and offices; interlibrary loans; 

and in-depth research requiring online expertise.

All these functions require office and work space in addition to the stack areas and patron 

seating typical in any library. Other services and features of circuit headquarters libraries 

include study areas and computer access for judges and staff, as well as photocopy 

equipment.

An integrated library system is available in every library and is administered through the 

headquarters library. The system provides comprehensive library management software, 

including an online public access catalog of holdings in all libraries within the respective 

circuit.

Separate or large public atria, reading rooms, entryways, or other purely ceremonial spaces 

that do not house essential library functions should be avoided. These spaces may be 

developed if the circuit judicial council determines they are necessary and do not cause 

the library space to exceed the total envelope of space. Consideration should be given to 

ensure flexible design for future reconfiguration.
7-5 | Court Libraries U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Satellite Library

Satellite libraries are typically established for any court location with a library (whether 

in the same building or in another location) serving at least 10 judges. It is the role of the 

circuit judicial council to approve the need for and size of a satellite library at a given 

location. The libraries are usually located in district courthouses and are staffed by one 

professional or technical staff person (sometimes part-time). Satellite libraries vary in 

terms of service level and collection size and are staffed based upon the court’s needs 

and number of patrons. The libraries may house shared chambers collections or augment 

chambers collections.

Similar to the circuit headquarters library, satellite libraries include work space for library 

staff, photocopy equipment, and study areas and computer access for judges and staff. 

Additional secure and separate spaces and features may be required if the satellite library 

is available to the public.

As is the case with the circuit headquarters library, separate or large public atria, reading 

rooms, entryways, or other purely ceremonial spaces that do not house essential library 

functions should be avoided. If these spaces are determined by the circuit judicial council to 

be necessary, their inclusion should not cause the library space to exceed the total envelope 

of space. Consideration should be given to ensure flexible design for future reconfiguration.

Unstaffed Library

Unstaffed libraries are created in smaller courthouses if the following conditions apply: 

space is available, judges agree to pool their chambers collections, a group of judges (e.g., 

bankruptcy) has chambers outside the courthouse, and/or central library staffing support is 

not available. Occasionally, an unstaffed library is created in the same building as a circuit 

headquarters or satellite library but located on a different floor.

Users and Capacities

Users vary depending on the size of the courthouse; the type and volume of cases; and the 

number of maintenance staff, service company/agency personnel, and public individuals 

present. For the purposes of certain references in this Design Guide, the following 

designations apply:

A small courthouse has five or fewer courtrooms. 

A medium courthouse has 6-12 courtrooms. 

A large courthouse has 13-18 courtrooms.

An extra-large courthouse has more than 18 courtrooms.

Patrons

• Court personnel who use the libraries primarily include judges, law clerks, staff 

attorneys, circuit and district court executives’ staff, and clerks’ staff.

• Other users may include the general public as well as private attorneys, U.S. attorney 

personnel, and federal public defender personnel.

Library Staff

• Library staff primarily include the circuit librarian; deputy circuit librarian; and 

professional, automation, and technical staff.

• Staffing levels depend upon the size of the collection and the court facility served.

Design Requirements 

Ceiling Height

The ceiling is a designed surface. It may be uniformly flat, or it may have two or more 

planes and include elements such as soffits, perimeter coves, recesses, and reveals as 

required to integrate HVAC and lighting into a harmonious design. An adjustment of a 

ceiling surface may also occur where it meets an exterior curtain wall to accommodate 

different equipment. In situations where there are several different surfaces at different 

heights above the finished floor, there may be different ways of determining which 

one is the dominant plane. Ceiling heights should be measured from the finished floor 

to the dominant surface that either covers the most amount of ceiling square footage, 

or the surface that defines the overall character of the ceiling design. The design team 

should ensure that in all newly constructed spaces the dominant plane of the ceiling 

does not exceed the maximum ceiling height of 10 feet (3,000 mm) above finished 

floor for court libraries and their associated spaces. Dominant planes that exceed this 

maximum height are considered an exception unless the space is in an area envisioned 

for a future courtroom or on a floor with a higher floor-to-floor height. The application of 

this maximum ceiling height in renovation and alteration projects may be dependent on 

limitations of existing conditions.

The ceiling height should be in proportion to the area of the space. If the space is located on 

a floor with a higher floor-to-floor height, the ceiling height of the room may be designed to 

maximize use of available natural light, volume, and window configuration of that space. 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Court Libraries | 7-6

Planning Issues

General

Whenever planning occurs for new libraries, or for relocations or renovations of existing 

libraries or shared collections in a court, it is strongly encouraged that a representative 

from the circuit library committee (if one exists) and the circuit librarian serve on the space 

planning committee. Consideration of disaster preparedness is a valuable factor to include 

in discussion of a library design or redesign.

Circulation/Reference Areas 

The circulation/reference desk area should allow flexibility to accommodate new 

technologies and provide space for computers, printers, copiers, and scanners. The 

circulation/reference desk is required to be up to 20 feet (6,100 mm) long for headquarters 

libraries and up to 12 feet (3,700 mm) long for satellite libraries. Space for returning books 

should include a book cart area. A computer workstation for the online catalog should 

be provided near the circulation/reference area. In Federal Depository Library Program 

(FDLP) libraries, space should be provided for a public access computer workstation near 

the circulation/reference area. A wireless connection to the internet should be considered 

for the court staff patrons and for the public patrons, where IT security concerns allow 

such a connection.

Bookstacks

The area allocated for the collection (stack areas) should be designed as one contiguous 

rectangle to maximize the efficiency of collection shelving space and to enable future 

use of compact shelving where appropriate. Non-square angles and rounded areas are to 

be avoided. When providing such an area is impossible, space allocated to the collection 

should be increased. 

Planning should take into account collection development needs, including the size and 

age of the existing library collection, patterns of collaborative collection development 

among the circuit’s libraries, the degree to which centralization and/or specialization of 

collections is employed to avoid duplication among libraries, the number of states and 

territories within the circuit, the size and complexity of state law collections, and the 

number of related state volumes.

Aisles should be at least 36 inches (925 mm) wide, with 48-inch (1,225-mm) cross aisles 

at the end; each aisle should be no more than seven or eight bookstack units long. A unit 

of shelving is 3 feet wide by seven shelves high. Major traffic aisles should be at least 60 

inches (1,525 mm) wide. Floors should accommodate live loads of at least 150 pounds per 

square foot (PSF), or 7,200 pascals (Pa), for normal stack areas. 

Libraries with collections located on more than one floor should be equipped with 

dumbwaiters large enough to accommodate a library cart or have access to a freight elevator.

Compact shelving for library collections should be considered (when funding is available) 

where appropriate to reduce the size of library collection space and meet the library’s need 

for access. Floors supporting this type of shelving should accommodate live loads of at 

least 300 PSF (14,350 Pa).

The impact of increased automation (e.g., DVD and online materials) on shelf space and 

electronic equipment should be considered.

Archival Storage 

Bookstacks and other space used for the storage of archival material should be planned 

with a particular concern for the effect of lighting and HVAC issues on the preservation 

of archival materials. Refer to Chapter 15, “Building Systems,” and the Archival Storage 

room data sheet for more information regarding requirements for this space.

Court Work Space Requirements 

Work space requirements for judges and staff are influenced by the extent of pooled 

chambers law book collections and the proximity to chambers facilities. Court policies on 

the public use of the library also affect work space requirements.

Study Spaces, Meeting Rooms, and Collaborative Work Spaces

In libraries and unstaffed libraries, group study rooms should have adequate space for 

tables and chairs or study carrels, depending on court needs. To improve flexibility, tables 

may be considered rather than carrels.

Audiovisual Systems

Infrastructure should be considered in study carrels to support access to digital records, 

electronic court recordings, and internet reference materials. In addition, infrastructure to 

support presentations and video conferencing should be considered in meeting rooms.

Periodical Area 

Periodical shelving units, newspaper racks, and magazine displays should be arranged with 

lounge chairs and side tables.

Technical Services Area 

The technical services area should accommodate bookshelf units, worktables, book carts, 

supply cabinets, and file cabinets. In some libraries, staff workstations may be incorporated 

into this space. A built-in counter with a sink should be provided; other furnishings should 
7-7 | Court Libraries U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Court Library Spaces Circuit HQ Libraries Satellite Libraries Unstaffed Libraries

Library Spaces NSF Nm2 NSF Nm2 NSF Nm2

Public Entry/Lobby 200 18.6 100 9.3 - -

Circulation/Reference Desk 500 46.5 200 18.6 - -

Periodical Area 200 18.6 200 18.6 - -

Computer-Assisted Legal Research (CALR) and Library Catalog: Public 292 27.1 96 8.9 - -

Stack Area (9 NSF/21LF Shelves) 5,000 465 1,500 139.5 500 46.5

Study Area/Seating Area 700 65.1 408 37.9 204 19.0

Court Personnel Work Area: Two Staff @ 64 NSF - - - - 128 11.9

Office Spaces NSF Nm2 NSF Nm2 NSF Nm2

Circuit Librarian 240 22.3 - - - -

Circuit Librarian’s Private Restroom1 56 5.2 - - - -

Deputy Circuit Librarian 180 16.7 - - - -

Professional Staff 150 13.9 150 13.9 - -

Technical Staff 100 9.3 100 9.3 - -

Table 7.1

Space Requirements for Court Libraries
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Court Libraries | 7-8

Other Spaces NSF Nm2 NSF Nm2 NSF Nm2

Copier/Scanner: Public 100 9.3 100 3.7 - -

Copier/Scanner: Staff 50 4.6 50 4.6 50 4.6

Microform Area: Public & Staff 

35 NSF (3.3 Nm2)/Machine

15 NSF (1.4 Nm2

)/Cabinet

200 18.6 100 9.3 - -

Supplies/Storage Area 100 9.3 100 9.3 100 9.3

Archival Storage2 - - - - - -

Technical Services Area 400 37.2 200 18.6 - -

Freight Mail Receiving Area (9 NSF/Shelf) 200 18.6 100 9.3 - -

Shelving Area 500 46.5 250 23.2 - -

1 This restroom does figure into the fixture count for the total staff toilet room requirements. If a court unit elects to include this space, the square footage should be offset from within the 

 court unit’s space envelope.

2 Archival storage should be incorporated into a project on a case-by-case basis depending on the local needs. Refer to Chapter 15, “Building Systems,” and the room data sheet for an in-

 depth discussion of the requirements for this space.

Table 7.1

Space Requirements for Court Libraries (cont’d)
7-9 | Court Libraries U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

be movable. Other special equipment, such as copiers, a fax machine, and microform 

reader/printer, may also be located in this area.

Microform Area (Patrons and Staff) 

Carrels with microform readers/printers should be located near microform storage 

cabinets. 

Because allowable live load requirements for microform storage cabinets can reach 500 

PSF (23,950 Pa), equipment selection and location should be coordinated early in the 

planning process.

Copier Area (Patrons and Staff) 

Each copier area contains a copier, a worktable or counter, and supply storage.

Space Allotments

Table 7.1 shows three area allotments because each circuit may have three types of 

libraries. The spaces shown in Table 7.1 for satellite libraries will apply as a limit to all 

new satellite libraries. For circuit headquarters libraries and existing satellite libraries, 

library space requirements are determined by the circuit librarian with the approval of the 

circuit judicial council. The spaces shown in Table 7.1 are intended as a baseline; actual 

spaces are determined by the program of requirements. Refer to Table 7.1 as a guideline 

for specific library space size criteria. Justification for changes to the standard sizes to 

meet the operational needs of the court without exceeding the envelope of space must be 

demonstrated to and approved by the circuit judicial council.

Adjacency and Circulation

All libraries require accessibility from restricted circulation areas, although public access 

can also be required. Libraries should accommodate evening and weekend hours without 

compromising security. Entrances and exits should be located so that library staff can 

monitor them during on-duty hours.

Library Components

Computer-Assisted Legal Research (CALR)

CALR stations should be located where they can be closely monitored by library staff. 

Rooms devoted to CALR training or general training purposes should be considered. 

When such training rooms are created, they should be designed to allow other uses for the 

space with minimal modifications. Examples of this would be a reduced reliance on fixed 

furniture or building features.

Staff Offices 

Library staff offices should be located near entrance and circulation/reference areas. 

Technical staff require workstations in or near the technical services area.

Copier Room (Patrons and Staff) 

The public copier/scanner(s) should be located near the circulation/reference areas. The 

staff copier/scanner should be located near the staff offices and technical services area.

Support Spaces

Areas for supply storage, general storage, mail room, freight staging, and shelving should 

be located near the technical services area. In addition, the freight staging area should be 

conveniently accessible to the building loading dock.

Refer to the adjacency diagrams in Figures 7.1 through 7.3 for additional information 

regarding adjacency and circulation in libraries.

These adjacency diagrams should be interpreted to respond to the specific space and 

ceiling requirements for the circuit headquarters, satellite, and unstaffed libraries as 

determined by the court and circuit librarian and approved by the circuit judicial council. 

The number of spaces shown on the adjacency diagrams is for illustrative purposes only; 

the building program determines the actual number of spaces required for a specific 

facility. The design team should refer to Chapter 3, “Planning for U.S. Courthouses,” for 

circulation factors. 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Court Libraries | 7-10

Figure 7.1

Circuit Headquarters Library Adjacency Relationships

Colors Legend:

Chapter 7

Court Libraries 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration.

Stack Area

Microform

Area

Archives

Public 

CALR

Freight 

Receiving + Mail

Public Copier

Circuit 

Librarian

Deputy 

Circuit 

Librarian

Public 

Entry/ 

Lobby

Supplies Storage + 

Shelving Area

Copier

Periodical Area

Technical Services 

Area

Circulation/ 

Reference Desk

Prof

Staff

Prof

Staff

Prof

Staff

Study Seating

Technical Staff

Symbols Legend:

Public Vertical Circulation

Public Circulation

Restricted Circulation 

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Service Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point
7-11 | Court Libraries U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Figure 7.2

Satellite Libraries Adjacency Relationships

Colors Legend:

Chapter 7

Court Libraries 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration.

Stack Area

Microform

Area

Public 

CALR

Freight 

Receiving + 

Mail

Copier

Public 

Copier

Public 

Entry/ 

Lobby

Supplies Storage + 

Shelving Area

Supplies 

Storage

Periodical Area

Technical Services 

Area

Circulation/ 

Reference Desk

Prof

Staff

Study Tables & 

Carrels

Symbols Legend:

Public Vertical Circulation

Public Circulation

Restricted Circulation 

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Service Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Court Libraries | 7-12

Figure 7.3

Unstaffed Libraries Adjacency Relationships

Colors Legend:

Chapter 7

Court Libraries 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration.

Stack Area

CALR

Copier

Storage Area

Periodical Area Court 

Personnel 

Work Area

Study Tables & 

Carrels

Symbols Legend:

Public Vertical Circulation

Public Circulation

Restricted Circulation 

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Service Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point
8-1 U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021

CLERK’S OFFICE

This chapter applies to the clerks’ offices of the U.S. Court of Appeals (USCA), the U.S. District 

Court (USDC), and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court (USBC). It describes functions and activities, 

users and capacities, design requirements, and space allocation requirements. It also includes 

adjacency diagrams.

Chapter Topics:

8 • Supporting Documents

• Programming and Budgetary Notes

• Functions and Activities

• Users and Capacities

• Design Requirements

• Adjacency and Circulation

Figure 8.1 Court of Appeals Clerk’s Office Adjacency Relationships

Figure 8.2 District and Bankruptcy Clerks’ Offices Adjacency Relationships

Table 8.1 Space Requirements for the Clerk’s Office

Chapter Figures and Tables:
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Clerk's Office | 8-2

Supporting Documents

A comprehensive guide to supporting documents can be found in Chapter 2, “Courthouse 

Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program and design 

criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information on many 

facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The reference listed below 

relates specifically to this chapter. 

• United States Courts, Courthouse Design Reference Manual: An Architect’s Desk 

Reference, most current edition, Chapter 9.

Programming and Budgetary Notes

Programming and budgetary notes found throughout the Design Guide provide assistance 

with decisions to be made during the development of courthouse projects. The notes 

include both judicial branch policy and lessons learned from completed projects. The 

notes supplement the criteria in the Design Guide; their purpose is to provide direction in 

using the flexibility of the Design Guide to develop justifiable and cost-effective federal 

courthouse projects. 

Space Envelope Flexibility

A total space envelope for new space will be calculated using appropriate circulation 

factors, allowances for support-type spaces, and the space standards described in the 

Design Guide. Courts have the flexibility to configure space within the envelope to meet 

their local needs. However, design and construction should be in general compliance 

with the square footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling 

requirements tables. If the court unit wishes to significantly change the space standards 

described in the space and ceiling requirements tables without exceeding the total envelope 

of space for the unit, it must seek approval from its respective circuit judicial council.

The space envelope for a respective court unit is defined as:

• Entire clerk’s office 

• Entire probation office 

• Entire pretrial services office 

• Entire staff attorney’s office 

• Entire circuit executive’s office 

• All courtrooms designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate 

judges, and bankruptcy judges) 

• All chambers designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate 

judges, and bankruptcy judges)

For existing space, courts have the flexibility to configure space within the existing 

envelope to meet their local needs. However, any significant departure from the square 

footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling requirements 

tables must be approved by the respective circuit judicial council. This does not mean that 

existing space must be changed to meet Design Guide standards. Only new construction 

completed as part of a renovation should be considered. 

Renovations and Alterations (R&A)

Many of the construction projects conducted in the Judiciary are renovations to existing 

space. Although the Design Guide applies to these projects, it is understood that some 

standards in the Design Guide are difficult or impossible to achieve in existing space, 

particularly in historic buildings. Courts should consult Chapter 17, “Renovations and 

Alterations (R&A),” and Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service (GSA 

PBS P-100) for guidance in these circumstances. References to R&A guidelines are also 

included throughout the Design Guide where appropriate.

Exceptions to the Design Guide Standards 

The Design Guide provides guidance on standards for courthouse construction and 

renovations to existing space. Any significant departure from these standards is considered 

an exception and must be approved by the respective authority as outlined below. 

Authority of the Circuit Judicial Councils 

Circuit judicial councils play an important space-management role by reviewing 

district-wide facility plans, approving requests for new or modified space, and enforcing 

adherence to design guidelines. The circuit judicial councils have authority over, and 

responsibility for, a circuit’s space-management program (28 USC §332 and §462(b)) and 

for determining the need for space. As directed by the Judicial Conference of the United 

States (JCUS), any significant departure from the standards in the Design Guide must be 

approved by the respective circuit judicial council. 

Authority of the Committee on Space and Facilities 

The authority to approve the following exceptions to the Design Guide standards rests 

with the Committee on Space and Facilities: (1) exceeding the total envelope for either the 

court unit or the project as a whole, (2) changing the standard configurations for judges’

chambers and courtrooms, and (3) exceeding the plumbing standards. If the Committee 

on Space and Facilities disagrees with a circuit judicial council request for one of these 

exceptions, the Judicial Conference will decide whether to grant the exception. 

Authority of the Judicial Conference

The authority for approving any exception to prospectus-level courthouse projects that 

would result in additional estimated costs, including additional rent payment obligations, 

lies with the Judicial Conference. Approval is required, after review by the Committee 
8-3 | Clerk's Office U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

on Space and Facilities, for any exception to the Design Guide approved by a circuit 

judicial council. The request must include (1) a justification for the exception and (2) 

a construction cost estimate. All approved exceptions for prospectus-level projects

are reported to the General Services Administration (GSA) and Congress. Approved 

exceptions may require the project to be reauthorized by Congress if the exception had not 

been previously identified. Contact the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC) 

for more detailed information.

For prospectus-level courthouse projects, if an exception is approved by the JCUS which 

would result in additional estimated costs, the chair of the circuit’s space and facilities 

committee or the chief judge or other judge designated by the court that sought the 

exception that exceeds the Design Guide criteria must be willing, if requested by the 

Committee on Space and Facilities, to appear before Congress concerning funding for 

such construction.

General Programming Notes

The Design Guide is intended to be a performance document. Criteria for any space or 

grouping of spaces should be considered in conjunction with the specific needs of the court 

office or function for which space is being designed. 

Criteria in the Design Guide do not represent space entitlements. The criteria apply to an 

array of space types that should be justified based on the specific purpose of each project. 

Facility plans, programs, and designs should include only the space needed to satisfy the 

functional and security requirements of the court. 

Differences between the space in an existing facility and the criteria in the Design Guide

are not justification for facility alteration and expansion. In such cases, alternatives to 

space expansion are investigated before any additional space is requested. In addition, 

like-for-like space is not a guarantee. Space allocated in an existing location is not 

justification for the same amount of space in a new location if the space allocation is not 

warranted. Current needs should be evaluated when moving into new space to determine 

the appropriate space envelope. Any additional space must be approved by the appropriate 

authority. Design architects and court staff are prohibited from adding spaces not originally 

contemplated in the approved prospectus or design program. Increasing the floor area or 

building volume requires the necessary approvals.

General Budgetary Notes

Renovation and new construction occur when the court and circuit judicial council identify 

space needs through the Judiciary’s asset management planning process and document 

these needs in the long-range facilities plan. GSA determines by what method the space 

is provided—for example, by the construction of a new building, the renovation of an 

existing building, a lease, or other means.

The Judicial Conference recognizes and strongly supports a pragmatic approach to design 

that includes the use of durable and sustainable materials. This approach ensures that 

courthouses constructed now will last well into the future. 

Following the publication of the 2007 Design Guide, the Judiciary introduced several costsaving measures, such as courtroom sharing and the Integrated Workplace Initiative (IWI), 

that sought to provide flexibility and efficiency in court spaces while preserving the dignity 

of the Judiciary. Courtroom sharing for certain judge types is now a standard throughout 

the Judiciary, and IWI is recognized as an alternative to traditional office design. For more 

information on cost- and space-saving efforts and programs, contact the AOUSC Space 

and Facilities Division.

General Space Notes

Space Standards for Clerk’s Office Personnel

Space standards in the Design Guide for clerk’s office personnel should be allocated 

according to benchmark occupational groups described in the Judiciary’s Human Resources 

Manual and the clerk’s office space requirements table, Tables 8.1, in this chapter. 

Shared Spaces

Any decision to share various space areas should be left to the discretion of the courts and 

court units; the design team should consult with the courts and AOUSC. The sharing of 

various space areas between different courts and units should be considered when courts are 

collocated in the same building, but only when doing so would be practical and economical 

and would not compromise functional ability. This includes shared space with the U.S. 

Marshals Service (USMS) and federal public defender. A court should consult with the 

circuit judicial council and the AOUSC prior to making any decision or agreement.

Conference and Training Spaces

Conference and training rooms in the clerk’s office should accommodate the number 

of managers and first-line supervisors. Refer to the clerk’s office space requirements 

for specific size criteria. Requirements for larger conference and training spaces should 

be accommodated in shared conference/training rooms or multi-use spaces within the 

courthouse. Courts which require conference rooms with more square footage than allotted 

in the clerk’s office space requirements table, Tables 8.1, may configure space to meet the 

court’s needs within the given space envelope. Courts should reference strategies outlined 

in Chapter 18, “Alternative Workplace Strategies,” when determining their local conference 

room needs. However, any significant departure from the standards and strategies provided 

in this chapter and Chapter 18 must be approved by the circuit judicial council. 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Clerk's Office | 8-4

Staff Toilet Rooms and Breakrooms

Staff toilets are provided for security reasons and to ensure there is no inappropriate 

staff contact with attorneys, parties, or other case participants that might compromise the 

judicial process.

The staff toilets and breakrooms should be located within restricted circulation on floors 

with court-related offices. For courthouses housing more than one court unit, the design 

team should consider a shared staff breakroom. If separate staff toilets are necessary, the 

total number of staff toilets will be determined during design utilizing the most current 

edition of the International Plumbing Code. Plumbing fixtures required to serve a given 

floor shall be proportionally split between the staff and public occupant loads. Consult 

with the AOUSC for more detailed information.

Functions and Activities

A clerk’s office receives documents and filing fees from attorneys; maintains case 

dockets and court calendars; distributes court directives, including notices, subpoenas, 

and summonses; responds to public inquiries; and serves as a central source of public 

information for the court. In addition, each clerk’s office performs the specialized 

functions required by the particular court it serves. For example, the USDC clerk’s 

office is responsible for processing petit and grand jurors and coordinating naturalization 

ceremonies. Additionally, each clerk’s office performs substantial administrative functions 

to support the court, which include finance and budget, procurement, facilities, information 

technology, human resources, and training.

The level and type of activity at the clerk’s public intake counter varies greatly with the 

type of court served. The appellate courts differ significantly from the other two types 

of courts in terms of the nature of the cases heard. The USCA clerk’s office continues to 

manage a high volume of paper case filings and may also provide public reception services 

for the staff attorney’s office. Most business is conducted by mail. Public traffic volume 

is generally low except on hearing days, when attorney traffic can be relatively high. 

The USDC and USBC clerks’ offices generally experience peaks of public traffic at the 

counter in the early morning and afternoon, with a constant but moderate stream of traffic 

throughout the remainder of the day. However, with the implementation of electronic case 

filing, public traffic at the counter is decreasing. Additional space may be required behind 

the counter for additional monitors, printers, scanners, and other types of office equipment. 

A large clerk’s office can establish a separate counter to accommodate various activities, 

such as pro se filings. The space and operational needs required to accommodate pro se 

litigants is unique to each court and additional space may be accommodated within the 

court’s space envelope with the appropriate circuit judicial council approval of the space 

requirements.

Due to electronic case filing, the USDC and USBC clerks’ offices no longer experience 

a large volume of public visitors but do require larger spaces for the public to access 

documents at a computer access station, either in the public area or the records 

examination area. Spaces are provided for the public to view, print, and/or scan documents. 

Users and Capacities

Users vary depending on the size of the courthouse; the type and volume of cases; and the 

number of maintenance staff, service company/agency personnel, and public individuals 

present. For the purposes of certain references in this Design Guide, the following 

designations apply:

A small courthouse has five or fewer courtrooms. 

A medium courthouse has 6-12 courtrooms. 

A large courthouse has 13-18 courtrooms.

An extra-large courthouse has more than 18 courtrooms.

U.S. Court of Appeals Clerk’s Office

User capacity varies depending upon the number of USCA clerk’s office staff, circuit 

judges and support staff, other USCA staff (e.g., staff attorneys), private and government 

attorneys, legal messenger services, news media representatives, and the general public.

U.S. District Court Clerk’s Office

User capacity varies depending upon the number of USDC clerk’s office staff; district 

judges, magistrate judges, and support staff; court reporters/recorders; private and 

government attorneys; legal messenger services and other attorney support services; 

title companies and other private concerns researching court records; news media 

representatives; pro se litigants; and the general public.

U.S. Bankruptcy Court Clerk’s Office

User capacity varies depending upon the number of USBC clerk’s office staff, bankruptcy 

judges and support staff, bankruptcy administrator staff (where applicable), court reporters/

recorders, U.S. Trustee staff, private and government attorneys, legal messenger services 

and other attorney support services, title companies and other private concerns researching 

court records, private copying vendors, news media representatives, pro se litigants, and 

the general public.
8-5 | Clerk's Office U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Design Requirements

The design requirements for the clerk’s office outlined in this chapter is detailed in the 

following information. Specific space requirements can be found in Table 8.1 and the room 

data sheets.

Ceiling Height

The ceiling is a designed surface. It may be uniformly flat, or it may have two or more 

planes and include elements such as soffits, perimeter coves, recesses, and reveals as 

required to integrate HVAC and lighting into a harmonious design. An adjustment of a 

ceiling surface may also occur where it meets an exterior curtain wall to accommodate 

different equipment. In situations where there are several different surfaces at different 

heights above the finished floor, there may be different ways of determining which one 

is the dominant plane. Ceiling heights should be measured from the finished floor to the 

dominant surface that either covers the most amount of ceiling square footage, or the 

surface that defines the overall character of the ceiling design. The design team should 

ensure that in all newly constructed spaces the dominant plane of the ceiling does not 

exceed the maximum ceiling height of 12 feet (3,660 mm) above finished floor for the 

clerk’s office and associated spaces. Dominant planes that exceed this maximum height are 

considered an exception unless the space is in an area envisioned for a future courtroom 

or on a floor with a higher floor-to-floor height. The application of this maximum ceiling 

height in renovation and alteration projects may be dependent on limitations of existing 

conditions.

The ceiling height should be in proportion to the area of the space. If the space is located 

on a floor with a higher floor-to-floor height, the ceiling height of the room may be 

designed to maximize use of available natural light, volume, and window configuration 

of that space. 

Public Counter

A reception counter is provided with counter-to-ceiling break-resistant glazing. For the 

counter, a durable work surface 26-30 inches deep at stand-up height with a divider to 

the floor below should be provided. It is recommended that the counter extend 12 inches 

on the public side of the partition. The counter should accommodate a computer monitor, 

keyboard, and mouse on the staff side. The counter should accommodate a document-sized 

deal tray transaction opening for each station provided.

Information Technology (IT) Support Spaces

As technology continues to become more prevalent in courthouses, demand for additional 

IT support has grown exponentially. Specific IT space requirements are often overlooked 

and retroactively incorporated into the clerk’s office space envelope since IT is often under 

the purview of the clerk of court. IT staff and services are often shared among different 

court units, so it is becoming more frequent for IT to report to a separate, shared support 

court unit.

Mail Room 

Requirements for the central mail facilities are provided in Chapter 11, “Shared Support 

Spaces.” Within the clerk’s office, a space is required for the sorting and distribution of 

mail after it has been opened in and delivered from the central mail facility. 

Acoustics

The public counter area should be acoustically separate from adjacent open work areas. 

Acoustic requirements are provided in Chapter 14, “Acoustics.”

Video

Audiovisual requirements are provided in Chapter 15, “Building Systems.”
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Clerk's Office | 8-6

General Office Spaces NSF Nm2

Facility Access Card Identification (FAC ID) Room 120 11.2

Secured Records Storage, per shelf unit 9 0.9

Active Records Storage, per shelf unit 9 0.9

Inactive Records Storage, per shelf unit 9 0.9

Transfer Box Storage 50 4.7

Work Area2 195 18.1

Supplies (min/max) 150/300 14.0/27.9

Forms Storage 150 14.0

Equipment Storage (min/max) 150/300 14.0/27.9

Financial Vault 150 14.0

Low Volume Copier Area (per copier) 50 4.7

Medium Volume Copier Area (per copier) 80 7.4

High Volume Copier Area (per copier) 120 11.2

Conference Room (fewer than 20 occupants) 300 27.9

Conference Room (20 or more occupants) 400 37.2

Computer Training Room

Small/Medium Courthouse (12 or fewer courtrooms) 200 18.6

Large Courthouse (13 or more courtrooms) 300 27.9

Printer/Copier/Fax Area 60 5.6

Evidence Vault (min/max) 80/150 7.4/14.0

Shredder 25 2.3

Staff Breakroom3

 (min/max) 200/600 18.6/55.8

Staff Toilets4 - -

Exhibit Storage Room 100 9.3

Coat Closets 20 1.9

Court of Appeals Clerks’ Offices

Private Offices NSF Nm2

Clerk 240 22.3

Clerk’s Private Restroom1 56 5.2

Clerk of Court Visiting Office 150 14.0

Chief Deputy Clerk 180 16.7

Manager 180 16.7

Professional Administrative and Line Positions 150 14.0

Attorney 150 14.0

Open Workstations NSF Nm2

Executive Secretary/Reception Area 170 15.8

Operational and Administrative First-Line Supervisor 96 8.9

Operational and Administrative Court Support Positions 64 5.6

Counter and Cashier Workstation 45 4.2

Public Areas NSF Nm2

Queuing/Work Areas 105 9.8

Public Counter (including cashier stations)/per person 5 LF 1.52 Lm

Accessory Stand-up Work Counter/per person 25 2.3

Plus Open Area 100 9.3

Public Pay Printer/Copier/Scanner 100 9.3

Records Exam Area/per person 25 2.3

Plus Open Area 125 11.6

Public Access Computer Station 35 3.3

Table 8.1

Space Requirements for the Clerk’s Office
8-7

| Clerk's Office U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Mail Work Area 100 9.3

Safe 20 1.9

District and Bankruptcy Clerks’ Offices

Private Offices NSF Nm

2

Clerk 240 22.3

Clerk’s Private Restroom

1 56 5.2

Clerk of Court Visiting Office 150 14.0

Chief Deputy Clerk 180 16.7

Deputy Clerk in Charge 180 16.7

First-Line Supervisors 180 16.7

Manager 180 16.7

Professional Administrative and Line Positions 150 14.0

Courtroom Deputy

5 150 14.0

Pro se Law Clerk/Staff Attorney 150 14.0

Open Workstations NSF Nm

2

Executive Secretary/Reception Area 170 15.8

Operational and Administrative Support First-Line 

Supervisor 96 8.9

Deputy Clerk 64 5.6

Public Areas NSF Nm

2

Public Counter and Clerk Workstation, Including 

Cashier Stations

Small Courthouse (five or fewer courtrooms)

10 LF of Counter Space @ 10 ft depth 100 9.3

Medium Courthouse (6-12 courtrooms)

15 LF of Counter Space @ 10 ft depth 150 14.0

Large Courthouse (13 or more courtrooms)

25 LF of Counter Space @ 10 ft depth 250 18.6

Public Scanning Workstation, and Public Pay Copier 

(PACER Workstation)

Small Courthouse (five or fewer courtrooms)

Two Open Workstations at 64 NSF (51.1 Nm

2

)

Plus Open Area

128

110

11.8

10.2

Medium Courthouse (6-12 courtrooms)

Three Open Workstations at 64 NSF (51.1 Nm

2

)

Plus Open Area

192

110

17.7

10.2

Large Courthouse (13 or more courtrooms)

Five Open Workstations at 64 NSF (51.1 Nm

2

)

Plus Open Area

320

110

29.5

10.2

Records Exam Area

Small Courthouse (five or fewer courtrooms) 100 9.3

Medium Courthouse (6-12 courtrooms) 150 14.0

Large Courthouse (13 or more courtrooms) 180 16.7

Public Access Computer Station 35 3.3

Queuing Area

Small Courthouse (five or fewer courtrooms) 100 9.3

Medium Courthouse (6-12 courtrooms) 150 14.0

Large Courthouse (13 or more courtrooms) 180 16.7

General Office Spaces NSF Nm

2

Facility Access Card Identification (FAC ID) Room 120 11.2

Secured Records Storage, per shelf unit9 0.9

Active Records Storage, per shelf unit9 0.9

Inactive Records Storage, per shelf unit9 0.9

Transfer Box Storage 50 4.7

Work Area

2 195 18.1

Supplies (min/max) 50/100 4.7/9.3

Equipment Storage (min/max) 50/150 4.7/14.0
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Clerk's Office | 8-8

Financial Vault 150 14.0

Low Volume Copier Area (per copier) 50 4.7

Medium Volume Copier Area (per copier) 80 7.4

High Volume Copier Area (per copier) 120 11.2

Conference Room (fewer than 20 occupants) 300 27.9

Conference Room (20 or more occupants) 400 37.2

Computer Training Room (min/max) 200/300 18.6/27.9

Printer/Copier/Fax Area 60 5.6

Evidence Vault (min/max) 80/150 7.4/14.0

Shredder 25 2.3

Staff Breakroom3 (min/max) 200/600 18.6/55.8

Staff Toilets4 - -

Exhibit Storage Room 100 9.3

Coat Closets 20 1.9

Mail Work Area 100 9.3

Safe 20 1.9

Information Technology (IT)

Support Spaces NSF Nm2

IT Workroom

Small Courthouse (five or fewer courtrooms) 100 9.3

Medium Courthouse (6-12 courtrooms) 200 18.6

Large Courthouse (13-18 courtrooms) 250 23.2

Extra-Large Courthouse (more than 18 courtrooms) 300 27.9

1

 This restroom does figure into the fixture count for the total staff toilet room 

 requirements. If a court unit elects to include this space, the square footage should be 

 offset from within the court unit’s space envelope.

2

 Space allowance for work area: 15 NSF (1.4Nm2) per staff member. Minimum area is 

 195 NSF (18.1 Nm2) 3

 Area requirements for staff breakroom: Allocate 25 NSF (2.3 Nm2) for every three staff 

 members plus 20 NSF (1.9 Nm2) for a service unit. The minimum staff breakroom is to 

 be 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2

), and the maximum staff lounge is to be 600 NSF (55.8 Nm2). 4

 Total staff toilet requirements are to be determined in design by the International 

 Plumbing Code, most current edition. Plumbing fixtures required to serve a given floor 

 should be proportionally split between the staff and public occupant loads. 

5

 If not included in chamber.

Staging/ Processing Area

Small Courthouse (five or fewer courtrooms) 120 11.1

Medium Courthouse (6-12 courtrooms) 300 27.9

Large Courthouse (13-18 courtrooms) 400 37.2

Extra-Large Courthouse (more than 18 courtrooms) 500 46.5

Equipment Storage

Small Courthouse (five or fewer courtrooms) 150 13.9

Medium Courthouse (6-12 courtrooms) 250 23.2

Large Courthouse (13-18 courtrooms) 550 51.1

Extra-Large Courthouse (more than 18 courtrooms) 700 65.0

Supply Storage

Small Courthouse (five or fewer courtrooms) 100 9.3

Medium Courthouse (6-12 courtrooms) 200 18.6

Large Courthouse (13-18 courtrooms) 400 37.2

Extra-Large Courthouse (more than 18 courtrooms) 600 55.7
8-9 | Clerk's Office U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Adjacency and Circulation

Convenient and direct circulation should be provided for all clerks’ offices due to the 

potential volume of public traffic (Figures 8.1 and 8.2). Clerk’s office and court staff 

should have quick and convenient restricted access to and from each courtroom and 

chambers. Additionally, district clerk’s office staff should have convenient restricted access 

to and from the jury assembly area.

The number of spaces shown on the adjacency diagrams (Figures 8.1 and 8.2) is for 

illustrative purposes only; the actual number of spaces required for a specific facility is 

determined in the project AnyCourt program. 

The design team should refer to Chapter 3, “Planning for U.S. Courthouses,” for 

circulation factors.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Clerk's Office | 8-10

Figure 8.1

Court of Appeals Clerk’s Office Adjacency Relationships

Colors Legend:

Chapter 8

Clerk’s Office

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration.

Private 

Private Office

Offices

Private 

Office

Private 

Office

Computer

Equipment 

Mail

Work

Area

Forms

Equipment

Storage

Equipment

Storage

Shredder

Fax Financial

Vault

Financial

Safe

Coats

Secretary

Conference

Clerk

Counter 

Workstation

Open 

Clerical

Public Counter 

(Pro Se)

Open Copier Supervisor

Shared

Printer

Open 

Clerical

Med.

Vol.

Copiers

Secured 

Record 

Storage

Exhibit

Storage

Evidence 

Vault

High Vol.

Copiers

Work

Area

Active 

Records

Storage

Inactive

Records

Storage

Counter 

Workstation

Public Counter

Public

Queuing

Public Work Counter

Computer/Fax/Copier

Public 

Record 

Exam

Public

Pay 

Copier

Symbols Legend:

Public Vertical Circulation

Public Circulation

Restricted Circulation

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Secure Circulation

Secure Vertical Circulation

Service Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point
8-11 | Clerk's Office U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Chapter 8

Clerk’s Office

Figure 8.2

District and Bankruptcy Clerks’ Offices Adjacency Relationships

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration.

Colors Legend:

Private 

Offices

Private 

Office

Private 

Office

Computer/

Training 

Mail

Work

Area

Equipment

Storage

Equipment

Storage

Shredder

Fax Financial 

Vault

Chief 

Deputy 

Clerk

Safe

Coats

Secretary

Conference

Clerk

Counter 

Workstation

Open 

Clerical

Public Counter

(Pro Se)

Open

Supervisor Copier

Shared

Printer

Open 

Clerical

Med.

Vol.

Copiers

Secured 

Record

Storage

Exhibit

Storage

Evidence 

Vault

High Vol.

Copiers

Work

Area

Active 

Records

Storage

Inactive

Records

Storage

Counter 

Workstation

Public Counter

Public

Queuing

Public Pay 

Copier/Fax

Public 

Record 

Exam

Public

Scanning

Workstation

Transfer

Box Stor.

Courtroom 

Deputy 

Clerk

Symbols Legend:

Public Vertical Circulation

Public Circulation

Restricted Circulation

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Secure Circulation

Secure Vertical Circulation

Service Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point

9-1 U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

PROBATION AND PRETRIAL 

SERVICES OFFICES 9 This chapter applies to the U.S. Pretrial Services Office and the U.S. Probation Office, which are 

components of the U.S. District Court. In some courts the offices function independently of each 

other, and in other courts they are a combined unit. This chapter describes their functions and 

activities, users and capacities, design requirements, and space allocation requirements, and 

contains adjacency diagrams.

Chapter Topics:

• Introduction

• Supporting Documents

• Programming and Budgetary Notes

• Functions and Activities 

• Users and Capacities

• Design Requirements 

• Adjacency and Circulation 

Figure 9.1 Probation and Pretrial Services Offices Adjacency Relationships 

Table 9.1 Space Requirements for Probation and Pretrial Services Offices

Chapter Figures and Tables:
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Probation and Pretrial Services Offices | 9-2

Introduction

The primary mission of the U.S. Pretrial Services Office (PSO) and the U.S. Probation 

Office (PO) is essentially the same, which is to provide the court with thorough, verified 

information on individuals to enable informed release or detention decisions. The PSO 

and PO both supervise persons released into their custody, reasonably ensure community 

safety, and investigate and supervise persons referred to diversion programs. Their goal is 

also essentially the same, which is the successful completion of the term of supervision, 

during which an individual commits no new crimes, is held accountable for his or her 

actions and responsibilities toward others, and prepares for continued success through 

improvements in his or her conduct and condition. The main difference between the PSO 

and the PO is the time period when each is engaged with an individual, with the transfer of 

responsibility from the PSO to the PO coming at the time the defendant has been convicted 

of a crime. Because of their shared mission, the PO and PSO are often collocated into one 

office space.

Main and satellite offices for the PSO and PO provide a unique opportunity to apply 

alternative workplace strategies (AWS) because these departments employ a workforce 

that travels frequently to conduct fieldwork. Because of the high amount of teleworking 

and fieldwork, it is highly recommended that PSO and PO workplaces consider AWS to 

improve collaboration and operational efficiency. When implementing an AWS workplace, 

the stakeholders determine the degree of implementation based on the nature of the work 

being conducted and on the regional and office culture. In order to best facilitate this 

process, it is important that consideration for AWS be discussed at the very beginning of 

the project. For more information regarding the implementation of AWS, refer to Chapter 

18, “Alternative Workplace Strategies.”

Supporting Documents

A comprehensive guide to supporting documents can be found in Chapter 2, “Courthouse 

Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program and design 

criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information on many 

facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The reference listed below 

relates specifically to this chapter.

• United States Courts, Courthouse Design Reference Manual: An Architect’s Desk 

Reference, most current edition, Chapter 10. 

Programming and Budgetary Notes

Programming and budgetary notes found throughout the Design Guide provide assistance 

with decisions to be made during the development of courthouse projects. The notes 

include both judicial branch policy and lessons learned from completed projects. The 

notes supplement the criteria in the Design Guide; their purpose is to provide direction in 

using the flexibility of the Design Guide to develop justifiable and cost-effective federal 

courthouse projects. 

Space Envelope Flexibility

A total space envelope for new space will be calculated using appropriate circulation 

factors, allowances for support-type spaces, and the space standards described in the 

Design Guide. Courts have the flexibility to configure space within the envelope to meet 

their local needs. However, design and construction should be in general compliance 

with the square footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling 

requirements tables. If the court unit wishes to significantly change the space standards 

described in the space and ceiling requirements tables without exceeding the total envelope 

of space for the unit, it must seek approval from its respective circuit judicial council.

The space envelope for a respective court unit is defined as:

• Entire clerk’s office 

• Entire probation office 

• Entire pretrial services office 

• Entire staff attorney’s office 

• Entire circuit executive’s office 

• All courtrooms designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate 

judges, and bankruptcy judges) 

• All chambers designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate 

judges, and bankruptcy judges)

For existing space, courts have the flexibility to configure space within the existing 

envelope to meet their local needs. However, any significant departure from the square 

footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling requirements 

tables must be approved by the respective circuit judicial council. This does not mean that 

existing space must be changed to meet Design Guide standards. Only new construction 

completed as part of a renovation should be considered. 

Renovations and Alterations (R&A)

Many of the construction projects conducted in the Judiciary are renovations to existing 

space. Although the Design Guide applies to these projects, it is understood that some 

standards in the Design Guide are difficult or impossible to achieve in existing space, 

particularly in historic buildings. Courts should consult Chapter 17, “Renovations and 
9-3 | Probation and Pretrial Services Offices U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Alterations (R&A),” and Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service (GSA 

PBS P-100) for guidance in these circumstances. References to R&A guidelines are also 

included throughout the Design Guide where appropriate.

Exceptions to the Design Guide Standards 

The Design Guide provides guidance on standards for courthouse construction and 

renovations to existing space. Any significant departure from these standards is considered 

an exception and must be approved by the respective authority as outlined below. 

Authority of the Circuit Judicial Councils 

Circuit judicial councils play an important space-management role by reviewing 

district-wide facility plans, approving requests for new or modified space, and enforcing 

adherence to design guidelines. The circuit judicial councils have authority over, and 

responsibility for, a circuit’s space-management program (28 USC §332 and §462(b)) and 

for determining the need for space. As directed by the Judicial Conference of the United 

States (JCUS), any significant departure from the standards in the Design Guide must be 

approved by the respective circuit judicial council. 

Authority of the Committee on Space and Facilities 

The authority to approve the following exceptions to the Design Guide standards rests 

with the Committee on Space and Facilities: (1) exceeding the total envelope for either the 

court unit or the project as a whole, (2) changing the standard configurations for judges’

chambers and courtrooms, and (3) exceeding the plumbing standards. If the Committee 

on Space and Facilities disagrees with a circuit judicial council request for one of these 

exceptions, the Judicial Conference will decide whether to grant the exception. 

Authority of the Judicial Conference

The authority for approving any exception to prospectus-level courthouse projects that 

would result in additional estimated costs, including additional rent payment obligations, 

lies with the Judicial Conference. Approval is required, after review by the Committee 

on Space and Facilities, for any exception to the Design Guide approved by a circuit 

judicial council. The request must include (1) a justification for the exception and (2) 

a construction cost estimate. All approved exceptions for prospectus-level projects

are reported to the General Services Administration (GSA) and Congress. Approved 

exceptions may require the project to be reauthorized by Congress if the exception had not 

been previously identified. Contact the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC) 

for more detailed information.

For prospectus-level courthouse projects, if an exception is approved by the JCUS which 

would result in additional estimated costs, the chair of the circuit’s space and facilities 

committee or the chief judge or other judge designated by the court that sought the 

exception that exceeds the Design Guide criteria must be willing, if requested by the 

Committee on Space and Facilities, to appear before Congress concerning funding for 

such construction.

General Programming Notes

The Design Guide is intended to be a performance document. Criteria for any space or 

grouping of spaces should be considered in conjunction with the specific needs of the court 

office or function for which space is being designed. 

Criteria in the Design Guide do not represent space entitlements. The criteria apply to an 

array of space types that should be justified based on the specific purpose of each project. 

Facility plans, programs, and designs should include only the space needed to satisfy the 

functional and security requirements of the court. 

Differences between the space in an existing facility and the criteria in the Design Guide

are not justification for facility alteration and expansion. In such cases, alternatives to 

space expansion are investigated before any additional space is requested. In addition, 

like-for-like space is not a guarantee. Space allocated in an existing location is not 

justification for the same amount of space in a new location if the space allocation is not 

warranted. Current needs should be evaluated when moving into new space to determine 

the appropriate space envelope. Any additional space must be approved by the appropriate 

authority. Design architects and court staff are prohibited from adding spaces not originally 

contemplated in the approved prospectus or design program. Increasing the floor area or 

building volume requires the necessary approvals.

General Budgetary Notes

Renovation and new construction occur when the court and circuit judicial council identify 

space needs through the Judiciary’s asset management planning process and document 

these needs in the long-range facilities plan. GSA determines by what method the space 

is provided—for example, by the construction of a new building, the renovation of an 

existing building, a lease, or other means.

The Judicial Conference recognizes and strongly supports a pragmatic approach to design 

that includes the use of durable and sustainable materials. This approach ensures that 

courthouses constructed now will last well into the future. 

Following the publication of the 2007 Design Guide, the Judiciary introduced several costsaving measures, such as courtroom sharing and the Integrated Workplace Initiative (IWI), 

that sought to provide flexibility and efficiency in court spaces while preserving the dignity 

of the Judiciary. Courtroom sharing for certain judge types is now a standard throughout 

the Judiciary, and IWI is recognized as an alternative to traditional office design. For more 

information on cost- and space-saving efforts and programs, contact the AOUSC Space 

and Facilities Division.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Probation and Pretrial Services Offices | 9-4

General Space Notes

Space Standards for PSO and PO Personnel 

Space standards for PSO and PO personnel should be allocated according to the 

benchmark occupational groups described in the Judiciary’s Human Resources Manual

and the space requirements (Table 9.1) in this chapter, Space and Ceiling Standards for 

Probation and Pretrial Services Offices.

Opportunities for Shared Support Spaces

Locating the PSO and PO in close proximity provides an opportunity for shared support 

spaces. 

• The urinalysis toilet, supplies storage closet, and testing and specimen storage room 

may be shared by the PSO and PO; however, access to the shared facility is required 

within each office’s restricted circulation. 

• An electronic monitoring equipment storage/repair room may be shared by the PSO 

and PO; however, access to the shared room is required within each office’s restricted 

circulation.

• The secure computer terminal/printer and secure LAN equipment rooms may be 

combined and shared by the PSO and PO; however, access to the shared room is 

required within each office’s restricted circulation.

• Conference rooms in PSO and PO offices should accommodate managers and firstline supervisors. See the PSO and PO space and ceiling requirements (Table 9.1) for 

specific size criteria. Requirements for larger conference and training spaces will be 

accommodated in shared conference/training rooms or multi-use spaces within the 

courthouse as described in Chapter 11, “Shared Support Spaces.”

• Conference rooms should be shared by court units off common areas whenever 

possible. 

• The fax workstation, computer/printer, and shredder should be shared by the PO and 

PSO whenever possible.

Staff Toilet Rooms and Breakrooms

Staff toilets are provided for security reasons and to ensure there is no inappropriate 

staff contact with attorneys, parties, or other case participants that might compromise the 

judicial process.

The staff toilets and breakrooms should be located within restricted circulation on floors 

with court-related offices. For courthouses housing more than one court unit, the design 

team should consider a shared staff breakroom. If separate staff toilets are necessary, the 

total number of staff toilets will be determined during design utilizing the most current 

edition of the International Plumbing Code. Plumbing fixtures required to serve a given 

floor shall be proportionally split between the staff and public occupant loads. Consult 

with the AOUSC for more detailed information.

Functions and Activities

The PSO and PO both supervise persons released into their custody, reasonably ensure 

community safety, and investigate and supervise persons referred to diversion programs. 

Officers recommend, implement, and monitor compliance with the conditions of release, 

and work to facilitate an individual’s reintegration into the community as a law-abiding 

and productive member of society. Officers from both organizations interact with 

law enforcement, enforce court conditions, supervise defendants and offenders, and 

recommend sentences. They advise judicial officers by interpreting sentencing guidelines, 

investigating backgrounds, testifying in court, and learning case law. They also assist 

individuals by administering drug treatment, identifying and solving problems, and 

providing counseling and referrals to community agencies. 

The nature of these officers’ work often requires them to be placed in potentially dangerous 

situations, both in their offices and in the community. They have the power to make arrests, 

although arrests are normally performed by the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and they 

may be granted authority by a court to carry and use weapons, although not all do.

Following an arrest, a PSO officer interviews the individual about his or her family, 

residential, employment, financial, educational, health, and criminal history. The 

information is verified, the individual’s flight risk and potential danger to the community 

are assessed, and a recommendation is made regarding potential release from pretrial 

custody. The report is submitted to the judge, prosecutor, defendant, and defense attorney.

In the case of the PO, once a defendant has been found guilty, an officer conducts 

additional interviews and prepares another report, which assists the court in its sentencing 

function and serves as a detention resource for the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). PO officers 

are community corrections professionals who serve as officers of the court and as agents 

of the U.S. Parole Commission. They are responsible for the supervision of persons 

conditionally released to the community by the courts, the Parole Commission and BOP, 

and military authorities.

Users and Capacities 

Users vary depending on the size of the courthouse; the type and volume of cases; and the 

number of maintenance staff, service company/agency personnel, and public individuals 

present. For the purposes of certain references in this Design Guide, the following 

designations apply:

A small courthouse has five or fewer courtrooms. 

A medium courthouse has 6-12 courtrooms. 

A large courthouse has 13-18 courtrooms.

An extra-large courthouse has more than 18 courtrooms.
9-5 | Probation and Pretrial Services Offices U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Design Requirements

Ceiling Height

The ceiling is a designed surface. It may be uniformly flat, or it may have two or more 

planes and include elements such as soffits, perimeter coves, recesses, and reveals as 

required to integrate HVAC and lighting into a harmonious design. An adjustment of a 

ceiling surface may also occur where it meets an exterior curtain wall to accommodate 

different equipment. In situations where there are several different surfaces at different 

heights above the finished floor, there may be different ways of determining which 

one is the dominant plane. Ceiling heights should be measured from the finished floor 

to the dominant surface that either covers the most amount of ceiling square footage, 

or the surface that defines the overall character of the ceiling design. The design team 

should ensure that in all newly constructed spaces the dominant plane of the ceiling 

does not exceed the maximum ceiling height of 10 feet (3,000 mm) above finished floor 

for Probation and Pretrial Services offices and their associated spaces unless the office 

employs alternative workplace strategies (AWS). If a Probation or Pretrial office employs 

AWS, the design team should ensure that in all newly constructed spaces the dominant 

plane of the ceiling does not exceed 12 feet (3660 mm). Dominant planes that exceed this 

maximum height are considered an exception unless the space is in an area envisioned 

for a future courtroom or on a floor with a higher floor-to-floor height. The application of 

this maximum ceiling height in renovation and alteration projects may be dependent on 

limitations of existing conditions.

The ceiling height should be in proportion to the area of the space. If the space is located on 

a floor with a higher floor-to-floor height, the ceiling height of the room may be designed to 

maximize use of available natural light, volume, and window configuration of that space.

Reception Counter/Screening

A reception counter is provided with counter-to-ceiling break-resistant glazing. For the 

counter, a durable work surface 26-30 inches deep at stand-up height with a divider to 

the floor below should be provided. It is recommended that the counter extend 12 inches 

on the public side of the partition. The counter should accommodate a computer monitor, 

keyboard, and mouse on the staff side. The counter should accommodate a document-sized 

deal tray transaction opening for each station provided.

In leased locations where weapons screening is not performed at the main entrance of the 

building, the PSO and PO will work with the USMS to provide bullet-resistant glazing and 

ballistic wall surround. The AOUSC should be consulted to determine whether additional 

accommodations for screening equipment will be necessary at a particular leased location.

Depending on the needs of the office, PO and PSO offices may utilize technology such as 

a monitor, camera, and a two-way communication system to monitor the public reception 

area rather than a traditional reception counter. In addition, lockable storage may be 

provided in the reception areas so visitors can store their personal belongings.

Urinalysis Toilet 

Urinalysis toilet rooms are used for collecting urine specimens in a secured and supervised 

environment. Each room should accommodate both the person providing the specimen and 

an officer to visually monitor the collection process, either directly or through the use of an 

observation mirror mounted in the room which provides a clear line of sight. As an option, 

urinalysis collection observation may be from an adjoining room through a window. The 

officer observation point should be equipped with a duress alarm.

Barrier-free access shall be provided to each room, ideally through two doors. One door is 

to be used by the offender from the unsecured public waiting room, and the other door for 

the officer from the secured private office space. However, if space planning allows only 

one room access point, it is preferred that it be from the unsecured public waiting room. 

This will eliminate the need for the offender to enter the secured space only to provide a 

specimen.

Doors leading into the urinalysis toilet from the public area should remain locked at all 

times. The public entry door should be controlled with a door release button located at 

the intake counter, or by a key. The door leading into the urinalysis toilet from the secure 

side of the space should have free ingress, but should remain in the locked position inside 

the urinalysis toilet. The door in the urinalysis toilet leading into the secure space shall be 

controlled with a card reader or a key. Additionally, the design of the room should prevent 

any other potential entry, such as through partitions, the ceiling plenum, a pipe chase, or 

other similar means. All doors should swing in the direction of egress. The urinalysis toilet 

should be arranged so an officer can easily view the toilet during specimen testing.

Urinalysis Supplies Storage 

The urinalysis supplies storage closet should be securable. The room and all storage closets 

in it should have door locks and the same partitioning as the toilet room(s) and testing 

laboratory. Any means of access through the ceiling plenum or similar spaces should be 

eliminated.

The urinalysis toilet room(s) and testing lab should be adjacent to supplies storage. The 

storage area should be accessible through restricted circulation only.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Probation and Pretrial Services Offices | 9-6

Urinalysis Testing and Specimen Storage Room 

In some cases, the testing of urinalysis specimens will be undertaken outside the PSO and 

PO offices, thereby eliminating the need for a testing laboratory. Even if this is the case, 

there will still be the need for secured specimen storage until such time that the specimens 

may be transported off-site. The specimens will be stored in a refrigerator or freezer.

The room should accommodate the following items:

• Two countertop enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT) machines, each 

requiring a footprint area of at least 30 inches (775 mm) deep by 60 inches (1,525 

mm) wide; 110-volt dedicated power; and additional adjacent counter space at a 

height of 44 inches (1,125 mm) above finished floor level. Larger testing machines 

may need to be floor mounted and may require a water holding tank and water 

filtration system. The testing machine and lab may require additional power and data 

needs.

• Two operator stools.

• A double stainless steel sink with disposal, set in a millwork base cabinet at least 8 

feet (2,425 mm) long with a counter height of 44 inches (1,125 mm) above finished 

floor level; adjacent 110-volt convenience outlets; and millwork storage cabinets 

above and below. A separate eyewash station and hand sink should also be provided.

• Two full-sized refrigerators with freezers, one for specimens awaiting testing and 

the other for chain-of-custody storage of specimens with positive test results. (If a 

testing laboratory is not required, these refrigerators/freezers should be housed in the 

urinalysis supplies storage room.)

• Trash disposal.

• Chemical-resistant, laboratory-type finishes on all countertops. A stainless steel 

countertop with a marine edge is recommended to contain accidental spills.

Both the urinalysis testing laboratory and specimen storage, as applicable, should be 

accessible only from the restricted office circulation. These rooms and all storage closets in 

them should have door locks and the same partitioning as the urinalysis rooms.

Urinalysis Testing and Storage Room Finish Requirements

Because of the unique nature of urinalysis facilities, the following finished surfaces 

should have the following qualities. Refer to Chapter 12, “Tenant Improvements and 

Furnishings” for other finish suggestions regarding probation and pretrial services 

spaces.

Walls and Ceilings: 

• Surfaces should be smooth and easily cleanable. 

• Avoid friable ceiling tile styles, as they liberate dust, are difficult to clean, and 

make an excellent habitat for mold and bacteria.

• Recessed lighting is preferable over suspended styles, but avoid placement 

directly above lab benches to facilitate bulb replacement and repairs. 

Flooring: 

• Easily washed, non-porous, cove style base, spill/leak resistant. Seamless 

sheeting preferred over vinyl tile. 

• Carpeting should not be used in lab and lab support areas.

• Caulk and seal all floor penetrations to prevent migration in the event of spill or 

flood. 

• Provide floor drains.

Lab Furniture and Furnishings: 

• Smooth, non-porous, easily cleaned surfaces.

• Chemical-resistant, laboratory-type finishes on all counter tops with splash 

blocks, and all seams caulked and sealed. A stainless steel counter top with a 

marine edge is recommended to contain accidental spills.

• Accessibility below furniture for cleaning in event of accident/spill. 

• Review planned operations with proposed occupants to consider any special 

equipment requirements (e.g., adequate floor load ratings, vibration sensitivity or 

dampening needs).

Shelving:

• Wall and above bench stainless steel shelving to maximize accessible storage space. 

• Chemical-resistant finish surfaces. 

• Shelf lips are recommended, as their use greatly reduces accidental slides and 

slips of bottles off shelves.

Electronic Monitoring Equipment Storage/Repair Room 

The equipment needed to monitor one individual currently requires approximately 3 cubic 

feet of space. The boxes are normally about 3 feet (925 mm) long by 1 foot (300 mm) wide 

by 1 foot (300 mm) deep and are stored on steel shelving units. The storage/repair room 

also contains a millwork base cabinet at least 8 feet (2,425 mm) long, with a counter height 

of 44 inches (1,125 mm) above the finished floor; adjacent 110-volt convenience outlets; 

and millwork storage cabinets above for use in equipment repair. The door to the room 

should have a lock and be accessible only from the secured office circulation.

Secure Computer Terminal/Printer and Secure LAN Equipment 

Rooms 

Computer terminal/printer and LAN equipment rooms should be equipped with a secure 

cipher lock, card reader, or keypad to limit entrance to authorized personnel. Any means 

of access through the ceiling plenum, pipe chase, or other similar spaces should be 

eliminated.
9-7 | Probation and Pretrial Services Offices U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Officer Office and Shared Interview Room Requirements 

Officers shall be provided a private office, or workstations if employing AWS, and 

separate, shared interview rooms to support engagement activities with clients. Interview 

rooms should have two doors: one door from the public reception or waiting area and 

another door from restricted circulation. Both of these doors should open in the direction 

of egress. The interview room is required to accommodate at least one table with four 

chairs. 

Satellite Offices

Staffed satellite offices are needed to cover a wide geographic area and carry out the 

mission of the PSO and PO. PO and PSO offices should be carefully located in an 

appropriate context. For instance, a PO or PSO office should not be located near or adjacent 

to a day care facility or school. Due to the wide variety of activities that these workplaces 

undertake, each satellite office might have different spatial, technological, security, and 

operational needs. Stakeholders should work with their respective circuit to determine 

requirements for satellite offices on a case-by-case basis. Although satellite offices should 

not exceed the spatial requirements listed in Table 9.1, each workplace has the flexibility to 

configure space within the given space envelope to meet the local needs. Refer to the space 

envelope flexibility policy listed in the Programming and Budgetary Notes.

To support satellite offices, facilities within the main office should be available for 

occasional use by officers stationed in satellite offices.

Conference Rooms, Staff Breakroom and Toilets 

If necessary, conference rooms, staff breakrooms, and toilets should be located within 

restricted circulation when these spaces are collocated on floors with court-related offices. 

Offices which require conference rooms or staff breakrooms with more square footage 

than allotted in Table 9.1 may configure space to meet the office’s needs within the given 

space envelope. Courts should reference strategies outlined in Chapter 18, “Alternative 

Workplace Strategies,” when determining their local needs. However, any significant 

departure from the standards and strategies provided in this chapter and Chapter 18 must 

be approved by the circuit judicial council.

The staff breakrooms should minimally accommodate a microwave oven and a sink; 

however, other equipment such as refrigerators might also be desired. 

Multipurpose Room

Since PO and PSO officers complete a series of specialized trainings, a multipurpose room 

is may be necessary to house these activities. A retractable divider wall may be desired in 

the multipurpose room to allow multiple trainings to occur at the same time. This space 

may function as, but may not be limited to, a training room, conference room, or mat 

room.

Gun Locker Room

Adequate storage for weapons should be incorporated into the planning, design, and 

construction of PO and PSO offices. Gun lockers should be located within a secure room 

controlled by a physical access control system (PACS) and monitored by an intrusion 

detection system (IDS) and closed circuit video (CCV). The room should be secured by a 

door with an electric strike and lock. 

Gun locker rooms should be large enough to accommodate gun storage lockers, 

ammunition storage, a gun clearing station, and a standalone gun vault (if required). Walls 

for gun locker rooms are recommended to consist of either concrete masonry block or 

metal stud and dry wall construction with heavy gauge metal mesh located on one side 

of the wall. Walls are required to span from floor slab to floor slab. Floor slabs should be 

designed to accommodate the additional structural load created by these spaces.

Acoustics

Acoustic requirements are addressed in Chapter 14, “Acoustics.” All interview rooms and 

offices of PSO and PO supervision officers should be acoustically separate from adjacent 

areas.

Technology

Infrastructure provisions, conduit, and power should be considered for conference rooms, 

multipurpose rooms, and selected interview rooms or offices to facilitate presentations, 

remote meeting participation, and remote interviews.

Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC)

HVAC and electrical systems, including lighting, should economically accommodate early 

morning and late evening hours. Refer to Chapter 15, “Building Systems.”
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Probation and Pretrial Services Offices | 9-8

Supplies (min/max) 150/300 14.0/27.9

Equipment Storage (min/max) 150/300 14.0/27.9

Work Area3 195 18.1

Low Volume Copier Area (per copier) 50 4.7

Medium Volume Copier Area (per copier) 80 7.4

High Volume Copier Area (per copier) 120 11.2

Conference Room (fewer than 20 occupants) 300 27.9

Conference Room (20 or more occupants) 400 37.2

Multipurpose Room 400 37.2

Printer/Copier/Fax Area 60 5.6

Vault or Safe (min/max) 20/80 1.9/7.4

Microform Reader/Printer 35 3.3

Microform Storage Cabinet, per cabinet 12 1.1

Staff Breakroom4 (min/max) 200/600 18.6/55.8

Staff Toilets5 - -

Coat Closets 20 1.9

Special Office Space NSF Nm2

Shared Interview Room 120 11.1

Toilet for Urinalysis Sample Collection 56 5.2

Urinalysis Supplies Storage 25 2.3

Urinalysis Testing/EMIT Lab & Sample Storage6 200 18.6

Electronic Monitoring Equipment Storage/Repair Room 95 8.8

Secure Computer Terminal/Printer Room & LAN 

Server 150 13.9

Gun Locker Room 100 9.3

Probation (PO) and Pretrial Services Offices (PSO)

Private Offices NSF Nm2

Chief Probation or Chief Pretrial Services Officer 240 22.3

Chief Probation or Chief Pretrial Services Officer’s 

Private Restroom1 56 5.2

Executive Secretary/Reception Area 170 15.8

Deputy Chief Probation or Deputy Chief Pretrial 

Services Officer 180 16.7

Manager 180 16.7

Professional First-Line Supervisor2 180 16.7

Professional Administrative and Professional Line 

Positions 150 14.0

PSO and PO Officer Office 120 11.1

Open Workstations NSF Nm2

Operational and Administrative First-Line Supervisor 96 8.9

Clerks 64 5.6

Counter Workstations 45 4.2

General Office Space NSF Nm2

Reception/Waiting, per person 15 1.4

Minimum Area Required 150 13.9

Counter/Screening, per staff position 5 LF 1.52 Lm

Secured Records Storage, per shelf unit 9 0.9

Active Records Storage, per shelf unit 9 0.9

Inactive Records Storage, per shelf unit 9 0.9

Transfer Box Storage 50 4.7

Table 9.1

Space Requirements for Probation and Pretrial Services Offices
9-9 | Probation and Pretrial Services Offices U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

1

 This restroom does figure into the fixture count for the total staff toilet room 

 requirements. If a court unit elects to include this space, the square footage should be 

 offset from within the court unit’s space envelope. 

2

 In a divisional office, first-line supervisors include a supervisory probation clerk and a 

 supervisory probation officer.

3

 Space allowance for work area: 15 NSF (1.4 Nm2) per staff member. Minimum area is 

 195 NSF (18.1 Nm2

). 4

 Area requirements for staff breakroom: Allocate 25 NSF (2.32 Nm2) for every three staff 

members plus 20 NSF (1.9 Nm2

) for a service unit. The minimum staff breakroom is to 

be 200 NSF (18.5 Nm2), and the maximum staff breakroom is to be 600 NSF (55.7 Nm2). 5

 Plumbing fixtures required to serve a given floor should be proportionally split between 

 the staff and public occupant loads.

6

 Urinalysis testing/EMIT lab might not be provided within the PSO and PO offices. If not 

 provided, all urinalysis spaces can be eliminated.

Adjacency and Circulation

Both the PSO and the PO require public access to reception areas during the day and in 

the evenings. Restricted access for office staff is also required during these times; staff 

should be able to enter and leave the office without passing through the public reception/

waiting area or extensively using the public circulation system. If the office is located 

in a facility where weapons screening is not conducted at the entry, a magnetometer and 

X-ray machine may be provided by the USMS. Space should be provided to accommodate 

this screening equipment. Refer to Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose 

and Support Space Manual, Volume Three, Judicial Security Systems Requirements and 

Specifications (USMS Publication 64).

The PO requires proximity to the main public entry area, after the security screening point. 

If the PO requires off-hours access for staff and clients, the most desirable location is on 

the main public entry level, with separate off-hours controlled access.

The PSO also requires proximity to the main public entry area, after the security screening 

point. Access should be provided to the USMS Command and Control Center and 

magistrate judge courtrooms.

The number of spaces shown on the adjacency diagram (Figure 9.1) is for illustrative 

purposes only; the actual number of spaces required for a specific facility is determined in 

the building program.

The design team should refer to Chapter 3, “Planning for U.S. Courthouses,” for 

circulation factors.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Probation and Pretrial Services Offices | 9-10

Figure 9.1

Probation and Pretrial Services Offices Adjacency Relationships

Colors Legend:

Chapter 9

Probation and Pretrial Services Offices

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration.

Reception/Waiting

Reception Counter

UA 

Toilet

Micro

Read/

Print

Shared

Printer

Fax

Shred

Gun

Lock

UA 

Supply 

Storage

Interview 

Room

Interview 

Room

Urinalysis Test 

Lab and Specimen 

Stroage Room

Unit Executive 

Private Office

Chief Deputy

Professional 

First-Line

Supervisor

Professional 

Staff

Professional 

Staff

Professional 

Staff

Professional 

Staff

Professional 

Staff

Professional 

Staff Work Area

Professional 

Staff

Professional 

Staff

Professional 

Staff

Professional 

Staff Vault

Copier

Inactive

Record

Storage

Transfer

Box

Storage

Secured Record 

Storage

Equipment 

Storage Supply

Storage

Secure 

LAN/

Server

Secure

Computer 

Terminal/

Printer

Electronic

Monitoring 

Storage/Repair

Operational & 

Administrative 

Workstations Conference 

Room

Operational 

Administrative 

Supervisor

Secretary

Symbols Legend:

Public Circulation

Public Vertical Circulation

Restricted Circulation

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point
10-1 U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

OTHER COURT UNITS

This chapter includes the Office of the Circuit Executive, Office of the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel 

Clerk, Office of the Senior Staff Attorney, Office of the Pre-argument/Conference Attorney, Office 

of the District Court Executive, Office of the Bankruptcy Administrator, and Office of the Federal 

Public Defender’s trial preparation suite. It describes offices’ functions and activities, users and 

capacities, design requirements, and space allocation requirements, and contains adjacency 

diagrams. 

Chapter Topics:

10 • Supporting Documents

• Programming and Budgetary Notes

• Functions and Activities

• Users and Capacities

• Design Requirements

• Adjacency and Circulation

Figure 10.1 Office of the Circuit Executive & Office of the District Court Executive Adjacency 

Relationships

Figure 10.2 Office of the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel (BAP) Clerk Adjacency Relationships

Figure 10.3 Office of the Senior Staff Attorney Adjacency Relationships

Figure 10.4 Office of the Pre-Argument/Conference Attorney Adjacency Relationships

Figure 10.5 Office of the Bankruptcy Administrator Adjacency Relationships

Figure 10.6 Office of the Federal Defender’s Trial Preparation Suite Adjacency Relationships

Table 10.1 Ceiling Requirements for Other Court Units

Table 10.2 Space Requirements for Other Court Units

Chapter Figures and Tables:
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Other Court Units | 10-2

Supporting Documents

A comprehensive guide to supporting documents can be found in Chapter 2, “Courthouse 

Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program and design 

criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information on many 

facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The reference listed below 

relates specifically to this chapter. 

• United States Courts, Courthouse Design Reference Manual: An Architect’s Desk 

Reference, most current edition, Chapter 10.

Programming and Budgetary Notes

Programming and budgetary notes found throughout the Design Guide provide assistance 

with decisions to be made during the development of courthouse projects. The notes 

include both judicial branch policy and lessons learned from completed projects. The 

notes supplement the criteria in the Design Guide; their purpose is to provide direction in 

using the flexibility of the Design Guide to develop justifiable and cost-effective federal 

courthouse projects. 

Space Envelope Flexibility

A total space envelope for new space will be calculated using appropriate circulation 

factors, allowances for support-type spaces, and the space standards described in the 

Design Guide. Courts have the flexibility to configure space within the envelope to meet 

their local needs. However, design and construction should be in general compliance 

with the square footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling 

requirements tables. If the court unit wishes to significantly change the space standards 

described in the space and ceiling requirements tables without exceeding the total envelope 

of space for the unit, it must seek approval from its respective circuit judicial council.

The space envelope for a respective court unit is defined as:

• Entire clerk’s office 

• Entire probation office 

• Entire pretrial services office 

• Entire staff attorney’s office 

• Entire circuit executive’s office 

• All courtrooms designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate 

judges, and bankruptcy judges) 

• All chambers designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate 

judges, and bankruptcy judges)

For existing space, courts have the flexibility to configure space within the existing 

envelope to meet their local needs. However, any significant departure from the square 

footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling requirements 

tables must be approved by the respective circuit judicial council. This does not mean that 

existing space must be changed to meet Design Guide standards. Only new construction 

completed as part of a renovation should be considered. 

Renovations and Alterations (R&A)

Many of the construction projects conducted in the Judiciary are renovations to existing 

space. Although the Design Guide applies to these projects, it is understood that some 

standards in the Design Guide are difficult or impossible to achieve in existing space, 

particularly in historic buildings. Courts should consult Chapter 17, “Renovations and 

Alterations (R&A),” and Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service (GSA 

PBS P-100) for guidance in these circumstances. References to R&A guidelines are also 

included throughout the Design Guide where appropriate.

Exceptions to the Design Guide Standards 

The Design Guide provides guidance on standards for courthouse construction and 

renovations to existing space. Any significant departure from these standards is considered 

an exception and must be approved by the respective authority as outlined below. 

Authority of the Circuit Judicial Councils 

Circuit judicial councils play an important space-management role by reviewing 

district-wide facility plans, approving requests for new or modified space, and enforcing 

adherence to design guidelines. The circuit judicial councils have authority over, and 

responsibility for, a circuit’s space-management program (28 USC §332 and §462(b)) and 

for determining the need for space. As directed by the Judicial Conference of the United 

States (JCUS), any significant departure from the standards in the Design Guide must be 

approved by the respective circuit judicial council. 

Authority of the Committee on Space and Facilities 

The authority to approve the following exceptions to the Design Guide standards rests 

with the Committee on Space and Facilities: (1) exceeding the total envelope for either the 

court unit or the project as a whole, (2) changing the standard configurations for judges’

chambers and courtrooms, and (3) exceeding the plumbing standards. If the Committee 

on Space and Facilities disagrees with a circuit judicial council request for one of these 

exceptions, the Judicial Conference will decide whether to grant the exception. 

Authority of the Judicial Conference

The authority for approving any exception to prospectus-level courthouse projects that 

would result in additional estimated costs, including additional rent payment obligations, 

lies with the Judicial Conference. Approval is required, after review by the Committee 
10-3 | Other Court Units U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

on Space and Facilities, for any exception to the Design Guide approved by a circuit 

judicial council. The request must include (1) a justification for the exception and (2) 

a construction cost estimate. All approved exceptions for prospectus-level projects

are reported to the General Services Administration (GSA) and Congress. Approved 

exceptions may require the project to be reauthorized by Congress if the exception had not 

been previously identified. Contact the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC) 

for more detailed information.

For prospectus-level courthouse projects, if an exception is approved by the JCUS which 

would result in additional estimated costs, the chair of the circuit’s space and facilities 

committee or the chief judge or other judge designated by the court that sought the 

exception that exceeds the Design Guide criteria must be willing, if requested by the 

Committee on Space and Facilities, to appear before Congress concerning funding for 

such construction.

General Programming Notes

The Design Guide is intended to be a performance document. Criteria for any space or 

grouping of spaces should be considered in conjunction with the specific needs of the court 

office or function for which space is being designed. 

Criteria in the Design Guide do not represent space entitlements. The criteria apply to an 

array of space types that should be justified based on the specific purpose of each project. 

Facility plans, programs, and designs should include only the space needed to satisfy the 

functional and security requirements of the court. 

Differences between the space in an existing facility and the criteria in the Design Guide

are not justification for facility alteration and expansion. In such cases, alternatives to 

space expansion are investigated before any additional space is requested. In addition, 

like-for-like space is not a guarantee. Space allocated in an existing location is not 

justification for the same amount of space in a new location if the space allocation is not 

warranted. Current needs should be evaluated when moving into new space to determine 

the appropriate space envelope. Any additional space must be approved by the appropriate 

authority. Design architects and court staff are prohibited from adding spaces not originally 

contemplated in the approved prospectus or design program. Increasing the floor area or 

building volume requires the necessary approvals.

General Budgetary Notes

Renovation and new construction occur when the court and circuit judicial council identify 

space needs through the Judiciary’s asset management planning process and document 

these needs in the long-range facilities plan. GSA determines by what method the space 

is provided—for example, by the construction of a new building, the renovation of an 

existing building, a lease, or other means.

The Judicial Conference recognizes and strongly supports a pragmatic approach to design 

that includes the use of durable and sustainable materials. This approach ensures that 

courthouses constructed now will last well into the future. 

Following the publication of the 2007 Design Guide, the Judiciary introduced several costsaving measures, such as courtroom sharing and the Integrated Workplace Initiative (IWI), 

that sought to provide flexibility and efficiency in court spaces while preserving the dignity 

of the Judiciary. Courtroom sharing for certain judge types is now a standard throughout 

the Judiciary, and IWI is recognized as an alternative to traditional office design. For more 

information on cost- and space-saving efforts and programs, contact the AOUSC Space 

and Facilities Division.

General Space Notes

Conference and Training Spaces

Conference and training rooms in other court units should accommodate the number 

of managers and first-line supervisors. Refer to the space requirements in this chapter 

for specific size criteria. Requirements for larger conference and training spaces should 

be accommodated in shared conference/training rooms or multiuse spaces within the 

courthouse. Courts which require conference rooms with more square footage than allotted 

in the space requirements, Tables 10.1 and 10.2, may configure space to meet the court’s 

needs within the given space envelope. Courts should reference strategies outlined in 

Chapter 18, “Alternative Workplace Strategies,” when determining their local conference 

room needs. However, any significant departure from the standards and strategies provided 

in this chapter and Chapter 18 must be approved by the circuit judicial council.

Staff Toilet Rooms and Breakrooms

Staff toilets are provided for security reasons and to ensure there is no inappropriate 

staff contact with attorneys, parties, or other case participants that might compromise the 

judicial process.

The staff toilets and breakrooms should be located within restricted circulation on floors 

with court-related offices. For courthouses housing more than one court unit, the design 

team should consider a shared staff breakroom. If separate staff toilets are necessary, the 

total number of staff toilets will be determined during design utilizing the most current 

edition of the International Plumbing Code. Plumbing fixtures required to serve a given 

floor shall be proportionally split between the staff and public occupant loads. Consult 

with the AOUSC for more detailed information.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Other Court Units | 10-4

Functions and Activities

Office of Circuit Executive

The Office of the Circuit Executive provides legal and administrative support in each circuit.

Office of the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel Clerk

In some circuits, bankruptcy appellate panels hear and determine appeals from judgments, 

orders, and decrees entered by bankruptcy judges.

Office of the Senior Staff Attorney

The Office of the Senior Staff Attorney provides legal assistance to circuit judges.

Office of the Pre-argument/Conference Attorney

In some circuits, a pre-argument/conference attorney is provided under the Civil Appeals 

Mediation Program. The pre-argument/conference attorney assists the court by working to 

effect settlements in appellate cases.

Office of the District Court Executive

The Office of the District Court Executive provides legal and administrative support for a 

particular judicial district. Not every district has this office.

Office of the Bankruptcy Administrator 

In some locations, an Office of the Bankruptcy Administrator assists the U.S. Bankruptcy 

Court (USBC) by overseeing the administration of estates and supervising case trustees 

and other fiduciaries. Such services are similar to those provided by the U.S. Trustee 

(executive branch) in other locations. 

Office of the Federal Public Defender’s Trial Preparation Suite 

The Office of the Federal Public Defender provides counsel to persons charged 

with federal criminal offenses who are financially unable to obtain adequate private 

representation. Federal defender offices should be located outside the courthouse, or 

other federal buildings housing law enforcement agencies, unless the federal defender has 

determined that the location would not compromise the defender organization’s ability to 

fulfill its mission. If the JCUS Committee on Defender Services approves the request by a 

federal public defender to occupy space in a new courthouse, the comparable office space 

standards for other court units shall apply. The office should be distanced from the offices 

of the U.S. attorney. A trial preparation suite of 450 net square feet (41.9 net square meters 

(Nm2

)), which includes internal circulation for use by federal public defenders during 

trials, should be provided in the U.S. District Court (USDC) courthouse.

Users and Capacities

Users vary depending on the size of the courthouse; the type and volume of cases; and the 

number of maintenance staff, service company/agency personnel, and public individuals 

present. For the purposes of certain references in this Design Guide, the following 

designations apply:

A small courthouse has five or fewer courtrooms. 

A medium courthouse has 6-12 courtrooms. 

A large courthouse has 13-18 courtrooms.

An extra-large courthouse has more than 18 courtrooms.

Design Requirements

The design requirements for other court units outlined in this chapter are detailed in the 

following information. Specific space requirements can be found in Table 10.1, Table 10.2

and the room data sheets.

Ceiling Height

The ceiling is a designed surface. It may be uniformly flat, or it may have two or more 

planes and include elements such as soffits, perimeter coves, recesses, and reveals as 

required to integrate HVAC and lighting into a harmonious design. An adjustment of a 

ceiling surface may also occur where it meets an exterior curtain wall to accommodate 

different equipment. In situations where there are several different surfaces at different 

heights above the finished floor, there may be different ways of determining which one 

is the dominant plane. Ceiling heights should be measured from the finished floor to the 

dominant surface that either covers the most amount of ceiling square footage, or the 

surface that defines the overall character of the ceiling design. The design team should 

ensure that in all newly constructed spaces the dominant plane of the ceiling does not 

exceed the maximum ceiling height listed in the Design Guide. Dominant planes that 

exceed these maximum heights are considered an exception unless the space is in an area 

envisioned for a future courtroom or on a floor with a higher floor-to-floor height. The 

application of this maximum ceiling height in renovation and alteration projects may be 

dependent on limitations of existing conditions.

The ceiling height should be in proportion to the area of the space. If the space is located 

on a floor with a higher floor-to-floor height, the ceiling height of the room may be 

designed to maximize use of available natural light, volume, and window configuration of 

that space. Ceiling heights for other court units should be in accordance with the maximum 

ceiling heights listed in Table 10.1.
10-5 | Other Court Units U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Circuit Executive1 and District Court Executive Spaces

Private Offices NSF Nm2

Circuit Executive/District Court Executive 240 22.3

Circuit Executive/District Court Executive’s Private 

Restroom2 56 5.2

Deputy 180 16.7

Assistant Circuit Executive 180 16.7

Professional Staff 150 14.0

Open Workstations NSF Nm2

Executive Secretary 170 15.8

Professional and Administrative Line Position 96 8.9

Operational and Administrative Support Positions 64 5.6

General Office Spaces NSF Nm2

General Reception Area, per visitor 15 1.4

Secured Records Storage, per shelf unit 9 0.9

Active Storage, per file unit 9 0.9

Inactive Records Storage, per file unit 9 0.9

Transfer Box Storage 50 4.7

Supplies (min/max) 50/100 4.7/9.3

Equipment Storage (min/max) 50/150 4.7/14.0

Work Area3 195 18.1

Low-Volume Copier Area (per copier) 50 4.7

Medium-Volume Copier Area (per copier) 80 7.4

High-Volume Copier Area (per copier) 120 11.2

Table 10.1

Ceiling Requirements for Other Court Units

Table 10.2

Space Requirements for Other Court Units

Space Name Ceiling Height 

(feet)

Ceiling Height 

(mm)

Circuit Executive and District Court 

Executive 10 3,000

Bankruptcy Appellate Panel (BAP) 

Clerk 10 3,000

Senior Staff Attorney 10 3,000

Pre-Argument/Conference Attorney 10 3,000

Bankruptcy Administrator 10 3,000

Federal Public Defender’s Trial 

Preparation Suite 10 3,000

Bulk Storage Area

The design team should collocate all court unit bulk storage areas adjacent to the loading 

dock and central mail facility. Additional storage space may be configured within the given 

space envelope. If additional storage space significantly exceeds Design Guide standards, 

courts must obtain circuit judicial council approval.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Other Court Units | 10-6

Conference Room (fewer than 20 occupants) 300 27.9

Conference Room (20 or more occupants) 400 37.2

Catalog Library4 - -

Printer/Copier/Fax Area 60 5.6

Safe (min/max) 20/80 1.9/7.4

Shredder 25 2.3

Staff Break Room5 (min/max) 200/600 18.6/55.7

Staff Toilets6 - -

Bankruptcy Appellate Panel (BAP) Clerk

Private Offices NSF Nm2

Clerk 240 22.3

Clerk’s Private Restroom2 56 5.2

Attorney 150 14.0

Open Workstations NSF Nm2

Deputy Clerks 64 5.6

Public Areas NSF Nm2

Queuing/Work Area3 150 14.0

Intake Counter 45 4.2

Accessory Stand-up Work Counter 100 9.3

Records Examination Workstation 35 3.3

Public Access Computer Stations 35 3.3

General Office Spaces NSF Nm2

Printer/Copier/Fax Area 60 5.6

Evidence Vault (min/max) 80/150 7.4/14.0

Equipment Storage (min/max) 50/150 4.7/14.0

Mail Work Area 100 9.3

Safe 20 1.9

Shredder 25 2.3

Forms Storage 150 14.0

Supplies (min/max) 50/100 4.7/9.3

Coat Closets 20 1.9

Secured Records Storage, per shelf unit 9 0.9

Active Storage, per file unit 9 0.9

Inactive Records Storage, per file unit 9 0.9

Exhibit Storage Room 150 14.0

Financial Vault 150 14.0

Conference Room 300 27.9

Staff Breakroom5 (min/max) 200/600 18.6/55.7

Staff Toilets6 - -

Senior Staff Attorney

Private Offices NSF Nm2

Senior Staff Attorney 240 22.3

Senior Staff Attorney’s Private Restroom2 56 5.2

Senior Supervising Staff Attorney 180 16.7

Other Supervising Staff Attorney 180 16.7

Staff Attorneys 150 14.0

Open Workstations NSF Nm2

Executive Secretary 170 15.8

Secretary 64 6.0

General Office Spaces NSF Nm2

Reception/Waiting Area 105 9.8

Secured Records Storage, per shelf unit 9 0.9
10-7 | Other Court Units U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Active Storage, per file unit 9 0.9

Inactive Records Storage, per file unit 9 0.9

Transfer Box Storage 50 4.7

Supplies Storage 50 4.7

Equipment Storage 50 4.7

Work Area3 195 18.1

Printer/Copier/Fax Area 60 5.6

Conference Room 300 27.9

Shredder 25 2.3

Staff Breakroom5 (min/max) 200/600 18.6/55.8

Staff Toilets6 - -

Pre-Argument/Conference Attorney

Private Offices NSF Nm2

Senior Pre-Argument Conference Attorney 240 22.3

Senior Pre-Argument Conference Attorney’s Private 

Restroom2 56 5.2

Conference Pre-Argument Attorney 180 16.7

Open Workstations NSF Nm2

Executive Secretary 170 15.8

Secretary 96 8.9

General Office Spaces NSF Nm2

Reception/Waiting Area 105 9.8

Secured Records Storage, per shelf unit 9 0.9

Active Storage, per file unit 9 0.9

Inactive Records Storage, per file unit 9 0.9

Supplies Storage (min/max) 50/100 4.7/9.3

Equipment Storage (min/max) 50/150 4.7/14.0

Work Area3 195 18.1

Printer/Copier/Fax Area 60 5.6

Shredder 25 2.3

Staff Breakroom5 (min/max) 200/600 18.6/55.8

Staff Toilets6 - -

Bankruptcy Administrator

Private Offices NSF Nm2

Bankruptcy Administrator 240 22.3

Bankruptcy Administrator’s Private Restroom2 56 5.2

Estate Analyst 150 14.0

Administrative Analyst 150 14.0

Open Workstations NSF Nm2

Estate Administrative Clerks 96 8.9

General Office Spaces NSF Nm2

Records, Copier Area, Work Room, Storage 350 32.6

Printer/Copier/Fax Area 60 5.6

Reception/Waiting Area 150 14.0

Coat Closets 20 1.9

Financial Vault 150 14.0

Conference Room (fewer than 20 occupants) 300 27.9

Conference Room (20 or more occupants) 400 37.2

Creditor Meeting Room (341) 1,500 139.4

Staff Breakroom5

 (min/max) 200/600 18.6/55.8

Staff Toilets6 - -
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Other Court Units | 10-8

1

 Space can be programmed for circuit staff (either as part of the circuit executive’s office 

 or the circuit clerk of court) who are assigned to non-circuit headquarters locations.

2

 This restroom does figure into the fixture count for the total staff toilet room 

 requirements. If a court unit elects to include this space, the square footage should be 

 offset from within the court unit’s space envelope.

3

 Space allowance for work area: 15 NSF (1.4Nm2) per staff member. Minimum area is 

195 NSF (18.1 Nm2

) 4

 For circuit executive’s office only. Space allowance: 9 NSF (.9 Nm2) for every 21 linear 

feet of catalogs. Add 25 NSF (2.3 Nm2

) per person and 64 NSF (6.0 Nm2) per CALR 

station.

5

 Area requirements for staff breakroom: Allocate 25 NSF (2.3 Nm2) for every 3 staff

members plus 20 NSF (1.9 Nm2

) for a service unit. The minimum staff breakroom is to 

be 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2), and the maximum staff lounge is to be 600 NSF (55.8 Nm2). 6

 Total staff toilet requirements are to be determined in design by the International 

Plumbing Code, most current edition. Plumbing fixtures required to serve a given floor 

should be proportionally split between the staff and public occupant loads. 

Federal Public Defender’s Trial Preparation Suite

Attorney Offices, two @ 150 NSF 300 27.9

Conference/Reception/Waiting Room 100 9.3

Printer/Copier/Fax Area 60 5.6

Adjacency and Circulation

The design team should refer to Chapter 3, “Planning for U.S. Courthouses,” for 

circulation factors.

The Office of the Circuit Executive (Figure 10.1) requires private access for office staff, 

circuit judges and their support staff, and other court staff. The need for public access is 

infrequent but should not be precluded.

Office of the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel (BAP) Clerk (Figure 10.2) requires public access 

to intake counter and records examination areas. Access for BAP attorneys and staff as 

well as access to active and bulk storage areas should be from restricted circulation.

The Office of the District Court Executive (Figure 10.1) requires private access for office 

staff, district and magistrate judges and their support staff, and other court staff. The need 

for public access is infrequent but should not be precluded.

The Office of the Senior Staff Attorney (Figure 10.3) primarily requires private access for 

USCA staff; limited access from public circulation is also required. The office should be 

located close to the court library and circuit clerk’s office.

The Office of the Pre-argument/Conference Attorney (Figure 10.4) requires public access. 

The Office of the Bankruptcy Administrator (Figure 10.5) requires public access. 

Office of the Federal Public Defender’s Trial Preparation Suite (Figure 10.6) should be 

distanced (for example, at a minimum on a different floor) from the Office of the U.S. 

Attorney, USMS, U.S. Probation Office, U.S. Pretrial Services Office, Bureau of Prisons, 

and any other law enforcement agencies as described in 18 U.S.C. § 1114. This separation 

is essential due to the federal public defender’s mission and role in the legal process. The 

office should be located off of public circulation. 
10-9 | Other Court Units U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Figure 10.1

Office of the Circuit Executive & Office of the District Court Executive Adjacency Relationships

Colors Legend:

Chapter 10

Other Court Units

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration.

Executive 

Private

Office

Chief

Deputy

Secretary

Professional

Staff/Line

Professional

Staff/Line

Supervisor 

Professional 

Staff

Confrerence

Room

Reception/

Waiting

Operational & 

Administrative 

Workstations Operational & 

Administrative 

Supervisor

Coat

Secure

Records

Storage

Transfer

Box

Storage

Shared 

Printer

Fax

Work Area

Staff

Safe

Copier

Vest.

Inactive

/Active 

Records 

Storage

Flat Files 

/Catalog 

Library

Equipment 

Storage

Supply 

Storage

Symbols Legend:

Public Vertical Circulation

Public Circulation

Restricted Circulation

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Secure Circulation

Secure Vertical Circulation

Service Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Other Court Units | 10-10

Chapter 10

Other Court Units

Figure 10.2

Office of the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel (BAP) Clerk Adjacency Relationships

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration.

Colors Legend:

Private 

Offices

BAP

Attorney

BAP

Attorney

Archival

Storage

Supply

Storage

Shredder

Fax Financial 

Vault

BAP

Attorney

Safe

Coats

Secretary

Conference

BAP

Clerk

Open

Supervisor

Shared

Printer

Open 

Deputy Clerks

Secure 

Record 

Storage

Exhibit

Storage

Evidence 

Vault

Safe Mail

Active 

Records

Storage

Inactive

Records

Storage

Counter 

Workstation

Intake Counter

Public

Queuing

Public Pay 

Copier/Fax

Public 

Record 

Exam

Public

Access

Computer

Workstation

Supply

Storage

Bulk Storage

(May be Remote)

Symbols Legend:

Public Vertical Circulation

Public Circulation

Restricted Circulation

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Secure Circulation

Secure Vertical Circulation

Service Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point
10-11 | Other Court Units U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration.

Conference

Room

Senior 

Supervisory 

Staff Attorney

Executive 

Senior Secretary

 Staff

Attorney

Staff 

Attorney

Staff 

Attorney

Staff 

Attorney

Staff 

Attorney

Supervisory

Staff 

Secretary Attorney

Table & 

Work Area

Copier Shredder

Active 

Record 

Storage

Reception

/Waiting

Equipment 

Storage

Supply 

Storage

Secured

Record

Storage

Transfer

Box

 Storage

Inactive

Records

Storage

Coats

Fax

Shared 

Printer

Figure 10.3

Office of the Senior Staff Attorney Adjacency Relationships

Chapter 10

Other Court Units

Symbols Legend:

Public Vertical Circulation

Public Circulation

Restricted Circulation

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Secure Circulation

Secure Vertical Circulation

Service Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Other Court Units | 10-12

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration.

Senior 

 Conference

Attorney

Conference 

Attorney Table & 

Work Area

Copier Shredder

Active 

Record 

Storage

Equipment 

Storage

Supply 

Storage

Secured

Record

Storage

Inactive

Records

Storage

Coats

Fax

Shared 

Printer

Secretary Reception

/Waiting

Executive 

Secretary

Figure 10.4

Office of the Pre-Argument/Conference Attorney Adjacency Relationships

Chapter 10

Other Court Units

Symbols Legend:

Public Vertical Circulation

Public Circulation

Restricted Circulation

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Secure Circulation

Secure Vertical Circulation

Service Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point
10-13 | Other Court Units U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Figure 10.5

Office of the Bankruptcy Administrator Adjacency Relationships

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration.

Conference

Room

Records,

Copier,

Work Room, 

Storage

Financial

Vault

Estate 

Admin. 

Clerks

Estate 

Admin. 

Clerks

Estate 

Admin. 

Clerks

Admin.

Analyst Shared

Printer Fax

Bankruptcy 

Administrator

Estate

Analyst

Secretary

Reception

/Waiting

Creditors

Meeting

Room

Chapter 10

Other Court Units

Symbols Legend:

Public Vertical Circulation

Public Circulation

Restricted Circulation

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Secure Circulation

Secure Vertical Circulation

Service Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Other Court Units | 10-14

Figure 10.6

Office of the Federal Public Defender’s Trial Preparation Suite Adjacency Relationships

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration.

Copier

/Fax

Attorney

Office

Attorney

Office

Reception 

/Waiting

Chapter 10

Other Court Units

Symbols Legend:

Public Vertical Circulation

Public Circulation

Restricted Circulation

Restricted Vertical Circulation

Secure Circulation

Secure Vertical Circulation

Service Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point
11-1 U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

SHARED SUPPORT SPACES 11 This chapter applies to shared support and court support spaces, including shared judges’ 

conference rooms, judges’ dining areas, news media rooms, guidance on space for alternative 

dispute resolution proceedings, mail and package screening areas, central mail facilities, bulk 

and archival storage, fitness centers, and telecommunications rooms. It describes functions and 

activities, users and capacities, design requirements, and space allocation requirements, and 

contains an adjacency diagram.

Chapter Topics:

• Supporting Documents

• Programming and Budgetary Notes

• Functions and Activities

• Users and Capacities

• Design Requirements 

• Adjacency and Circulation

Figure 11.1 Shared Support Spaces Adjacency Relationships

Table 11.1 Ceiling Requirements for Shared Support Spaces

Table 11.2 Space Requirements for Shared Support Spaces

Chapter Figures and Tables:
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Shared Support Spaces | 11-2

Supporting Documents

A comprehensive guide to supporting documents can be found in Chapter 2, “Courthouse 

Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program and design 

criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information on many 

facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The references listed below 

relate specifically to this chapter.

• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Telecommunication Industry 

Association standards, most current edition.

• “AnyCourt” (Program of Requirements), the Judiciary’s automated space-planning 

tool used to provide a court’s space program of requirements. 

• Courtroom Technology Audiovisual Infrastructure Manual 

• Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual 

(also referenced as USMS Publication 64), Volume One, Courthouse Management 

Group Engineering and Architectural, most current edition

• Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual 

(also referenced as USMS Publication 64), Volume Two, Electronic Security and 

Hardware, most current edition

• Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual 

(also referenced as USMS Publication 64), Volume Three, Judicial Security Systems 

Requirements and Specifications, most current edition

• United States Courts, Courthouse Design Reference Manual: An Architect’s Desk 

Reference, most current edition

• Guide to Judiciary Policy, Volume 16, Chapter 2, Section 260, and Volume 12, 

Chapter 7, Section 750.40 

Programming and Budgetary Notes

Programming and budgetary notes found throughout the Design Guide provide assistance 

with decisions to be made during the development of courthouse projects. The notes 

include both judicial branch policy and lessons learned from completed projects. The 

notes supplement the criteria in the Design Guide; their purpose is to provide direction in 

using the flexibility of the Design Guide to develop justifiable and cost-effective federal 

courthouse projects. 

Space Envelope Flexibility

A total space envelope for new space will be calculated using appropriate circulation 

factors, allowances for support-type spaces, and the space standards described in the 

Design Guide. Courts have the flexibility to configure space within the envelope to meet 

their local needs. However, design and construction should be in general compliance 

with the square footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling 

requirements tables. If the court unit wishes to significantly change the space standards 

described in the space and ceiling requirements tables without exceeding the total envelope 

of space for the unit, it must seek approval from its respective circuit judicial council.

The space envelope for a respective court unit is defined as:

• Entire clerk’s office 

• Entire probation office 

• Entire pretrial services office 

• Entire staff attorney’s office 

• Entire circuit executive’s office 

• All courtrooms designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate 

judges, and bankruptcy judges) 

• All chambers designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate 

judges, and bankruptcy judges)

For existing space, courts have the flexibility to configure space within the existing 

envelope to meet their local needs. However, any significant departure from the square 

footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling requirements 

tables must be approved by the respective circuit judicial council. This does not mean that 

existing space must be changed to meet Design Guide standards. Only new construction 

completed as part of a renovation should be considered. 

Renovations and Alterations (R&A)

Many of the construction projects conducted in the Judiciary are renovations to existing 

space. Although the Design Guide applies to these projects, it is understood that some 

standards in the Design Guide are difficult or impossible to achieve in existing space, 

particularly in historic buildings. Courts should consult Chapter 17, “Renovations and 

Alterations (R&A),” and Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service (GSA 

PBS P-100) for guidance in these circumstances. References to R&A guidelines are also 

included throughout the Design Guide where appropriate.

Exceptions to the Design Guide Standards 

The Design Guide provides guidance on standards for courthouse construction and 

renovations to existing space. Any significant departure from these standards is considered 

an exception and must be approved by the respective authority as outlined below. 

Authority of the Circuit Judicial Councils 

Circuit judicial councils play an important space-management role by reviewing 

district-wide facility plans, approving requests for new or modified space, and enforcing 

adherence to design guidelines. The circuit judicial councils have authority over, and 

responsibility for, a circuit’s space-management program (28 USC §332 and §462(b)) and 
11-3 | Shared Support Spaces U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

for determining the need for space. As directed by the Judicial Conference of the United 

States (JCUS), any significant departure from the standards in the Design Guide must be 

approved by the respective circuit judicial council. 

Authority of the Committee on Space and Facilities 

The authority to approve the following exceptions to the Design Guide standards rests 

with the Committee on Space and Facilities: (1) exceeding the total envelope for either the 

court unit or the project as a whole, (2) changing the standard configurations for judges’

chambers and courtrooms, and (3) exceeding the plumbing standards. If the Committee 

on Space and Facilities disagrees with a circuit judicial council request for one of these 

exceptions, the Judicial Conference will decide whether to grant the exception. 

Authority of the Judicial Conference

The authority for approving any exception to prospectus-level courthouse projects that 

would result in additional estimated costs, including additional rent payment obligations, 

lies with the Judicial Conference. Approval is required, after review by the Committee 

on Space and Facilities, for any exception to the Design Guide approved by a circuit 

judicial council. The request must include (1) a justification for the exception and (2) 

a construction cost estimate. All approved exceptions for prospectus-level projects

are reported to the General Services Administration (GSA) and Congress. Approved 

exceptions may require the project to be reauthorized by Congress if the exception had not 

been previously identified. Contact the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC) 

for more detailed information.

For prospectus-level courthouse projects, if an exception is approved by the JCUS which 

would result in additional estimated costs, the chair of the circuit’s space and facilities 

committee or the chief judge or other judge designated by the court that sought the 

exception that exceeds the Design Guide criteria must be willing, if requested by the 

Committee on Space and Facilities, to appear before Congress concerning funding for 

such construction.

General Programming Notes

The Design Guide is intended to be a performance document. Criteria for any space or 

grouping of spaces should be considered in conjunction with the specific needs of the court 

office or function for which space is being designed. 

Criteria in the Design Guide do not represent space entitlements. The criteria apply to an 

array of space types that should be justified based on the specific purpose of each project. 

Facility plans, programs, and designs should include only the space needed to satisfy the 

functional and security requirements of the court. 

Differences between the space in an existing facility and the criteria in the Design Guide

are not justification for facility alteration and expansion. In such cases, alternatives to 

space expansion are investigated before any additional space is requested. In addition, 

like-for-like space is not a guarantee. Space allocated in an existing location is not 

justification for the same amount of space in a new location if the space allocation is not 

warranted. Current needs should be evaluated when moving into new space to determine 

the appropriate space envelope. Any additional space must be approved by the appropriate 

authority. Design architects and court staff are prohibited from adding spaces not originally 

contemplated in the approved prospectus or design program. Increasing the floor area or 

building volume requires the necessary approvals.

General Budgetary Notes

Renovation and new construction occur when the court and circuit judicial council identify 

space needs through the Judiciary’s asset management planning process and document 

these needs in the long-range facilities plan. GSA determines by what method the space 

is provided—for example, by the construction of a new building, the renovation of an 

existing building, a lease, or other means.

The Judicial Conference recognizes and strongly supports a pragmatic approach to design 

that includes the use of durable and sustainable materials. This approach ensures that 

courthouses constructed now will last well into the future. 

Following the publication of the 2007 Design Guide, the Judiciary introduced several costsaving measures, such as courtroom sharing and the Integrated Workplace Initiative (IWI), 

that sought to provide flexibility and efficiency in court spaces while preserving the dignity 

of the Judiciary. Courtroom sharing for certain judge types is now a standard throughout 

the Judiciary, and IWI is recognized as an alternative to traditional office design. For more 

information on cost- and space-saving efforts and programs, contact the AOUSC Space 

and Facilities Division.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Shared Support Spaces | 11-4

Functions and Activities

Shared Judges’ Conference Rooms

Shared judges’ conference rooms provide space for meetings, training sessions, and other 

functions involving all judges in a court. Circuit judges conduct case conferences in these 

spaces. A court may work within its space envelope to provide a larger conference room 

to accommodate all of the judges at the court, with approval from the respective circuit 

judicial council. 

One shared conference room is provided for each of the three courts present in the 

courthouse: appellate, district (and magistrate), and bankruptcy. 

Judges’ and Juror Dining Areas

Separate judges’ and juror dining areas should be provided only if the GSA plans a 

cafeteria in the building and should be located adjacent to the building’s cafeteria. The 

judges’ dining area provides a space separate from the main cafeteria to ensure judges’ 

security and that ongoing proceedings are not compromised by inappropriate contact by a 

member of the public, jury, or other party to the case.

News Media Room 

Reporters use the news media room as a base of operations to report on court matters. The 

news media room is a shared facility for all courts. 

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Proceeding

ADR proceedings may be accommodated in unoccupied courtrooms and related attorney/

witness rooms, trial jury deliberation rooms, or other available conference rooms. If a 

court determines that use of unoccupied courtrooms or other space cannot adequately 

accommodate the number of ADR proceedings generally held in a district, a court may 

elect to construct a separate ADR suite of rooms within their given space envelope, with 

approval from the circuit judicial council. 

Mail and Package Screening Area

Adequate space should be provided adjacent to the loading dock or delivery entrance for 

secure, safe, and efficient screening of all mail and packages delivered to the courthouse. 

The space should include an area for a large dual generator X-ray. 

Central Mail Facility

The central mail facility is designed to provide a safe location for opening and sorting 

mail in a contained environment. If a contamination occurs, the mail room is designed to 

prevent the spread of the threat agent throughout the building.

Bulk and Archival Storage

Space should be provided adjacent to the loading dock for secure storage of office or 

related equipment, supplies, and furniture. Additional storage space may be constructed 

within the court unit’s space envelope, apart from bulk storage, with approval from the 

circuit judicial council.

Telecommunication Rooms

A secured-entrance room is required to house equipment from both telecommunications 

and data service providers and the demarcation point. The main telecommunications room 

should be centrally located to maintain recommended cabling distances and may include a 

cross-connect for an adjacent equipment distribution area. Card readers should be utilized 

to track those entering the telecommunications rooms.

Space requirements should provide flexibility for future improvements to the 

telecommunications system. These spaces may require 24/7 cooling. Within the 

communications distribution room, a horizontal distribution area is required for horizontal 

cross-connects from the distribution point for cabling to the equipment distribution area. 

In addition, a zone floor distribution area is required for structured cabling for the floorstanding equipment, and an equipment distribution area is required to place equipment 

cabinets and racks arranged to effectively dissipate heat from electronics. 

Fitness Centers

Courts may plan for the construction of fitness centers in new courthouse construction 

projects by reconfiguring space within its space envelope for use as a fitness center, 

including appropriate shower facilities, so long as the fitness center does not increase the 

total square footage of the project (JCUS-MAR 17, p. 23). 

If shared with other tenants, fitness centers are considered joint use spaces in federal 

buildings. Courts are encouraged to share fitness facilities with other building tenants. 

Tenants are charged rent directly in proportion to their percentage of federal occupancy 

through joint use charges. Whether a fitness center is planned and operated as judiciary 

space or as shared space with another agency, courts should consider the size of the space, 

as well as the cost of acquiring, building, or sharing, and maintaining the space. Any 

acquisition or build-out of space to be used for a fitness facility should comply with the 

business rules of the CRB program.

Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs)

Some courts have projected an increase in the number of sensitive or classified documents 

that may be reviewed by the courts and, as a result, have requested the addition of a SCIF 

or secured room in new courthouse construction. A SCIF is an enclosed area within a 

facility that is used to review, process, and store sensitive and/or classified information. 
11-5 | Shared Support Spaces U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Courts may plan for the construction of a SCIF in new courthouse construction or 

renovation and alteration projects. SCIFs may be incorporated by reconfiguring space 

within the court’s total space envelope as long as the SCIF does not increase the total 

square footage of court unit where it is located. The design, construction, and operation 

of SCIFs is governed by the National Counterintelligence and Security Center’s IC 

Tech Spec 705, Technical Specifications for Construction and Management of Sensitive 

Compartmented Information Facilities. The size and location of a SCIF is dependent on 

the needs of the court.

Users and Capacities 

Users vary depending on the size of the courthouse; the type and volume of cases; and the 

number of maintenance staff, service company/agency personnel, and public individuals 

present. For the purposes of certain references in this Design Guide, the following 

designations apply:

A small courthouse has five or fewer courtrooms. 

A medium courthouse has 6-12 courtrooms. 

A large courthouse has 13-18 courtrooms.

An extra-large courthouse has more than 18 courtrooms.

Shared Judges’ Conference Room

The primary users are the judges of the court. The number of users varies with the size of 

the court and the number of judges. A court may work within its space envelope to provide 

a larger conference room to accommodate all of the judges at the court, with approval from 

the respective circuit judicial council.

Judges’ Dining Area 

The number of users varies according to the number of judges, as noted in the program of 

requirements.

News Media Room 

The number of users varies, as noted in the program of requirements. Courts may elect to 

eliminate the news media room if it is determined that it is not used enough to justify its 

construction. The square footage may then be used in another area of the courts space.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Proceeding 

ADR proceedings are generally conducted by magistrate judges. The number of 

proceedings conducted on a daily basis varies by district. If a court determines that use 

of unoccupied courtrooms or other space cannot adequately accommodate the number of 

ADR proceedings generally held in a district, a court may elect to construct a separate 

ADR suite of rooms within their given space envelope, with approval from the circuit 

judicial council. 

Mail and Package Screening Area 

The number of users varies depending on the size and number of agencies located within a 

courthouse.

Central Mail Facility 

The number of users varies depending on the size and number of agencies located within a 

courthouse. 

Bulk and Archival Storage 

Each court unit should be provided a bulk storage unit adjacent to the loading dock for 

secure storage of office or related equipment, supplies, and furniture. Additional storage 

space may be constructed within the court unit’s space envelope, apart from bulk storage, 

with approval from the circuit judicial council.

Telecommunications Rooms 

Telecommunications and data requirements are based on the size of the agencies 

located within the courthouse. Space requirements should provide flexibility for future 

improvements to the telecommunications system.

Fitness Centers 

The number of users varies depending on the size of the court and if the center is mutually 

agreed to be shared by all tenants. 

Design Requirements

General Design Elements

Building support functions described in this chapter are limited to court-occupied spaces. 

Many of these areas are related functionally and spatially to general building support 

areas such as loading docks; refuse areas; mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and elevator 

service rooms; and others. Supporting documents should be referred to for detailed spatial 

requirements and design criteria.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Shared Support Spaces | 11-6

Table 11.2

Space Requirements for Shared Support Spaces

Shared Support Spaces

Shared Judicial Areas NSF Nm2

Shared Judges’ Conference Rooms1 (min/max) 200/800 18.6/74.3

Judges’ Dining Area2 (min/max) 200/400 18.6/37.2

Support Areas NSF Nm2

News Media Room

Small Courthouse (five or fewer courtrooms) 150 13.9

Medium Courthouse (6-12 courtrooms) 250 23.2

Large Courthouse (13-18 courtrooms) 450 37.1

Extra-Large Courthouse (more than 18 courtrooms) 600 55.7

Central Mail Facility

GSA PBS P-100 Small/Medium Courthouse (12 or 

fewer courtrooms) 880 81.7

Central Mail Facility 

The design of a central mail facility provides physical countermeasures to prevent the 

transmittal of biological agents through the mail. Preventive measures that include the 

central mail facility’s location, finishes, equipment, and mechanical separation should be 

planned at the design stage.

A central mail facility should be constructed for all mail and package opening, sorting, 

and distribution. This joint-use facility does not preclude individual distribution and mail 

sorting facilities within court units. If all tenants (both judiciary and non-judiciary) agree 

to use a central mail facility for opening and sorting mail, the design team should refer to 

GSA PBS P-100 for size and design specifications. A central mail facility is considered to 

be building joint-use space, with all tenants funding their organization’s prorated share of 

the facility. A counter in the central mail facility should accommodate a sink, eyewash, and 

upper and lower storage for protective supplies and equipment, such as gloves and gowns. 

Refer to Chapter 16, “Building Security,” for additional security requirements regarding 

central mail facilities.

Fitness Centers

When designing fitness centers in new construction projects or existing facilities, GSA and 

its architects should be consulted so that the following key factors are addressed:

• Floor Loading - Prospective equipment and activities to be conducted in the fitness 

center should be defined during planning and design to assure adequate floor loads are 

established. 

• Acoustics - Consideration should be taken to the appropriate location of fitness 

centers and acoustical treatments to the envelope to avoid disruption to adjoining 

departments.

• Mechanical - Consideration to occupancy and activities planned for the fitness center 

should be accounted for in the mechanical design for the space.

• Audiovisual – Infrastructure should be considered for the following AV system in the 

fitness center.

• Ceiling- or wall-mounted television displays with cable tuners.

• Cable television connections to cardio equipment.

• Local sound system if the fitness area is to include an aerobics studio.

For guidance on the purchase of fitness equipment, refer to Guide to Judicial Policy, Vol 

16, § 460.20 and Vol. 12, § 750.40.

Shower and Changing Facilities

Appropriate shower facilities may be located within fitness centers (JCUS-MAR 17, p. 23). 

Space Name Ceiling Height 

(feet)

Ceiling Height 

(mm)

Shared Judges’ Conference Room 10 3,000

Judges’ Dining Area 10 3,000

News Media Room 10 3,000

Central Mail Facility 10 3,000

Delivery, Disposal, and Storage 

Areas Exposed to Structure

Equipment Rooms Exposed to Structure

Table 11.1

Ceiling Requirements for Shared Support Spaces
11-7 | Shared Support Spaces U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

1

 Conference room at 100 NSF (9.2 Nm2) plus 25 NSF/judge (2.3 Nm2/judge). Square 

 footage allocation for minimum and maximum is inclusive of 20 NSF (1.9 Nm2

) for a 

 service unit.

2

 Dining area allocation is 15 NSF (1.4 Nm2) per judge plus 20 NSF (1.9 Nm2) service 

 unit. The minimum allocation is 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2

) and the maximum allocation is 

300 NSF (27.8 Nm2) inclusive of the service unit. 3

 Areas given are exclusive of the mail- and package-screening area on the loading dock. 

Only one central mail facility is funded for new construction.

GSA PBS P-100 Large/Extra-Large Courthouse 

(13 or more courtrooms) 1,100 102.1

Delivery, Disposal and Storage Areas NSF Nm2

Loading Dock Refer to the AnyCourt 

Program/GSA PBS P-100

Temporary Storage Refer to the AnyCourt 

Program/GSA PBS P-100

Bulk and Archival Storage Areas Refer to the AnyCourt 

Program

Mail and Package Screening Stations3

Refer to the Judicial 

Security Systems 

Requirements and 

Specifications, USMS 

Volume III Publication 

64

Equipment Rooms NSF Nm2

Telecommunications Rooms Refer to the AnyCourt 

Program

Adjacency and Circulation 

Shared Judges’ Conference Room

The shared judges’ conference room should be in a central location to allow access for all 

judges. The conference room should be accessible from restricted circulation.

Judges’ Dining Area 

The dining area should be placed adjacent to the cafeteria.

News Media Room

The news media room should be placed on the ground floor or adjacent to a courtroom. 

The room should be accessed only from public circulation.

Central Mail Facility

The mail room should be located adjacent to the loading dock on an exterior wall.

Bulk and Archival Storage

Equipment, furniture, and court or tenant storage should be accessed from restricted 

circulation and conveniently located near the loading dock and service elevator to allow 

for easy movement of materials throughout the building. In the archival storage area, each 

court-related office should have access only to its assigned space, as this area houses case 

records, administrative files, and other confidential materials.

Telecommunications Rooms

To prevent vandalism, access to telecommunication rooms should be strictly controlled, 

especially when the rooms are located on public corridors. The main telecommunications 

room should be secured with controlled access. 

Fitness Centers 

Fitness centers are best located on the first floor or basement level, to prevent disturbance 

of occupied spaces located below the facilities. Fitness centers should be secure, but do 

not need to be located in a restricted area. Refer to Chapter 14, “Acoustics,” for additional 

information.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Shared Support Spaces | 11-8

Figure 11.1

Shared Support Spaces Adjacency Relationships

Colors Legend:

Symbols Legend:

Chapter 11

Shared Support Spaces

Public Circulation/Vertical Circulation

Restricted Circulation/Vertical Circulation

Secure Circulation/Vertical Circulation

Service Vertical Circulation

Circulation Access Control Point

Storage Areas

Loading Dock Central Mail Facility

Telecommunications

Rooms

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended only as an illustration.
12-1 U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

TENANT IMPROVEMENTS AND 

FURNISHINGS

This chapter addresses tenant improvements (interior finishes and millwork) and furnishings for 

all areas of the courthouse. Room-based specifics are included in the room data sheets of the 

appendix. Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service (GSA PBS P-100) finishes should 

be applied wherever requirements are not addressed in this chapter.

Chapter Topics:

12 • Introduction

• Supporting Documents

• Programming and Budgetary Notes

• Tenant Improvements - Interior Finishes

• Tenant Improvements - Millwork

• Furnishings

Table 12.1 Sample Finish Schedule

Chapter Figures and Tables:
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Tenant Improvements and Furnishings | 12-2

Introduction

Tenant improvements are the finishes and fixtures that typically take a space from the shell 

condition to a finished, usable condition. The tenant improvement allowance is the funding 

source provided by the General Services Administration (GSA) that enables the space to be 

built out to meet the court’s specific requirements. There are two components in the tenant 

improvement allowance: general and customization. The general tenant improvement 

allowance takes the unfinished shell to the standard GSA level of finish for office space. 

The customization allowance provides funding to meet court specific requirements.

Tenant Improvements – Interior Finishes

The finish section of this chapter includes the Judiciary’s requirements and references the 

GSA PBS P-100 finish criteria. 

Tenant Improvements – Millwork

The millwork section of this chapter addresses millwork, doors, and some furniture 

items that are built into and procured as part of GSA construction process. Millwork is 

traditionally made of wood, used as a fixed finish surface or decorative ornament to a 

building element, such as wood paneling to a wall, or trim around windows and doors. 

Millwork is not equipment.

Furnishings

The Design Guide identifies furnishings provided by the GSA as well as some loose 

furnishings that are funded by the Judiciary. Furnishings are itemized in the Design Guide 

for the purpose of assisting designers during the conceptual design and the coordination of 

electrical requirements. Please refer to the Guide to Judiciary Policy, Volume 16, Chapter 

4, for furniture cost ceilings and additional guidelines. Furniture is typically considered 

items that are able to be moved within the building.

Supporting Documents

A comprehensive guide to supporting documents can be found in Chapter 2, “Courthouse 

Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program and design 

criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information on many 

facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The references listed below 

relate specifically to this chapter. 

• GSA PBS P-100

• Guide to Judiciary Policy, Volume 16, Chapter 4 and 5 

• Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual 

(USMS Publication 64), Volume One, Courthouse Management Group Engineering 

and Architectural, most current edition

• Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual 

(USMS Publication 64), Volume Two, Electronic Security and Hardware, most current 

edition

• Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual 

(USMS Publication 64), Volume Three, Judicial Security Systems Requirements and 

Specifications, most current edition

• United States Courts, Courthouse Design Reference Manual: An Architect’s Desk 

Reference, most current edition 

Programming and Budgetary Notes

Appropriate Level of Millwork and Finishes 

Tenant improvements such as millwork and finishes in the interior of the courthouse 

should reflect the seriousness of the judicial mandate and the dignity of the judicial system. 

To this end, the finishes, millwork, and furnishings selected for a courthouse facility should 

express solemnity, integrity, rigor, and fairness. Any action taken by a court or circuit 

judicial council that would lead to extravagance in courthouse construction or renovation 

is prohibited; however, the Judicial Conference of the United States (JCUS) recognizes 

and strongly supports a pragmatic approach to design that includes the use of durable and 

sustainable materials. This approach ensures that courthouses will last well into the future. 

Colors should complement the natural, regional materials used in the design.

The materials employed should be consistently applied and durable, and should invoke a 

sense of permanence. Products with sustainable characteristics (i.e., regionally produced, 

natural, recycled content, and recyclable) should be utilized but should still meet the other 

criteria established for product selection. Plastic laminate is an acceptable choice for 

millwork. 

The selection of finish materials should be appropriate for the specific space uses and 

compatible with the project budget.

A limited palette of finishes that responds to construction cost limitations, optimizes lifecycle costs, and satisfies functional requirements should be selected for each project. 

Tenant improvements, including finishes and millwork, should be durable and sustainable. 

Maintenance costs and other life-cycle costs of finish materials should be considered.

Significant departure from the above criteria or from cost ceilings noted in the Guide to 

Judiciary Policy must be approved by the circuit judicial council. 
12-3 | Tenant Improvements and Furnishings U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Tenant Improvements – Interior Finishes

This section includes information on finish materials and design requirements for the use 

of finishes. The finish schedule, Table 12.1, shows an example of finish selections for 

special-use areas of the courthouse. The table is intended to illustrate the type of finishes 

expected and what can be provided within the tenant improvement budget.

Finish Material Requirements

The selection of finishes for each project should address concerns about the image, 

construction costs, life-cycle costs, and maintainability of the project budget. While each 

construction project’s budget should be maintained, life-cycle costs are a priority when 

selecting project finishes. Life-cycle cost considerations include but are not limited to 

ease with which materials can be maintained, enhanced durability, and maximizing the 

long-term appearance retention of products utilized. Limiting the quantity of specialty 

finishes and being selective in their application will minimize costs. However, this should 

be balanced; using select kinds of specialty finish materials and unique products in a 

maximum number of areas where such finishing is required can lead to larger orders that 

yield a buying power in the marketplace, which can enable the purchase of more bulk at a 

reduced per unit price.

Below are general requirements that apply to the selection of finishes throughout the 

courthouse:

• A selection of finish palettes for each space type in the courthouse should be selected 

and consistently applied throughout the courthouse. The palette of finishes may have 

variations in color and texture but the overall design aesthetic should complement the 

interior architecture. Once a palette of finishes is selected, the approved palette should 

be made the standard for the courthouse for future renovations and alterations. 

• Finishes represent a standard or benchmark of stature, durability, functionality, and 

sustainability and are not intended to dictate specific design solutions or treatments.

• Finishes selected should meet the most stringent codes under which the facility is 

governed. Standards referred to should be the most current edition adopted by the 

international, federal, or local code authorities. 

• Accepted industry standards for products and installation appropriate to the 

conditions, use, and substrate should be utilized for the selection and specification of 

all materials.

• Equivalent spaces should utilize the same finishes. 

• Acoustic treatment, detailing, and material should be provided as required to meet 

noise criteria specified in Chapter 14, “Acoustics.”

• Where access to infrastructure maintenance is above the ceiling, accessible finished 

ceiling assemblies should be used. Other ceiling elements, such as soffits, perimeter 

coves, recesses, and reveals, should be provided as required to integrate heating, 

ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and sound systems into a 

harmonious design.

• Where access to the electrical system, low-voltage systems (communications and 

audiovisual systems), and HVAC installed within the raised access flooring requires 

upgrades or maintenance, the raised access flooring finish should be easy to remove and 

reinstall without the additional expense of full removal and replacement of the finish. 

Finish Requirements per Courthouse Space

Public Areas

Building Lobby and Primary Circulation

The interior architecture of public spaces in the courthouse should reflect a civic 

presence. Elevator lobbies on floors housing courts should be considered an extension 

of the main public lobby spaces. Similarly, for floors currently not housing courts 

but designated for court occupancy to meet future growth requirements, public and 

elevator lobbies should be designed with the proper physical structure and dimensions 

so that equivalent finish levels can be added. All finishes should be compatible with 

the overall architectural characteristics of the building. 

The public lobbies and corridors may have a uniform palette of materials and 

finishes with minimal or no variations from the lobby to the doors of the courtroom, 

or alternatively, may have changes in materials and finishes along the procession 

from lobby to courtroom. Whichever the design preference, it should be compatible 

with the overall architectural character of the building. The materials and finishes 

should be able to withstand heavy use and frequent cleaning with cleaning solutions 

and maintenance equipment. Acoustics should be considered in materials selection 

for public areas, particularly in the main building entrances and atrium spaces. It is 

recommended to work with an acoustical consultant to evaluate the effects of material 

selections in these areas. 

The following is a list of materials for consideration in building lobby and primary 

circulation areas. The suggested materials are not intended to influence quantities or 

suggest specific material choices. Materials should be selected while keeping in mind 

cost ceilings, durability, functionality requirements, and the dignity of the court:

• Floor and wall base – terrazzo or stone products; polished concrete is 

unacceptable for these areas. 

• Walls – stone veneer, wood panel systems, glass wall panel systems, metal or 

other wall panel products, fabric wall covering, or painted gypsum wall board

• Ceilings – acoustical ceiling products, wood or metal ceiling systems, or painted 

gypsum board
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Tenant Improvements and Furnishings | 12-4

Public Waiting Areas

Public waiting areas serve as extensions of public lobby and circulation areas adjacent 

to courtrooms; therefore, the design and furnishing of these spaces should be consistent.

The following is a list of materials for consideration in public waiting areas. The 

suggested materials are not intended to influence quantities or suggest specific 

material choices. Materials should be selected while keeping in mind cost ceilings, 

durability, functionality requirements, and the dignity of the court. This list is not 

comprehensive and is intended as a suggestion of acceptable materials:

• Floor and wall base – terrazzo or stone products

• Walls – stone veneer, wood panel systems, glass wall panel systems, metal or 

other wall panel products, fabric wall covering, or painted gypsum wall board

• Ceilings – exposed structure, acoustical ceiling products, wood or metal ceiling 

systems, or painted gypsum board

Jury Assembly

Furnishings and finishes should reflect the importance of jury service. Prospective 

jurors should be provided with a comfortable, safe environment in which to carry 

out their jury service. Jury assembly suites are comprised of many different spaces 

including areas for large assembly, transaction spaces, toilet rooms, work and office 

areas, as well as pantry and vending provisions. The materials and finishes should 

be able to withstand heavy use and frequent cleaning with cleaning solutions and 

maintenance equipment. Materials should be of a complementary palette throughout 

the entire suite and should coordinate seamlessly with the holistic building aesthetic. 

Acoustics should be considered in materials selection for all areas but specifically 

larger assembly areas. It is recommended to work with an acoustical consultant to 

evaluate the effects of material selections in these areas. 

The following is a list of materials for consideration in jury assembly areas. The 

suggested materials are not intended to influence quantities or suggest specific 

material choices. Materials should be selected while keeping in mind cost ceilings, 

durability, functionality requirements, and the dignity of the court. This list is not 

comprehensive and is intended as a suggestion of acceptable materials:

• Floor and wall base – carpet, carpet tile, and resilient wall base

• Walls – wood panel systems, metal or other wall panel products, fabric wall 

covering, or painted gypsum wall board

• Ceilings – acoustical ceiling products, wood or metal ceiling systems, or painted 

gypsum wall board

• Counter interaction spaces – solid surfacing materials or natural quartz, and resin 

composite countertops

• Pantry/vending areas – premium vinyl tile or resilient flooring

• Toilet facilities – ceramic or porcelain tile products

Attorney Workroom and Attorney/Witness Rooms

Furnishings and finishes should be durable, easily maintained, and provide flexibility 

for multi-use functions within the space. Due to the confidential nature of discussions 

that occur within this space and their typical proximity to courtroom entrances and 

relationship to the public circulation zone, extreme care should be taken to select 

materials that provide an appropriate level of acoustical isolation.

The following is a list of materials for consideration in attorney workroom and 

attorney/witness rooms. The suggested materials are not intended to influence 

quantities or suggest specific material choices. Materials should be selected while 

keeping in mind cost ceilings, durability, functionality requirements, and the dignity 

of the court. This list is not comprehensive and is intended as a suggestion of 

acceptable materials:

• Floor, wall base, and chair rail – carpet, carpet tile, premium vinyl tile, resilient 

wall base and chair rail, or wood base and chair rail 

• Walls – painted gypsum wall board

• Ceilings – acoustical ceiling products

Public Counter Interaction Spaces

Interaction spaces, such as the public counters in the clerk’s office and other publicfacing court units, should be provided with durable finishes compatible with the 

design aesthetic of the courthouse’s public lobby and primary circulation areas. 

Acoustics should be considered in materials selection for public counter interaction 

areas. Floor, ceiling, and wall materials may be different on the public and staff side 

of the counter.

The following is a list of materials for consideration at public counter interaction 

spaces. The suggested materials are not intended to influence quantities or suggest 

specific material choices. Materials should be selected while keeping in mind cost 

ceilings, durability, functionality requirements, and the dignity of the court. This list 

is not comprehensive and is intended as a suggestion of acceptable materials:

• Floor and wall base – carpet, carpet tile, and resilient wall base; terrazzo or stone 

is also acceptable on the public side of the counter 

• Walls – fabric wall covering or painted gypsum wall board

• Ceilings – acoustical ceiling products, wood or metal ceiling systems, or painted 

gypsum wall board

• Counter interaction spaces – solid surfacing materials or natural quartz, and resin 

composite countertops
12-5 | Tenant Improvements and Furnishings U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Court Libraries

Furnishings and finishes located in central court libraries should be durable and 

easily maintained. Protection for interior wall surfaces should be provided to prevent 

damage from rolling book carts. Flooring selections should be able to accommodate 

heavy traffic and rolling book carts. Coffered ceilings should be avoided. 

The following is a list of materials for consideration in central court library spaces. 

The suggested materials are not intended to influence quantities or suggest specific 

material choices. Materials should be selected while keeping in mind cost ceilings, 

durability, functionality requirements, and the dignity of the court. This list is not 

comprehensive and is intended as a suggestion of acceptable materials:

• Floor and wall base – carpet, carpet tile, and resilient wall base 

• Walls – painted gypsum wall board with appropriate wall protection accessories

• Ceilings – acoustical ceiling products

• Counter interaction spaces – solid surfacing materials or natural quartz and resin 

composite countertops

News Media Room

Furnishings and finishes located in news media rooms should be durable and easily 

maintained and provide flexibility for a variety of uses. 

The following is a list of materials for consideration in the news media room. The 

suggested materials are not intended to influence quantities or suggest specific 

material choices. Materials should be selected while keeping in mind cost ceilings, 

durability, functionality requirements, and the dignity of the court. This list is not 

comprehensive and is intended as a suggestion of acceptable materials:

• Floor and wall base – carpet tile, premium vinyl tile, vinyl tile, and resilient wall 

base 

• Walls – painted gypsum wall board with appropriate wall protection accessories

• Ceilings – acoustical ceiling products

Courtrooms

Finishes in the courtroom should reflect the seriousness and promote the dignity 

of court proceedings. Finishes are an integral part of the courtroom’s architectural 

design. Courtroom millwork should be equivalent to the Architectural Woodwork 

Institute’s (AWI) Quality Standard for Premium Millwork. Decorative moldings to 

include but not be limited to base, chair rail, crown, panel molding, caps, and other 

miscellaneous moldings should be utilized throughout the courtroom. Trim and 

molding should be complementary of the building design aesthetic or consistent 

with the existing building design details. Acoustics should be considered in materials 

selection for courtrooms. It is recommended to work with an acoustical consultant 

to evaluate the effects of material selections in these areas. Walls and ceilings are 

primary surfaces for acoustic treatment within a courtroom. An acoustical consultant 

can assist with evaluating the optimal locations for sound absorbency, diffusion 

and reflection to achieve the desired acoustical criteria. Ceiling design and material 

selection should emphasize the dignity and hierarchy of the courtroom bench 

positions. Consideration should be taken to avoid materials interfering with electronic 

signals and other critical courtroom systems.

The following is a list of materials for consideration in the courtrooms. The suggested 

materials are not intended to influence quantities or suggest specific material 

choices. Materials should be selected while keeping in mind cost ceilings, durability, 

functionality requirements, and the dignity of the court. This list is not comprehensive 

and is intended as a suggestion of acceptable materials:

• Floor, wall base, chair rail and other moldings – carpet and wood 

• Walls – wood panels, stone veneer, metal panel systems, acoustical materials, 

decorative plaster, and painted gypsum wall board

• Ceilings – acoustical ceiling products including, but not limited to, wood and 

metal ceiling systems, and painted gypsum wall board

• Millwork and counter surfaces – wood, natural stone, leather, high-pressure 

laminate, solid surfacing material, and natural quartz and resin composite 

countertops

Restricted Areas

Judges’ Chambers Suites

The finishes in judges’ chambers suites should reflect the design quality of the 

courtroom; chambers should be viewed as an extension of the courtroom. The 

application of wood paneling products should be limited to wainscot and accent details 

to achieve a complimentary design aesthetic to the courtroom or the existing building 

design detailing. Due to the confidential nature of discussions that occur within this 

space and their typical proximity to courtrooms and restricted corridors, care should be 

taken to select materials that provide an appropriate level of acoustical isolation.

The following is a list of materials for consideration in the chambers. The suggested 

materials are not intended to influence quantities or suggest specific material 

choices. Materials should be selected while keeping in mind cost ceilings, durability, 

functionality requirements, and the dignity of the court. This list is not comprehensive 

and is intended as a suggestion of acceptable materials:

• Floor – carpet or wood

• Wall base, chair rail, and other moldings – wood

• Walls – wood wainscot, painted gypsum wall board, or fabric wall covering
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Tenant Improvements and Furnishings | 12-6

• Ceilings –acoustical ceiling products and painted gypsum wall board

• Millwork and counter surfaces – wood, natural stone, high-pressure laminate, 

solid surfacing material, and natural quartz and resin composite countertops

• Window Frames/Sills - wood

• Window Coverings - drapes, blinds, microshades

• Private toilets – porcelain or ceramic tile

Restricted Corridor

Restricted and secure corridors should convey a similar and consistent aesthetic to 

adjacent spaces within the court floor plans. Restricted corridors should be finished 

consistently with the courtrooms and chamber spaces. 

Secure Areas

Corridors and other spaces utilized for prisoner movement or occupied by the U.S. 

Marshals Service (USMS) should be in compliance with USMS Publication 64.

Service/Support Areas

Service and building support areas (central mail facilities, loading dock, recycling rooms, 

building systems spaces) should utilize durable, easily cleaned and maintained finishes. 

Other Court Units

Clerk’s Office, Probation/Pretrial Services, Other Court Departments Not 

Addressed

Other court units such as the clerk’s office, probation/pre-trial services, and pro se 

typically have a component that interacts with the public and a restricted staff only 

component. Interaction spaces, such as the public counters in the clerk’s office and 

other public-facing court units should be provided with durable finishes compatible 

with the design aesthetic of the courthouse’s public lobby and primary circulation 

areas. Acoustics should be considered in materials selection for public counter 

interaction areas. Floor, ceiling, and wall materials may be different on the public and 

staff side of the counter. The restricted staff components within these areas may be 

configured in a variety of ways. Acoustical considerations should be evaluated based 

on the layout of the spaces to provide a comfortable and efficient work environment.

The following is a list of materials for consideration in other court unit areas. The 

suggested materials are not intended to influence quantities or suggest specific 

material choices. Materials should be selected keeping in mind cost ceilings, 

durability and functional requirements of the space, and dignity of court. This list is 

not comprehensive and is intended as a suggestion of acceptable materials:

• Floor and wall base at staff work and public interaction areas – carpet tile, 

resilient wall base; terrazzo or stone is also acceptable on the public side of the 

counter 

• Floor and wall base at multi-purpose rooms – resilient flooring, carpet tile, and 

resilient wall base

• Floor and wall base at urinalysis labs and sample collection areas – resilient 

flooring and wall base or anti-microbial epoxy flooring and integral cove base

• Floor and wall base at storage and workroom areas – resilient flooring and wall 

base

• Walls – painted gypsum wall board, water-based catalyzed epoxy paint in 

urinalysis labs and collection areas

• Ceilings – acoustical ceiling products

• Counter interaction spaces – solid surfacing materials or natural quartz and resin 

composite countertops

Sample Finish Schedule 

Table 12.1 shows an example of finish selections for a U.S. courthouse. The sample is 

from a federal courthouse project that was designed and constructed within the tenant 

improvement (TI) construction budget allotment. The schedule shows a range of finishes to 

meet aesthetic quality expectations and project constraints. These finish schedules should 

not be considered to be prescriptive. The design team should develop a finish schedule that 

complements and maintains the integrity of the building’s architectural design and style 

while meeting the project’s quality requirements and cost limitations.
12-7 | Tenant Improvements and Furnishings U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Abbreviation Material

ACP Acoustical Ceiling Panel or Tile

AWP Acoustical Wall Panel

CT Ceramic Tile

CPT Carpet Time or Broadloom

GB Gypsum Board

PNT-1 Latex paint with eggshell finish. Preferred finish, unless 

noted otherwise.

PNT-2 Latex paint with semi-gloss finish. To be used in wet areas 

such as service units and restroom wet walls.

PNT-3 Water-based catalyzed epoxy or equivalent. To be used for 

the urinalysis lab.

SVT Solid/Premium Vinyl Tile

VCT Vinyl Composition Tile

V/RB Vinyl/Rubber Base

WD Wood

Legend

Sample Finish Schedule Abbreviations
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Tenant Improvements and Furnishings | 12-8

Courtrooms Floor Base Wall Ceiling

CPT WD WD, AWP, PNT-1 on GB PNT-1 on GB

Judges’ Chambers Suites Floor Base Wall Ceiling

Judge’s Chambers Office CPT WD FWC above WD Wainscot ACP

Judges’ Conference/Reference Room CPT WD` FWC above WD Wainscot ACP

Toilet CT CT PNT-2 on GB PNT-2 on GB

Reception Area CPT WD FWC above WD Wainscot ACP

Judicial Assistant’s Office CPT WD FWC above WD Wainscot ACP

Law Clerk Office CPT WD PNT-1 on GB ACP

Copy/Workroom SVT V/RB PNT-1 on GB ACP

Service Unit SVT V/RB PNT-2 on GB ACP

Chamber Corridor CPT WD PNT-1 on GB ACP

Courtroom Deputy Office CPT V/RB PNT-1 on GB ACP

Storage/Closet CPT V/RB PNT-1 on GB ACP

Associated Spaces Floor Base Wall Ceiling

Attorney/Witness Room CPT V/RB PNT-1 on GB ACP

Judges’ Conference/Robing Room CPT WD FWC above WD Wainscot PNT-1 on GB or ACP

Soundlock CPT WD PNT-1 on GB PNT-1 on GB

Attorney Workroom CPT V/RB PNT-1 on GB ACP

Appellate Robing Room CPT WD WD Chair Rail ACP

Trail Jury Suite CPT V/RB PNT-1 on GB ACP

Grand Jury Suite CPT V/RB PNT-1 on GB ACP

Jurors’ Toilet CT CT PNT-2 on GB PNT-2 on GB

Table 12.1

Sample Finish Schedule
12-9 | Tenant Improvements and Furnishings U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Other Court Units and Special Facilities Floor Base Wall Ceiling

Shared Judges’ Conference Room CPT WD FWC above WD Wainscot ACP

Circuit Executive Private Office CPT WD WD Chair Rail ACP

Senior Staff Attorney Private Office CPT WD WD Chair Rail ACP

Clerk of Court Private Office CPT WD WD Chair Rail ACP

Chief Probation/Pre-trial Services Private Office CPT WD WD Chair Rail ACP

Circuit Librarian Private Office CPT V/RB PNT-1 on GB ACP

Stack Area CPT V/RB PNT-1 on GB ACP

Bankruptcy Administration Office CPT V/RB WD Chair Rail ACP

Conference Attorney Private Office CPT V/RB WD Chair Rail ACP

District Court Executive Private Office CPT V/RB WD Chair Rail ACP

Bankruptcy/Appellate Clerk Private Office CPT V/RB WD Chair Rail ACP

Probation Urinalysis Laboratory VCT V/RB PNT-3 on GB PNT-3 on GB

Table 12.1

Sample Finish Schedule (cont’d)
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Tenant Improvements and Furnishings | 12-10

Recurring Millwork Items

Millwork items listed below are used in multiple locations throughout the courthouse. 

Doors

All courtroom and chamber doors are to be hardwood-veneer solid-core doors unless 

security requirements for a particular entry cannot be achieved with this type of door. 

Where wood doors are specified, they should be finished with stain and a clear sealer. 

Use AWI premium-grade solid hardwood door jambs, stops, and casings. Doors 

should be coordinated with USMS security requirements. 

Where doors are a part of soundlocks, the doors should include an industry standard 

sound seal gasketing package including an overlapping astragal seal. Use of sidelights 

at office doors should be considered for light transmission if they can be accommodated 

within the project’s TI allowance. Where privacy and sound isolation is a concern, the 

use of side lights should be limited and designed per Chapter 14, “Acoustics.”

Service Units

Service units should be standard-size plastic-laminate or wood upper and lower wallmounted cabinets and solid surface countertops with an integral sink of a durable 

material. Intermediate shelves should be provided in upper and lower cabinets. Adjacent 

to the sink, one drawer minimum should be provided for food preparation utensils and 

other supplies. Units should be laid out to accommodate some or all of the following: a 

microwave oven, a sink, a coffeemaker, under-counter lights, and a refrigerator. A wallmounted shelving unit above the sink area to accommodate the microwave oven may 

be provided as an option. A service unit in the judges’ conference room for the en banc 

courtroom should be custom-grade wood. Design to coordinate millwork cutouts and 

infrastructure required for any appliances purchased by a court or judges.

Courtrooms 

Millwork is an integral part of courtroom design. The durability, functionality, and quality 

of the millwork should reflect and complement the aesthetics and dignity of the courtroom. 

A consistent veneer finish with compatible trim is preferred for all millwork in the 

courtrooms. The height, area, position, and relationship of the courtroom bench positions 

emphasizes the role of the courtroom occupants and facilitates control of the court. Refer 

to Chapter 4, “Courtrooms and Associated Spaces,” for additional detail on courtroom 

bench and furniture requirements.

The relative heights of furniture and the dimensions of work surfaces are critical to 

efficient courtroom operation and must be coordinated with and approved by the Judiciary 

prior to execution. A significant element of courthouse design is the accessibility to 

justice. For this reason, accessibility of courtrooms is a requirement for the design and 

construction of courtroom millwork. Seated work surface heights in the courtrooms should 

be consistent within and between courtrooms. Please refer to Chapter 3, GSA PBS P-100

and applicable codes for guidance on accessibility within the courtroom.

Tenant Improvements - Millwork

This section is intended to provide requirements for the overall quality and amount of 

millwork in the courthouse. This section addresses funding responsibilities, materials, 

and design requirements. Refer to the individual room data sheets (RDSs) included in 

the appendix for a list of required millwork pieces per space. For specific information on 

station plans, sections, details, and dimensions refer to United States Courts, Courthouse 

Design Reference Manual: An Architect’s Desk Reference. Information on the layout 

of millwork within particular types of spaces is addressed in the space chapters of 

this document. Refer to Chapters 14-16 for acoustics, building systems, and security

requirements that should be addressed in the construction of millwork.

Millwork Funding Responsibilities

All costs for millwork described in this section, including the movable attorney/prosecutor 

lectern and attorney/litigant tables, should be funded out of the construction project. This 

does not include the evidence presentation cart. Coordinate the purchase of the evidence 

cart with the furniture acquisition plan (FAP). Coordinate infrastructure requirements 

for all millwork and furniture even that which is not provided as part of the construction 

funding as part of the base building scope. Any movable items included below should be 

constructed to ensure continuity of veneer type, stain, and style. 

Materials Requirements

Millwork for courtrooms, courtroom associated spaces, and judges’ chambers suites should 

be constructed to AWI standards for premium-grade millwork. The millwork in all other 

courthouse spaces should be constructed to AWI standards for custom-grade millwork 

unless noted otherwise. 

Design Requirements for Millwork

Many components of building systems, security, and technology are integrated into 

millwork and should be able to be serviced, upgraded, or replaced over the life cycle of 

the courthouse. Millwork pieces should be designed to incorporate these requirements. 

This requirement may be achieved by discreetly locating access panels and hinged 

pieces to accommodate service access. Refer to Chapter 4, “Courtrooms and Associated 

Spaces,” for functional layout, proximity, and sight-line requirements. Refer to Chapter 

14, “Acoustics,” for acoustic requirements; Chapter 15, “Building Systems,” for building 

systems requirements; and Chapter 16, “Building Security,” for security requirements. 

Consult with the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC) for additional 

guidance.
12-11 | Tenant Improvements and Furnishings U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

General Requirements

The design team should consult with the court and AOUSC to ensure that the new 

courthouse spaces can accommodate existing furniture that will be used in the new facility. 

Existing furniture should be used wherever possible. However, new courthouse spaces 

should not be adjusted to exceed the size standards set forth in the Design Guide in order 

to accommodate the existing furniture or exceed the space envelope for the court unit. 

The requirements address overall goals for courthouse projects and therefore apply to the 

entire courthouse. A limited variety of furniture, accessories, and equipment that respond to 

construction cost limitations and optimize life-cycle costs should be selected for each project. 

Consideration should be given to using furniture within the same series to respond to variances 

in applications. Selections should also consider the operational flexibility of the court to move 

furnishings to support varying needs while maintaining a consistent design aesthetic. 

Materials and products used should be durable, stain resistant, and low maintenance. 

The selection of furniture materials should be appropriate for the specific space uses and 

compatible with the project budget. 

Furniture finishes selected should consider light reflectance.

All furniture should be selected to allow accessibility for all court activities. This includes 

ensuring that access routes are the same for persons with disabilities.

System furniture cost ceilings are provided in the Guide to Judiciary Policy, Volume 16, 

Chapter 4. Also refer to Chapter 18, “Alternative Workplace Strategies,” for examples of 

systems furniture configurations. 

Equipment for Service Units

Sinks provided in service units are a part of the construction contract, and the location is 

provided in the respective space requirements. Specific equipment to be provided is listed 

on the millwork schedule with the service units. 

Toilet Room Accessories

Toilet rooms listed on the space lists should receive the following accessories: 

• Single-Person Toilet Room - All single-person toilet rooms listed on space lists should 

receive a toilet paper holder, a paper towel dispenser/disposal unit, a soap dispenser, and 

a mirror. Baby-changing facilities should be accommodated in public toilet rooms.

• Multi-Person Toilet Room - All multi-person toilet rooms should receive toilet 

paper holders, towel dispenser/disposal units, soap dispensers, and mirrors as 

appropriate for the size and capacity of the room. Baby-changing facilities should be 

accommodated in public toilet rooms.

• Wellness/Lactation/Family Toilet Room - Refer to GSA PBS P-100

Audiovisual and security equipment, including mobile video monitors and cameras, 

projectors, and audio recording/playback equipment used in the courtroom, should be 

accommodated in storage as well as built into ceilings, walls, or courtroom furniture. The 

inside panels of the bench, witness box and jury rails should allow for access to support 

technology cabling. The judge’s bench, as well as the courtroom deputy and court reporter 

stations, should accommodate audio-system electronic sound-recording equipment and 

electronic data devices (computers or terminals), with the necessary openings in the work 

surfaces drilled or cored to accommodate cabling and fitted with grommets sized to the 

openings. 

Furnishings

This section of the chapter addresses the furniture, accessories, and equipment 

requirements for special-function areas in the courthouse. Acquisition of furniture is 

typically accomplished under a separate contract.

The design team should consult with the AOUSC on furniture policies and procedures 

for judges and other court staff. The Guide to Judiciary Policy, Volume 16, Chapter 4, 

Furniture, Appliances and Related Services sets the Judicial Conference policies for 

furniture acquisition and level of furniture for all court employees.

Furniture, equipment, and accessories in the courthouse may be procured as part of the 

construction contract or by the courts directly. Refer to the individual RDSs included in the 

appendix for the funding responsibility of each furniture item. The balance of the furniture, 

equipment, and accessories listed on the RDSs is provided for the purpose of designing 

electrical infrastructure and laying out functional spaces.

Furniture Acquisition Plan (FAP) 

The Guide to Judiciary Policy, Volume 16, Chapter 4, § 430.50.10 , details the policies and 

procedures for FAPs. 

The FAP is a formal documentation and analysis of a court’s furniture requirements. All 

FAPs must be approved and signed by the chief judge and must include the following:

• Furniture inventory database

• Floor plans

• Budget request

• Specification for purchase

• List and cost of new furniture

• Room-by-room summary itemizing new and refurbished furniture costs

• Plan for the disposition of excess furniture

• Furniture procurement schedule
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Tenant Improvements and Furnishings | 12-12

Judges’ Chambers Suites

In spaces with millwork, wainscot, or wood trim where wood furniture or accessories will 

be utilized, furniture and accessories should be selected with standard finishes as close as 

possible to the built-in woodwork of the space. 

Furniture in the offices of a judge’s support staff, including the secretary and law clerk, 

should be coordinated to complement the finishes used throughout the judge’s chambers 

suite. Refer to the Guide to Judiciary Policy, Volume 16, Chapter 4, for furniture 

requirements for judges, law clerks, and chambers support staff.

Court Unit Standards for Private and Open Workstations

Court Unit Executive, Supervisory Staff, and Professional Staff Private Offices

Refer to the Guide to Judiciary Policy, Volume 16, Chapter 4, for furniture requirements 

for courtroom personnel and for private offices.

System Furniture Standards

The following standards apply to court staff work spaces throughout the courthouse, except 

the judges’ chambers staff. 

• Team Leaders - Systems furniture configuration, 96 square feet (8.9 m2)

• Court Unit Secretaries and Support Positions - Systems furniture, 64 square feet (5.9 m2) 

The design team should plan and design the electrical, telephone, and data connections 

for systems furniture workstations to be provided through the access-floor cabling and 

electrical distribution systems.

Courtrooms and Associated Spaces

In spaces with millwork, wainscot, or wood trim where wood furniture or accessories will 

be utilized, furniture and accessories should be selected with standard finishes as close as 

possible to the built-in woodwork of the space. 

Courtrooms

Furniture, accessories, and equipment are an integral part of courtroom design. Their 

durability, functionality, and sustainability should reflect the aesthetics and dignity of the 

courtroom. 

Furniture in courtrooms should be selected to support the need for all participants to see 

and hear one another clearly. 

Judges’ seating in multi-seat benches should be the same. In courtrooms with single-judge 

benches, the judge should select a chair to accommodate his or her stature and comfort. In 

all cases, the design team should consider the color scheme and finishes.

Court seals are purchased in accordance with the Guide to Judiciary Policy through the 

GSA Great Seal Program. The seals are available in metal or polystyrene foam and come 

in a variety of finishes. Custom architectural seals in millwork, glass, marble, or metal are 

funded as part of the construction budget.

Court Reporter/Recorder

Storage areas for court reporters/recorders should be furnished to accommodate typed 

transcripts and both loose and boxed steno-tapes. 

Attorney/Witness Room

Each room is provided with a lounge or conference furnishings. 

Attorney Work Room

Appropriated court funds should not be used to furnish the space.

Public Waiting Areas

Courtroom waiting areas adjacent to courtrooms serve as extensions of public lobby and 

circulation areas; therefore, the furnishings utilized for these spaces should be consistent 

with those of the spaces they adjoin. Furnishings should be comfortable but durable, and 

should be fixed to the floor or walls in small groups.
13-1 U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

INTERIOR SIGNAGE

This chapter applies to interior signage throughout U.S. federal court facilities.

Chapter Topics:

13 • Introduction

• Supporting Documents

• Programming and Budgetary Notes

• Design Requirements
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Interior Signage | 13-2

Introduction

Signs significantly impact the functional and aesthetic quality of a court facility. Many 

federal courthouses are large, complex structures requiring clear and coordinated 

systems of signage and way-finding that allow first-time users to locate their place of 

involvement in the judicial process as quickly and directly as possible. Signs and signing 

systems should provide a coordinated and efficient system of recognition, direction, and 

information throughout a courthouse. The specific strategy for a building’s signs should 

be determined early in the facility design process and developed along with other details 

of the design. Signage should emphasize the natural flow of the spaces in the courthouse, 

which should be the principal means for directing the public to elevators, clerks’ offices, 

jury assembly areas, courtrooms, and other destinations.

Supporting Documents

A comprehensive guide to supporting documents can be found in Chapter 2, “Courthouse 

Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program and design 

criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information on many 

facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The references listed below 

relate specifically to this chapter.

• Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards (ABAAS) 

• California Trial Court Facilities Standards, Judicial Council of California

• Guide to Judicial Policy, Vol. 16, Chapter 4

• National Digital Signage (NDS) Program

Programming and Budgetary Notes

The General Services Administration (GSA) provides limited signage in federally owned 

and leased buildings in accordance with the terms and conditions of applicable lease 

agreements, occupancy agreements, and construction contracts. This scope typically 

includes exterior signage and the main lobby building directory in new construction 

projects. The design team should refer to Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings 

Service (GSA PBS P-100). GSA signage standards will be included in the architectural/

engineering scope of services. 

The Judiciary must fund any additional signage beyond the GSA scope. Typically, all 

interior signage in court spaces, including floor directories, is to be paid for by the 

Judiciary. Refer to the Guide to Judicial Policy, Vol. 16, Ch. 4, Section 455, for a detailed 

explanation of the design and procurement process for interior signage.

Design Requirements

The three basic categories of signs are (1) informational, (2) direction, and (3) labels. 

Labels describe the function or occupant of a space. Informational signs advise of court 

facility activities and schedules. With the advancement of technology, the use of electronic 

and interactive systems may be considered when designing courthouse signage. The 

design team should consult with the court’s IT staff to best determine how computer-based 

systems may be used to integrate and automate the signs.

All signage must meet the requirements of ABAAS. The U.S. Access Board is specific 

about parameters of design such as the location, size, color, and tactile qualities of signage. 

The design must coordinate with the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) on the technical 

security equipment placement.

Factors to be considered in the design of signs and public information systems include the 

following:

• Materials, colors, and graphics

• Placement of signs and kiosks

• Handicapped accessibility

• Placement of conduit for computer-based information systems

• Cost

• Flexibility and cost for future modifications

A standardized, integrated, complementary, and comprehensive signage program should 

address both code-required signage (such as exit signs, exiting plans, and room numbers) 

and non-code-required signage (building directories, notices, etc.). The graphics and 

signage programs should be developed during early design stages to integrate signage 

with the design concept, functional program, and building circulation zones. Attractive, 

legible signs showing directions and information should be incorporated into the design 

of all public areas. The signage program should be adaptable for future change without 

damaging the public corridor wall finishes. 

Rooms should be numbered logically and consecutively to enable visually impaired persons 

to make assumptions about where their destination is located. Public room numbers should 

be sequential and predictable. Courtroom labels should be based on a predictable sequence. 

For example, a second-floor courtroom should be labeled Courtroom 200.

Room label signage should be positioned at doorways, where sight-impaired persons 

expect to find information. Signage for building-management rooms, which are not 

accessible to the public, should be located in different areas than accessible signage. 

The following guidelines apply to signage and graphics in various locations within the 

building.
13-3 | Interior Signage U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Building Entry - GSA Scope

Signage at the entry should be restricted to preserve a unified and attractive facade.

Building Directory - GSA Scope

A building directory should be located near the main public entrance. The directory should 

contain a diagram listing all the major building components. This directory, which may 

be integrated into an information booth or kiosk, should be located in an area seen by 

members of the public after they have been screened.

Floor Directory - Judiciary Scope

Smaller directories should be provided in each elevator lobby with information about the 

various occupants of that floor. Arrows should be grouped in similar directions to facilitate 

communication.

Courtroom Entry Signage - Judiciary Scope

All signs outside courtroom doors should be of uniform appearance. The courtroom 

numbering system should be displayed at the top and in the largest font size.

Other Signage - Judiciary Scope

A consistent, controlled system of other signs, such as restricted access warnings, 

directional signs, signs designating special handicapped services, and procedural guides, 

should be provided. If high-traffic areas such as the jury assembly room and the public 

counter are not immediately visible from the entry lobby, clear graphics should be 

prominently displayed to guide users to these areas.

Optional Electronic Signage

With the advancement of technology, the use of electronic and interactive systems may 

be considered when designing courthouse signage. Electronic signage and its respective 

infrastructure must be funded by the Judiciary if requested. 

All contemporary electronic signage players, whether stand alone or embedded in a display 

or interactive kiosk, are Ethernet appliances that receive their information via the courts or 

building’s network. The infrastructure needed to support electronic signage is a network 

drop and power for the signage player and display. Depending on the size of the display, 

blocking may be required in the wall to support the display and mounts.

There are four main approaches to electronic signage:

Electronic Directories and Wayfinding

The function of the electronic directories and wayfinding is to provide visitors to the 

building a departmental, staff, or event directory as well as assistance in locating their 

desired destination within the building. In addition, they may also display supplemental 

emergency, weather, or other notifications. The electronic signage system should be treated 

as supplemental to any emergency, mass notification, or visual paging system and not be 

relied upon as the primary life-safety or emergency visual notification system. Electronic 

directories are typically located in the courthouse lobby and on each floor near the primary 

vertical transportation (elevators, grand stair, etc.).

Electronic Docket Directory

Like the electronic building directory, an electronic docket display system displays the 

daily docket information and provides the location of the courtrooms, hearing rooms and 

other spaces used for court proceedings. Docket display systems are typically integrated 

with the court units’ calendar and scheduling software and are configured to update 

automatically as changes are made to the calendar systems. In addition, docket displays 

are typically located in court lobbies or public waiting areas. In larger courthouses, 

supplementary docket displays may be located on courtroom floors.

Electronic Schedule Displays

Electronic room schedule displays are essentially electronic clipboards. Located outside 

courtrooms, multi-use conference spaces, and conference rooms, these display the daily 

docket or meeting schedule for the local room. They are typically fed from the court 

calendar system, or in the case of conference rooms, a room reservation system or shared 

calendar system like Microsoft Outlook.

Interactive Kiosks

Interactive schedule, docket, or wayfinding kiosks allow guests to the building to search 

for specific information. Kiosks are not always intuitive and can create bottlenecks when 

large numbers of visitors are looking for information at the same time. Dedicated directory 

and docket displays that rotate automatically through the building directory or the day’s 

docket tend to be more efficient than interactive displays or kiosks.

14-1 U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

ACOUSTICS

This chapter discusses acoustic design concepts and outlines specific acoustic criteria for 

courthouses. Criteria in this chapter focus on the court-occupied spaces. Where detailed criteria 

are not provided for non-courts program areas, the requirements set forth in Facilities Standards 

for Public Buildings Service (GSA PBS P-100) or the applicable occupant group design guidelines 

shall govern. 

Chapter Topics:

14 • Introduction

• Supporting Documents

• Design Requirements 

• Renovations and Alterations (R&A)

Table 14.1 Room Partitioning Requirements 

Table 14.2 Acoustic Performance Requirements 

Chapter Figures and Tables:
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Acoustics | 14-2

Introduction 

The two key factors that determine the acoustic performance of spaces in a courthouse are 

speech intelligibility and acoustic privacy. Speech intelligibility is a measure of the ability 

of a listener to understand what is being said. A high standard of speech intelligibility is 

critical to ensure that all questions, testimony, and discussion can be clearly understood 

by all the participants and observers of the event. Speech privacy is a measure of speech 

audibility between adjacent spaces and is a function of the acoustic separation provided 

by the separating partition(s) and of the background noise levels in the two spaces. The 

acoustic performance requirements of a room are met through careful design involving 

acoustical engineering done to achieve specific field performance per testing standards.

Speech Intelligibility 

For unamplified speech, the two key parameters that determine the level of speech 

intelligibility are the level of background noise and room reverberance. For amplified 

speech, the third key parameter that needs to be taken into account is the performance of 

the sound-reinforcement system.

Installation of a sound-reinforcement system can help increase the level of speech 

intelligibility; however, poor room acoustic design cannot be compensated for with good 

sound system design. Both should be considered together from the outset.

Background noise is a product of several sources. The dominant component is typically 

noise associated with the heating or cooling system. This may include fan noise and 

regenerated flow noise associated with dampers, diffusers, and other mechanical system 

elements. Another component is noise ingress, either from external sources such as road 

traffic or from internal sources such as the activity of people in adjacent spaces. Noise 

criteria describe the desired level of background noise.

Achieving a high level of speech intelligibility requires that the signal-to-noise ratio, that 

is, the speech level over the background noise level, be optimized. This should be achieved 

by controlling the background noise level within the courtroom and optimizing the speech 

level through the room’s acoustic design and the design of the sound-reinforcement system.

Room reverberance is generally defined by the reverberation time, which is the time it 

takes for sound to decay within a room, expressed in seconds. Too much reverberance 

will result in late sound reflections (echoes), which will compromise speech intelligibility. 

Reverberation time is directly proportional to the volume of the room and inversely 

proportional to the amount of sound absorption within the room. Therefore, the 

reverberation time can be reduced by reducing the room volume and/or increasing the 

amount of sound absorption.

Acoustic Privacy 

For any given courthouse space, it is important that speech from the activity within not be 

audible in adjacent spaces, and vice versa. Special attention should be paid at the earliest 

stages of planning to ensure that noise-producing spaces (building-systems equipment 

rooms, restrooms, circulation space, public lobbies, etc.) are not located directly adjacent 

(vertically or horizontally) to noise-sensitive spaces.

Internal partitions should be of a construction determined to achieve an appropriate level 

of airborne sound isolation, as measured per the ASTM E-90-99 standard. Buffer spaces 

and vestibules should be included where appropriate. Impact isolation, to control footfall 

noise from adjacent spaces, should also be considered.

Noise-sensitive spaces should be protected from external noise ingress, such as road traffic 

noise, airplanes passing overhead, and pedestrian activity. All facade elements (walls, 

glazing, roofs, etc.) should be designed to provide appropriate sound isolation.

Another fundamental consideration when the building is located above or close to 

significant sources of vibration, specifically subways, below-grade or tunnel roads or 

railways, at-grade railways, trams, and metro systems, is the need to take into account 

groundborne noise and vibration in the building. In these areas, vibration isolation may 

be required to isolate the building structure from the vibration source. Advice should be 

sought at the earliest available opportunity.

Supporting Documents

A comprehensive guide to supporting documents can be found in Chapter 2, “Courthouse 

Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program and design 

criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information on many 

facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The references listed below 

relate specifically to this chapter.

• American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers 

(ASHRAE) Handbook of Fundamentals

• Sound Matters: How to Achieve Acoustic Comfort in the Contemporary Office 

produced by GSA Public Building Service (2011)
14-3 | Acoustics U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Design Requirements

This section of the Design Guide presents a definition of the acoustic criteria applicable

to courthouse buildings as well as design guidance to ensure that the necessary criteria 

are met.

The design team should seek the advice of an acoustic consultant to ensure that the design 

recommendations are successfully implemented. It should be noted that minor changes 

in room shape, form, and finishes can have a significant effect on the room acoustics. 

The same is true for variations in the building systems, equipment, facade, and other 

construction design. Therefore, it should not be assumed, regardless of the prior experience 

of the design team, that targets can be met based on previous projects if changes are 

considered in subsequent designs.

The following sections include components that are both performance goals and 

prescriptive design items. Where specific numeric acoustical goals are established, the 

acoustical consultant should provide documentation illustrating how the goals have been 

achieved including calculations where applicable.

Speech Intelligibility 

Speech intelligibility is commonly measured using the Speech Transmission Index (STI). 

The STI uses a rating system from 0 to 1 to subjectively rate intelligibility, broken down as 

follows: 

• < 0.40 = Poor

• 0.41–0.50 = Fair

• 0.51–0.60 = Good

• 0.61–0.75 = Very good

• 0.76–1.0 = Excellent

The design target for all critical spaces is to achieve an STI rating of > 0.6 for both 

unamplified and amplified speech. In spaces without a sound reinforcement system, control 

of background noise and reverberation time is, as outlined in the following sections, 

expected to provide an STI rating of fair to good. A sound-reinforcement system should be 

used to achieve an STI rating of very good to excellent. The STI should be measured when 

the audio system is completely installed, in accordance with the method laid out in IEC 

60268-16 or ANSI S3.2-1995. 

Room Reverberation Times 

Critical spaces should be designed to achieve the reverberation times provided in Table 

14.2. 

It should be noted that guidance elsewhere in this document regarding courtroom 

dimensions will result in a room reverberation time that, in the absence of soundabsorbing treatment, will exceed the targets indicated. Therefore, specific guidance should 

be followed to ensure that room reverberance is appropriately controlled. The relevant 

guidance is provided in Table 14.2. In all cases, the introduction of sound-absorbing 

finishes should be an essential component of the room design.

Room Background Noise Levels 

Room background noise levels are comprised of the noise from building systems (heating, 

ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), electrical, lighting, audiovisual systems, etc.) 

and noise ingress from external sources (road, rail, and air traffic; pedestrian activity; 

etc.) and internal sources (such as the activity of people or the operation of equipment in 

adjacent spaces). All sources of noise should be controlled to appropriate levels.

Acceptable levels of noise from building services systems depend on the sensitivity of the 

room function. In addition, constant noise such as that from HVAC systems also masks the 

ingress of external noise or activity noise in other areas of the building.

In accordance with the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals, all spaces should be rated 

using the room criterion (RC) or noise criterion (NC) curves, that is, background noise. 

NC should be used for theoretical designs and RC should be used for field measurement.

If variable HVAC systems are used, the implications for the building design approach 

should be examined. This will also have ramifications for the design of the building facade 

(if used to control noise ingress from external sources) and internal room-to-room space 

privacy.

To maintain constant RC/NC background noise levels, it may be necessary to introduce a 

sound-masking system using distributed loudspeakers. The spectral shape of the soundmasking system should be carefully designed and specified such that it does not exceed the 

target criteria provided in Table 14.2 and does not contain any tonal elements.

The increasing use of videoconferencing technology in the courtroom means that lowfrequency noise needs to be adequately controlled to ensure that suitable levels of sound 

quality can be achieved in reproduction and recording.

External Noise Ingress

Noise from external sources may consist of road, rail, air, or pedestrian traffic or noise 

from the external mechanical equipment of the building or surrounding buildings. In 

all cases, the noise from these sources should be limited in order not to disturb court 

functioning.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Acoustics | 14-4

In order to limit external noise ingress, an assessment should be made of future noise 

levels on the site. Step one will require that a site noise survey be conducted. An acoustic 

consultant should measure and record external noise at appropriate intervals during the 

operating hours of the court and document these as a baseline.

In the case of a new courthouse, any known future conditions, such as new or rerouted 

roads, new railways, airport flight paths, etc., should be reviewed and the noise impact 

determined. Future land use of surrounding areas may also contribute to external noise and 

should be reviewed with the local planning commission.

The acoustic consultant will then use this information to provide design guidance and 

improve the sound isolation performance of the proposed building facade using the 

Outdoor-Indoor Sound Transmission Class (OITC) criteria.

Internal Airborne Sound Insulation 

In order to achieve the required privacy between spaces, it is important to ensure that all 

internal partitions, walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as doors and windows, achieve an 

adequate level of sound insulation.

The guidelines presented here are expressed in terms of the Noise Isolation Class (NIC),

a single-number rating describing the combined performance of all building elements in 

isolating one room from another. The higher the NIC rating, the better the privacy between 

spaces. NIC is used in this guide to allow for design using both full-height and partialheight partitions as it takes into account all the isolation elements. To achieve the NIC 

goals in design phases, Sound Transmission Class (STC) may be used. STC for spaces’ 

bounding partition should be at least 5 points higher than the NIC rating for the spaces. For 

example, spaces with an NIC goal of 55 should use STC 60 partitions. STC applies only to 

design of full-height partitions.

The in-field sound-level difference between adjacent spaces should be measured in 

accordance with ASTM E336-05 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Airborne 

Sound Insulation in Buildings, and the NIC value should be determined in accordance with 

ASTM E413-04 Classification for Rating Sound Insulation.

The level of privacy also depends on the background noise levels in the spaces. For 

example, a room in which the partitions have a rating of NIC 50 and a background noise 

level of RC/NC 35 will have the same level of privacy as a room in which the partitions 

have a rating of NIC 45 and a background noise level of RC/NC 40.

The required sound insulation performance (NIC) should be defined by the background 

noise criteria (RC/NC) and the required level of privacy, as shown in Table 14.1. The 

levels circled in the table demonstrate a required privacy level of confidential.

It is the responsibility of the architect and acoustic consultant to minimize the use of heavy 

internal partition construction and full-height (slab-to-slab) partitions with the exception 

of areas where it is a requirement. Where full-height walls are not required, the acoustical 

consultant may recommend the use of partial height walls that extend to a minimum of

6-inches above the ceiling used in conjunction with a properly designed ceiling with a high 

Ceiling Attenuation Class (CAC) and potentially sound masking. Attention should be paid 

to the use of acoustically neutral spaces as buffer zones between sensitive areas. Buffer 

zones and neutral spaces are generally defined as non-acoustically sensitive spaces that 

are located in between two acoustically sensitive spaces. Buffer zones and neutral spaces 

can be created through space planning and are not intended as a requirement of additional 

programmatic space. Where buffer zones or neutral spaces are used, the design team can 

use discretion in reducing the performance of partitions while ensuring that the subjective 

intent of the privacy standard is achieved. For example, a storage closet can also act as 

a buffer space when located between two conference rooms. The walls partitions at the 

storage closet could each be a slightly lower NIC so that the combined total performance 

of both walls meets the NIC goal. Table 14.2 includes the NIC goals for specific spaces. 

These NIC goals apply to the wall assembly.

Doors and windows in sound-rated walls will decrease the sound isolation performance 

of that wall. The acoustical consultant should review the adjacencies and provide 

recommendations for sound-rated door assemblies, door sound seals, and window glazing 

assemblies. The design team should work to limit the number of sound-rated doors and 

glazing assemblies to limit cost. Doors located in walls of NIC 35 or below, and doors 

at sound locks should include a standard solid core door with a compression sound seal 

package. Glazing in walls of NIC 35 or less should be 1-inch insulated glass. Doors and 

glazing in walls over NIC 35 should be determined by the acoustical consultant based on 

the specific project. The door frame on sound-rated doors should be steel and should be 

filled with insulation or grout as appropriate to limit sound leaks. Frames provided by a 

sound-rated door manufacturer should be selected by the manufacturer to maintain the 

door performance. Frames may be covered with wood to achieve aesthetic goals.

Privacy Levels Background Noise (RC/NC)

25 30 35 40

Confidential 

Noise 

Isolation 

Class (NIC)

60 55 50 45

Normal 50 45 40 35

Minimal 4 35 30 25

Table 14.1

Room Partitioning Requirements 
14-5 | Acoustics U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

It is recommended that trial jury and grand jury hearing rooms be located with buffer 

spaces and corridors adjacent and not be located adjacent to other spaces requiring 

confidential privacy. Furthermore, localized sound masking systems are recommended for 

the areas adjacent to the trial jury and grand jury hearing rooms to further increase speech 

privacy.

Demountable partitions may be used at the discretion of the design team. A header should 

be built from the top of the partition to the deck to maintain acoustic isolation where walls 

are required to extend to the deck. The header’s isolation performance should match that 

of the demountable partition. Where walls are not required to extend to the deck, provide 

sound isolation design similar to partial height walls by using a high CAC ceiling design.

Impact Sound Isolation

The Impact Isolation Class (IIC) identifies the requirement for control of impact noise 

(footfall, etc.) from adjacent spaces (horizontal or vertical). IIC values for the floor-ceiling 

assembly above key critical spaces (courtrooms, conference rooms, study areas, jury 

deliberation rooms, and attorney/witness rooms) should be a minimum of 50.

IIC 50 can be achieved by using carpet as the floor finish or by using a resilient interlayer 

within the floor construction. Resilient interlayer materials are available from multiple 

manufacturers. The acoustical consultant should review the manufacturer provided 

independent lab test data illustrating that the IIC performance of the product achieves the 

IIC 50 minimum goals when tested in accordance with ASTM E492 and ASTM E989. 

Product(s) should be tested using the same or similar floor/ceiling construction as that of 

the project. The acoustical consultant should make recommendations for the specific model 

and thickness of interlayer required based on the floor/ceiling construction.

Raised Access Floor Systems

The design team should balance the utilization of raised access flooring against sound 

isolation performance very early in the design process. At the outset, building planning 

should try to separate sensitive spaces from each other by the use of acoustically neutral 

spaces (storerooms, risers, shafts, etc.). 

Methods for improving the sound isolation of partitions at the head and base (e.g., 

pan-type floor tiles filled with lightweight concrete, packing with dense compressed 

mineral fiber, duct lagging or similar, use of cross-talk attenuators or similar) can also be 

considered. The use of access floors does not absolve the design team from achieving the 

required sound isolation performance, but places the onus on the design team to consider 

these requirements from the earliest design stages. 

Vibration

Vibration limits for key sensitive areas are specified in accordance with ANSI S3.29-1983 

Guide to the Evaluation of Human Exposure to Vibration in Buildings. Limits should be set 

on the basis of multiples of the relevant base curve. Appropriate multiples are as follows:

• Courtrooms: 1.4

• Other areas: 4.0

Courtrooms

The primary requirement is for high intelligibility and natural-sounding speech in the 

courtroom. To ensure that this is achieved, the courtroom should have the following 

characteristics: 

• Controlled background noise from building services systems and audiovisual and 

other building equipment

• Appropriate room shape, form, and volume to ensure a suitable sound-reflection 

sequence and natural control of reverberance

• Appropriate control of room reverberance through the use of acoustic treatments

• Suitable sound isolation from all adjacent spaces

Background Noise Control 

Specific NIC and NC/RC targets are provided in Table 14.2. The design team should 

ensure that these limits are not exceeded through the use of any equipment or system 

within the space. 

Room Shaping and Materials 

Room shape and form have a fundamental effect on room acoustics and should be 

considered from the outset. General recommendations are as follows: 

• The courtroom should not be a long or narrow rectangle finished totally with soundreflective materials. Such conditions can cause excessive acoustic fluttering. Reducing 

the room length, avoiding the use of long parallel walls, and using appropriately 

selected absorptive finish materials can alleviate the problems. 

• At the front of the room, from the judge’s bench to just behind the location of the 

attorney teams, walls should be rectilinear and parallel to promote good distribution 

of lateral sound energy in the entire well area between the judge, jury, defendant, and 

attorney teams. Surface treatments should promote sound reflection. Some sound 

diffusion (through the use of surface texture or convex curvature) may be acceptable, 

as determined by a case-by-case evaluation. Concave curvature should be avoided in 

this area as it can often lead to sound-focusing issues.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Acoustics | 14-6

Spaces

Privacy 

Level

Reverberation 

Time (RT)

in seconds

Background 

Noise (RC/NC) 

curve

Noise 

Isolations 

Class (NIC)

in decibels4

Speech 

Intelligibility 

Index (STI) 

With sound 

system 

enhancement

Courtroom

Courtroom Confidential 0.6-0.7 25-30 55-60 0.75 (Very Good)3

Judges’ Chambers Suite

Judge’s Chambers Private Office Confidential 0.4-0.6 35 50 NA

Law Clerks’ Offices Normal 0.5-0.6 35 40 NA

Judge’s Chambers Conference/Reference Room Confidential 0.5-0.6 35 50 0.75 (Very Good)3

Courtroom Associated Spaces

Circuit Judge’s Robing Room Normal 0.5-0.6 35 40 0.75 (Very Good)3

District, Magistrate, and Bankruptcy Judge’s Conference/Robing 

Room Normal 0.5-0.6 35 40 0.75 (very Good)3

Attorney Work Room Normal 0.5-0.6 35 40 0.75 (Very Good)3

District, Magistrate, and Bankruptcy Attorney/Witness Room Confidential 0.5-0.7 30 55 0.75 (Very Good)3

Public Waiting Areas Normal 0.5-0.6 40 25 0.75 (very Good)3

Jury Facilities

Jury Assembly Suite Normal 0.6-0.8 40 35 0.75 (Very Good)3

Trial Jury Suite Confidential2 0.4-0.6 30 55 0.75 (Very Good)3

Grand Jury Hearing Room Confidential 0.4-0.6 30 55 0.75 (Very Good)3

Table 14.2

Acoustic Performance Requirements1
14-7 | Acoustics U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Spaces

Privacy 

Level

Reverberation 

Time (RT)

in seconds

Background 

Noise (RC/NC) 

curve

Noise 

Isolations 

Class (NIC)

in decibels4

Speech 

Intelligibility 

Index (STI) 

With sound 

system 

enhancement

Other Court Units

Library Lobby Minimal 0.6-1.0 40 45 N/A

Library Study Room Normal 0.4-0.6 30 55 N/A

Probation and Pretrial Services Private Interview Rooms Confidential 0.5-0.7 30 55 N/A

Probation and Pretrial Services Private Offices Normal 0.5-0.6 30 35 N/A

Federal Public Defender’s Trial Preparation Suite Confidential 0.5-0.7 30 55 N/A

Office of the Bankruptcy Administrator Confidential 0.5-0.7 30 55 N/A

Office of the Pre-Argument Conference Attorney Confidential 0.5-0.7 30 55 N/A

Shared Support Spaces

Shared Judges Conference Room Confidential 0.5-0.7 30 55 0.75 (Very Good)3

Judges’ Dining Area Confidential 0.5-0.7 30 55 N/A

Conference Rooms Confidential 0.5-0.6 30 55 0.75 (Very Good)3

Table 14.2

Acoustic Performance Requirements1 (cont’d)

1

 All other courthouse spaces not listed reference GSA PBS P-100. 2

 Trial jury suite and grand jury hearing rooms should include localized sound masking in the adjacent public space for further increased speech privacy. Do not locate these spaces 

adjacent to other confidential spaces or spaces with a RC/NC goal below 40.

3

 Sound enhancement systems should provide a minimum STI of 0.75 (very good). 

4

 Refer to Internal Airborne Sound Insulation section for discussion of NIC and STC. Refer to specific room sections for additional information regarding use of full-height walls. 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Acoustics | 14-8

Courtroom Associated Spaces

Attorney Work Room

The primary requirement is for quiet and private working areas. Appropriate control of 

mechanical-systems background noise, sound isolation from adjacent spaces, and acoustic 

control are the key issues. Specific requirements are provided in Table 14.2. 

The attorney work room should be acoustically and visually separate from other areas of 

the building. However, the standard of sound insulation is reduced in comparison to the 

judges’ suites, such that a “good” standard of sound insulation is adequate. 

The required reverberation time determines the degree to which acoustically absorptive 

finishes should be used in the attorney work room. Refer to Table 14.2 for specific 

reverberation times. 

District, Bankruptcy, and Magistrate Judge’s Attorney/Witness Room 

The primary requirement is for quiet and private working areas with appropriate sound 

insulation from the courtroom. Appropriate control of mechanical-systems background 

noise, sound isolation from adjacent spaces, and acoustic control are the key issues. 

Privacy is of paramount importance. All walls to these areas should achieve a high degree 

of sound insulation. They need not be slab-to-slab if the construction meets the required 

performance set out in Table 14.2 and an appropriate sound-isolating ceiling is provided. 

Doors should be appropriately acoustically rated, with all necessary sound-isolating seals 

and hardware. 

Internal sound isolation should be achieved by meeting the performance requirements 

outlined in Table 14.2. All penetrations in walls to these areas should be appropriately 

sealed to maintain acoustic criteria set forth in this chapter. Recessed light fittings should 

be avoided, but where they are included they should be appropriately boxed in. 

To ensure complete privacy of conversations, ducted systems should be provided with 

cross-talk attenuators at each wall penetration. 

The required reverberation time determines the degree to which acoustically absorptive 

finishes should be used in the room. Refer to Table 14.2 for specific reverberation times. 

Public Waiting Areas

Public waiting areas should be separated acoustically from adjoining enclosed spaces. The 

same acoustic standards should be applied to public waiting areas as to attorney witness 

rooms.

• It is recommended that the ceiling at the front of the room be flat and sound reflecting 

to maximize speech intelligibility in the well. Significant down stands, coffers, or 

similar elements should generally be avoided as they will reduce the effective soundreflecting treatment area.

• At the rear of the room (between the rear of the attorney area and the main public 

entrance to the courtroom), room shaping may vary, being rectilinear or curved, either 

convex or concave. This wall area should be the primary location for sound-absorbing 

treatment. It should be noted that the extent to which treatment is required will 

depend on the shape of the walls as well as on the volume of the room. A concave 

curvature is likely to require the most significant area of sound-absorbing treatment, 

to control not only reverberance but also sound focusing. 

• The ceiling at the rear of the room may require some limited area of sound-absorbing 

treatment to prevent late reflected sounds returning to the front of the room. This 

should be determined on a case-by-case basis.

• In all cases, carpet or carpet tiles should be used for the floor finish.

Sound Isolation 

Soundlock lobbies or vestibules should be provided at all entrances to the courtroom. This 

provides an acoustic buffer zone between the courtroom and other public or nonpublic 

circulation spaces. Sound isolation from external noise sources, where the courtroom 

adjoins an external facade, should achieve the requirements of Table 14.2. Internal sound 

isolation should be achieved by meeting the NIC performance requirements. Walls 

around the courtroom should be full-height. Space planning should avoid locating any 

noise-producing spaces (mechanical-systems rooms, toilets, public circulation areas, 

etc.) directly adjacent to a courtroom. All penetrations in walls to these areas should be 

appropriately sealed to maintain acoustic criteria set forth in this chapter.

Speech Privacy 

In order to allow sidebar conversations at the judge’s bench to occur in privacy, the jury 

box should be located a minimum of 20 feet (6096 mm) away from the judge’s location. 

This will still require such conversations to be held in low voices.

To ensure speech privacy during sidebar conversations, sound masking for the jury box 

and audience gallery should be provided as part of the courtroom audio system. See 

the Administrative Office of the U.S. Court’s (AOUSC) Technology Design Guide for 

additional requirements.

Loudspeaker Type, Location, and Orientation 

To maximize speech intelligibility in the room, it is important to carefully consider the 

type, location, orientation, and distribution of loudspeakers. The acoustic consultant should 

coordinate with the audiovisual consultant to assist in determining the optimal locations and 

types of speakers. Refer to the Courts Technology Audiovisual Infrastructure Standard.
14-9 | Acoustics U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Judges’ Chambers Suites

The primary requirement in judges’ chambers suites is for quiet and private working 

areas. Appropriate control of mechanical-systems background noise, sound isolation from 

adjacent spaces, and acoustic control are the key issues. Specific requirements are provided 

in Table 14.2. 

Privacy in the suites is of paramount importance. All walls to the judges’ suites, private 

offices, and the judicial reference/conference room should be slab-to-slab construction. 

Sound isolation from external noise sources, where the courtroom adjoins an external 

facade, should achieve the requirements of Table 14.2. Internal sound isolation should be 

achieved by meeting the performance requirements in Table 14.2. 

Room acoustics in the suites should meet the requirements of Table 14.2. Proper room 

acoustics and background noise control is required to support the increased use of videoconferencing in judicial conference rooms.

Space planning should avoid locating any noise-producing spaces (mechanical-systems 

rooms, toilets, public circulation areas, etc.) directly adjacent to a chambers suite. All 

penetrations in walls to these areas should be appropriately sealed in accordance with the 

requirements of Table 14.1. 

All equipment serving these areas should incorporate appropriate noise- and vibrationcontrol mountings to a distance of 10 feet (3 meters) from the perimeter of the suites to 

ensure complete privacy within. 

To ensure complete privacy of conversations, ducted systems should be provided with 

cross-talk attenuators at each wall penetration. 

Refer to Table 14.2 for additional detail on acoustics for judges’ chambers suites. 

Plumbing runs should be isolated from judges’ chambers and conference/reference rooms 

using resilient isolation clips and/or supports to limit transfer of flow and flush noise into 

the adjacent walls and floor/ceiling elements. Plumbing pipe penetrations of the perimeter 

walls or ceiling should be resilient to prevent the pipes from direct contact with studs, 

drywall, or other wall elements. Resilient penetrations should be coordinated with the 

acoustical consultant and plumbing engineer. Pipe penetrations should also be sealed 

air-tight with acoustical or fire caulk to limit the potential for sound transfer through 

penetrations. Wherever possible, locate plumbing chases and risers on walls that are not 

common to the judges’ chambers or conference/reference room perimeter walls.

Jury Facilities

Trial Jury Assembly Suite

Proper acoustics are important in the jury assembly suite because potential jurors receive 

instructions regarding their obligations. To enhance acoustics in the jury assembly area, a 

sound system should be provided. The system should be designed so that the loudspeakers 

distribute the majority of energy into the direct sound field, with minimum distribution 

into the reverberant field. This can be accomplished by providing a highly sound-absorbent 

environment, with a maximum reverberation time of 0.8 seconds. The acoustic privacy 

requirement for the jury assembly area is “normal.” 

Trial Jury Suite

Trial jury suites should be acoustically enclosed. Trial jury suites adjoining other 

functional spaces should have sound-rated common walls. The acoustic privacy 

requirement is “confidential” for the entire jury suite. To ensure privacy of speech within 

the trial jury suite, the soundlock entry doors should be fully gasketed and sound masking 

included inside the soundlock and adjacent public spaces

To ensure speech intelligibility, include acoustical finishes to meet the reverberation time 

and background noise goals outlined in Table 14.2.

Grand Jury Hearing Room

The acoustic privacy requirement for the hearing room in the grand jury suite is 

“confidential.”

Central Libraries 

The entire library should be acoustically isolated from other court functions, including 

noise-generating functions within the library or adjacent spaces such as copier rooms or 

restrooms.

Probation and Pretrial Services Offices 

All interview rooms should be acoustically separate from adjacent areas (acoustic privacy 

requirement: “confidential”), with 55-decibel (dB) NIC partitions, gasketed doors, and 

background noise levels of 30 RC/NC. Special consideration should be given to the design 

and fabrication of ducts to minimize acoustic problems. Refer to GSA PBS P-100.

Other Court Units 

Office of the Pre-Argument/Conference Attorney

Both executive offices and conference rooms should provide acoustic confidentiality. 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Acoustics | 14-10

Office of the Bankruptcy Administrator

The executive office and conference rooms for the Office of the Bankruptcy Administrator 

should be designed for acoustic confidentiality. 

Room acoustics in the conference rooms should meet the requirements of Table 14.2 to 

support the increased use of video-conferencing in judicial conference rooms.

Trial Preparation Suite for the Federal Public Defender

The trial preparation suite for the federal public defender’s office should be designed to 

provide acoustic confidentiality.

Open Office Areas

Refer to GSA’s Sound Matters. 

Design Requirements for All Other Court Spaces

Refer to GSA PBS P-100 and GSA’s Sound Matters.

Fitness Areas

Fitness areas can create both airborne and structure-born noise from the use of equipment 

and the dropping of weights. The impact from weights and treadmills can affect occupants 

in spaces below the fitness area and adjacent to the fitness area on the same floor. Typical 

industry standard fitness impact isolation techniques include footed acoustical tile flooring 

and floated concrete floors on acoustical isolation pads or springs. These techniques are 

effective at limiting the impact noise and vibration, but depending on the amount of weight 

dropped will not eliminate all the impacts. Isolation pads could be used under treadmills, 

ellipticals, stationary bikes, or other cardio equipment to limit impact noise, however such 

materials cannot be used under weight machines. Therefore, fitness areas are recommended 

to be located on the ground floor or in the basement. When unable to do so, the acoustical 

consultant should assist in the design to provide recommendations for isolation.

The fitness space should not be located next to any “confidential” spaces or office areas 

that require focused work. 

The walls of the fitness area should be designed to achieve NIC 50. Include acoustically 

absorptive material over the entire ceiling to limit reverberation.

Renovations and Alterations (R&A)

Renovations and alterations to courts facilities should follow the guidelines in this chapter 

to achieve the levels outlined whenever possible. The various challenges for each R&A 

project will vary greatly based on the space, building, goals, budget, historic status, and 

access. An acoustical consultant should be included as part of the design team to provide 

direction and guidance in determining specific acoustic goals for the R&A product if goals 

outlined herein are not deemed practical by the consultant.

It is highly recommended that an initial study be conducted to review the potential impacts 

to existing and surrounding spaces. A seemingly unrelated building system or technology 

update could potentially impact the existing acoustical performance. 

The following are items to consider with the assistance of the acoustical consultant:

Sound Insulation

• Consider if a renovation will penetrate an existing sound-rated wall and take steps to 

acoustically seal the penetration(s) to maintain the wall isolation.

• Consider the location of new spaces within existing buildings so that speech privacy 

and confidentially may be maintained while limiting heavy construction.

• Repair, replace, or add sound seals to the existing doors where doors cannot be 

replaced, or sound locks added.

• Seal glazing assemblies and consider laminated and/or insulated glazing. Include a 

new pane of glazing over an existing pane to increase sound insulation. 

Background Noise

• Choose low sound options for new building equipment system elements.

• Do not place new items over or adjacent to sensitive spaces such as courtrooms, 

judge’s suites, trial jury rooms, grand jury hearing rooms, and conference rooms. 

• Include vibration isolation on new equipment in accordance with this guide and 

ASHRAE Applications Handbook.

Reverberation Time

• Select acoustical finishes to match historic needs. 

• Consider if more costly finishes, such as acoustical plaster, will be needed to control 

reverberation while meeting historic requirements.
15-1 U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

BUILDING SYSTEMS

This chapter contains requirements for courthouse mechanical, electrical, lighting, 

communications, and raised access flooring systems. This chapter is intended to highlight specific 

system requirements within court-occupied spaces that are not addressed by Facilities Standards 

for the Public Buildings Service (GSA PBS P-100) or other applicable codes and standards. 

Chapter Topics:

15 • Supporting Documents

• Mechanical Systems

• Electrical Distribution Systems 

• Lighting Systems

• Communications Systems

• Renovations and Alterations (R&A) 

Table 15.1 Electrical Requirements in Courtrooms

Table 15.2 Lighting Requirements 

Chapter Figures and Tables:
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Building Systems | 15-2

Supporting Documents

A comprehensive guide to supporting documents can be found in Chapter 2, “Courthouse 

Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program and design 

criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information on many 

facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The references listed below 

relate specifically to this chapter. 

Infrastructure requirements are critical to the success of courthouse low-voltage systems 

(e.g., audiovisual and data and telephone communications systems). Infrastructure 

requirements are defined in the Courtroom Technology Audiovisual Infrastructure Manual

as well as in Telecommunications Industrial Association (TIA) publications and Electrical 

Industry Alliance (EIA) publications.

The following supporting documents provide the design team with the details to organize 

and guide the design and installation process of the courthouse low-voltage systems from 

design development to system inspection. 

• Courtroom Technology Audiovisual Infrastructure Standard, most current edition

• AV/IT Infrastructure Guidelines for Courts, AVIXA publication

• GSA PBS P-100, Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9

• GSA Design Guide for Operational Excellence, most current edition.

• Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) Lighting Handbook, 

Chapter 10, “Lighting Design Guide”, most current edition

• Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual 

(USMS Publication 64), Volume One, Courthouse Management Group Engineering 

and Architectural, most current edition

• Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual 

(USMS Publication 64), Volume Two, Electronic Security and Hardware, most current 

edition

• Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual 

(USMS Publication 64), Volume Three, Judicial Security Systems Requirements and 

Specifications, most current edition

• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/American Society of Heating, 

Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 62.1, Ventilation 

for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, most current edition adopted by GSA PBS P-100.

• ASHRAE Standard 90.1, Energy Standard for Buildings, most current edition adopted 

by GSA PBS P-100

• Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small to Medium Office Buildings

Telecommunications Cabling Standards

• ANSI/TIA-568 Series of Telecommunications Standards, most current edition

• Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) Telecommunications 

Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM), most current edition

Telecommunications Infrastructure Standards

• ANSI/TIA-569, Commercial Building Standards for Telecommunications Pathways, 

most current edition

Governing Codes and Criteria

The General Services Administration (GSA) has established GSA PBS P-100 as the basis 

of design criteria for building systems in federal buildings, including new courthouses. 

The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) has also developed courthouse building systems 

criteria pertaining to prisoner holding areas and its own tenant space within the courthouse. 

Building codes are also used to establish baseline design criteria in U.S. court facilities. 

Refer to GSA PBS P-100 for a comprehensive discussion of applicable codes and industry 

quality standards for various building systems.

Design, Procurement, and Construction Responsibilities 

GSA, as the developer and lessee of buildings that house the U.S. courts, has primary 

responsibility to design, procure, construct, test, start up, and maintain building systems 

for courthouses. Chapter 2, “Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations,”

provides a summary of the funding responsibilities of the Judiciary, GSA, and other 

executive-branch agencies. 

Primary building systems, such as mechanical, plumbing, electrical, emergency/standby 

power, and lighting services, are provided by GSA as core and shell improvements. 

Courthouse low-voltage systems for data, telecommunications, audiovisual, and other 

court technologies are designed, procured, installed, and tested by consultants engaged 

by GSA and funded by the Judiciary under a reimbursable work authorization or other 

funding. GSA, as the developer of court-occupied spaces, provides the infrastructure 

to support these systems as core and shell improvements. Information provided here 

is intended to facilitate the design of the infrastructure for these systems. Electrical, 

mechanical, and telecommunications rooms should be accessible directly from public/

building common circulation to the maximum extent possible.

There is an increased desire for the ability to use traditionally dedicated spaces, such 

as courtrooms and grand jury rooms, for training and civic functions, for example, bar 

association meetings, law school events, or other non-traditional uses. To support these 

training activities and civic functions, the design team needs to consider and address 

potential additional audiovisual (AV) requirements for the court managed spaces. 

Feasibility and funding of systems to support multi-use of the spaces should be verified 
15-3 | Building Systems U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

prior to the design of special AV systems. Refer to the Courtroom Technology Audiovisual 

Infrastructure Manual for infrastructure and system requirements.

Mechanical Systems

General Design Concerns

When selecting mechanical systems and equipment for courthouses, the following factors 

should be considered: 

• Workplace performance

• Reliability

• Maintainability

• Initial costs

• Operating costs

• Sustainability

• Acoustics

The selection of central plant equipment has a major impact on all factors, particularly 

initial cost and operating cost, predominately in the cooling cycle.

The number of air-handling units (AHUs) directly influences the flexibility of the 

building’s heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system, but it is also the 

greatest cost consideration. The zoning of air-handling systems should be in direct 

proportion to the occupancy of the spaces. The system design should meet the occupancy 

requirements during standard hours of operation and provide a means of conditioning 

occupied spaces used during off-hours without conditioning unoccupied adjoining spaces. 

Proper zoning of building air-handling systems is important for efficient and reliable 

operation. AHUs should be limited in size to minimize the effect of mechanical failures 

and maintenance. Design of the boilers, chillers, heat exchangers, and pumping systems 

should consider how the system capacities and turndown relate to continuous service 

during repairs and maintenance. The design should address normal hours, after hours, 

pressurization requirements, along with normal and emergency repair and maintenance.

If there will be rapid, considerable changes in occupancy, the system design team should 

consider providing a standard HVAC system for average expected use and a supplementary 

booster AHU for higher occupancy loads. This simplifies control and saves energy. Airdistribution systems, with a capacity greater than 3,000 cubic feet per minute (CFM), 

should have an air-side or water-side economizer. 

The design of the mechanical systems should be well integrated into the architecture and 

respect the aesthetics of the spaces. The design should also address security concerns by 

locating air intakes well above the ground level to minimize the possibility of introducing 

hazardous or objectionable substances. Air intakes should be compliant with GSA PBS 

P-100 requirements. All visible parts of the system should be consistent with the finishes 

of the area in which they are located. Close coordination with all disciplines, particularly 

with the architects, is essential. 

The building’s systems should be properly tested and balanced to ensure optimal 

performance. During balancing, conditions are often uncovered that can significantly 

impact overall performance, the quality of installation, and the accuracy of design limits. 

It may be advantageous for GSA to employ a contractor, independent of the construction 

and design team, to thoroughly test and balance all mechanical systems in accordance with 

national standards. All projects should incorporate a total building commissioning process 

as required in GSA PBS P-100.

Off-Hours 

Courtrooms may be used during extended hours. However, judges’ chambers are routinely 

in use during evenings and weekends. Library archival storage space, audiovisual rooms, 

and server rooms require 24-hour climate control. Other areas that routinely require 

off-hours operation are the trial jury suite, grand jury suite, clerks’ offices, and probation 

offices. The design of the HVAC plant and distribution system should be capable of 

sufficient system(s) to address the reduced loads associated with off-hours operations. The 

design should consider how to best balance the after hours request for overtime utilities, 

minimizing the amount of equipment that should be enabled and its energy use. 

For areas with high heat gain and 24-hour operation, such as file server rooms and the 

USMS command and control center, a supplemental cooling system should be provided for 

cooling while the main systems are shut down. The supplemental system may be chilled 

water, split direct expansion (DX) unit, or water-cooled heat pumps, rejecting heat to the 

building’s chilled-water system or condenser water. For chilled-water cooling, a small aircooled chiller may be provided.

For those cooling systems that require 24-hour/seven-days-a-week utility services from 

the owner (GSA), the project design team should identify the utilities that need to be 

sub-metered to track associated energy consumption for billing purposes. Such energy 

sub-meters or electrical meters should be discussed with the Judiciary’s project manager 

to be considered in the design on a case by case basis. The Judiciary’s project manager 

will provide feedback whether to install the meters depending on project budget and utility 

consumption contract agreement with GSA. For additional information, refer to the GSA 

Pricing Desk Guide.

Humidity

Along with temperature, a space’s humidity level impacts occupant comfort as well as 

mold and mildew growth. Humidity control is crucial in the care and preservation of 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Building Systems | 15-4

furnishings, finishes, books, computer equipment, and other court property. Additional 

care should be taken in areas where large groups of people assemble and in climates of 

extreme natural humidity. Humidity can easily be reduced or increased as needed through 

properly sized and placed humidification equipment. In humid climates, HVAC controls 

should be provided to maintain appropriate humidity in the building 24-hour/seven-daysa-week, to prevent damage to finishes and to mitigate the growth of mold. Humidification 

should be provided as specified in GSA PBS P-100. Humidity sensors should be provided 

in courtrooms and similar areas to control HVAC systems and maintain required humidity 

levels. Humidifiers should be provided to control humidity levels in building areas having 

extensive custom millwork and artwork.

Air Distribution 

The use of variable air volume (VAV) or variable air volume with reheat (VAVR) systems 

provides off-hours flexibility, individual room temperature control, humidity control, good 

indoor air quality, and acoustic advantages. Other systems such as variable refrigerant 

flow (VRF) units, induction units, and chilled beams should also be evaluated to provide 

maximum operational flexibility and control in the individual rooms. 

Controls 

All court and court-related offices should have HVAC controls, monitored from a central 

location. Direct digital controls (DDCs) should be provided to control the mechanical 

systems. The DDCs should be interconnected so that they can be monitored and controlled 

from a central location. 

Acoustic Requirements 

The design team should refer to Chapter 14, “Acoustics,” for performance requirements. 

The implications of the mechanical system’s design on acoustic performance should be 

considered from the outset. 

To control noise during all modes of operation and for all loading conditions, the system 

should be provided with one or more of the following: sound traps; low-velocity, lowstatic-pressure fan systems; and/or special low-noise diffusers. An acoustic consultant 

should review the system to determine which techniques are necessary. 

Where ducts penetrate acoustically rated walls, duct and wall systems should be designed 

to maintain acoustic integrity. All penetrations in partitions, walls, floors, or ceilings 

(suspended or structural) should be appropriately sealed to maintain the sound-insulation 

performance of the partition. Mechanical systems designers are to coordinate with the 

acoustical consultant so that the proper wall and floor/ceiling detail are employed to 

prevent noise and vibration transmission to floors and ceilings of mechanical rooms. 

Background noise in all spaces should be rated in accordance with Chapter 14 and 

calculated by the acoustical consultant per the criteria stated in the ASHRAE handbook1

. 

Appropriate noise control should be achieved during all modes of operation. For 

mechanical systems, this will require the use of one or more of the following:

• Primary attenuators for the AHUs

• Acoustic plenums

• Sound attenuators

• Low-velocity, low-static-pressure fan systems

• Low-noise diffusers

• Noise- and vibration-isolating hangers or mounts where required 

Large noise-generating equipment should be located away from acoustically sensitive 

areas to control noise and vibration. All major rotating equipment should be mounted to 

spring isolators. Flexible connections should be provided to pumps, fans, chillers, cooling 

towers, compressors, and other vibrating equipment. There should be 50 feet minimum of 

linear duct between the discharge of the air handling unit to the first air device or terminal 

diffuser in the judges’ chambers or courtroom spaces. Ducts should be supported from 

the building structure to prevent vibration. All ductwork within the mechanical room 

and serving courtrooms should be supported with spring isolators. Air terminal devices 

should not be installed in courtrooms or judges’ chambers. Air handling unit cooling coils 

should be selected at or below 450 fpm (2.28 m/s). Reference GSA PBS P-100 for further 

guidance.

The ductwork should be designed to control airborne equipment noise, duct breakout 

noise, airflow-generated noise, and duct-borne cross-talk noise. Do not use duct lining. 

Double wall ducts, acoustic duct wrap, and sound attenuators are among the techniques 

that could be included to minimize noise. Efficient low-loss duct fittings should be used, 

and airflow velocity should be minimized. The design team should consider increasing 

the wall thickness of large ducts above the minimum Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning 

Contractors National Association standards. All main supply, return, and exhaust ducts 

serving low noise criteria spaces such as judges’ chambers, courtrooms, etc., should be 

sized at an air velocity less than or equal to 800 fpm. All branch ducts in the low noise 

criteria spaces should be sized at air velocity of equal to or less than 400 fpm. 

Where possible, toilet rooms should not be located above or adjacent to noise-sensitive 

spaces. In unavoidable situations, consideration should be given to low-noise water closets 

and urinals. Siphon jet and washout type flush valves should be considered for water 

closets and urinals respectively over blowout type flush valves. Tank-type water closets 

should be considered for judges’ chambers and other areas where the number of users is 

limited. Acoustic wrapping should be considered on supply pipes and drain lines connected 

1

 ASHRAE HVAC Applications Handbook, most current edition. 
15-5 | Building Systems U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

to water closets and urinals. Pipe sizes, materials, noise absorbing features of hangers and 

appurtenances, and pipe layout should also be considered. Noise transmission should be 

attenuated in noise-sensitive areas such as courtrooms, jury deliberation rooms, attorney/

conference rooms, and judges’ chambers.

Plumbing

Consideration should be given to installing future provisions that aid in the flexibility of 

future layouts. Provide at least one wet stack, consisting of sanitary drainage, vent, and 

domestic water risers with capped connections above the finished ceiling of each floor, to 

serve every 10,000 square feet of floor area to minimize the disruption to the building for 

installation of future plumbing fixtures or equipment. Wet stacks should be located near 

columns so they can be easily concealed with a fur out to match the adjacent architecture. 

One or more floor drains (with trap seal maintenance device) should be provided in all 

public and private restrooms throughout the building and the floor should be sloped to the 

drain.

Provide bottle filling stations with or in lieu of the required drinking fountains as permitted 

by the governing code. 

Courtrooms

System Design 

Courtroom HVAC systems should also serve the following areas:

• Judges’ chambers suites (when located adjacent to courtrooms)

• Trial jury suite (when located adjacent to a courtroom)

• Attorney witness rooms

Each of these areas should be provided with individual temperature control. Humidity 

should be controlled at the main air-supply unit. The HVAC system serving the courtroom 

and associated areas should function economically after hours.

Air Distribution 

Within the courtroom, three HVAC zones should be provided: one for the judge and 

attorney area in the front of the courtroom, a second for the jury area, and a third for 

the spectator area in the back of the courtroom. If the courtroom is served by a fan 

system dedicated to more than one courtroom, the return air from each courtroom and 

its associated areas should be ducted directly to the unit. Temperature controls within 

the courtroom should only be controlled by the judge or the clerk. Thermostats located 

at the spectator seating and jury box should be readable-type only. Background noise 

from HVAC should be limited per Chapter 14, “Acoustics,” to support audio recordings. 

Ductwork should be treated to meet acoustic design criteria.

The spectator area is served by a separate group of diffusers, which should be sized to 

serve the maximum allowable seating capacity, plus 25 percent personnel count to allow 

for extra seating. The diffusers should meet minimum ventilation requirements at no loads, 

with no appreciable increase in system noise during load changes.

Plumbing

Avoid plumbing fixtures and roof drains directly above the courtroom to minimize 

disruption of finishes in the event of a leak or future renovation.

Judges’ Chambers Suites

System Design 

The system serving the judge’s chambers suite should be sized to include the reference/

conference room, law clerk offices, secretarial space, and reception area.

In a collocated chambers plan, HVAC in the judge’s chambers suite, if adjacent to a 

courtroom, should be fed from the same AHU as the associated courtroom to facilitate offhours use (e.g., evenings and weekends). 

Air Distribution 

Air distribution systems in the chambers should provide a high degree of individual control 

and acoustic privacy. Return air from the chambers suites should be ducted directly toward 

the return air shaft. Ductwork should be treated to meet acoustic design criteria.

Jury Facilities

System Design 

Trial jury suites should be served by the same system as the associated courtrooms when 

located on the same floor. A separate thermostat for each trial jury suite is required.

Air Distribution 

Air distribution systems in jury facilities should provide separate temperature control and a 

high degree of acoustic isolation, particularly in the grand jury and trial jury rooms. Return 

air should be ducted directly back to the return air riser. Air ducts serving the trial jury and 

grand jury suites should be double-walled sound-attenuating ducts for a length of at least 

12 feet (3.7 meters) from the diffuser or return air intake.

Judges’ Conference Rooms

System Design 

Shared judges’ conference rooms may be served by the same HVAC system that serves the 

judges’ chambers suites and associated courtrooms when located on the same floor. The 

system should facilitate off-hours use.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Building Systems | 15-6

Air Distribution 

Air distribution systems to judges’ conference rooms should provide a high degree of 

individual control and acoustic privacy. Return air should be ducted directly toward the 

return-air shaft for a minimum distance of 15 feet (4,570 mm). The system should facilitate 

off-hours use. 

Court Libraries

System Design 

HVAC controls should accommodate the library’s hours of operation and environmental 

requirements to protect the library’s collection from temperature and humidity fluctuations. 

Library archival storage space requires 24-hour climate control with an individual 

thermostatic control for the space. Technical specifications may be found in the National 

Archives’ NARA Information Paper Number 13 (1997). In extreme climates, such as those 

found in Florida or Alaska, separate humidity and temperature controls may be required.

Central Mail Facilities

System Design 

Ductless fume hood(s) for mail screening should be used (in lieu of a dedicated AHU). The 

unit(s) will provide a negative pressure containment system with filtration (HEPA/ULPA); 

one unit should be installed to meet Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards 

(ABAAS) requirements. The number of hoods should be determined based on the amount 

of mail being regularly screened. Generally, this would amount to two or three hoods. If 

more than three hoods are desired by a court, the court should furnish the additional hoods 

and also ensure that sufficient countertop space is provided for in the design.

The mail screening hoods should be self-contained and specifically manufactured for mail 

opening or similar applications. The hoods should be either 115V or 220V, provided with 

electrostatic pre-filter, HEPA filter, and active carbon filtration. The construction should 

meet or exceed OSHA, ANSI, and relevant international standards for operator safety. 

Interior lighting should be provided. Additional features, such as filter door key, filter 

safety lockout, low air flow alarm, and manual speed controller should be considered.

The mail facility should be conditioned typically using a VAV box with diffuser(s) 

and return duct. The supply and return ductwork should have quick closing dampers 

that are controlled directly from a manual duress button. The damper actuators should 

be electrically opened and should mechanically spring closed on a loss of power by 

interruption of the power supply as controlled by the duress button, and not the Building 

Automation System (BAS), when an alarm condition occurs. The dampers should be 

physically located in the ductwork within the room or immediately at the ductwork as it 

transitions into / from the room. The dampers position should be end switch proven (only 

closed) and an annunciator should be physically located in the mail room(s) that provides 

visual indication of the damper position for both the supply and return dampers. The 

dampers should provide a pressure tight seal when closed with a leakage rate in accordance 

with AMCA Standard 511 Pressure/Class 1A and 4 inches w.g. The return air duct should 

have a modulating damper installed. The modulating damper should be controlled by a 

differential static pressure sensor set to maintain a negative 0.05 inch water column (IWC), 

adjustable, between the mailroom and the corridor. The AHU that provides air distribution 

should have a hardware interlock as part of the duress control system in the motor starter 

circuit that shuts down the AHU in an alarm condition. The design should include an 

additional manual duress button to be located at the USMS command and control center 

that should perform all of the sequences as the mailroom duress button. This button should 

be used in case the mail room individual has become incapacitated and is unable to push 

the local duress button.

Plumbing 

An accessible emergency shower should be provided with a temperature control valve 

for a maximum water-supply temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit and a stay-open valve 

that is operated by a pull rod. Activation of the shower will send a mail room emergency 

signal to the USMS command and control center. Posted signs next to the shower should 

warn the mail room occupants that use of this shower will activate emergency controls and 

alarms.

In the shower area, a floor drain should be provided and the floor should be sloped to the 

drain. The drain should be connected to one or more freestanding polyethylene holding 

tanks or an in ground lined tank that can be easily pumped out and cleaned by a hazardous 

materials team. The holding tank size should be based on the water required for each 

occupant in the mailroom to take a shower. The tank, once pumped by the hazardous 

materials team can be used to retain the water required for decontamination of the room. 

The tank should be marked “hazardous material.” Provide cold water and hot water 

automatic shut off valves activated by the high level alarm to prevent the holding tank 

from overflow. This alarm setting should be set to approximately 80 percent of holding 

tank capacity. This alarm should also send a decontamination tank overflow warning to 

the USMS command and control center. This alarm indication should also be used during 

decontamination to ensure the tank does not overflow during clean up.

An accessible wash sink with hot and cold water supply should be provided with a 

gooseneck faucet with a built-in eye wash along with a stainless steel countertop and a 

storage cabinet (with finishes that can be easily decontaminated). This sink is intended for 

general hand washing and not decontamination. The sink should drain to the house system.

For additional guidelines, refer to GSA PBS P-100.
15-7 | Building Systems U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Server Rooms

Court information technology personnel, plus staff from the Administrative Office of 

the U.S. Courts (AOUSC) Office of Information Technology and Space and Facilities 

Division telecommunications specialists should be involved in all phases of design. This 

involvement ensures that adequate space, adequate building infrastructure, and proper 

adjacencies are incorporated into the design. 

Mechanical and electrical systems should meet current and future needs, including space 

and power for the additional computer room air-conditioning (CRAC) units required for 

equipment expansion. Additionally, server rooms should be on emergency power systems 

to prevent a lapse in service.

The stakeholders should decide on the required electrical and air conditioning power 

density (watts [W] for every net square foot [NSF]) on a case-by-case basis for each 

project. The team should also plan to allow the future expansion of cooling and electrical 

systems by providing basic infrastructure for the additional electrical and cooling loads 

(watts [W] for every net square foot [NSF]).

Design for the high-temperature alarms, leak detection, smoke detection, and AHU and 

CRAC unit trouble alarms should be monitored on a 24-hour/seven-days-a-week basis 

from the building management system (BMS). The smoke and heat sensor activation 

should be integrated into the building’s fire and life safety system. 

Server rooms should be designed to maintain the following temperature and humidity 

conditions. These rooms should be provided with a supplementary cooling system to 

provide proper air-conditioning while the main building mechanical systems are shut 

down.

• Temperature: 18-27° C (64-81° F) dry bulb

• Maximum relative humidity: 60 percent

• Minimum dew point: 5.5° C (42° F)

• Maximum dew point: 15° C (59° F) 

Refer to Table 11.1, Space and Ceiling Requirements for Shared Support Spaces, for 

additional information.

Telecommunication Rooms 

Telecommunications and AV rooms contain equipment with high heat gain and 24-hour/

seven-days-a-week operation. These rooms should be provided with a supplemental 

cooling system to provide proper air-conditioning while the main building mechanical 

systems are shut down. The design team is advised to confirm the project-specific 

requirements during the conceptual design phase. 

Telecommunication and AV rooms should be designed to maintain the following 

temperature and humidity conditions:

• Temperature: 18-27° C (64-81° F) dry bulb

• Maximum relative humidity: 60 percent

• Minimum dew point: 5.5° C (42° F)

• Maximum dew point: 15° C (59° F) 

Refer to GSA PBS P-100 for further guidance unless otherwise specified.

Mechanical Design Criteria

All court-occupied areas share the following mechanical design criteria unless otherwise 

specified:

Temperature

• Summer indoor design temperature should be maintained at 75 degrees Fahrenheit 

(24 degrees Celsius), during occupied conditions and should be maintained at 80 

degrees Fahrenheit (26.5 degrees Celsius) during unoccupied conditions.

• Winter indoor design temperature should be at 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees 

Celsius) during occupied conditions and should be maintained at 65 degrees 

Fahrenheit (18.5 degrees Celsius) during unoccupied conditions.

Humidity

• Summer design humidity should be maintained at 50 percent during occupied 

conditions and should be maintained at 45 percent during unoccupied conditions.

• Winter design humidity should be maintained at 30 percent in occupied mode. 

Dewpoint

• The indoor dew point temperature during occupied or unoccupied conditions should 

be limited to 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12.8 degrees Celsius).

Outdoor Air Design Criteria

• Refer to GSA PBS P-100.

Ventilation

• The minimum outdoor air volume to be provided should be in accordance with the 

ASHRAE 62.1 adopted by the GSA PBS P-100 standards.

Air Changes per Hour

• In the occupied operating mode in courtrooms and other court-occupied areas, the 

minimum air changes per hour are as indicated on the room data sheets.

• In the unoccupied operating mode, the air changes per hour should be reduced to 

provide minimum area ventilation required by ASHRAE 62.1 Standard.

• Refer to USMS Publication 64 for all detention area’s requirements. 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Building Systems | 15-8

Electrical Distribution System

General Design Concerns

Sufficient electrical capacity, supply quality, and raceway flexibility should accommodate 

communications equipment such as personal computers, printers, scanners, video and 

audio systems, video teleconferencing systems, electronic security systems, and other 

office equipment. In addition, the electrical capacity provided for the court facility should 

meet the total demand load requirements, plus capacity for future load growth. Load 

calculations should use an appropriate diversity factor or historical billing information, if 

available. For additional guidance on spare capacity, refer to the GSA PBS P-100.

The electrical system should provide power for all building components that require 

electricity, including, but not limited to, personal computers, network servers, related 

data and communications hardware, and security systems. Computer and security 

equipment should be connected to panelboards. Security equipment should be connected to 

emergency power systems. Refer to USMS Publication 64 for additional information.

Each telecommunications space should have its own dedicated electrical distribution panel, 

separating electrical circuits that serve telecommunications equipment from those that 

serve lighting fixtures.

• Minimum 100A, 120/208V WYE for distributor room/telecommunications room

• Minimum 150A, 120/208V WYE for server room

When designing the technology systems, care should be taken with regard to conduit, 

raceway, and cable management to minimize the potential for interference between signal 

types. The following signals should be run in separate raceways wherever possible.

• Power, per NEC requirements

• Microphone level audio

• Line level and speaker level audio

• Digital audio, video, and low-voltage DC control

• Networked audio, video, and control (Ethernet)

• Telecommunications, non-Ethernet

• Telecommunications Ethernet

• Speaker level audio

• Security

• Building systems control

Battery Backup 

Areas where emergency lighting requires local battery backup to maintain camera and 

direct visual surveillance in the event of power failure include the following:

• Courtrooms

• Judges’ chambers

• Controlled circulation areas

• Prisoner/attorney and witness/attorney interview rooms

Grounding Systems 

In addition to the building grounding system requirements prescribed by the National 

Electrical Code (NEC), all outlets, devices, and equipment of the security systems should 

be properly grounded. A dedicated grounding system per the BICSI Telecommunication 

and Bonding, ANSI/TIA 569-C, and ANSI/TIA 607-C standards should be provided for 

the telecommunications and audiovisual systems. Technology raceway and equipment 

enclosures should be properly grounded.

Power Outlets 

Adequate power outlets should be provided throughout the judges’ chambers suites and 

other court-related offices to accommodate a wide variety of automated and regular office 

equipment.

Electrical Distribution

A raised access floor system (RAF) is not required; however, if it is desired, RAF should 

be incorporated into the design as a building system to allow for electrical and low-voltage 

distribution. Typically, RAF is utilized in the well of the courtroom for wire management 

purposes. For additional guidelines, refer to GSA PBS P-100.

Metering and Sub-metering 

Metering of electrical equipment should be discussed with the court’s project manager 

to be considered in the design on a case-by-case basis. The court’s project manager will 

provide feedback whether to install the meters depending on the project budget and utility 

consumption contract agreement with GSA. Electrical sub-metering may be needed 

for specific equipment of the HVAC system, such as CRAC units in server rooms, that 

require 24/7 utility services from the owner. Refer to the “Off-Hours” paragraph under the 

Mechanical Systems section of Chapter 15. For additional guidelines, refer to ASHRAE 

90.1 and the GSA PBS P-100.
15-9 | Building Systems U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Normal Dedicated 

AV Notes

Courtroom Duplex Outlets

Judge’s Bench 2 1

Courtroom Deputy 

Clerk Station 2 1 As needed

Witness Box 1 1

Jury Box Note 1 Note 2

Law Clerk Station 2 1

Court Reporter/

Recorder Station 1 1

Attorney Tables GSA PBS 

P-100

Minimum 1

as needed

Depending on anticipated 

load, circuits may be 

combined per NEC

Lectern Locations 1 1

Display Carts 1

Projection Screens 1

Video Projectors 1

Table 15.1

Electrical Requirements in Courtrooms 

1 Based on two rows of jurors. One dedicated duplex per row plus a third dedicated duplex 

 for the transceivers in the jury distribution box behind the second row.

2 One outlet per two juror seats for displays on a minimum of two circuits; additional 

 locations may be required if jury distribution is in a central location (i.e., under the jury 

 floor).

Courtrooms

Table 15.1 summarizes the electrical requirements for courtrooms.

Electrical Distribution 

An adequate number of electrical, data, and phone outlets should be placed near 

anticipated locations of equipment (sound recording equipment, amplifiers, video 

monitors, cameras, computers, projectors, X-ray viewers, court reporter steno machines, 

etc.). Power capacity and distribution should accommodate future requirements and take 

into account center, off-center, and corner bench locations. Power in millwork should 

be coordinated with the architect to ensure future access to power cables and other 

low voltage cables, such as telecommunication cables, AV cables, etc., is available for 

future installation and replacement. Power should also be designed or allocated for the 

addition of a future lift at the judge’s bench. Courtroom audiovisual systems rooms and 

associated courtrooms power should be on single phase to reduce risk of unknown noise as 

recommended by AVIXA standards.

Normal Convenience Outlets 

A three-phase, four-wire panelboard should be provided to power the courtroom. The 

panelboard should be sized to serve the courtroom, trial jury suite, miscellaneous areas, 

and circulation spaces. The panelboard should serve all general power requirements. 

If service is obtained by a three-phase, 480-volt supply, the general 120-volt power 

requirements should be served from a 480-120/208 volt transformer and associated 

panelboard(s). The local system ground should be tied into the main building ground. 

The feeder serving the area should accommodate 25 percent load growth. If a panel is 

provided within telecommunications rooms, proper access should be provided for building 

personnel to access the telecommunications room. Panelboards do not need to be dedicated 

strictly to serve the courtroom.

Dedicated Outlets 

An electrical distribution system with independent breakers should serve computer, 

audiovisual systems, and security-related equipment. Power for technology racks for 

the courtrooms should be coordinated with the telecommunications and audiovisual 

design. Typically, provide a dedicated receptacle for each technology rack. The receptacle 

type should match the rack requirements for each technology rack. Separate circuits to 

motorized lectern locations, one on general power and one on dedicated technology power, 

should be provided to isolate the motor from the courtroom technology system. Equipment 

racks and enclosures should be properly safety bonded per the NEC, ANSI/TIA and BICSI 

grounding and bonding requirements.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Building Systems | 15-10

Designated Outlets 

Minimum outlet requirements for the various components of the courtroom are as follows 

and in addition to those shown in Table 15.1: 

Attorney Tables 

• Multiple quadruplex receptacles for general purposes

• Multiple computer power receptacles

Miscellaneous Requirements 

• Duplex outlets located at approximately 20-foot (6,100-mm) intervals along the 

walls of the courtroom

• Additional outlets at appropriate locations to accommodate the use of projectors, 

video monitors, video recorders, and X-ray viewers

• Floor boxes for the lectern, with built-in task lighting and a microphone outlet 

(include a timing system for appellate courtrooms only)

• Outlets to accommodate the future location of video cameras

• An outlet for a wall-mounted clock

• Duplex outlets at the jury box for jury monitors and other audiovisual equipment

Judges’ Chambers Suites

Electrical Distribution 

Electrical service serving the judge’s chambers suite should be obtained from a local 

panelboard (three-phase, four-wire) sized to serve all areas associated with the suite. 

The panelboard should serve all general power requirements of the suite areas. Normal 

lighting should be powered from a 480Y/277V panel, if possible. The capacity of the 

feeder serving the area should accommodate future load growth with a minimum of 25% 

expansion capability. An electrical distribution system should serve computer equipment 

connected to courthouse computer networks and security equipment. 

Emergency Power Distribution 

Security equipment should be connected to the emergency power supply system.

Designated Outlets 

Minimum outlet requirements for the judge’s private chambers are as follows:

• Three quadruplex receptacles for general and miscellaneous purposes (e.g., a table lamp)

• One dedicated computer power receptacle

• One normal duplex receptacle for the judge’s printer

Minimum requirements for the reference/conference room are established by the judge. 

Convenience outlets spaced at a maximum on 6 feet on center should be provided along 

the walls. 

Minimum requirements for the law clerk and secretarial workstations (per station) are as 

follows:

• One quadruplex receptacle for general purposes

• One dedicated computer power receptacle

• One normal duplex receptacle for a printer

• One normal duplex receptacle for mobile device charging stations (similar to a USB 

dock for charging phones and other handheld devices)

Outlets serving the following equipment should be located as established by the judge:

• Copy machines

• Fax machines

• Scanners and shredders

• Printers

• Computer power receptacles

• Coffee machine

• Service unit equipment: microwave, refrigerator, etc.

• Miscellaneous (TV, projector, etc.)

• One normal duplex receptacle for mobile device charging stations (similar to a USB 

dock for charging phones and other handheld devices)

Distributed convenience outlets should also be located in accordance with the approved 

plans and NEC requirements.

Note: Devices provided with dedicated power (typically computers and security 

equipment) should be on separate circuits.

Jury Facilities

In general, normal electrical power distribution is required for jury facilities. Convenience 

outlets for 120V power should be located throughout the jury facilities. Outlets on separate 

circuits should be provided for the service unit. In the jury assembly, grand jury hearing, 

and trial jury rooms, outlets on separate circuits should be provided for projection units; a 

television monitor and digital video disc (DVD) player; and an audiotape recorder/player. 

In addition, an outlet for a wall-mounted clock should be provided in each room.

Outlets for multiple monitors or projectors or audiovisual equipment should be provided in 

the jury assembly area.

Special outlets for computers should be provided in each grand jury suite, the jury clerk’s 

office, and stations for court security, U.S. attorneys, and the court reporter/recorder.
15-11 | Building Systems U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

All Judges’ Conference Rooms

Electrical Distribution 

Electrical outlets should be provided to support AV equipment, personal computers, and 

other equipment. If the conference room is used often for training, power outlets should 

also be provided to accommodate the use of laptop computers and audiovisual equipment.

Shared Judicial Conference Rooms

Electrical outlets should be provided to support audiovisual systems, video conferencing 

equipment, personal computers, and other equipment. Floor boxes may be required to 

support flexible room layouts. 

Public Waiting Areas 

Duplex convenience outlets and power outlets for wall-mounted clocks should be 

provided.

Court Libraries

Normal duplex convenience outlets should be provided throughout the library. Dedicated 

power outlets should be provided wherever computers and other sensitive electronic 

equipment are used. All study spaces should be provided with convenience outlets.

News Media Room Electrical Distribution 

The room should have normal convenience power outlets. Dedicated outlets to 

accommodate the use of personal computers and sensitive electronic equipment should 

also be considered.

Lighting Systems

General Design Concerns 

A lighting design engineer should participate in the early phases of design to ensure that 

the lighting standards required by the Design Guide are met in an effective and efficient 

manner. 

The lighting design for a courthouse should take a layered approach. Each type of layer 

accomplishes a critical task. 

• A direct lighting component is required for appropriate horizontal illuminance and 

facial modeling. 

• An indirect layer of inter-reflection light (or bounce light) is required to avoid 

shadows on faces and evidence and to allow for general illumination in the 

courtroom. The indirect layer can be provided through the use of cove lighting, 

suspended bowl or architectural light fixtures, or wall- or cove-mounted sconces, or it 

can be combined with the direct layer through the use of direct/indirect light fixtures. 

• The use of dark wood paneling should be avoided as it typically requires a third 

layer of wall washing to increase wall surface brightness. Typically, wall washing is 

accomplished through the use of linear LED coves and linear LED wall-wash fixtures. 

• A fourth layer of task or accent lighting can be used at the judge’s bench, witness 

station, jury box, and attorneys’ tables. The addition of task lighting improves the 

energy efficiency and the overall aesthetic design of a courtroom or other spaces 

within a courthouse by allowing a more directed approach to lighting and providing 

illumination at higher levels where it is needed, with lower levels provided elsewhere.

The interplay and relationship between lighting perception (brightness) and the choice of 

wall, floor, and ceiling finishes should be addressed by the design team. For example, the 

majority of lighting problems arise from human perception of room brightness, which is 

based on the reflection of the light from horizontal and vertical surfaces. Courtrooms with 

wood panels at lower levels generally allow for higher wall surface reflectance and greater 

perceived brightness. Darker wall and floor finishes can create problems because they are 

less efficient at reflecting light within the courtroom, which leads to more installed light 

fixtures and task lighting. The design team should carefully consider the use of dark wall 

and floor surfaces during the design phase to ensure that the proposed design does not 

adversely affect the energy efficiency or brightness perception of the space.

In general, daylighting improves the quality of a courthouse and the experience of staff and 

visitors. The lighting engineer should take into consideration daylighting factors such as 

glare and heat generation when designing a facility.

The lighting engineer should follow the design priorities identified in the IESNA Lighting 

Handbook, most current edition, Chapter 10, “Lighting Design Guide.” The highest design 

priorities (not listed in order of importance) are (1) appearance of space and light fixtures, 

(2) color appearance and contrast, (3) daylighting integration and control, (4) direct glare, 

(5) light distribution on work surfaces, (6) modeling of faces or objects, (7) source/task/

eye geometry, (8) lighting system control and flexibility, (9) horizontal illuminance, and 

(10) vertical illuminance.

The lighting design should be evaluated and validated by the design and engineering 

team throughout the design phase to ensure that the proposed design meets the standards 

set forth in this chapter and achieves an effective and efficient result. The team should 

evaluate lighting schemes and horizontal and vertical surface reflections and brightness. 

Lighting design should also comply with energy codes, such as ASHRAE.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Building Systems | 15-12

Courtrooms

Lighting Criteria 

The lighting of the courtroom should not only satisfy recommended lighting levels but 

also accommodate the future introduction of video recording, evidence display, and 

personal computer equipment. This requires adjustable lighting units to provide vertical 

foot-candles (FC) toward the front of the courtroom (judge, witness, and jury) and for 

highlighting (flag, U.S. seal).

Caution should be exercised when using excessively bright sources due to the potential 

noise problem and temporary lamp failure caused by voltage drops. 

The lighting system should have good color rendition and avoid bright spots on the ceiling 

plane. Modulation of lighting levels should be used to distinguish the courtroom well and 

spectator areas. The lighting systems should be coordinated with the audio visual systems 

design

Some judges prefer to keep the lights on during audio visual presentations. Placement 

of light fixtures should take into account the location of the projector screen/monitor 

and allow all occupants of the courtroom to still view the images even with full lighting. 

Camera placement for VTC and/or streaming devices should also be considered when 

placing the light fixtures or placement of cameras should avoid being too close to light 

fixtures to avoid excessive light on image captured by the camera.

A lighting mock-up should be constructed, if possible, to replicate the proposed lighting 

design.

Lighting Levels 

Lighting levels in the courtroom vary. The system should be capable of dimming to 

accommodate presentation of exhibits. The dimming level is determined by the video 

recording and conferencing system’s lowest operable light level; however, to meet the 

safety code, the level should not be lower than 1 FC. Refer to Table 15.2 for specific 

information regarding lighting levels in the courtroom. The color temperature of light 

fixtures should be discussed between the design team and end-users (judges and/or court 

personnel). The design team should perform appropriate lighting calculations for both 

normal and emergency lighting to validate the proposed design.

Lighting Controls 

Lighting controls for the courtroom at a minimum should accommodate the following 

conditions:

• In use, fully occupied

• In use, no spectators

• Not in use

• Use of a projector or other device requiring a dimmed or darkened courtroom

• Video conferencing

• Cleaning purposes

In addition, the lighting control system should allow the intensity and type of lighting to 

vary at the discretion of the presiding judge. A remote means of dimming or extinguishing 

the lights should be provided.

Dimming of lights within the courtroom should be carefully designed to ensure dimming 

to low levels of light is achievable without flickering of the lights. 

Panelboards and conductors should be located in a service area outside the courtroom. 

Circuit-breaker panels should not be the only means to control lighting. Access to the 

lighting controls is limited to court personnel. The controls should not be accessible 

to witnesses, jurors, attorneys, litigants, or the public. Where this is unavoidable, keycontrolled light switches should be installed. Dimmers and lighting control panel boards 

should not be located in the telecommunications or AV equipment rooms. 

An override switch should be located at the judge’s bench and at the courtroom deputy 

clerk station to allow the instantaneous overriding of all dimming controls in an 

emergency.

The following lighting controls can be specified, depending upon the size of the 

courtroom, specific lighting arrangement, and lamp types:

• A more complex lighting installation consisting of local, wall, box-type, electronic, 

and integrated bi-polar transistor (IGBT) dimmers.

• Remote electronic dimmers with preset lighting arrangements, for large courtrooms 

with high ceilings.

Emergency Lighting 

Selected lighting fixtures within the courtroom should provide an uninterrupted source 

of lighting in the event of a power outage. Standby power for emergency lighting to the 

courtrooms should be provided by local battery-backup units connected to an emergency 

generator. The judge’s bench should not be spotlighted by emergency lighting.

To permit orderly evacuation, emergency lighting facilities should maintain a specified 

degree of illumination throughout the means of egress for one and a half hours. 

During that time, the lighting level should not be less than 1 FC. At the end of that period, 

the illumination may decrease to 0.6 FC. The judge’s bench should not have an emergency 

spotlight.
15-13 | Building Systems U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Judges’ Chambers Suites

Lighting Criteria 

Lighting systems for the judge’s chambers suite are determined in consultation with an 

architect, engineer, or lighting designer. The installation should be designed to meet federal 

energy-consumption criteria.

Special considerations in lighting design include veiling reflections on reading materials, 

color rendition, and other ambient characteristics. Task lighting should be provided to 

allow for 100 FC at the work surface.

Emergency Lighting 

Standby power for emergency lighting should be provided by a local battery-backup 

system for selected lighting units in the judge’s chambers, reference/conference room, and 

circulation spaces.

Jury Facilities

Jury Assembly Suite

The jury assembly suite should be illuminated by direct LED lighting, with additional 

lighting in the lounge areas. Natural light in the assembly area, especially in the lounge, is 

desirable. The jury orientation room and all areas opening to it require lighting control for 

audiovisual presentations.

Trial Jury Suite 

Lighting in the trial jury room may be a combination of direct/indirect lighting and 

dimmer-controlled direct units. Jurors need the direct component when reviewing written 

material. When exhibits are viewed on a projection screen or TV monitor, the indirect LED 

units can be switched off and the direct units dimmed. Sufficient residual lighting should 

be provided for taking notes. 

Consideration for full on lighting while reviewing evidence is needed.

Grand Jury Suite 

The grand jury suite should be illuminated by dimmer-controlled direct LED units.

All Judges’ Conference Rooms

Lighting Criteria 

If excessive brightness can be avoided and privacy/security maintained, natural lighting is 

recommended. When natural light is used, a means of darkening the room for audiovisual 

presentations should be provided.

Electrical lighting of the judge’s conference room should be switch-controlled direct LED 

units. 

Emergency lighting powered by a battery-backup system should be provided.

Court Libraries

Natural Lighting

CALR stations should not be located where there is a glare from natural light.

Natural light is not desirable for bookstacks due to the damaging effects of sunlight.

Windows allowing an exterior view and natural light are highly desirable for study spaces. 

For enclosed study rooms, interior windows are preferable, since users may need to darken 

the rooms to view video. Interior windows also allow others to determine whether the 

rooms are occupied.

Natural light is desirable for all offices. Interior windows are necessary so staff can monitor 

library activity.

Natural light is not desirable in the archival storage area. Interior windows with a view of 

library areas should be provided if the area is enclosed.

Natural light is desirable, assuming excessive light is controlled in the Technical Services 

Area. Interior windows should be provided for viewing adjoining staff areas.

Natural light is not desirable in the microform area, since readers require a controlled-light 

environment. Interior windows with a view of library areas should be provided if the area 

is enclosed.

Electrical Lighting

The lighting in the library should be switch-controlled direct LED units. Indirect LED 

units are allowed in areas with computer screens and microform readers. A master switch 

should be provided at the library staff entrance.

Study spaces should be provided with task lighting. Lights should be placed over aisles 

in stack areas. The archival storage area should have special lighting, depending upon 

room use and the sensitivity of the stored materials. In all areas where reading occurs, care 

should be taken to avoid glare from lighting sources.

Lighting Standards 

Table 15.2 provides the IESNA lighting standards required for courtroom spaces and 

other courthouse spaces that are beyond the public facilities standards outlined in GSA 

PBS P-100. Horizontal illumination describes the amount of light landing on a horizontal 

surface such as a desk, and vertical illumination describes the amount of light landing on a 

vertical surface such a wall or face.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Building Systems | 15-14

Horizontal 

Illumination 

Foot-Candles2

Vertical 

Illumination 

Foot-Candles

Courtroom and Associated Spaces

Judge’s Bench3 50-55 20-25

Bailiff 50-55 20-25

Interpreter 50-55 20-25

Court Reporter 50-55 20-25

Jury Box 50-55 20-25

Attorney Witness Table and Lectern3 40-50 15-20

Witness Box 40-50 15-20

News Media Room 30-40 15-20

Attorney Work Room 30-40 15-20

Attorney/Witness Room 30-40 15-20

Public Seating 40-50 5-10

Judge’s Chambers Suite

Judge’s Chambers Private Office3 30-50 10-15

Chambers Support Areas: Closet, 

Service Unit, Vestibule, and Private 

Toilet

10-30 5-10

Judicial Assistant, File Storage, 

Conference Room, and Law Clerks3 30-50 10-15

Jury Assembly Suite

Check-In, Coat Closet, Jurors’ Toilets, 

Service Unit, Vending Area, Juror 

Lounge, and Jury Assembly Area

20-30 5-10

Supplies and Storage 10-20 5-10

Table 15.2

Lighting Requirements1

Horizontal 

Illumination 

Foot-Candles2

Vertical 

Illumination 

Foot-Candles

Trial Jury Suite

Soundlock, Jurors’ Toilets, Coat Closet, 

Trial Jury Room, Service Unit, Exhibits 

Display, Video Equipment, and SwornJury Custodian Station

20-30 5-10

Grand Jury Suite

Entry Area, Jurors’ Toilets, and Service 

Unit 30-40 5-10

Security Workstation and Hearing Room 50-55 10-15

Witness Room Exhibits Display and 

Video Equipment 30-40 5-10

Closet 10-20 5-10

Court Libraries4

Public Entry/Lobby 20-30 5-10

Archival Storage Area 20-30 5-10

Circulation Control Area, Periodicals 

Stacks an Seating Area 40-50 10-15

Reference Desk Area 40-50 10-15

Staff Access and CALR 30-40 5-10

1

 All other spaces not identified should provide the lighting standards in GSA PBS P-100. 2

A foot-candle (FC) is a unit of illuminance; it measures the amount of light in a space.

3

 Supplemental task lighting may be necessary to raise the ambient light to a horizontal 

 illumination of 100 FC.

4

 The lighting in the library should be switch controlled. Indirect or direct/indirect LED 

 fixtures should be installed in all areas that have adequate ceiling height. A master switch 

 should be provided at the library staff entrance. 
15-15 | Building Systems U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Communication Systems

Voice, Data, Courtroom Audio/Video, and Low-Voltage Cabling 

Design

The equipment found in courthouses, such as computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, 

and printers, is similar to that used in other government and business organizations. The 

federal courts also use several technologies specifically modified and adopted for judicial 

purposes, such as courtroom technology and court reporting technology. 

Since automation technology is constantly evolving, any installation should be adaptable 

to change. Efficient architectural planning, programming, and design of infrastructure 

should facilitate the installation and modification of these technologies and substantially 

reduce the costs of equipment installation and maintenance. 

General Design Concerns

Registered Communications Distribution Designer

The GSA design team is responsible for the design and installation of the 

telecommunications infrastructure. This infrastructure consists of the pathways and spaces 

(conduit, cable tray, sleeves, distribution rooms, server room, etc.) that support the courts’ 

cabling and equipment. The design team should include a registered communications 

distribution designer (RCDD) to assist with this effort. An RCDD is a Building Industry 

Consulting Service International (BICSI) certification that focuses on the design, 

integration, and implementation of information and communications technology systems. 

The RCDD should participate in the early phases of design development of a courthouse 

to ensure the required infrastructure is provided to support the courts’ technology systems. 

The RCDD should work with the AOUSC, GSA design team, and the local court space 

and IT and audiovisual technology staff to develop the most efficient distribution systems 

for all low voltage requirements. The AOUSC should also engage an RCDD to review 

the GSA design team’s telecommunications infrastructure design to ensure that the design 

meets industry standards and any unique court requirements. The AOUSC’s RCDD should 

only provide court requirements therefore the GSA design team should work with other 

tenant agencies to determine their requirements. 

Certified Technology Specialist Designer

A certified technology specialist designer (CTS-D), an AVIXA-certified AV technology 

specialist in design, should be part of the design team contracted by the court unit or 

AOUSC. The CTS-D should participate in the early phase of design development of 

a courthouse to ensure that the required infrastructure is provided for the audiovisual 

systems. The CTS-D should work with the AOUSC (courts technology, Space and 

Facilities Division, information technology, and communications staff) design team and 

the court managers, information technology operations staff, and other staff responsible for 

court technology/audiovisual systems management and deployment to develop the most 

efficient distribution systems for audiovisual requirements. The Judiciary is responsible for 

retaining the CTS-D.

Voice and Data Communications Systems 

Courthouse voice and data systems require extensive low-voltage cabling. The associated 

cable systems require a well-designed and well-installed building infrastructure to support 

the routing and connecting of cabling and housing of equipment. The use of basket cable 

tray for horizontal cable distribution in court-occupied spaces is required. This tray should 

be dedicated for court use only. Pathways through inaccessible ceilings and non-court 

spaces should require conduit. The design team should refer to the following:

• Courtroom Technology Audiovisual Infrastructure Manual, most recent version

• GSA PBS P-100

• Illumination Engineers of North America Lighting Handbook, most current edition, 

Chapter 10, “Lighting Design Guide”

Telecommunications Cabling Standards

• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)Telecommunications Industry 

Association (TIA) ANSI/TIA-568 Series of Telecommunications Standards (Most 

current version)

• ANSI/TIA TSB-162 Telecommunications Cabling Guidelines for Wireless Access 

Points (Most current version)

• Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) Telecommunications 

Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM), most current edition 

Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard

• ANSI/TIA-569, Commercial Building Standards for Telecommunications Pathways, 

most current edition

• Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual, 

Volume Three, Judicial Security Systems Requirements and Specifications (USMS 

Publication 64), most current edition

GSA should provide a shared demarcation room (entrance facility) to house 

telecommunications and data service providers’ cabling infrastructure and termination 

equipment. In addition, GSA should provide conduit pathways from at least two separate 

telecommunications maintenance holes to the demarcation room. It is the responsibility 

of GSA to coordinate with the local service providers to have facilities (copper and fiber) 

extended into the building. Each tenant agency is then responsible for ordering their 

services from the local providers. Additionally, GSA will provide conduit pathways from 

the demarcation room to the court’s telecommunications server room.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Building Systems | 15-16

The Judiciary’s telecommunications server room (server room) should be sized according 

to the voice and data network equipment required to serve the court’s needs. The 

Judiciary’s IT department will provide estimated heat loads and power requirements to the 

GSA design team. Electrical and cooling equipment, including a dedicated 120/208v, 150A 

sub-panel on emergency power, should be incorporated into the space plan. A centralized 

UPS system may be required in larger courthouses. Dedicated conduit pathways and 

raceways should connect the server room to each telecommunications distribution room 

and the demarcation room. The server room should be secured with controlled access.

The telecommunications distribution room should be sized based on the known number of 

planned and future work areas. A work area is any location where a person would work at 

a computer or other network-connected device such as a printer, scanner, network-attached 

camera, or wireless access point. The minimum size for a typical telecommunications 

room will be 10 feet (3000 mm) by 12 feet (3600 mm). Each floor should have at least 

one telecommunications room which should be centralized within the area being served 

and account for maximum cable distance limitations (295 feet (90 meters)) to the furthest 

work area to be served. Dedicated conduit pathways and raceways should connect each 

telecommunications room vertically to the telecommunications room directly above and 

below and horizontally to any other telecommunications room on the same floor. The 

telecommunications room should be connected by dedicated conduit pathways to the 

telecommunications server room. Electrical and cooling equipment, including a dedicated 

120/208V, 100A sub-panel on emergency power, should be incorporated into the space 

plan. The telecommunications room should be secured with controlled access.

The courtroom audiovisual room (AV room) should be sized based on the number of 

courtrooms served by the room. The minimum size for a typical AV room will be 10 feet 

(3000 mm) by 12 feet (3600 mm). The location of the room (adjacency and proximity to 

the courtroom) is more critical than the size of the room. The AV room design should not 

impact the acoustical envelope of the courtroom nor impact any acoustical performance in 

the courtroom. Dedicated conduit pathways and raceways should connect each AV room to 

the nearest telecommunications distribution room on the same floor. Electrical and cooling 

equipment, including a dedicated 120/208V, 100A power sub-panel on emergency power, 

should be incorporated into the space plan. The AV room should be secured with controlled 

access.

In multistory buildings, vertical pathways and conduits dedicated to the court’s IT and AV 

networks should be installed. An efficiently designed distribution system vertically aligns 

(stacks) the telecommunications distribution rooms on each floor directly above each other 

and in close proximity to the court’s server room.

All Judiciary server rooms, telecommunications distribution rooms, and AV equipment 

rooms are to be restricted solely for court use. The GSA design team should coordinate 

telecommunications requirements with other building occupants.

Courtrooms

Audio, Video and Court Technology Control Systems

Courtrooms generally require sound-reinforcement and video systems, which should 

be integrated with the architectural and engineering design. The design team with the 

CTS-D should ensure the proper design of the required infrastructure and ensure that 

finishes and lighting do not interfere with the performance of the audio and video systems. 

The design team should refer to the Courtroom Technology Audiovisual Infrastructure 

Manual for specific details on the design of courtroom systems; Chapter 14, “Acoustics,”

of this Design Guide; and the lighting section of this chapter. It is important to ensure 

the integration of these devices into areas in the courtroom such as jury box, bench areas 

and counsel tables. Refer to Chapter 12, “Tenant Improvements and Furnishings” in the 

“Tenant Improvement - Millwork” section for more information. 

Communications 

Voice, data, and wireless access points outlets should be provided where required. 

Court Reporter/Recorder Technology

Law, rule, or order of the court requires the production of an official record of a 

court’s proceedings. With the exception of video recording, all known court reporting 

technologies—shorthand, machine stenography, computer-aided transcription, single- and 

multitrack audio recording, and voice writing (also known as stenomask)—are regularly 

used throughout the federal judiciary. Because all the judges in large metropolitan federal 

courthouses will not agree to employ a single reporting method, the installation of a 

centralized audio or video recording facility in such a courthouse is not recommended.

The rapidly growing reliance on electronic recording of proceedings, and, in particular, 

multitrack audio recording, video evidence presentation, and computer-aided transcription, 

means that careful attention to electrical and audio facilities in the courtroom is required. 

Proper design considers the placement and type of microphones, the quality and location 

of the microphone connectors, audio wiring, integration of the audio recording system 

and evidence presentation system with the public audio amplification system, and the 

acoustic conditions of the courtroom. Microphones and speakers may be part of courtroom 

millwork, and planning should consider the space and personnel required for efficient 

operation. Some reporting technologies require networks and the installation of monitors 

and projection equipment in the courtroom.

Two current technological innovations in courtroom reporting are real-time stenographic 

transcription and voice-recognition transcription for the preparation of electronic or printed 

transcripts. A third advance is instantaneous transcription of trial proceedings. None of 

these technologies requires substantial changes in courtroom design.

For information regarding courtroom technology, refer to the Courtroom Technology 

Audiovisual Infrastructure Manual. 
15-17 | Building Systems U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Judges’ Chambers Suites

Video 

One or more outlets connected to the building video distribution system and cable 

television system should be provided in the judges’ chambers and conference/reference 

room.

Communications 

Voice, data, wireless access points, and intercom outlets should be provided where 

required. 

Jury Facilities

Audio

A sound system should be provided in the jury assembly area. The system should allow 

audio inputs from video or other presentation equipment.

Assisted-listening system (ALS) controls and emitters should be permanently installed 

and integrated with the jury assembly area sound system. ALS controls are generally 

located adjacent to sound system controls. In addition, inductive loop ALS systems may 

be considered. If an inductive loop system is desired, the loop should be engineered and 

provided with the technology infrastructure.

A self-contained, portable ALS should be available for use in trial jury suites and other 

places where sound systems are not present.

A sound system should be provided in the grand jury hearing room. The system should 

allow audio inputs from video or other presentation equipment.

ALS controls and emitters should be permanently installed and integrated with the grand 

jury hearing room sound system. A wireless, infrared ALS provides the flexibility and 

privacy needed in the grand jury hearing room. If windows are provided in the room, 

caution should be exercised to avoid interference with infrared signals. An infrared ALS 

requires emitters to provide line-of-sight transmission to the entire room. 

Multitrack systems in the grand jury hearing room can be used for assisted listening, 

simultaneous translation, and confidential tape recordings.

The grand jury foreperson/secretary station and witness box should be equipped with 

microphones connected to an amplification/audio recording system. The microphones 

should be controlled by the court reporter/recorder.

When an interpreter is used, the interpreter should be provided a microphone connected to 

the room’s amplification/audio recording system. 

In addition, a microphone connected to a sound system should be provided at the U.S. 

attorney station and/or lectern.

Video 

In the juror lounge and assembly suite, one or more video outlets connected to the cable 

television system should be provided.

Communications 

In the grand jury hearing room, telephone/intercom instruments should be provided at the 

jury clerk’s office, security desk, and U.S. attorney station.

Court Libraries

Audio 

A paging system is desirable in larger libraries. The system’s microphone and controls 

should be located at the circulation/reference desk; speakers should be located throughout 

the public areas of the library.

Communications 

All staff offices and work areas should be provided with a telephone and data outlet. In 

addition, all enclosed private study areas and CALR stations should be equipped with data 

and wireless access point outlets. Outlets used only by staff and court personnel should 

have intercom capability. Refer to the Courtroom Technology Audiovisual Infrastructure 

Manual.

Clerk’s Office 

Video 

Consult with the AOUSC’s communications team and refer to the Courtroom Technology 

Audiovisual Infrastructure Manual. 

Communications 

Consult with the AOUSC’s communications and information technology staff and refer to 

GSA PBS P-100.

Office of the Chief Pre-Argument/Conference Attorney

Accommodation for videoconferencing should be provided. Consult with the AOUSC’s 

communications staff and refer to the Courtroom Technology Audiovisual Infrastructure 

Manual. 

Office of the Bankruptcy Administrator 

Conference rooms should accommodate recording equipment. 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Building Systems | 15-18

Renovations and Alterations (R&A)

Certain design requirements stated in the Design Guide might be impractical, impossible, 

or cost-prohibitive because of challenging existing conditions. Stakeholders should 

discuss these challenges early in the project and determine how to best implement the 

Design Guide requirements to suit their specific needs and uphold the intent of the guide. 

Consideration and care of an occupied courthouse should be taken to seal off unoccupied 

areas of construction from other systems in operation.

Mechanical Systems

The extent of renovation should be in compliance with the latest edition of the 

International Existing Building Code. The applicable alteration level (1, 2, or 3) should 

dictate the extent of renovation or upgrade required to the mechanical systems to bring it 

up to current codes. 

In existing courthouses, GSA PBS P-100 describes minimum height criteria for the 

location of the air intakes. It is a security risk if the air intake is located too close to street 

level and is easily accessible. If the air intakes are located below the height level indicated 

in the GSA PBS P-100, moving the air intake should be considered and/or included in 

GSA repair and alteration projects. In situations where structural or historic limitations 

make it difficult or cost prohibitive to relocate air-intakes to a higher level, other 

alternatives should be explored such as reducing visibility from public view and making 

them as inaccessible as possible. 

Moving air intakes has an impact on rent, tenant space, and operations. Communication 

with the local court, the circuit, and AOUSC is important so that rent impact can be 

assessed and budgeted.

Actions to address HVAC should not compromise historic ceilings and materials. 

Lowering or concealing historic ceilings in historic courtrooms and lobbies in order to 

route mechanical systems should be avoided. Architectural elements such as soffits can 

often be designed or utilized to reroute ductwork without compromising historic ceilings 

and materials. Retain decorative elements of historic systems where possible including 

ornamental grilles, radiators and other decorative elements. Appropriate finishes and 

fixtures should be used for visible or high-profile areas. 

Energy conservation methods and systems are encouraged; but it is critical that the project 

team understand the operational needs of the local court, which should also be considered 

in the design of the system. 

Acoustics

Renovations, updates, or alterations to building services should consider the impact to 

acoustics. Refer to the R&A section in Chapter 14, “Acoustics,” for acoustical criteria and 

general direction. An early review of the impacted spaces by an acoustical consultant is 

recommended to determine the acoustical impact of the project. A seemingly unrelated 

building system update could potentially impact the acoustical performance of the existing 

building. For example, new ducts or conduit could penetrate a sound-rated wall and create 

a path for a noise leak or inclusion of a new terminal unit could add unwanted noise. 

Court Technology

Look for opportunities to leverage seemingly unrelated R&A projects to update technology 

infrastructure. For example, if GSA plans sprinkler replacement, moving or replacing 

mechanical ductwork, or replacing light ballasts or fixtures, the ceilings will likely 

be opened up. This may provide opportunities for work such as updating or installing 

audiovisual cabling and equipment, telecommunications wiring (voice/data), or security 

equipment. In addition, when planning an R&A project, such as replacing the courtroom 

carpet, consider the condition and cyclical replacement cycle for court technology and 

audiovisual systems and look at upgrading the technology infrastructure in the same R&A 

project. It can be much more cost-effective and less disruptive to plan and coordinate the 

tenant work while the building is under construction. 
16-1 U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

BUILDING SECURITY

This chapter discusses the planning and design of courthouse security, including agency 

responsibility, security planning and design concepts, and security systems and equipment.

Chapter Topics:

16 • Introduction

• Supporting Documents

• Agency Responsibilities

• Security Systems and Resource Request Process

• Security Concepts

• Exterior Security

• Interior Security

• Co-tenancy with the Federal Judiciary

• Security Funding

Chapter Figures and Tables:

Figure 16.1 Appellate Panel Courtroom Security Diagram

Figure 16.2 Appellate En Banc Courtroom Security Diagram

Figure 16.3 Multi-Party Courtroom Security Diagram

Figure 16.4 District Judge Courtroom Security Diagram

Figure 16.5 Magistrate Judge Courtroom Security Diagram

Figure 16.6 Bankruptcy Judge Courtroom Security Diagram

Table 16.1 Security Funding Responsibilities
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Building Security | 16-2

Introduction

Security is essential to the basic design of courthouses. Courthouse security is complex 

in that different court components and circulation patterns require varying degrees of 

security. In addition, federal courthouse security is the responsibility of the Judiciary, 

the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Protective Service (FPS), the General 

Services Administration (GSA), and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS). It is critical that 

the architectural/engineering (A/E) team consider the security implications of every aspect 

of design as a high priority and coordinate with the appropriate stakeholders during the 

initial design phase. No amount of security equipment and personnel can effectively secure 

a building that has been designed without taking physical security into account.

Security concerns, including demonstrations, weapons, witness and jury intimidation, 

bombs, and so on, are inherent to courthouses. Optimal courthouse security is a fine 

balance between architectural solutions, allocation of security personnel, operational 

procedures, and installation of security systems and equipment. Since security planning 

is a basic and critical part of courthouse design, it should be factored in at the beginning 

of site selection and the design process. Failure to do so can result in costly and timeconsuming reconfigurations.

Courthouse security systems are categorized as exterior and interior security systems. 

Exterior security includes considerations of site location, parking, access control, 

site lighting, perimeter surveillance, building access control, and intrusion-detection/

alarm systems. Interior security includes personnel security, security of property and 

documents, access control to interior spaces, intrusion-detection, video surveillance, 

personnel movement and circulation controls, security aspects of spatial arrangements, and 

coordination between security and fire and life safety requirements.

Supporting Documents

A comprehensive guide to supporting documents can be found in Chapter 2, “Courthouse 

Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program and design 

criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information on many 

facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The references listed below 

relate specifically to this chapter. 

• Design Notebook for Federal Building Lobby Security, GSA and USMS. The goal 

of this publication is to illustrate how effective security screening and the related 

equipment and personnel can be integrated into the design of lobby spaces in new 

courthouses. The guide includes prototype designs as well as typical details.

• Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service (GSA PBS P-100), General 

Services Administration, most current edition

• GSA IT - Building Technologies Technical Reference Guide

• The Risk Management Process for Federal Facilities: An Inter-agency Security 

Committee Standard, DHS, most current edition 

• Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual

(USMS Publication 64), Volume One, Construction Requirements and Volume Two, 

Security Products, Office of Facilities and Courthouse Construction, most current 

edition

• Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and Support Space Manual 

(USMS Publication 64), Volume Three, Judicial Security Systems Requirements and 

Specifications, most current edition

• Site Security Design Guide, GSA, most current edition

Agency Responsibilities

Courthouse security is the joint responsibility of the Judiciary, FPS, GSA, and USMS. 

Decisions regarding security planning and design are made by all of these organizations.

Federal Protective Service

The FPS is responsible for law enforcement at all GSA owned and leased facilities, 

including all court facilities. The FPS provides security for the building perimeter and 

non-court-related agency space. The FPS installs perimeter closed circuit video (CCV) 

and intrusion-detection systems (IDS) in federal buildings. The FPS-installed IDS are 

monitored from a remote regional communications center. Building access systems 

(i.e., locks, keys, and the integrity of door hardware) and parking protection/lighting are 

typically the responsibility of the GSA building manager. 

Physical access control systems (PACS) are computer-based systems which permit access 

to buildings and spaces within buildings. A modern PACS includes card readers, electronic 

door latches, request-to-exit devices, door status switch sets, control panels located in teledata or security closets, the head end computer, the enrollment computer to enter cards, 

and the infrastructure needed for the system’s operation.

In court facilities, the PACS on the perimeter doors of the building may be installed and 

controlled by GSA or the USMS. In court space, PACS is the responsibility of the USMS.

FPS is responsible for the protection of most federal buildings. The USMS has assumed 

this role in judiciary-occupied space. The USMS is also responsible for the personal 

security of judges, court staff, and the public. This includes the protection of judges, 

witnesses, jurors, and prisoners.
16-3 | Building Security U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Court Security Committee (CSC)

Each of the 94 federal court districts has a CSC chaired by the chief district judge or the 

chief judge’s designee. The U.S. marshal for the district serves as principal coordinator of 

the committee. The responsibilities of the CSC are to develop and implement a districtwide security plan, and to meet periodically to identify security problems, and develop 

solutions. The local CSC is responsible for addressing the security concerns of the entire 

judicial district or circuit, including judges, chambers staff, clerks, probation and pretrial 

services officers, librarians, federal public defenders, and other members of the Judiciary. 

This responsibility includes the security for all judicial areas within federal buildings as 

well as any leased space that has court staff on-site. The CSC also reviews facility and 

security system designs and coordinates the various agencies responsible for the design, 

construction, and operation of court security systems.

Facility Security Committee (FSC)

The FSC includes representatives of all tenant agencies and is chaired by the highestranking official of the agency occupying the most space in the building or his or her 

designee. 

FSCs (formerly Building Security Committees) were established for each federal 

facility under GSA’s control following the Department of Justice’s recommendation in 

its Vulnerability Assessment of Federal Facilities after the April 1995 bombing of the 

Alfred P. Murrah Building in Oklahoma City. Unlike CSCs, which consist solely of 

representatives of the court and related agencies and address security issues involving 

the courts on a judicial district-wide basis, FSCs address the security requirements of all 

federal agencies that occupy multi-tenant buildings. The FSC is tasked with evaluating 

the building’s physical security recommendations based on the Inter-agency Security 

Committee (ISC) standards. All security systems and equipment within judicial space 

should be consistent with the requirements set out in the USMS Publication 64.

U.S. Marshals Service

The USMS is responsible for protection of judges, other courts officials, witnesses, jurors, 

visitors, prisoners, and others. It manages fugitive investigations, assists with the location 

and apprehension of fugitives, manages assets forfeited due to criminal conduct, manages 

federal prisoners throughout the court processing system, and provides witness protection. 

Within the USMS are the Office of Security Systems and the Office of Construction 

Management.

Office of Security Systems (OSS)

The USMS physical security planning responsibilities for court space are handled by 

the Office of Security Systems (OSS). OSS is responsible for the planning, design, and 

installation of security systems in spaces occupied by the Judiciary, including judges 

and their staffs, clerks of court, probation and pretrial services officers, librarians, staff 

attorneys, circuit and district court executives, and other members of the Judiciary. The 

USMS does not specify security systems for the U.S. Attorney or U.S. Trustee, as they are 

part of the executive branch and do not fall under the courts’ jurisdiction.

In addition, OSS in conjunction with FPS are the security consultants for court buildings, 

designing and integrating security systems for the building perimeters. OSS retains a 

nationwide security systems contractor for security systems installation and service in 

all courthouses and space leased for court activities. The OSS security specialist should 

participate during Phase I of the design process. The specialist’s participation will prevent 

expensive retrofits and ensure that the infrastructure to support the security systems and 

equipment is incorporated into construction documents. This will also ensure that sufficient 

funding is requested and allocated. Further, the USMS nationwide security systems 

contractor should participate in the design and construction to allow for timely installation 

and accessibility to conduit and junction boxes.

OSS is a part of the USMS, and their responsibilities include security systems and 

equipment for court-occupied and USMS operational space and is separate and distinct 

from the USMS Office of Construction Management.

Office of Construction Management (OCM)

The OCM oversees USMS space and construction projects. The OCM is responsible for 

design considerations involving secure prisoner movement, holding-cell and interview 

facility requirements, and USMS-occupied office and support space.

Security Systems and Resource Request Process

The USMS Office of Security Systems (OSS) and the Administrative Office of the U.S. 

Courts (AOUSC) Facilities and Security Office Judiciary Security Division notify court 

unit executives of the annual resource request (budget call) for courthouse security systems 

and equipment. The notification memorandum is for the budget year project requirements 

that will be needed to be delivered within 6 to 8 months. The projects can be as small as 

a control package for a judge’s chambers or as large as a major renovation and alteration 

project. The OSS, AOUSC, circuit, court unit, JSI, and other stakeholders should work 

closely to develop systems and equipment requirements to ensure a secured and safe 

courthouse for the public and court employees from the lobby to all spaces within the 

courthouse. Once the process is completed, the list is submitted to the CSC for review and 

chief district judge’s approval prior to submission to OSS. 

The OSS has developed a project database that will allow the JSIs to track the status 

of a project from request through the USMS’s prioritization and approval process. It 

is imperative for the JSI, OSS, AOUSC, ACEs, and other stakeholders to routinely 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Building Security | 16-4

communicate and avoid unplanned project requirements. For example, if the ACE, 

AOUSC facilities program manager, and GSA are aware of expiring leases, the OSS 

physical security specialists and JSI must be notified of the pending requirement at 

minimum 24 months before the termination of the lease. 

Security Concepts

Courthouse security requires coordination of architectural design, allocation of security 

personnel, and security systems and equipment. Basic architectural solutions to security 

problems are an integral part of planning and design for the courthouse. Separation of 

public, restricted, secure, and service circulation patterns and provision of secure prisoner 

holding and interview facilities are essential security design elements. Courthouse design 

should consider expansion and security needs to meet short- and long-term housing 

requirements. 

Security systems and equipment can reduce the number of security personnel required; 

however, systems and equipment are not intended to replace all personnel. The cost of 

architectural solutions incorporated during planning and design—as well as the initial 

installation, operation, and maintenance costs of security systems and equipment—is often 

small compared with security personnel costs over the anticipated life of the facility.

Since the USMS may be responsible for on-site monitoring systems protecting the site, 

building perimeter, and non-judiciary or court-related tenants, all security systems are 

integrated into the USMS command and control center. Security systems monitored by 

the USMS typically include intrusion alarms, duress alarm devices, PACS, and CCV and 

audio/video switching and recording systems. All security systems and equipment should 

be consistent with the Risk Management Process for Federal Facilities; An ISC Standard

(with appendixes; current edition); USMS Publication 64; and OSS required elements.

Consistent with the standards set forth in the Risk Management Process (RMP) for Federal 

Facilities, an Interagency Security Committee (ISC) Standard, the proposed facility 

security level (FSL) for new courthouse construction is FSL 4. In general, U.S. courthouse 

facilities meet the scoring for this FSL designation based upon consideration of the scoring 

standards, such as occupancy, threats towards tenant agencies, and the symbolism threat 

directed towards the court. Additionally, and consistent with ISC criteria, each court’s FSC 

can make this determination.

Exterior Security

Site

Building Setback

The building setback is defined in The Risk Management Process for Federal Facilities: 

an Inter-agency Security Committee Standard and is achieved using passive barriers such 

as bollards and planters and/or active barriers such as crash rated drop arms, movable 

wedge barriers, and gates. Setback can often be established with site design using berms or 

other aspects of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED).

Landscaping

Special attention should be paid to the location, selection, and configuration of plants 

outside the building, particularly at parking and building entrances. Plants should be small 

and low so they cannot be used as hiding places or obstruct sight lines when initially 

planted or as they mature. Consideration should also be given to potential plant growth and 

its impact on the CCV system including plants that either interfere with lighting or obstruct 

CCV camera views. Landscaping can also be used to enhance security by preventing 

encroachment on the building setback. Loose rocks that could break glass, if thrown, 

should be avoided.

Site Lighting

Sufficient lighting is critical to the proper operation of the perimeter CCV and the safety of 

the public and employees outside the courthouse. Illumination should be provided for areas 

between cars and around bushes and shrubs. Higher levels of illumination are required at 

vehicle and pedestrian entrances. All perimeter lighting should support the operation of 

CCV cameras. Coordinate security lighting design with USMS Publication 64.

Separation of Vehicle Circulation

Four vehicle circulation systems are required, for (1) judges, (2) designated court 

employees, (3) USMS prisoner transport, and (4) service. As needed, judges and court 

employees may share an entrance if parking areas are physically separated with automated 

controls. Vehicle access to the site should be controlled at a single point with an electronic 

access control system, and active vehicle barriers. 

CCV

CCV cameras should be installed by FPS to provide complete perimeter coverage and 

should be connected to the USMS command and control center. USMS will use the 

cameras for prisoner movement into the sally port area. Cameras should also have the 

capability to be connected to an FPS regional communications center for after-hours 

surveillance. 
16-5 | Building Security U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Parking

Restricted Judges’ Parking

Restricted parking, with electronic access control, should be provided for all judges. 

Judges’ parking should be located in a totally enclosed area under the building, or, if this is 

not possible, in a fenced area with no public view of the parking area or the judge’s path to 

the building. A separate restricted entrance to the building from the parking area should be 

provided. The design team should refer to the Judiciary’s parking policy approved by the 

Judicial Conference of the United States (JCUS) on March 16, 1999, for further details. A 

copy of the policy can be obtained from the AOUSC Space and Facilities Division.

Employee and Visitor Parking

Court-employee, juror, visitor, and non-court-employee parking areas, if provided, should 

be located adjacent to or outside the courthouse. These parking areas should be fenced and 

provided with electronic access controls. The design team should refer to the Judiciary’s 

parking policy approved by the JCUS on March 16, 1999, for further details. 

CCV

A CCV system should be provided to monitor access to restricted and secure parking areas, 

parking spaces, and associated building entrances. Cameras are to be monitored by the 

USMS command and control center.

Building Perimeter

Intrusion Detection

An intrusion-detection system covering all perimeter doors, including roof access, should 

be installed in the courthouse. Ground-floor or accessible windows should be protected 

with glass-break detectors or other sensor technology. Intrusion-detection systems are to be 

monitored by the FPS Mega-Center and/or USMS (on- or off-site) on a 24-hour basis.

Exterior doors in a Means of Egress Emergency Exits

Exterior doors should be self-locking and equipped with a remote alarm and interior CCV 

camera, both monitored by the USMS command and control center. Exterior exits should 

be equipped with magnetic locks or electric strikes and are permitted to have a delayedegress electrical locking system installed, or other acceptable egress door hardware. 

Delayed-egress electrical locking systems on fire doors should be connected to batterybackup power and emergency generators. The systems should remain locked from the 

outside during a power failure. Exterior doors should not have any exterior hardware 

unless required to permit access (i.e., front public or employee entrances), and exposed 

hinges should be peened to ensure the security of the doors. A peened hinge is a hinge that 

has a pin that cannot be removed by pulling the pin out.

CCV

A CCV camera, also monitored by the USMS command and control center, should 

be installed by FPS to provide a clear view at each remote exit without having to be 

manipulated by the operator (no pan-tilt-zoom cameras).

Building Entrances

Elevators or stairs from the staff or public parking area should discharge at a point in front 

of the lobby screening station to allow weapons and contraband screening.

Public Entrance

Only one public entrance, with a lobby large enough to hold visitors during peak periods, 

should be provided, configured, and sized to allow security systems to be part of the 

architectural design and circulation path from the entrance. The security station should be 

placed near the building entrance, with sufficient space for queuing during peak periods, 

and wheelchair access should be provided. Space should be allocated for turnstiles, X-ray 

machines and magnetometers. In leased spaces where weapons screening is not performed 

at the main entrance, there should be adequate space and provisions for power to allow for 

appropriate screening equipment. Refer to Chapter 3, “Planning for U.S. Courthouses,” for 

public lobbies and atriums; Design Notebook for Federal Building Lobby Security; USMS 

Publication 64; and OSS required elements.

Security Pavilions

Some courts may require a separate but adjoining exterior structure to house the secured 

entry screening into a federal building or courthouse. The purpose of a security pavilion 

is to provide entry screening by security officers (FPS or USMS) in an area separated 

from the critical components of the building to prevent progressive collapse, building 

wide contamination, or catastrophic damage to the facility in the event an explosive 

device is detonated or a harmful substance is released. They should also be separated by 

impenetrable (ballistic rated or solid metal) doors which can be closed remotely to deny an 

adversary entrance into the main structure. 

It should be noted that all security pavilion annexes must receive both appropriate 

committee and JCUS approval prior to construction. In 2013, the JCUS adopted the 

following policies relating to security pavilions:

• The current Circuit Rent Budget program process for approval of Component B 

projects should be applied to any request for construction of a security pavilion to 

adjoin an existing court building, so that any potential increase in rent costs can 

be considered along with other aspects of the project. These projects must receive 

approval by both the Committee on Space and Facilities and the Judicial Conference.

• The Committee on Judicial Security must review any request for construction of a 

security pavilion before it is considered by the rent management subcommittee of the 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Building Security | 16-6

Committee on Space and Facilities, so that the need for the pavilion from a security 

standpoint, as well as the impact of the project on the court security appropriation, 

can be taken into account.

Employee Entry

Employees generally enter the courthouse through the public entry screening point. If the 

CSC or FSC determines that a separate employee entry is permitted there will generally 

not be screening at that entry point and employees entering through there will not be 

screened for weapons or other prohibited items.

Judges’ Entry

Entrance from the judges’ parking area to the restricted elevator via a restricted lobby 

should have electronic access control, a CCV camera, an intercom, and a duress alarm. 

The entrance should have the necessary travel cables to support security equipment. The 

entrance should be monitored by the USMS command and control center.

Loading Dock

A single building entry point for supplies and services should be provided by the loading 

dock and service area. Parking for service vehicles should be located outside the court 

building. Where service and delivery vehicles are parked adjacent to the court building, the 

area should be designed to reflect and withstand explosions.

Where a parking lot guard is provided, vehicular deliveries can be channeled past the 

guard post for screening. The loading-dock entry should have electrically controlled doors, 

with remote control and monitoring by the USMS command and control center. A metal 

detector and X-ray machine should be provided to screen personnel, mail, and packages 

entering the building. Intercom and CCV systems should be installed to alert security 

personnel to the arrival of delivery trucks and allow surveillance of the loading-dock area. 

This equipment should be monitored by the USMS security station in the public lobby or 

by the USMS command and control center. 

Interior Security

Circulation Controls 

An essential element of courthouse security design is the physical separation of public, 

restricted, and secure circulation systems. Trial participants should not meet until they 

are in the courtroom during formal court proceedings. The integrity of each circulation 

system should be maintained for all functions within the court facility, including service 

access points.

The circulation system should provide judges a means to move from restricted parking to 

chambers and to move between chambers, courtrooms, and other spaces through restricted 

corridors. Generally, access is controlled by PACS.

Jurors should be provided with a means to move between floors on restricted-access 

elevators without crossing public spaces or secure prisoner corridors. Elevators should 

accommodate movement of a jury panel and court security officer (CSO). The elevators 

should provide access to jury dining facilities (if provided) from trial jury suites. The 

elevators may need cab doors on opposite sides to serve both public and restricted corridor 

systems and should be provided with CCV, PACS, and appropriate-sized travel cables for 

support.

The building design should provide a means for the USMS to move prisoners from the 

vehicle sally port into central holding facilities, the grand jury hearing room, and holding 

cells adjacent to trial courtrooms without passing or entering public or restricted spaces.

Life Safety Systems

Life safety protection systems and emergency egress requirements are prescribed by 

standards found in GSA PBS P-100 and local and international building, fire, and electrical 

codes. A fire and life safety system should be equipped with an emergency evacuation 

system (EVAC) regardless of the number of occupants or floors. The EVAC alerts building 

occupants to an emergency and instructs them as to what action to take using both voice 

commands and prerecorded evacuation instructions. Access to the system should be 

located in the USMS command and control center as well as any fire alarm monitoring 

stations. The components of an EVAC that are designed and tested for this are listed by 

Underwriters Laboratories (UL). The EVAC installed should have components that can 

survive an emergency situation. Life safety and security systems should be examined 

closely to ensure that the systems do not conflict. To coordinate security and fireprevention measures, the design team should consult with the USMS, FPS, and the GSA 

regional fire protection engineer. 

Emergency exit doors should open into the public entrance area under surveillance by 

security personnel. The public entrance area should also be designed as an exit corridor. 

Emergency exit doors into the lobby should not be used for normal public circulation. 

Emergency doors should be self-locking and equipped with either a local or remote alarm 

at the USMS command and control center. An interior CCV camera, monitored by the 

USMS command and control center, should be provided. Where permissible and as per 

code, emergency exits should be equipped with magnetic locks connected to delayed egress 

hardware or the fire alarm/sprinkler system. Electric locking systems on all doors should be 

connected to battery-backup power and connected to emergency generators, preferably in a 

security closet on each floor. The systems should remain locked during a power failure.

Security Alarms 

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)

The first line of protection is typically the responsibility of the FPS and is accomplished 

through the installation of building intrusion-detection and locking systems. The USMS 
16-7 | Building Security U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

installs security systems on any vault or secure room in the clerk’s office, USMS, and 

other court-related offices. Interior intrusion alarms should be incorporated into the USMS 

security system and/or FPS perimeter intrusion-detection system. In some cases, these two 

systems can be combined and linked off-site to more than one location. 

Duress Alarm Devices

Duress alarm devices are installed as specified in USMS Publication 64 for courtrooms, 

libraries, judicial and court-related offices, judges’ parking areas, and other site and 

building locations. 

Courtrooms 

Entry

All public entrances should be provided with key locks. Each courtroom should be keyed 

separately with a submaster. Doors from restricted circulation, excluding fire exits, should 

have free access from restricted circulation and have PACS card readers on the courtroom 

side. PACS card readers will be installed on both sides of the courtroom doors where a 

restricted hallway serves multiple courtrooms. 

Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting in courtrooms should be provided to permit orderly evacuation in the 

event of an emergency. Selected lighting fixtures within the courtroom should provide 

an uninterrupted source of lighting in the event of a power outage. Standby power for 

emergency lighting to the courtrooms should be provided by local battery-backup units 

connected to an emergency generator. The judge’s bench should not be spotlighted by 

emergency lighting. Key switches should be provided in restricted corridors for testing on 

a regular basis.

CCV

Courtroom security cameras should be connected to the USMS video surveillance system. 

The security camera and courtroom audio may be connected to the central cell block for 

monitoring by defendants who are removed from the courtroom and placed in an isolation 

cell. All courtrooms should be equipped with cameras to enable USMS personnel and 

CSOs to monitor from the USMS command and control center activity that occurs in the 

well of the courtroom and at the point of judge’s ingress and egress. Conduits for CCV 

should be installed in all four corners of all courtrooms to accommodate current and future 

camera installation. Where cameras are installed, recessed housings should be provided for 

cameras in the wall or ceiling. Cameras should be positioned to prevent room lighting from 

interfering with the view or picture quality. 

Ballistic-Resistant Material

The judge’s bench and courtroom deputy clerk station should be lined with ballisticresistant material (UL Standard 752, Level III) on all vertical surfaces. The lifespan of 

the ballistic resistant material is approximately 10-12 years, after which the material will 

require replacement.

Duress Alarm Devices

Duress alarm devices should be located at the judge’s bench and courtroom deputy clerk 

station per USMS Publication 64. In appellate panel courtrooms, the center position of 

the panel should be equipped with the alarm button. Additional bench locations for alarms 

should be provided in en banc courtrooms. Alarms are to be connected to the USMS 

command and control center. All duress alarm devices in a courtroom should report as a 

single zone. 

Weapons Screening

For trials requiring a high level of security, spectators entering the courtroom are subject to 

additional weapons screening. Two 20-amp, 120-volt alternating current outlets connected 

to the emergency generator should be located outside each courtroom. Therefore, 

equipment should be provided to detect firearms, bombs, and other weapons at the 

entrance to the spectator area from the public lobby, as described in USMS Publication 64.

Emergency Egress Doors

Public egress paths from the courtroom should be primarily through public circulation. 

If secondary egress is through restricted circulation, doors should be equipped with a 

delayed egress device interfaced with the fire alarm system. Emergency egress doors, used 

by judges, should have free access from restricted circulation and a key lock or electronic 

access control on the courtroom side. 

Associated Courtroom Spaces

Entry

The judges’ conference room, robing room, and conference/robing room should have key 

locks or be equipped with PACS. Electronic locks should be fail-secure. 

Duress Alarm Devices

The judges’ conference room, robing room, and conference/robing room should each have 

at least one duress alarm device. The duress alarm devices should be connected to the 

USMS command and control center.

CCV

A CCV camera should be provided for the public lobby areas outside each courtroom and 

connected to the USMS command and control center. 

Judges’ Chambers Suites

Entry

An audiovisual intercom and electric door strike should be provided at the visitor entry 

door to restricted circulation and at the chambers suite entrance. The system should be 

monitored and controlled from the judicial assistant’s workstation and from one of the law 

clerk offices in the suite. Electronically-controlled entry doors should be fail-secure and 

connected to emergency backup power at designated locations.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Building Security | 16-8

Duress Alarm Devices

Duress alarm devices should be installed in the chambers suite under the staff person’s 

desk that is positioned closest to the chambers entrance, judge’s desk, and one law clerk’s 

desk, with all three reporting as a single zone to the USMS command and control center.

Windows

Ballistic1

-resistant glazing (UL Standard 752, Level IV), may be considered for a judge’s 

private office within the exterior windows of judges’ chambers suites after full disclosure 

has been made to the court of the relevant risks, inconsistencies, costs and alternatives 

including, but not limited to the following:

• The risk and inconsistency with applicable blast criteria arising from the fact that 

ballistic resistant glazing may turn into a lethal projectile in the event of a blast.

• Emergency workers may find it difficult to break through ballistic resistant glazing 

during rescue efforts.

• The necessity of factoring the costs associated with structural reinforcements and 

materials to support ballistic resistant glazing into the overall project cost.

• The fact that windows with ballistic resistant glazing may appear different from 

standard windows and thereby creates a security risk by identifying a target.

• The likelihood that windows with ballistic resistant glazing will not be operable 

except for maintenance purposes.

• The finding by security experts that keeping a target from view, using windowcoverings, architectural features, and other low-cost measures is often the most 

effective deterrent to a targeted on-site attack. 

• The decision to install ballistic resistant glazing is subject to project funding 

availability.

Jury Facilities

Duress Alarm Devices

A duress alarm device should be provided at the jury check-in counter, located in the jury 

assembly area, and at the trial jury and grand jury suite security workstations. To enhance 

security and privacy in the trial jury and grand jury suites, a court security officer, deputy 

marshal, or sworn-jury custodian is often stationed at the entrance. A duress alarm should 

be provided at each security station.

Court Libraries

Entry

The public entrance to the library should be provided with a key lock. A key lock or 

electronic access control from the library to restricted circulation should also be provided. 

Duress Alarm Devices

The circulation desk, library staff offices, and study areas in unstaffed libraries should be 

provided with duress alarm devices. 

Clerk’s Office (U.S. Court of Appeals, U.S. District Court, and 

U.S. Bankruptcy Court)

Entry

Public entrances to clerks’ offices should be provided with key locks. Public access to 

restricted office areas is controlled with an electric lock operated at the public counter 

workstation. Employee access from public circulation should be controlled by key lock 

or PACS. Access from the clerk’s office to restricted circulation, if provided, should be 

controlled by key lock or PACS.

Vaults

Evidence and financial vaults in the clerk’s office should have keypad shunts, vault door 

contacts, motion detectors, and duress alarm devices monitored by the USMS command 

and control center.

Duress Alarm Devices

The clerk’s private office, as well as the staff side of the public counter, secure storage, 

vaults, and other selected office areas, should be equipped with duress alarm devices. The 

alarms should be logically zoned and connected to the USMS command and control center. 

Break-Resistant and Ballistic-Resistant Shielding

Clerks’ offices located in facilities where weapons are screened for should have breakresistant (UL Standard 972) transaction windows. Clerks’ offices located in facilities where 

weapons screening is not conducted prior to reaching the public counter should have a 

public counter with a ballistic-resistant (UL Standard 752, Level III) transaction window.

Ballistic-resistant transaction windows should have bullet-resistant speak-through grills or 

microphone/speaker systems. Access doors and hardware between the public area and the 

restricted office area should be ballistic-resistant (UL Standard 752, Level III). In addition, 

surfaces within 4 feet (1,220 mm) of the counter should have ballistic-resistant surfaces 

from floor to ceiling and may also include the door into the suite.

1

 Ballistic glazing requirements approved by JCUS September 15, 2009.
16-9 | Building Security U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Court-Related Offices 

Building security requirements are identical for all court-related offices. Although, refer 

to Chapter 9, “Probation and Pretrial Services,” for additional security requirements. The 

criteria below apply to the following:

• Office of the Circuit Executive

• Office of the District Court Executive

• Office of the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel Clerk

• Office of the Senior Staff Attorney

• Office of the Pre-Argument/Conference Attorney

• Office of the Bankruptcy Administrator

• Office of the Federal Public Defender’s trial preparation suite

Entry

The public entrance to court-related offices should be provided with a key lock. If public 

access to the office areas is restricted, access should be controlled with an electric lock 

operated at the public counter or reception workstation. Employee access from public 

circulation should be controlled by key lock or PACS. Access from the court-related 

offices to restricted circulation, if provided, should be controlled by key lock or PACS. 

Doors to executive offices, managers’ offices, and enclosed storage rooms should have key 

locks, except as otherwise noted. 

Vaults

Evidence and financial vaults in the clerk’s office should have an IDS keypad, vault 

door contact, passive infrared detector, and duress alarm device monitored by the USMS 

command and control center.

Server Rooms and Telecom Closets 

Access to all server rooms, tele-data closets, and related spaces should be controlled by 

key locks and PACS.

Duress Alarm Devices

Duress alarm devices should be placed on the staff side of transaction windows, near the 

receptionist at the main entrance door, near secure storage, and in other selected areas. 

Duress alarm devices should also be placed in interview rooms, supervisors’ offices, and 

offices of probation and pretrial services supervision officers. The duress alarm devices 

should be logically zoned and be monitored by the USMS command and control center. 

Break-Resistant and Ballistic-Resistant Shielding

Court-related offices located in a facility where weapons are screened for should have 

break-resistant (UL Standard 972) transaction windows. Court-related offices located in 

a facility where weapons screening is not conducted prior to reaching the public counter 

should have a public counter with counter-to-ceiling ballistic-resistant (UL Standard 752, 

Level III) transaction windows, where required. Access doors and hardware between the 

public area and the restricted office area should be ballistic-resistant (UL Standard 752, 

Level III). In addition, surfaces within 4 feet (1,220 mm) of the counter should be ballisticresistant from floor to ceiling. Where appropriate in the probation and pretrial services 

offices, a CCV camera, monitor, and intercom can be used to screen visitors before they 

enter lobby areas. 

Central Mail Facilities 

Design

Refer to Chapter 11, “Shared Support Spaces ,” and USMS Publication 64. Central mail 

facilities should be equipped with self-contained negative pressure table top mail opening 

hoods. These hoods should provide a minimum of HEPA-rated filtration and provide a 

see-through barrier for the operator to use as protection from contaminants that may be 

contained in the mail.

Entry/Egress 

The entrance should be provided with PACS, an intercom, and an electric strike-controlled 

door. The back door should remain closed and should be opened only for emergency 

access by the decontamination team. The PACS should allow all controls to be overridden 

in an emergency. The door should have a sign that notifies personnel and the public that 

the door is for emergency access by the decontamination team only.

Duress Alarm

A duress alarm should be easily accessible and visible to all occupants.

CCV

CCV cameras should be installed to have coverage of the entirety of this space. The 

activation of the duress alarm should send a signal to the USMS command and control 

center. In a multi-tenant building, this control center may be referred to as the FPS control 

room. The duress alarm will activate cameras to monitor the activity in the entire area.

Audible Alarm

An audible alarm and a visual signal should be provided to the USMS command and 

control center when the decontamination tank reaches three-fourths capacity. 

Figures 16.1 through 16.6 are provided to identify the locations of security-related devices 

and equipment in the various courtroom types. Though the detailed design, specification, 

procurement, and installation of security systems is by the USMS, GSA funds the design 

and construction of the infrastructure for security systems. The information provided here 

will allow for the design of conduit and emergency power systems. For security equipment 

located in other court units, refer to the individual room data sheets located in the appendix 

for specific security requirements.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Building Security | 16-10

Co-tenancy with the Federal Judiciary

Co-tenancy with the federal judiciary can pose serious problems for court security. Some 

federal agencies, including but not limited to the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security 

Administration, and U.S. Post Office, attract large numbers of patrons, complicating 

security screening at building entrances. Additionally, some federal agencies draw 

disruptive customers, which can increase the danger to court staff and unnecessarily 

burden USMS staff. Ideally, such agencies would not be located within the same building 

as a court. In those instances where a court is located in a multi-tenant federal building, 

the FSC will determine and recommend the appropriate level of building access control, 

intrusion-detection, and surveillance. GSA and FPS will contract with approved vendors to 

provide and install it, except in judiciary spaces which would be handled by USMS.

Security Funding

There are several sources of funding for security projects and improvements, depending 

on the scope and type of project being completed and where the request for the project 

emanated. Refer to Table 16.1 for addition information.

USMS-Funded Projects 

Projects for security systems and equipment devices including PACS, CCV, duress alarms, 

and entry control packages in court space are funded by the USMS with funds from the 

court security appropriation transferred to the USMS. The USMS also funds the screening 

equipment and furnishings for entry screening stations staffed by court security officers 

and the security of judicial parking. As previously noted, these projects are requested by 

the USMS judicial security inspector (JSI) through their annual resource request (budget 

call) process. The annual resource request should be reviewed by the district’s CSC before 

being signed by the chief district judge and submitted to the USMS headquarters. Security 

projects for the facility perimeter or most shared support spaces in buildings are not part of 

this process. 

FPS Initiated Project

As the security organization for the FSC of most GSA controlled facilities, FPS is 

responsible for making security countermeasure recommendations to FSCs, including 

the FSCs of buildings still in design. These security recommendations include the initial 

installation, periodic improvements, and the cyclical replacement of perimeter CCV 

systems; IDS; and the screening equipment for entry screening stations that are staffed by 

FPS contract guards. 

The security countermeasure recommendations made by FPS for these types of projects 

are voted on by the FSC and are funded by all the tenants of the facility based on their 

percentage of occupancy. The court unit’s share of these costs are paid by the Judiciary 

Security Division directly to FPS on behalf of the court units in the building. The Judiciary 

Security Division should be contacted prior to any vote on the implementation of an 

FPS-implemented security project. FPS’s ability to implement projects is based on the 

availability of funds. 

GSA Initiated Security Projects

Like projects initiated by FPS, GSA performs security projects based on countermeasure 

recommendations contained in facility security assessments (FSAs) conducted by the 

FSC’s security organization (generally FPS). These projects are funded by the tenant 

agencies based on their percentage of occupancy in the building and paid either through a 

reimbursable work authorization (RWA) or a rent increase. Security projects conducted by 

GSA involve improvements to the facility including active vehicle barriers and fences for 

employee parking lots, passive vehicle barriers for buildings, and blast mitigation film for 

windows.

Prior to voting on these projects, court representatives should contact the offices 

responsible for their rent. GSA’s ability to conduct security projects is based on funding 

availability or on the ability of tenant agencies to provide RWAs for projects. 

GSA is responsible for the operation and maintenance of certain security devices on 

federal property including the perimeter lighting, exterior door locks, etc. In new 

courthouse projects, GSA is responsible for the initial funding and maintenance of entry 

turnstiles including the attached card reader.

Security Related Projects Funded by Court Units 

Under most conditions, local funds cannot be used for funding security-related projects. 

There are exceptions when projects are for operational convenience and involve the use 

of equipment normally associated with security. Additional PACS devices (card readers, 

electric strikes, etc.) on doors within secure, judiciary-occupied spaces that are for 

operational convenience purposes may be purchased with local funds. Any project to add 

these devices must be coordinated with the USMS and GSA, and the USMS vendor must 

be used. 
16-11 | Building Security U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Courtroom

Funded by 

USMS through 

resource 

request 

(budget call) 

process

Funded by 

all tenants 

through 

increase in FPS 

security bill 

after vote by 

FSC

Funded by 

all tenants 

through 

increase in GSA 

rent bill or by 

tenant issued 

RWA after vote 

by FSC

Funded with 

local court 

funds

Project Type

Install, repair, or replacement (including monitor replacement) of chambers entry 

control package (ECP) •

Perimeter fence around employee parking lot •

Repair or replacement of perimeter IDS or CCV System •

Ballistic resistant transaction window at clerk’s office public counter •

Installation of passive vehicle barriers (e.g., bollards or planters) • Installation, repair or replacement of an active vehicle barrier at judicial parking 

entry •

Installation of public address access points in USMS control room • Installation, repair, or replacement of duress alarms in judicial space including 

chambers, clerk’s offices, or other court units. •

Installation of blast mitigation film on windows •

Addition of a card reader within clerk’s office • Security equipment (CCV, duress, IDS, PACS, etc) for a probation/pretrial office 

including for relocation or IWI •

Ballistic glazing on windows pursuant to the JCUS policy • Installation, repair, or replacement of an active vehicle barrier at employee 

parking entry •

Installation, repair, replacement, and maintenance of PACS in judiciary-occupied 

space •

Table 16.1

Security Funding Responsibilities
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Building Security | 16-12

Figure 16.1

Appellate Panel Courtroom Security Diagram

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Notes:

Card Reader

Duress Alarm

Security Intercom

CCV Camera

Future CCV Camera

Bench Armor

20 AMP, 120V AC 

Outlet Connected to 

Emergency Generator 

Portable Walk-Thru 

Metal Detector

1. Provide emergency power/lighting and coordinate 

lighting with the judge’s bench. Judge’s bench should not 

be spotlighted by emergency lighting.

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COURTROOM 

DEPUTY 

CLERK

EL. +6"

SPECTATOR

SEATING

(68+4 HC)

EL. 0"

JUDGE

EL. +18"

LAW CLERK

EL. +6"

ATTORNEY WORK 

ROOM

SOUNDLOCK ATTORNEY TABLES/WELL

EL. 0"

EL. +6"

EL. 0" EL. +6"

EL. 0"

CR
16-13 | Building Security U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Figure 16.2

Appellate En Banc Courtroom Security Diagram

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LAW 

CLERKS

EL. +6"

SOUNDLOCK

ATTORNEY WORK 

ROOM

COURTROOM 

DEPUTY CLERKS

EL. +6"

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SEATING

(162+6 HC)

EL. 0"

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EL. 0" EL. +6"

JUDGE

EL. +18"

ATTORNEY TABLES/WELL

EL. 0"

EL. 0" EL. +6" EL. +18"

EL. +18"

CR

CR

Card Reader

Duress Alarm

Security Intercom

CCV Camera

Future CCV Camera

Bench Armor

20 AMP, 120V AC 

Outlet Connected to 

Emergency Generator 

Portable Walk-Thru 

Metal Detector

1. Provide emergency power/lighting and coordinate 

lighting with the judge’s bench. Judge’s bench should not 

be spotlighted by emergency lighting.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Building Security | 16-14

Figure 16.3

Multi-Party Courtroom Security Diagram

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Notes:

Card Reader

Duress Alarm

Security Intercom

CCV Camera

Future CCV Camera

Bench Armor

20 AMP, 120V AC 

Outlet Connected to 

Emergency Generator 

Portable Walk-Thru 

Metal Detector

1. Provide emergency power/lighting and coordinate 

lighting with the judge’s bench. Judge’s bench should not 

be spotlighted by emergency lighting.

2. USDC courtrooms may provide an audio/video (A/V) 

link to the cell area for remote viewing of proceedings 

by the defendant. A typical system may include one 

courtroom camera (two cameras for a multi-party 

courtroom) and a link from the courtroom A/V system. 

Also, in high-threat situations, video may be continuously 

monitored by the USMS or may be activated by the duress 

alarm system.

SPECTATOR

SEATING

(114+4 HC)

EL. 0"

ATTORNEY/

WITNESS ROOM

ATTORNEY 

WITNESS ROOM

SOUNDLOCK

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HC

EL. 0"

EL. +6"

JUDGE

EL. +18"

LAW CLERK

EL. +6"

COURTROOM 

DEPUTY CLERK

EL. 0"

COURT REPORTER

EL. 0"

WITNESS

EL. +6"

EL. 0"

EL. +6"

ATTORNEY TABLES/WELL

EL. 0"

EL. 0" EL. +6"

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16-15 | Building Security U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

1. Provide emergency power/lighting and coordinate 

lighting with the judge’s bench. Judge’s bench should not 

be spotlighted by emergency lighting.

2. USDC courtrooms may provide an audio/video (A/V) 

link to the cell area for remote viewing of proceedings 

by the defendant. A typical system may include one 

courtroom camera (two cameras for a multi-party 

courtroom) and a link from the courtroom A/V system. 

Also, in high-threat situations, video may be continuously 

monitored by the USMS or may be activated by the duress 

alarm system.

Figure 16.4

District Judge Courtroom Security Diagram

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Notes:

Card Reader

Duress Alarm

Security Intercom

CCV Camera

Future CCV Camera

Bench Armor

20 AMP, 120V AC 

Outlet Connected to 

Emergency Generator 

Portable Walk-Thru 

Metal Detector

CR

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JUDGE

EL. +18"

LAW CLERK

EL. +6"

COURTROOM 

DEPUTY CLERK

EL. 0"

COURT REPORTER

EL. 0"

SPECTATOR

SEATING

(76+4 HC)

EL. 0"

ATTORNEY/

WITNESS ROOM

ATTORNEY/

WITNESS ROOM

SOUNDLOCK

HC

WITNESS

EL. +6"

ATTORNEY TABLES/WELL

EL. 0"

EL. 0"

EL. +6"

EL. 0"

EL. 0"

EL. +6"

CR

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EL. +6"
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Building Security | 16-16

Figure 16.5

Magistrate Judge Courtroom Security Diagram

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Notes:

Card Reader

Duress Alarm

Security Intercom

CCV Camera

Future CCV Camera

Bench Armor

20 AMP, 120V AC 

Outlet Connected to 

Emergency Generator 

Portable Walk-Thru 

Metal Detector

1. Provide emergency power/lighting and coordinate 

lighting with the judge’s bench. Judge’s bench should not 

be spotlighted by emergency lighting.

2. USDC courtrooms may provide an audio/video (A/V) 

link to the cell area for remote viewing of proceedings 

by the defendant. A typical system may include one 

courtroom camera (two cameras for a multi-party 

courtroom) and a link from the courtroom A/V system. 

Also, in high-threat situations, video may be continuously 

monitored by the USMS or may be activated by the duress 

alarm system.

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SPECTATOR

SEATING

(68+4 HC)

EL. 0"

ATTORNEY/

WITNESS ROOM

ATTORNEY/

WITNESS ROOM

SOUNDLOCK

HC

EL. 0"

EL. +6"

JUDGE

EL. +18"

LAW CLERK

EL. +6"

WITNESS

EL. +6"

EL. 0"

ATTORNEY TABLES/WELL

EL. 0"

EL. 6"

EL. 0" EL. 6"

COURTROOM 

DEPUTY CLERK

EL. 0"

COURT REPORTER

EL. 0"

CR CR

CR CR

CR CR
16-17 | Building Security U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Figure 16.6

Bankruptcy Judge Courtroom Security Diagram

I

D

CR

I

D

CR

I

D

CR

I

D

CR

I

D

CR

I

D

CR

I

D

CR

Legend:

Notes:

Card Reader

Duress Alarm

Security Intercom

CCV Camera

Future CCV Camera

Bench Armor

20 AMP, 120V AC 

Outlet Connected to 

Emergency Generator 

Portable Walk-Thru 

Metal Detector

1. Provide emergency power/lighting and coordinate 

lighting with the judge’s bench. Judge’s bench should not 

be spotlighted by emergency lighting.

D

D

COURTROOM 

DEPUTY CLERK

EL. 0"

COURT REPORTER

EL. 0"

SPECTATOR

SEATING

(84+4 HC)

EL. 0"

ATTORNEY/

WITNESS ROOM

ATTORNEY/

WITNESS ROOM

SOUNDLOCK ATTORNEY TABLES/WELL

EL. 0"

EL. 0" EL. 6"

EL. 0" EL. 6"

JUDGE

EL. +18"

LAW CLERK

EL. +6"

WITNESS

EL. +6"

CR CR

CR CR

17-1 U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

RENOVATIONS AND 

ALTERATIONS (R&A) 17 This chapter applies to major and minor renovations and alterations (R&A) in existing 

courthouses and individual court units that are planned either by the Judiciary or the General 

Services Administration (GSA). This chapter is intended to be used in conjunction with the 

other chapters of the Design Guide and establishes criteria and requirements for renovation and 

alteration projects.

Chapter Topics:

• Introduction

• Supporting Documents

• Programming and Budgetary Notes

• Roles and Responsibilities

• Types of R&A Projects

• Considerations and Suggested Actions

Table 17.1 Funding Responsibilities

Chapter Figures and Tables:
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Renovations and Alterations (R&A) | 17-2

Introduction

This chapter has been developed to provide guidance and information for major and minor 

renovation and alteration projects that are planned either by the Judiciary or by the General 

Services Administration (GSA). The standards located in the other chapters of the Design 

Guide may not always be achievable in existing buildings. While reasonable effort should 

be made to meet the functional, operational, and security goals of the Design Guide and 

the Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service (GSA PBS P-100), the scope of 

work will be affected by existing building conditions, availability of funding, and timing. 

In addition, reasonable effort should be made to address prospective deviations from the 

Design Guide during the scoping of R&A projects. In older buildings, determining the 

scope for design and construction can be more difficult because of hidden or unknown 

conditions. GSA and its consultants should conduct a thorough building evaluation 

assessment/report and any other tests or exploration needed to determine the existing 

conditions.

It should be noted that the GSA term “repair and alterations” is also termed “R&A.” The 

Judiciary is not responsible for the “repair” of buildings and therefore, for the purposes 

outlined in this document, R&A refers to renovation and alteration.

Supporting Documents

A comprehensive guide to supplementary publications can be found in Chapter 2, 

“Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program 

and design criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information 

on many facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses. The references listed 

below relate specifically to this chapter.

• GSA PBS P-100

• Pricing Desk Guide, GSA Public Building Service (PBS), most current edition

• U.S. Courts Best Practices Guide, most current edition.

Programming and Budgetary Notes

Programming and budgetary notes found throughout the Design Guide provide assistance 

with decisions to be made during the development of courthouse projects. The notes 

include both judicial branch policy and lessons learned from completed projects. The 

notes supplement the criteria in the Design Guide; their purpose is to provide direction in 

using the flexibility of the Design Guide to develop justifiable and cost-effective federal 

courthouse projects. 

Space Envelope Flexibility

A total space envelope for new space will be calculated using appropriate circulation 

factors, allowances for support-type spaces, and the space standards described in the 

Design Guide. Courts have the flexibility to configure space within the envelope to meet 

their local needs. However, design and construction should be in general compliance 

with the square footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling 

requirements tables. If the court unit wishes to significantly change the space standards 

described in the space and ceiling requirements tables without exceeding the total envelope 

of space for the unit, it must seek approval from its respective circuit judicial council.

The space envelope for a respective court unit is defined as:

• Entire clerk’s office 

• Entire probation office 

• Entire pretrial services office 

• Entire staff attorney’s office 

• Entire circuit executive’s office 

• All courtrooms designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate 

judges, and bankruptcy judges) 

• All chambers designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate 

judges, and bankruptcy judges)

For existing space, courts have the flexibility to configure space within the existing 

envelope to meet their local needs. However, any significant departure from the square 

footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling requirements 

tables must be approved by the respective circuit judicial council. This does not mean that 

existing space must be changed to meet Design Guide standards. Only new construction 

completed as part of a renovation should be considered. 

Renovations and Alterations (R&A)

Many of the construction projects conducted in the Judiciary are renovations to existing 

space. Although the Design Guide applies to these projects, it is understood that some 

standards in the Design Guide are difficult or impossible to achieve in existing space, 

particularly in historic buildings. Courts should consult this chapter and GSA PBS P-100

for guidance in these circumstances. References to R&A guidelines are also included 

throughout the Design Guide where appropriate.

Exceptions to the Design Guide Standards 

The Design Guide provides guidance on standards for courthouse construction and 

renovations to existing space. Any significant departure from these standards is considered 

an exception and must be approved by the respective authority as outlined below. 
17-3 | Renovations and Alterations (R&A) U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Authority of the Circuit Judicial Councils 

Circuit judicial councils play an important space-management role by reviewing 

district-wide facility plans, approving requests for new or modified space, and enforcing 

adherence to design guidelines. The circuit judicial councils have authority over, and 

responsibility for, a circuit’s space-management program (28 USC §332 and §462(b)) and 

for determining the need for space. As directed by the Judicial Conference of the United 

States (JCUS), any significant departure from the standards in the Design Guide must be 

approved by the respective circuit judicial council. 

Authority of the Committee on Space and Facilities 

The authority to approve the following exceptions to the Design Guide standards rests 

with the Committee on Space and Facilities: (1) exceeding the total envelope for either the 

court unit or the project as a whole, (2) changing the standard configurations for judges’

chambers and courtrooms, and (3) exceeding the plumbing standards. If the Committee 

on Space and Facilities disagrees with a circuit judicial council request for one of these 

exceptions, the Judicial Conference will decide whether to grant the exception. 

Authority of the Judicial Conference

The authority for approving any exception to prospectus-level courthouse projects that 

would result in additional estimated costs, including additional rent payment obligations, 

lies with the Judicial Conference. Approval is required, after review by the Committee 

on Space and Facilities, for any exception to the Design Guide approved by a circuit 

judicial council. The request must include (1) a justification for the exception and (2) 

a construction cost estimate. All approved exceptions for prospectus-level projects are 

reported to the GSA and Congress. Approved exceptions may require the project to be 

reauthorized by Congress if the exception had not been previously identified. Contact the 

Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC) for more detailed information.

For prospectus-level courthouse projects, if an exception is approved by the JCUS which 

would result in additional estimated costs, the chair of the circuit’s space and facilities 

committee or the chief judge or other judge designated by the court that sought the 

exception that exceeds the Design Guide criteria must be willing, if requested by the 

Committee on Space and Facilities, to appear before Congress concerning funding for 

such construction.

General Programming Notes

The Design Guide is intended to be a performance document. Criteria for any space or 

grouping of spaces should be considered in conjunction with the specific needs of the court 

office or function for which space is being designed. 

Criteria in the Design Guide do not represent space entitlements. The criteria apply to an 

array of space types that should be justified based on the specific purpose of each project. 

Facility plans, programs, and designs should include only the space needed to satisfy the 

functional and security requirements of the court. 

Differences between the space in an existing facility and the criteria in the Design Guide

are not justification for facility alteration and expansion. In such cases, alternatives to 

space expansion are investigated before any additional space is requested. In addition, 

like-for-like space is not a guarantee. Space allocated in an existing location is not 

justification for the same amount of space in a new location if the space allocation is not 

warranted. Current needs should be evaluated when moving into new space to determine 

the appropriate space envelope. Any additional space must be approved by the appropriate 

authority. Design architects and court staff are prohibited from adding spaces not originally 

contemplated in the approved prospectus or design program. Increasing the floor area or 

building volume requires the necessary approvals.

General Budgetary Notes

Renovation and new construction occur when the court and circuit judicial council identify 

space needs through the Judiciary’s asset management planning process and document 

these needs in the long-range facilities plan. GSA determines by what method the space 

is provided—for example, by the construction of a new building, the renovation of an 

existing building, a lease, or other means.

The Judicial Conference recognizes and strongly supports a pragmatic approach to design 

that includes the use of durable and sustainable materials. This approach ensures that 

courthouses constructed now will last well into the future. 

Following the publication of the 2007 Design Guide, the Judiciary introduced several costsaving measures, such as courtroom sharing and the Integrated Workplace Initiative (IWI), 

that sought to provide flexibility and efficiency in court spaces while preserving the dignity 

of the Judiciary. Courtroom sharing for certain judge types is now a standard throughout 

the Judiciary, and IWI is recognized as an alternative to traditional office design. For more 

information on cost- and space-saving efforts and programs, contact the AOUSC Space 

and Facilities Division.

Roles and Responsibilities

General Services Administration (GSA)

Generally, any changes or alterations in federal buildings or leased space must be 

coordinated through GSA. The size and scope of the project will determine which GSA 

group has the primary responsibility for coordination and oversight. Projects that are 

primarily finishes (such as carpet and paint) and do not require substantial physical 

changes are coordinated at the local level by the building manager or service center. 

Projects that include some physical changes in tenant space, or small amounts of 

expansion, and require circuit judicial council approval are coordinated with the service 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Renovations and Alterations (R&A) | 17-4

centers or regional offices. It is recommended that these changes are coordinated with 

United States Marshals Service (USMS) due to associated costs with moving wiring and 

security equipment contained within walls, ceiling, and beneath floors.

Larger projects that exceed the prospectus threshold and require review by the Office of 

Management and Budget (OMB), and authorization and appropriation from Congress, 

are coordinated with the GSA Central Office in Washington D.C., and managed by the 

GSA regions. The two primary descriptions for major work in existing buildings are 

modernization projects, in which the entire building is renovated to meet current codes, or 

repair and alteration projects, which involve selective repair or replacement work (such as 

mechanical, electrical, plumbing, blast, seismic, fire and life safety, accessibility, or roof 

work) or a substantial renovation (such as adding new courtrooms and chambers).

The Public Buildings Service (PBS) within GSA is responsible for the construction, 

maintenance, repair, alteration, operation, and disposal of federal buildings and 

courthouses. As the federal landlord, GSA assesses and determines the need for periodic 

repair or replacement of building systems and elements in order to provide federal 

tenants a safe, secure, and healthy work environment in which to carry out their missions. 

Funding, however, is not always sufficiently available to cover all building deficiencies or 

tenant improvements within one project. In addition, unanticipated emergency conditions 

may develop in which urgent funding measures are necessary.

GSA has the primary responsibility for back-filling vacated or vacant space with federal 

tenants. When courts are considering or being considered to backfill vacated space, it is 

important not only to assess the short-term and long-term space requirements, but to also 

factor in the timing, cost, and rent impact, which the Judiciary must consider for future 

budgeting purposes.

Local Courts

Local courts are usually contacted by the local GSA regarding GSA-initiated work in 

the federal building or courthouse. Local GSA offices survey building tenants prior 

to initiating a prospectus project involving common or joint use space to determine if 

there is a need for a cafeteria, building fitness center, or shared conference and training 

rooms. The local courts should notify the circuit executive’s office and the AOUSC space 

staff immediately of planned work that is initiated by GSA. Any planned work should 

be assessed for rent impact, compliance with judiciary space and security policies, and 

possible impact on short-term and long-term housing needs.

A recent delegation of authority may allow local courts to contract out minor work such as 

paint or carpet replacement at limited funding levels. However, compliance with judiciary 

policies and procedures, GSA pricing policies, and federal procurement and contracting 

regulations is still required. Consult with the AOUSC for further guidance.

Office of the Circuit Executive

As staff to the circuit judicial council, the Office of the Circuit Executive is responsible for 

space criteria approvals and certain budget allotments. In some circuits, this role includes 

delegated responsibility for signing occupancy agreements (OAs) for all space changes, 

except for major projects which exceed the prospectus threshold and lease-constructs.

Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC)

The AOUSC is responsible for budgeting and funding the rent; reviewing and signing 

OAs for prospectus projects, lease-constructs and other projects for non-delegated circuits; 

and assisting courts and circuits with long-range facilities planning, which is used to 

evaluate short-term and long- term housing needs. The AOUSC also staffs the Judicial 

Conference Committee on Space and Facilities and the Committee on Judicial Security. 

Both committees have responsibilities to develop and recommend policy to the Judicial 

Conference in the areas of space and security.

Types of R&A Projects 

Prospectus and Non-Prospectus Projects

Renovation and alteration projects fall into two primary categories: major and minor 

projects separated by a prospectus threshold1, an amount set by Congress. If the project 

cost for federal construction or alteration, or the annual rent for lease-constructs, or 

alterations in leased space, exceed the applicable threshold, then line item authorization 

and appropriation from Congress is necessary. This will add significant time to a project, 

because it will become subject to federal government budget submission cycles. Typically, 

there are multiple sources of funding for R&A projects depending on the nature of the 

work. Refer to Chapter 2, “CRB Program”.

Reasons for renovation and alteration projects can involve one or more of the following:

• A recently vacated courthouse is planned to be occupied by another court unit. A 

court of appeals or bankruptcy court may, for example, move into space vacated by a 

district court because existing courtrooms and chambers can be used without the need 

for secure prisoner circulation.

• Additional chambers and/or courtrooms should be provided to accommodate new 

judgeships, senior judges, or replacement judges. 

• A major tenant or multiple tenants have moved out of the building and opportunities 

might exist for consolidation or more efficient utilization of space.

• A modernization or major repair and alteration project is planned by GSA to address 

aging building systems, or to upgrade to current standards and codes.
17-5 | Renovations and Alterations (R&A) U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

1

Prospectus projects, or major projects, are those above the prospectus threshold, which are 

usually funded by GSA through its Federal Buildings Fund (FBF), and must be authorized 

and appropriated by Congress. Typical major projects include:

• New chamber and courtroom combination(s) or courtroom(s) which include space 

such as holding cells, attorney conference rooms, jury deliberation suites, etc.

• Modernization or repair and alteration projects initiated by GSA to update and replace 

aging building systems, upgrade the building to current code, and/or re-stack tenants 

in the building.

• Backfill of existing vacated federal buildings with other federal tenants. For the 

Judiciary, a typical example is the court of appeals or the bankruptcy court utilizing 

space vacated by the district court.

Non-prospectus projects, or minor projects, are projects under the prospectus threshold 

and can be funded by the Judiciary or GSA pending funding availability. Typically nonprospectus projects include:

• Chambers alterations or build-out of new chambers in existing space

• Courtroom alterations or modifications

• Alterations in existing space for more efficient utilization

• Alterations addressing operational or security deficiencies

• Expansion of court space to accommodate growth

• Cyclical maintenance (e.g., flooring replacement and painting)

R&A Funding Responsibilities

When the Judiciary initiates work in space that it already occupies and pays rent on, it is 

responsible for funding any changes to the space. If work is required in new or expansion 

space on which the Judiciary does not currently pay rent, this is called an initial space 

acquisition (ISA). ISA tenant improvement projects are typically funded by GSA within 

certain allowances if funds are available. According to the GSA pricing policy, a general 

tenant improvement allowance is a dollar amount per usable square foot set to cover the 

cost of typical office build-out. A customization tenant improvement allowance is intended 

to cover the difference between a typical or vanilla office space, and the specialized 

needs of the individual agency. Different agency spaces are assigned a tier level which 

determines the amount allotted to the customization portion of the tenant improvement 

allowance. For example, the tier level for a courtroom build-out will be more than the 

build-out of a probation office. Consult with GSA or judiciary space staff for the most 

current amounts allotted to the different tier levels.

These tier levels should not be used to estimate a project cost as existing conditions and 

build-out requirements will vary. When building out new courtrooms and chambers, 

GSA or the judiciary space staff can provide construction benchmark estimates, which 

are a more accurate indicator of average costs adjusted to localities for these types of 

spaces. However, projects in existing buildings will have many different factors, so such 

benchmarks should not be used as the final estimate since the estimate might not be 

reasonable. These estimates can be helpful though in determining average costs.

The funding responsibilities for different aspects of R&A projects are summarized in Table 

17.1.

Implementation of R&A Projects

Successful projects start with a well-defined scope of work, project delivery approach, and 

schedule. A typical project development process includes four phases. Refer to Chapter 2, 

“Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations” for additional information. 

For some non-prospectus projects, these four phases are performed by circuit, district, 

or local court staff. Depending on the complexity or scope of the project, GSA provides 

access to a range of architecture/engineering (A/E) firms, specialty consultants, and 

construction firms, or contractors, who have been previously screened to meet government 

procurement regulations and performance criteria. They become term contractors under 

this pre-qualification for indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts and can 

provide design and construction services through GSA. The AOUSC Space and Facilities 

Division also retains a limited number of pre-qualified A/E firms and specialty consultants 

for limited design and related services for courts when planning facilities projects. Either 

of these resources can be utilized for a wide range of smaller, non-prospectus projects.

The prospectus is a formal document prepared by the GSA which is sent to the OMB and 

Congress to secure project authorization. It includes project scope information, proposed 

housing plan, total estimated project costs, funding requested by fiscal year, and schedule. 

Approval of the prospectus results in authorization resolutions from both the House and 

Senate that approve the project (whereas an appropriations bill actually funds the project).

Project prospectuses are submitted by the GSA regional offices during the late spring as 

the GSA begins development of its portion of the President’s budget to be submitted to 

Congress the following February. The GSA Central Office coordinates and reviews the 

prospectuses and prepares them for submission to the OMB. Prospectus projects take 

more time principally because congressional authorization must be secured.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Renovations and Alterations (R&A) | 17-6

Table 17.1

Funding Responsibilities

Building/Tenant 

Component GSA Judiciary USMS

Asbestos Remediation

The funding responsibility of asbestos 

abatement, regardless of agency initiated 

project, is wholly the responsibility of GSA. 

Refer to the GSA Pricing Desk Guide. 

Carpet/Paint/Millwork 

and other related 

tenant improvement 

(TI) work

If space is an initial space acquisition (ISA), 

space that the Judiciary does not currently pay 

rent on, GSA typically funds (if available) as 

part of the tenant improvement allowance and 

the cost is amortized into rent.

If judiciary-initiated and the work is in space 

the Judiciary already pays rent on, the Judiciary 

funds lump sum.

Courtroom 

Technology - 

Audiovisual

Infrastructure (conduit, electrical), if part of 

prospectus projects or ISA.

The design, purchase, and installation of the 

AV system. Also infrastructure, if the work is in 

existing space.

Telecommunications - 

Voice/Data

Infrastructure, if part of prospectus project or 

ISA.

The design, purchase, installation of 

telecommunications equipment, and wiring. 

Also the infrastructure if the work is in existing 

space.

Security Infrastructure, if part of prospectus project or 

ISA.

Equipment and installation. Also infrastructure 

if work is in existing space.

Moves

If the terms of the OA exceed a planned event. If judiciary-initiated or GSA-planned events 

(R&A projects that impacts tenants) with 

sufficient notice from GSA.

Tenant improvements 

(TIs) for swing space

Consult with GSA and AOUSC If judiciary-initiated or GSA-planned events 

(R&A projects that impacts tenants) with 

sufficient notice from GSA.
17-7 | Renovations and Alterations (R&A) U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Courts often have smaller projects in which design and construction expertise, as well as 

detailed technical information, are also important and necessary. Larger projects benefit 

from a large group of technical experts. However, smaller projects are often underestimated for complexity and fewer resources are typically assigned. Sufficient time, 

communication, and cooperation among all parties are key factors for the successful 

implementation of any project regardless of size.

The Design Guide and GSA PBS P-100 are to be used in conjunction when scoping, 

costing, and implementing an R&A project. The GSA PBS P-100 describes applicable 

building standards while the Design Guide describes the space requirements for 

the Judiciary. Detailed and specific information such as floor plans, elevations, and 

specifications are necessary even for smaller projects, in order for the scope of work to be 

described accurately, documented, appropriately estimated, and built-out satisfactorily. If 

the scope is poorly defined or not clearly understood, then the construction cost estimate 

can be inadequate or over-inflated to cover unknown conditions or unnecessary work. 

A detailed estimate should include line item costs for all building materials and labor, 

applicable GSA overhead fees, and sufficient information so that over-inflated prices and 

unnecessary or missing work can be identified.

Considerations and Suggested Actions

Project Planning

When planning an R&A project, there are many important considerations that can impact 

the success of the effort. The following are examples of issues that typically arise during 

project planning and execution that can impact the cost and schedule:

Scope of Work

Accurate and complete descriptions using industry standard architectural and construction 

terms are critical in order for the work to be clearly understood and accurately estimated.

Estimates

Accurate estimates are based on a number of factors: the level of detail describing the 

scope of work, determination of when work will be completed, limitations on access to 

site, additional qualifications and specialties needed (e.g., engineering), locality, quantity 

and availability of pre-qualified contractors, and levels of experience and knowledge of the 

estimator. Quantities of material and labor should be detailed sufficiently so that the scope 

of work is thoroughly reflected. Detailed information or explanation should be requested 

for items that are unclear or appear high in cost. Refer to the GSA PBS P-120 for cost 

estimating and management requirements.

Procurement

There are different procurement methodologies that can be used by GSA to provide design 

and construction services. If requested, GSA should explain the different procurement 

options that are available, along with pros, cons, regulations, and limitations, so that the 

chosen procurement methodology and timeline are understood.

Security Screening in Federal Buildings

Contractors are required to submit information on all their workers and sub-contractors so 

that security clearance can be obtained prior to performing any work in a federal building. 

GSA has the primary responsibility to coordinate this effort. If weekend or off-hours work 

is requested, then additional fees may be incurred for security personnel to be present 

during these off-hours. This is paid through security work authorizations (SWAs) to the 

Federal Protective Service (FPS), and must be budgeted as part of the project.

Coordinating and Scheduling

Communication through status reports and meetings is critical so that responsibilities are 

defined and understood, schedules are coordinated, security coverage is addressed, affected 

tenants are notified, progress is reported, and issues are discussed and addressed.

Reimbursable Work Authorizations (RWAs)

RWAs are used to document and transmit funding obligations for services through the 

GSA. Check current judiciary policies for the different levels of authority for signing 

funding obligations. For certain budget codes and funding levels, circuit judicial council 

approval may be required. GSA pricing policies also have regulations and restrictions that 

must be followed.

GSA Overhead and Fees

All projects, whether funded by RWAs or paid through rent, include GSA overhead or 

fees which are added to the project cost. The overhead and fees vary in types and amounts 

depending on the services needed; whether the work is in federally owned space or leased 

space; whether the work is planned as part of an initial space acquisition or in existing, 

occupied space; and whether the payment is lump sum via RWA or amortized in the rent. 

The most common types of fees include the RWA fee and PBS lease fee. On smaller 

projects in particular, these fees can add a substantial amount to the total cost. Therefore, it 

is important to understand these fees, what services are expected to be provided, and how 

they are calculated. Detailed information is available in the GSA Pricing Desk Guide; the 

GSA project manager or coordinator should also provide information to facilitate thorough 

understanding of the fees and overhead.

USMS

Keep the local USMS informed and involved so that security is coordinated and the court 

security officers are aware of pending projects and construction activity.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Renovations and Alterations (R&A) | 17-8

Historic Preservation

Many spaces in the GSA-owned inventory are located in historic buildings. The historic 

nature of a building may limit the options available to the designer and present challenges 

in complying fully with Design Guide requirements. It is critical to understand the historic 

nature of the spaces that are included in a project as early as possible in planning. 

Design teams undertaking feasibility studies, repairs, alterations, or new construction 

within or adjoining historic properties should include a historical architect, architectural 

conservator, or preservation specialist, as applicable, who meets U.S. Department of 

Interior professional qualification standards and GSA qualification requirements. The 

performance level to be met within the standards will be determined by the historical 

architect or preservation specialist, who should be integrally involved in the design and 

analysis of all alternatives affecting restoration or rehabilitation zones as defined in the 

building preservation plan or historic structure report. Designs should follow applicable 

GSA technical guidelines and requirements for historic buildings in GSA PBS P-100.

Feasibility Studies

GSA is responsible for developing feasibility studies which define basic requirements of 

projects and for examining viable alternatives and estimating costs to determine the best 

housing solution (preferred alternative) for federal tenants and the best long-term value 

for the government. For judiciary-generated needs, GSA is notified after circuit judicial 

council and Judicial Conference approvals to start a more in-depth investigation through a 

feasibility study, which is required for every prospectus-level project.

Feasibility studies include customer agency programs or operational requirements, 

building evaluation reports (BERs), seismic reports, security studies (blast and progressive 

collapse), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) studies, and any other studies 

that support the alternatives. The feasibility study also serves as the primary source of 

information to support the project in response to inquiries from the OMB and Congress. 

Therefore, information such as project scope, budget, schedule, implementation strategies, 

and financial viability are necessary and important in order to produce an accurate 

feasibility study. Feasibility studies are required for all prospectus-level projects.

Creative solutions should be explored in the feasibility study. Numerous factors will 

determine the best housing and operational solution for the courts, including:

• Court operations, court unit types, and projected growth

• Condition, age, and capacity of existing buildings

• Site location and expansion capacity and/or availability of adjacent land or property

• Overall housing needs of federal agencies in a particular location

• Market conditions

Project Design and Construction

A simple or small alteration or renovation project can be more complex than originally 

contemplated or planned. While GSA is ultimately responsible for coordinating and

contracting the work, judiciary space staff (local, circuit, or AOUSC) can share 

their valuable technical expertise, and support.

Projects which are under-scoped and under-estimated often take more time to fix and cost 

more than originally planned and budgeted. Whether adding a room or a single wall, some 

of the most commonly overlooked factors when developing the scope include:

Affected Surfaces/Elements

Any changes that touch the ceiling and floors may affect surrounding elements and 

building systems. Creating a new room or adding a wall can affect the ceiling, light 

fixture layout, sprinklers, HVAC vents for supply and return air, paint/wall-covering, floor 

coverings, and possibly fire and life safety codes.

Wall Types

The Design Guide provides information about different acoustical criteria for room/wall 

types based on function, and includes technical information about wall types to obtain 

these acoustical levels. For example, judges’ private offices and conference rooms require 

higher degree of sound isolation and acoustic privacy. This should be described in industry 

standard terms and detailed in order to attain the acoustical properties appropriate for 

the use and user. Uninsulated interior walls that do not extend to the structure above the 

ceiling provide limited acoustic privacy. Refer to Chapter 14, “Acoustics,” for strategies to 

improve isolation when walls cannot extend to deck and for the use of furniture walls.

Acoustics

Acoustical criteria are detailed in Chapter 14, “Acoustics,” but some projects may not 

be able to meet these criteria due to historic preservation requirements or other project 

limitations. Acoustical goals shall be established based on Chapter 14 but adjusted in 

accordance with the project limitations as directed by an acoustical consultant. For 

example, sound seals may be added to a historic wooden door when said door cannot 

be replaced by a sound-rated assembly. Likewise, acoustical finishes shall compliment 

historic requirements. 

Electrical Outlets and Light Fixtures

New outlets and light fixtures should be specifically located so that the electrician can check 

for capacity at the electrical panels and provide the necessary infrastructure and controls.

Voice/Data or Audiovisual (AV)

Voice/data or audiovisual (AV) cabling and equipment installation are the responsibility 

of the courts, so coordination with the telecommunications/AV designer and installer, 

electrician, and contractor is necessary so that infrastructure is planned and provided, 
17-9 | Renovations and Alterations (R&A) U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

and work is coordinated. Refer to the specific space sections of this guide and the Courts 

Technology Audiovisual Infrastructure Standard for technology requirements.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Heat load for equipment, particularly for the telecommunications rooms, AV rooms and 

server rooms that require 24/7 cooling, is important to calculate and design adequate 

cooling and ventilation. HVAC is important in renovations even beyond needs for 

dedicated units. Load calculations are important to avoid hot/cold issues or airflow issues 

that can occur if not addressed even in simple/small projects. Additional performance 

criteria can be found in the Design Guide.

Door Hardware and Locks

Building standards exist, but additional functions such as special locks or card readers 

may require electrical connections and should be specified up front and, when necessary, 

coordinated with the USMS.

Furniture and Equipment

The location of furniture and equipment documented on a plan is useful for locating 

electrical and voice/data outlets, light fixtures, and supply and return vents.

Paint/wall-covering

Changes to a wall or room affect surrounding or connected finishes and patch work can 

result in unsatisfactory results. Clear delineations, corners, or break-points (angles where 

walls come together) should be identified on the plans so that existing space is minimally 

affected by newly built and painted or resurfaced areas.

Carpet and Wall Base

Whenever a wall is demolished or newly built, the existing base and carpet may not be 

reusable and will likely need to be replaced. If this is not specified early, it may require 

additional cost later. New floor coverings may not match existing floor coverings and 

many manufacturers discontinue products.

Fire and Life Safety Codes

Alterations can affect exit routes, exit signs, emergency lighting, smoke/fire alarms, and 

sprinklers. These are a few examples of critical elements that must be checked by the GSA 

regional fire protection engineer or the landlord.

Plumbing

If planned work requires plumbing changes, the distance and location of existing plumbing 

lines will determine the cost and difficulty of providing new plumbing connections.

Floor Loads

Heavy items such as condensed filing systems may require higher levels of floor loading 

than what exists. Structural analysis will be needed.

Swing Space

Temporary work environments are often necessary to house the operations of a court unit 

during an R&A project. Court units should look internally at their existing portfolio and 

externally for swing space so day to day operations are not greatly impacted. Since every 

court unit has different requirements, consideration in the project funding and schedule 

should be given to altering swing space prior to occupation. 

Other Considerations

Coordination with court operations, egress, and public circulation are items often 

overlooked.

18-1 U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

ALTERNATIVE WORKPLACE 

STRATEGIES

This chapter applies to the following court units: Court of Appeals Clerk’s Office, District Clerk’s 

Office, Bankruptcy Clerk’s Office, Probation and Pretrial Services Office, Circuit Executive’s 

Office, Bankruptcy Appellate Panel Clerk’s Office, Senior Staff Attorney’s Office, Pre-Argument/

Conference Attorney’s Office, and Bankruptcy Administrator’s Office. It describes alternative 

workplace strategies that result in the more efficient use of space than traditional office/cubicle 

layouts and complement a mobile work force, collaborative work environments, and modern 

information technologies. The use of alternative workplace strategies for court projects is not 

mandatory but highly recommended.

Chapter Topics:

18

• Introduction

• Background

• Supporting Documents

• Programming and Budgetary Notes

• Functions and Activities

• Alternative Workplace Strategies Concepts

• Workplace Settings

• Neighborhoods

• Alternative Workplace Strategies 

Programming and Planning

• Alternative Workplace Strategies Design

Figure 18.1 Neighborhood Adjacency Diagram

Figure 18.2 Dedicated Individual Workspace - Executive Office

Figure 18.3 Dedicated Individual Workspace - Enclosed Office

Figure 18.4 Dedicated Individual Workspace - Open Workstation

Figure 18.5 Mobile Individual Workspace - Enclosed Office

Figure 18.6 Mobile Individual Workspace - Open Workstation

Figure 18.7 Mobile Individual Workspace - Getaway Booth

Figure 18.8 Mobile Individual Workspace - Touchdown Area

Figure 18.9 Mobile Individual Workspace - Personal Storage Area

Figure 18.10 Collaborative Workspace - Training Room

Figure 18.11 Collaborative Workspace - Conference Room

Figure 18.12 Collaborative Workspace - Huddle Area

Figure 18.13 Collaborative Workspace - Work Lounge

Figure 18.14 Modular Design Example

Table 18.1 Alternative Workplace Strategies: Workplace Setting Space Standards

Table 18.2 Alternative Workplace Strategies: Referenced Space Standards

Chapter Figures and Tables:
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Alternate Workplace Strategies | 18-2

Introduction

Space programming and design of alternative workplace strategies (AWS) differ 

significantly from the prescriptive approach described in other chapters of the Design 

Guide. Alternative workplace strategies tailor work settings to work modes of staff 

instead of providing a dedicated office or workstation for each staff member. Alternative 

workplace strategies create quality workplace environments that are flexible and efficient. 

These are important characteristics for courts to consider given the limited resources the 

Judiciary has for rent and related operational costs.

Although space and rent reduction are major drivers for the Judiciary’s inclusion of 

alternative workplace strategies in its Design Guide, an equally important reason is 

the need to update facilities to support a technically adept and mobile workforce. New 

technologies, such as videoconferencing, cloud computing, wireless local area network 

(WLAN), smart phones, touch-screen tablets, and electronic records management all have 

empowered and liberated employees to work in new ways and be more productive than 

ever. The use of new technologies and a workplace designed to enhance collaboration is 

essential to better support operations. Technology has created exciting opportunities to reimagine and open the traditional workplace.

It is important to emphasize that implementing AWS has implications beyond space. It is 

a new way of managing space that also requires a perception change among employees 

over ownership of personal and shared space. The implementation of desk-sharing and 

increased telework programs are necessary components that go side by side in a successful 

AWS workplace.

Employees also need to consider how to conduct work in the most productive way using 

the wider choices of spaces and workplace technology provisions given to them. Many 

tasks that have traditionally been done in the office can be done remotely using the new 

technology described above. Offices with staff that frequently travel or perform field 

work, such as probation supervision officers, can readily incorporate alternative workplace 

strategies.

When implementing an AWS workplace, the stakeholders determine the degree of 

implementation based on the nature of the work being conducted and the regional and 

office culture. In order to best facilitate this process, it is important that consideration for 

AWS be discussed at the very beginning of the project. The Administrative Office of the 

U.S. Courts (AOUSC) has additional reference materials related to AWS, success case 

studies, and organizational change management resources to help court leaders, managers, 

and employees make informed decisions and successfully transition into an AWS 

environment – refer to the Supporting Documents section that follows.

Background

Since the mid 1990s, the Judiciary has implemented a series of initiatives to limit space 

and rent growth, cognizant of the impact ever-increasing rent has on the ability to hire and 

retain staff. Those efforts have achieved significant gains, but more is needed given the 

realities of decreasing congressional appropriations.

In September 2013, the Judicial Conference of the United States (JCUS) endorsed policy 

that caps space growth, sets goals for space reduction, and establishes a framework for 

space management. The policy continues the trend of standardizing space management 

that began with the circuit judicial council. 

The development of alternative workplace strategies is an outgrowth of the Judiciary’s 

Integrated Workplace Initiative (IWI), a program that began in 2011 with the goal of 

identifying innovative management, technology, and space planning to better support court 

operations. It is both an opportunity to align the workplace to how modern-day employees 

desire to work, and a way to efficiently manage cost associated with rent escalation. The 

IWI serves as a foundation for alternative workplace strategies, referencing data from 

surveys of over 3,000 court employees from 25 district/circuit courts and proof-of-concept 

studies for a variety of court projects.

Supporting Documents

A comprehensive guide to supporting documents can be found in Chapter 2, “Courthouse 

Programming and Budgetary Considerations.” That listing includes program and design 

criteria, courthouse planning and related guidelines, policies, and information about many 

facets of the design and construction of federal courthouses.

Other references are listed below. The following chapters within this Design Guide should 

also be referenced for general planning parameters, design standards for space types not 

mentioned under this chapter, and for building performance requirements. 

U.S. Courts Design Guide

• Chapter 3: Planning for U.S. Courthouses

• Chapter 8: Clerk’s Office

• Chapter 9: Probation and Pretrial Services Offices

• Chapter 10: Other Court Units

• Chapter 12: Tenant Improvements and Furnishings

• Chapter 14: Acoustics

• Chapter 15: Building Systems
18-3 | Alternate Workplace Strategies U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

In addition, Facility Standards for the Public Buildings Service (GSA PBS P-100)

also provides information pertaining to the workplace performance attributes and the 

requirements. Please reference the following GSA PBS P-100 chapters: 

• Chapter 3.7: Workplace Performance Requirements

• Chapter 3.8: Workplace Performance Attributes

Policy

• No Net New, by Circuit on an annual basis

• Three Percent Space (USF) Reduction, reduction target by the end of FY2018

• Circuit Space Management Plans

• Circuit Rent Budget (CRB)

• Guide to Judiciary Policy, Volume 12, Chapter 10: Telework

• Guide to Judiciary Policy, Volume 15, Chapter 3, § 330.70: Connecting Wireless 

Local Area Networks (WLANs) to Private Judiciary Networks

• Guide to Judiciary Policy, Volume 16, Chapter 4: Furniture, Appliances, and Related 

Services

Tools

• Circuit Space Management Plan Template Package

• Alternative Workplace Strategies - Quick Reference

• Work Mode Survey Forms

Other Resources

• Integrated Workplace Initiative (IWI) JNET Webpage

• Organizational Change Management (OCM) Toolkit

• Furniture Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs)

• GSA, Workplace Utilization and Allocation Benchmark

• GSA, Leveraging Mobility, Managing Place

• GSA, The New Federal Workplace

• GSA, Sound Matters

• GSA PBS P-100

• U.S. Marshals Service, Judicial Security Systems Requirements and Specifications, 

Volume Three, (USMS Publication 64)

Programming and Budgetary Notes

Programming and budgetary notes found throughout the Design Guide provide assistance 

with decisions to be made during the development of courthouse projects. The notes 

include both judicial branch policy and lessons learned from completed projects. The 

notes supplement the criteria in the Design Guide; their purpose is to provide direction in 

using the flexibility of the Design Guide to develop justifiable and cost-effective federal 

courthouse projects. 

Space Envelope Flexibility

A total space envelope for new space will be calculated using appropriate circulation 

factors, allowances for support-type spaces, and the space standards described in the 

Design Guide. Courts have the flexibility to configure space within the envelope to meet 

their local needs. However, design and construction should be in general compliance 

with the square footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling 

requirements tables. If the court unit wishes to significantly change the space standards 

described in the space and ceiling requirements tables without exceeding the total envelope 

of space for the unit, it must seek approval from its respective circuit judicial council.

The space envelope for a respective court unit is defined as:

• Entire clerk’s office 

• Entire probation office 

• Entire pretrial services office 

• Entire staff attorney’s office 

• Entire circuit executive’s office 

• All courtrooms designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate 

judges, and bankruptcy judges) 

• All chambers designated by judge type (circuit judges, district judges, magistrate 

judges, and bankruptcy judges)

For existing space, courts have the flexibility to configure space within the existing 

envelope to meet their local needs. However, any significant departure from the square 

footage standards designated in the Design Guide in the space and ceiling requirements 

tables must be approved by the respective circuit judicial council. This does not mean that 

existing space must be changed to meet Design Guide standards. Only new construction 

completed as part of a renovation should be considered. 

Renovations and Alterations (R&A)

Many of the construction projects conducted in the Judiciary are renovations to existing 

space. Although the Design Guide applies to these projects, it is understood that some 

standards in the Design Guide are difficult or impossible to achieve in existing space, 

particularly in historic buildings. Courts should consult Chapter 17, “Renovations and 

Alterations (R&A),” and GSA PBS P-100 for guidance in these circumstances. References 

to R&A guidelines are also included throughout the Design Guide where appropriate.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Alternate Workplace Strategies | 18-4

Exceptions to the Design Guide Standards 

The Design Guide provides guidance on standards for courthouse construction and 

renovations to existing space. Any significant departure from these standards is considered 

an exception and must be approved by the respective authority as outlined below. 

Authority of the Circuit Judicial Councils 

Circuit judicial councils play an important space-management role by reviewing 

district-wide facility plans, approving requests for new or modified space, and enforcing 

adherence to design guidelines. The circuit judicial councils have authority over, and 

responsibility for, a circuit’s space-management program (28 USC §332 and §462(b)) and 

for determining the need for space. As directed by the JCUS, any significant departure 

from the standards in the Design Guide must be approved by the respective circuit judicial 

council. 

Authority of the Committee on Space and Facilities 

The authority to approve the following exceptions to the Design Guide standards rests 

with the Committee on Space and Facilities: (1) exceeding the total envelope for either the 

court unit or the project as a whole, (2) changing the standard configurations for judges’

chambers and courtrooms, and (3) exceeding the plumbing standards. If the Committee 

on Space and Facilities disagrees with a circuit judicial council request for one of these 

exceptions, the Judicial Conference will decide whether to grant the exception. 

Authority of the Judicial Conference

The authority for approving any exception to prospectus-level courthouse projects that 

would result in additional estimated costs, including additional rent payment obligations, 

lies with the Judicial Conference. Approval is required, after review by the Committee 

on Space and Facilities, for any exception to the Design Guide approved by a circuit 

judicial council. The request must include (1) a justification for the exception and (2) 

a construction cost estimate. All approved exceptions for prospectus-level projects

are reported to the General Services Administration (GSA) and Congress. Approved 

exceptions may require the project to be reauthorized by Congress if the exception had not 

been previously identified. Contact the AOUSC for more detailed information.

For prospectus-level courthouse projects, if an exception is approved by the JCUS which 

would result in additional estimated costs, the chair of the circuit’s space and facilities 

committee or the chief judge or other judge designated by the court that sought the 

exception that exceeds the Design Guide criteria must be willing, if requested by the 

Committee on Space and Facilities, to appear before Congress concerning funding for 

such construction.

General Programming Notes

The Design Guide is intended to be a performance document. Criteria for any space or 

grouping of spaces should be considered in conjunction with the specific needs of the court 

office or function for which space is being designed. 

Criteria in the Design Guide do not represent space entitlements. The criteria apply to an 

array of space types that should be justified based on the specific purpose of each project. 

Facility plans, programs, and designs should include only the space needed to satisfy the 

functional and security requirements of the court. 

Differences between the space in an existing facility and the criteria in the Design Guide

are not justification for facility alteration and expansion. In such cases, alternatives to 

space expansion are investigated before any additional space is requested. In addition, 

like-for-like space is not a guarantee. Space allocated in an existing location is not 

justification for the same amount of space in a new location if the space allocation is not 

warranted. Current needs should be evaluated when moving into new space to determine 

the appropriate space envelope. Any additional space must be approved by the appropriate 

authority. Design architects and court staff are prohibited from adding spaces not originally 

contemplated in the approved prospectus or design program. Increasing the floor area or 

building volume requires the necessary approvals.

General Budgetary Notes

Renovation and new construction occur when the court and circuit judicial council identify 

space needs through the Judiciary’s asset management planning process and document 

these needs in the long-range facilities plan. GSA determines by what method the space 

is provided—for example, by the construction of a new building, the renovation of an 

existing building, a lease, or other means.

The Judicial Conference recognizes and strongly supports a pragmatic approach to design 

that includes the use of durable and sustainable materials. This approach ensures that 

courthouses constructed now will last well into the future. 

Following the publication of the 2007 Design Guide, the Judiciary introduced several costsaving measures, such as courtroom sharing and the Integrated Workplace Initiative (IWI), 

that sought to provide flexibility and efficiency in court spaces while preserving the dignity 

of the Judiciary. Courtroom sharing for certain judge types is now a standard throughout 

the Judiciary, and IWI is recognized as an alternative to traditional office design. For more 

information on cost- and space-saving efforts and programs, contact the AOUSC Space 

and Facilities Division.
18-5 | Alternate Workplace Strategies U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Functions and Activities

The Judiciary’s adoption of new technologies including videoconferencing, cloud 

computing, WLAN, smart phones, touch-screen tablets, and electronic records 

management has altered the functions or court unit processes described in Chapters 8, 9, 

and 10 of the Design Guide. 

In addition, efforts by the Judiciary to reduce its space footprint and related rent 

increasingly encourage court units to alter operations to accommodate telework and mobile 

work within the office. 

Alternative Workplace Strategies Concepts

Work Modes

Alternative workplace strategies require analysis of employee work modes to determine 

the types and quantities of work settings that best support operations. This analysis is 

conducted through interactive means, such as staff surveys, interviews, focus groups, 

workshops, and technological means, such as chair or infrared sensors. Determining the 

amount of time spent in various work modes is important for implementing alternative 

workplace strategies because the number and types of offices, workstations, conference 

rooms, etc., depends on hours of occupancy as opposed to number of employees. Work 

modes can be described in different terms but generally include the following categories:

Mobility Scenarios

Mobility scenarios are a convenient way of categorizing and describing the potential for 

office/workstation sharing. Measuring existing telework and mobile work within the office 

is a good starting point for determining an appropriate mobility scenario. Changes to 

policy, management, technology, training, and facilities offer opportunities to implement a 

more advanced mobility scenario. More advanced mobility scenarios can be used to reduce 

space or accommodate staff growth within existing facilities.

Low Mobility

• Job requirements necessitate that 80% of staff report to the office daily.

• 20% of staff telework or mobile work within the office 1-2 days a week.

Moderate Mobility

• Job requirements necessitate that 60% of staff report to the office daily.

• 40% of staff telework or mobile work within the office 1-2 days a week.

High Mobility

• Job requirements necessitate that 40% of staff report to the office daily.

• 60% of staff telework or mobile work within the office 2-3 days a week.

Very High Mobility

• Job requirements necessitate that 30% of staff report to the office daily.

• 70% of staff telework or mobile work within the office 3-5 days a week.

Focused 

Focused work modes include “heads-down” work such as reading, 

writing, data entry, and filing. Focused work can be accomplished 

in an enclosed office or open workstation depending on the level 

of concentration needed for a particular task. Employees primarily 

assigned focused work and who function independently without 

hands-on supervision are ideal candidates for mobile work. 

Employees that perform focused work but require periodic or 

frequent supervision may require dedicated offices or workstations.

Collaborative

Collaborative work modes include formal and informal meetings 

of all types, from gatherings of a few employees to large group 

conferences. Alternative workplace strategies support collaborative 

work by incorporating space programs with multiple, open and 

enclosed, small meeting areas as opposed to few, large conference 

rooms. Large conference and training rooms should be designed to 

be subdivided with multiple entrances, and reconfigurable tables and 

seating so they can be subdivided into multiple, small meeting rooms.

Learning 

Learning work modes include individual and small group mentoring, 

formal classroom-style training, study, and testing. Learning work 

modes are more prevalent in offices transitioning to and maintaining 

a mobile- and technology-based business model. Learning work 

modes can be accomplished in an enclosed office, open workstation, 

collaborative spaces and specially design training room.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Alternate Workplace Strategies | 18-6

Workplace Settings (Refer to Table 18.1)

Workplace settings are spaces designed to accommodate the different work modes used by 

either mobile or non-mobile staff. They include offices, workstations, conference rooms, 

and training rooms. They also include spaces unique to alternative workplace strategies 

design, which are described below:

Dedicated Individual Workspace

Dedicated individual workspace includes enclosed offices and open workstations designed 

for one or more employees (a shared office) on a full-time basis. The size of dedicated 

offices and workstations cannot exceed the space standards described in Chapters 8, 9, and 

10 of the Design Guide. Courts are encouraged to consider reducing the standard size of 

dedicated offices and workstations when applying alternative workplace strategies. For 

example, offices may not need to include space for small group meetings if shared meeting 

rooms are easily accessible and available. Refer to Table 18.1 for full listing of space types 

and settings, their size specifications, intended user/work modes, and design features. 

Mobile Individual Workspace

Mobile individual workspace includes enclosed offices or open workstations shared 

by multiple employees and used on an as-needed basis. The terms “free addressing” 

and “touchdown” are commonly used to describe this type of space. Mobile individual 

workspace differs from dedicated individual workspace in that ownership is not permanent. 

Mobile individual workspace can be reserved through an electronic concierge system or 

used on an impromptu, drop-in basis. Mobile individual workspace relies heavily on robust 

technology provisions, including, WLAN, plug- and-play data connections, and electronic 

records management. Refer to Table 18.1 for full listing of space types and settings, their 

size specifications, intended user/work modes, and design features. Below are additional 

descriptions of new settings that are specifically designed for an alternative workplace.

Getaway Booths

Getaway booths are small, enclosed alcoves for one or two individuals, providing space 

for tasks that require quiet, concentration, and/or confidentiality. They are used on an 

impromptu first-come, first-served basis, without reservation. Use is limited to 1-2 hours. 

Getaway booths are typically outfitted with a desk or table and chair or, as an alternative, 

with one or two chairs and an occasional table. 

Touchdown Areas

Touchdown areas are clustered, open workstations for mobile workers who do not need 

workspace on a full-time basis. For example, mobile workers can use touchdown areas 

before or between meetings. Touchdown areas are used on an impromptu first-come, 

first-serve basis, without reservation for a few hours or few days per week. They can be 

designed with visual privacy screens and storage.

Personal Storage Areas

Personal storage areas include lockers, cabinets, and/or drawer pedestals for mobile 

workers. Personal storage areas can be used for work materials or items such as purses, 

briefcases, coats, etc. Ideally, personal storage areas are located near mobile office space 

(enclosed offices, open workstations, and touchdown areas). Personal storage areas can be 

assigned or used on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Collaborative Workspace

Collaborative workspace includes conference rooms, training rooms, and other spaces 

configured for small or large group activities. Typically, alternative workplace strategies 

include more and different types of collaborative space than traditional offices to promote 

general staff interaction, information sharing, and problem solving. Collaborative space 

can be reserved through an electronic concierge system and equipped with WLAN, plugand-play data connections, speaker phones, presentation monitors, white boards, and other 

presentation materials. Refer to Table 18.1 for full listing of space types and settings, their 

size specifications, intended user/work modes, and design features. Below are additional 

descriptions to new settings that are specifically designed for an alternative workplace. 

Huddle Areas

Huddle areas are meeting spaces for two to five individuals. They are used on an 

impromptu first-come, first-served basis, without reservation. Use is limited to 1-2 hours. 

Huddle areas are typically outfitted with a “smart table,” chairs, WLAN, plug-and-play 

data connections, presentation monitors, and other presentation materials as may be 

appropriate (white boards, etc.).

Work Lounges

Work lounges serve as a change of scenery for individuals or groups to stimulate ideas 

and foster collaboration and learning. Work lounges are ideally designed as iconic spaces 

with attractive features such as exterior views, comfortable furniture, counters with sinks, 

and break room type appliances to encourage use. Alternative workplace strategies design 

typically has a higher circulation factor than traditional office designed to accommodate 

the inclusion of work lounges.

Support Space

Support space standards are described in Chapters 8, 9, and 10 of the Design Guide. 

Support space include reception/waiting areas, records storage areas, copy rooms, staff 

toilet rooms, and special space specific to probation and pretrial services functions. 

Although demountable walls are typically used with alternative workplace strategies, 

security, acoustical, and plumbing requirements may necessitate standard gypsum 

board walls for reception/waiting areas, interview rooms, toilet rooms, and testing labs. 

Electronic files can significantly reduce the amount of support space needed for records 

storage. 
18-7 | Alternate Workplace Strategies U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Probation/Pretrial Services Interview Rooms

Interview rooms for probation and pretrial services offices should be designed per 

standards described in Chapter 9, “Probation and Pretrial Services Offices,” and 

the “Probation and Pretrial Services Security” chapter in the USMS Publication 

64. Demountable wall and door systems, if used, should conform to acoustical 

requirements in Chapter 14 of the Design Guide and be able to accommodate security 

wiring for duress alarms. Door options should include vision panels. Criteria for the 

number of interview rooms to provide are listed in Chapter 9 of the Design Guide.

Public Space

Public spaces for clerks’ offices are described in Chapters 8 and 10 of the Design Guide. 

Public spaces include intake counter, queuing, pay copier, record exam, and public access 

computer areas. Although demountable walls are typically used with alternative workplace 

strategies, security and acoustical requirements may necessitate standard gypsum board 

walls and built-in counters to separate staff space from public space.

Neighborhoods (Refer to Figure 18.1)

A key concept in alternative workplace design is that of neighborhoods: the grouping 

together of workplace settings to support a variety of work modes, promote internal 

mobility within the office, and provide flexibility to employees. Although a neighborhood 

can be configured to support a department, similar to a traditional office, it is most 

effective when set up to encourage multidisciplinary teamwork and exchange of ideas. 

The following summarizes neighborhood categories often used in alternative workplace 

strategies design.

Public Neighborhood

A public neighborhood includes areas where clients and visitors have free or supervised 

access, such as lobbies, reception rooms, intake areas, record viewing rooms, interview 

rooms, urinalysis toilet rooms, etc. This neighborhood may be only partially constructed 

using alternative workplace strategies techniques (demountable walls) due to plumbing, 

acoustics, and security concerns.

Professional Neighborhood

A professional neighborhood includes dedicated and mobile offices and workstations, 

touchdown areas, huddle areas, and getaway booths, which support focused and 

collaborative work modes. It also includes personal storage areas for mobile workers. 

Professional neighborhoods are configured to encourage staff interaction.

Interactive Neighborhood

An interactive neighborhood includes training rooms, conference rooms, and huddle areas 

for group activities which support collaborative and learning work modes. It can also 

include getaway booths for self-paced learning, teleconferences, and video conferences. 

Informal seating areas should be provided for time before and after meetings. This 

neighborhood often has direct access to public areas to support sharing with other court 

units and programs with court clients.

AV technology infrastructure should be provided to support collaborative conferencing 

microphones, voice amplification audio systems, as needed, bring your own device 

(BYOD) presentation sources, and interactive displays (portable or fixed). 

Informal Neighborhood

An informal neighborhood includes a work lounge, touchdown areas, and getaway booths 

that provide change-of-scenery workspace which supports focused, collaborative, and 

learning work modes. The neighborhood also includes service areas with counters and 

sinks to accommodate coffee and other beverages. Informal neighborhoods are outfitted 

with café style tables and chairs, booths, and other types of informal furnishings.

AV technology infrastructure should be provided to support collaborative conferencing 

microphones, voice amplification audio systems, as needed, BYOD presentation sources, 

and interactive displays (portable or fixed). 

Alternative Workplace Strategies Programming and 

Planning 

In addition to the following notes, refer to Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 of this Design Guide

and the space programming tool (AnyCourt).

Space Standards for Office Personnel

Space standards for office personnel should be allocated according to benchmark 

occupational groups described in the Judiciary’s Human Resources Manual and should not 

exceed office space requirements described in Chapters 8, 9, and 10 of the Design Guide. 

Space standards for alternative workplace strategies are listed in Table 18.1.

Baseline Space Program

Court units opting to use alternative workplace strategies can expect to use 20-30 percent 

less space than that currently occupied. Larger workplaces generally yield better space 

efficiencies due to economies of scale.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Alternate Workplace Strategies | 18-8

Seat Counts

The maximum number of employees that an office with an alternative workplace strategies 

design can accommodate is determined by a seat count. Dedicated and mobile offices 

and workstations typically have a seat count of one. A larger office can have a higher seat 

count if more than one employee can use it at the same time. Getaway booths, touchdown 

areas, collaborative space, and work lounges can also contribute to an office’s seat count, 

for example, when all-hands activities are scheduled. Please refer to Table 18.1 for 

recommendations

Number/Types of Total Individual Spaces

The number/types of office spaces needed should be determined by a work modes survey.

Modularity 

Modularity in design allows the space to adapt to the changes in staff and organizational 

structure well into the future, without the need for frequent major renovations that 

are costly and disruptive. For example, a 100-square-foot enclosed space can be used 

as a mobile or dedicated enclosed office, as well as a small conference room. It is 

recommended to apply this design approach to the following workplace settings. 

• 100 net square feet: dedicated enclosed office, mobile enclosed office, conference 

room for four people, huddle area for four people

• 48 net square feet: dedicated open workstation and mobile open workstation

In both cases above, the work settings can be easily converted and re-purposed with 

minimal changes to the furnishings and/or without changes. A similar approach can be 

applied to other types of spaces, wherever relevant. Refer to Table 18.1 for full list of 

Workplace Settings and Figure 18.14 for a visual example of modular design. 

Adjacencies and Circulation

Chapter 3, “Planning for U.S. Courthouses,” includes interior circulation requirements 

for traditionally designed (non-mobile) court space. Space programming for alternative 

workplace strategies includes more circulation space than traditional designs to create an 

open and spacious workplace environment that accommodates additional collaborative 

space, and to allow informal meeting space to be incorporated into designs.

While the amount of interior circulation varies with each facility’s specific design, up to 60 

percent of the net programmed space can be added to determine the total usable area of an 

alternative workplace strategies project (i.e., the estimated total usable area is equal to the 

sum of all the net programmed spaces plus 60 percent) provided the usable area calculated 

for a baseline space program is not exceeded.

Chapters 8, 9, and 10 of the Design Guide describe specific adjacency requirements for 

clerk’s offices, probation and pretrial services offices, and other court units discussed 

in this chapter. Those requirements should be adjusted, to the extent possible given 

operational realities, to fit the neighborhood concept recommended for alternative 

workplace strategies. Refer to Figure 18.1.

Sharing of Space

Courts and court units are encouraged to share facilities if operations or security are not 

compromised. Sharing should especially be considered when courts are collocated in the 

same building, on the same floor, and in adjacent space. Spaces often shared by court units 

include training rooms, conference rooms, break rooms, staff toilet rooms, and computer 

server rooms. Court units implementing alternative workplace strategies may also want to 

consider sharing space such as reception areas and mobile office space as described above, 

depending on security and operational conditions.

Alternative Workplace Strategies Design

Alternative workplace strategies design creates an open, spacious environment for all staff 

by turning traditional workplace design inside out, placing offices in the central core of 

a floor plan and workstations adjacent to windows. This approach allows natural light to 

flow through an entire space rather than be blocked by office walls. Workstation partitions 

are lower than traditional cubicles contributing to natural light and views through a space. 

Similarly, enclosed offices and collaboration rooms have glass walls to the extent possible.

Demountable Walls

Although metal studs and gypsum board walls may be required in some areas for 

acoustical, security, and cost implications, most space in an alternative workplace 

strategies design is defined using demountable walls. Demountable walls are constructed 

using proprietary framing systems with options such as wall- mounted storage tracks, 

sliding doors, acoustical insulation, and modular wiring harnesses. They can be clad with 

a variety of materials including glass, fabric, white board, and wood. Demountable walls 

can reduce build-out times for new space and provide flexibility for changing operational 

needs.

Refer to Chapter 15, “Building Systems,” for all electrical, AV, and telecommunication 

requirements for demountable wall systems. 

Note: The potential impact of light transmission through glass walls and related glare on 

computer and presentation monitors should be considered when choosing demountable wall 

cladding materials. In cases where monitors cannot be positioned to avoid glare, cladding 

with opaque finishes or a combination of opaque finishes and glass should be used.
18-9 | Alternate Workplace Strategies U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Finishes

Chapter 12, “Tenant Improvements and Furnishings,” sets quality standards for finishes 

that can be applied to alternative workplace strategies design. In general, finishes for 

flooring, ceilings, and gypsum board walls in alternative workplace strategies projects 

should complement material selections for demountable walls and systems furniture. 

Flooring should be compatible with the large, open areas in alternative workplace 

strategies design. Carpet tiles should be used for alternative workplace strategies projects. 

Broadloom carpeting is impractical for large open spaces and typically needs to be 

replaced when alterations are made.

Furniture

Chapter 12, “Tenant Improvements and Furnishings,” sets quality standards for furniture 

that can be applied to alternative workplace strategies design. Furniture for alternative 

workplace strategies projects should be selected to allow for easy configuration in a variety 

of spaces and for a variety of purposes. For example, conference and training tables should 

be movable and connectible to allow collaboration space to be rearranged when necessary. 

Consider options for integrating new technologies and related electrical needs in applicable 

desks and tables. Note, in AWS design, more attention should be made to furniture 

selection—sizes are typically more compact and the intended work modes and mobility 

scenarios are considered in reviewing the design features. Refer to Table 18.1 for typical 

AWS furnishing specifications and design features. 

Acoustics

Chapter 14, “Acoustics,” sets quality standards for acoustical performance of 

courthouse space including public waiting areas, probation/pretrial services interview 

rooms, conference spaces, private offices and open office areas. This chapter outlines 

strategies and designs to achieve acoustical goals through the use of partial height walls, 

demountable partitions, glazed partitions, doors and sound masking systems. GSA’s 

publication, Sound Matters, describes acoustical problems, remedies, and best practice 

standards for the “contemporary office” or alternative workplace strategies designed 

project. Sound masking systems should be part of the project design and should be used to 

augment acoustical properties of demountable walls, doors, and other materials used in an 

alternative workplace strategies design.

Electrical Distribution Systems

Chapter 15, “Building Systems,” sets quality standards for electrical distribution systems 

that can be applied to alternative workplace strategies. 

Lighting Systems

Chapter 15, “Building Systems,” sets quality standards for lighting systems that can 

be applied to alternative workplace strategies design. More specific information can be 

found in Chapter 6, “Electrical Engineering,” in the GSA PBS P-100. For lighting in the 

individual’s work settings and collaborative space, the luminance at desk height (30 inches 

above the floor) from fixed luminaries should average a minimum of 30 foot-candles (FC). 

The luminance at desk height from a combination of fixed luminaries and task lighting 

should average 45 FC. Task lighting is recommended for systems furniture workstations 

and other work areas where practical. Lighting levels should be confirmed during design 

using simulation software.

Voice and Data Communications Systems

Chapter 15, “Building Systems,” sets quality standards for voice and data communications 

systems that can be applied to alternative workplace strategies design. Demountable 

walls, systems furniture workstations, and conference tables (“smart tables”) can typically 

accommodate network wiring and outlet devices. Outlet device faceplates may be 

proprietary products of partition and furniture manufacturers. Compatibility of faceplates 

and network wiring should be confirmed by court information technology staff.

Security Systems and Equipment

Chapter 16, “Building Security,” sets quality standards for security systems and equipment 

that can be applied to alternative workplace strategies design. Demountable walls are 

not practical in reception and intake areas requiring ballistic-resistant walls, doors, and 

transaction counters. Systems furniture for reception or intake counters that require 

break-resistant transaction windows may not be practical due to the weight of window 

assemblies. The ability to route low voltage security wiring in demountable walls should 

be confirmed with manufacturer’s technical representatives.

Ceiling Heights

Ceiling heights should comply with standards described in Chapters 8, 9, and 10 of the 

Design Guide. Ceiling elements such as soffits, perimeter coves, recesses, and reveals 

should be harmoniously integrated with HVAC ducts, light fixtures, sprinkler lines, and 

other building utilities. Ceiling designs should complement energy efficient lighting.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Alternate Workplace Strategies | 18-10

Workplace Setting NSF Nm2 User/Work Modes Design Features Ref.

Dedicated Individual Workspace

Executive Office 180 16.7

Office for non-mobile work unit executive or 

deputy unit executive supporting focused and 

collaborative work modes.

Use demountable walls and sliding door. Include 

desk, desk chair, desk return, credenza, wallmounted storage, task lighting, and table for group 

meetings of 2-4 people.

Fig. 18.2

Enclosed Office 100 9.3

Office for non-mobile work manager, supervisor, 

or professional supporting focused and 

collaborative work modes.

Use demountable walls and sliding door. Include 

desk, desk chair, desk return, credenza, wallmounted storage, task lighting, and guest seating 

for two.

Fig. 18.3

Open Workstation 48 4.5

Workstation for non-mobile work general staff 

supporting focused work modes.

Include workstation with seated privacy screens, 

desk chair, storage, task lighting, and optionally 

guest seating for one.

Fig. 18.4

Mobile Individual Workspace

Enclosed Office 100 9.3

Office for mobile work manager, supervisor, or 

professional supporting focused work modes. Use 

electronic concierge system to reserve.

Use demountable walls and sliding door. Include 

desk, desk chair, desk return or credenza, storage 

for personal and work materials brought in daily, 

and guest seating for 1-2 people.

Fig. 18.5

Open Workstation 48 4.5

Workstation for mobile work general staff 

supporting focused work modes. Use electronic 

concierge system to reserve.

Include workstation with seated privacy screens, 

desk chair, task lighting, and storage for personal 

and work materials brought in daily.

Fig. 18.6

Getaway Booth 48 4.5

Small enclosed room for mobile work staff 

supporting focused work modes. Use limited to 

1-2 hours.

Use demountable walls and sliding door. Include 

desk or table, task lighting, and 1-2 chairs. Fig. 18.7

Touchdown Area 36 3.3

Small workspace for mobile work staff supporting 

focused and collaborative work modes. Use on a 

drop-in or ad-hoc basis.

Include work surface, desk chair, task lighting, and 

storage for personal and work materials brought 

in daily.

Fig. 18.8

Personal Storage Area 2 0.2

Single or clustered storage unit for mobile work 

staff. Can be assigned to an individual staff 

member or used on a drop-in or ad-hoc basis.

Use lockers, storage cabinets, and mobile pedestals 

with keyless locking hardware (push buttons, dial 

locks etc.)

Fig. 18.9

Table 18.1

Alternative Workplace Strategies: Workplace Setting Space Standards
18-11 | Alternate Workplace Strategies U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Workplace Setting NSF Nm2 User/Work Modes Design Features Ref.

Collaborative Workspace

Training Room 35/seat 

200 min.

3.3/seat

18.6 min.

Enclosed, computer or occupation training space 

supporting learning work modes. Use electronic 

concierge system to reserve.

Use demountable walls and sliding doors. 

Large rooms should have folding partitions to 

subdivide space. Include multimedia lectern, 

movable training tables with plug-and-play data 

connections, WLAN, wall-mounted presentation 

monitors, and light dimming.

Fig. 

18.10

Conference Room 25/seat

100 min.

2.3/seat

9.3 min.

Enclosed, meeting space for six or more 

individuals supporting collaborative work modes. 

Use electronic concierge system to reserve.

Use demountable walls and sliding doors. Large 

rooms should have folding partitions to subdivide 

space. Include movable “smart tables” with plugand-play data connections, WLAN, wall-mounted 

presentation monitors, and light dimming.

Fig. 

18.11

Huddle Area 100 9.3

Enclosed or open meeting space for 2-5 

individuals supporting collaborative work modes. 

Use limited to 1-2 hours.

Use demountable walls and sliding doors for 

enclosed huddle room areas. Include “smart table” 

with plug-and-play data connections, WLAN, wallmounted presentation monitors, and 2-5 chairs.

Fig. 

18.12

Work Lounge 25/seat 2.3/seat

Open, informal space supporting focused and 

collaborative work modes and lunch/work breaks.

Can include break room type appliances, sink, 

seated or standing counter space, café style tables, 

casual seating, and/or booth style seating.

Fig. 

18.13

Table 18.1

Alternative Workplace Strategies: Workplace Setting Space Standards (cont’d)

Note: Table 18.1 includes workplace space standards appropriate for alternative workplace strategies planning, based on space programs developed for alternative workplace strategies 

pilot projects, which may replace standards described in Chapters 8, 9, and 10 of the Design Guide.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Alternate Workplace Strategies | 18-12

Support Space (Refer to Chapters 8, 9 and 10)

Table 8.1, Space and Ceiling Requirements for Court of Appeals Clerk’s Offices

Table 8.2, Space and Ceiling Requirements for District and Bankruptcy Court Clerk’s Offices

Table 9.1, Space and Ceiling Requirements for Probation and Pretrial Services Offices

Table 10.1, Space and Ceiling Requirements for Other Court Offices

• Circuit and District Executive’s Offices

• Bankruptcy Appellate Panel Clerk’s Offices

• Senior Staff Attorney Offices

• Pre-Argument/Conference Attorney Offices

• Bankruptcy Administrator Offices

Support Space (Refer to Chapters 8 and 10)

Table 8.1, Space and Ceiling Requirements for Court of Appeals Clerk’s Offices

Table 8.2, Space and Ceiling Requirements for District and Bankruptcy Court Clerk’s Offices

Table 10.1, Space and Ceiling Requirements for Other Court Offices

• Circuit and District Executive’s Offices

• Bankruptcy Appellate Panel Clerk’s Offices

• Senior Staff Attorney Offices

• Pre-Argument/Conference Attorney Offices

• Bankruptcy Administrator Offices

Table 18.2

Alternative Workplace Strategies: Referenced Space Standards

Note: Table 18.2 includes space standards listed in Chapters 8, 9, and 10 that are applicable to alternative workplace strategies projects for the following workplace settings categories.
18-13 | Alternate Workplace Strategies U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Symbols Legend:

Public Circulation

Restricted Circulation

Circulation Access 

Control Point

Figure 18.1

Neighborhood Adjacency Diagram

Work Lounge

Dedicated Open 

Workstations

Dedicated Open 

Workstations

Dedicated Open 

Workstations

Reception 

Counter and 

Window

Intake, Queuing and 

Waiting Area

Records exam, urinalysis 

screening and testing, 

and probation/pretrial 

services cliet interviews

Mobile Open 

Workstations

Mobile Open 

Workstations

Huddle

Area

Windows

Huddle

Area

Touchdown

Area

Dedicated

Office

Mobile

Office

General Office 

Support

Personal 

Storage Area

Personal 

Storage Area

Mobile

Office

Mobile

Office Getaway Booths

Training

Room

Getaway

Booths

Conference

Room

Huddle

Area

Informal

Neighborhood

Interactive

Neighborhood

Public

Neighborhood

Professional

Neighborhood

Colors Legend:

Informal Neighborhood

Professional Neighborhood

Interactive Neighborhood

Public Neighborhood

Note: The adjacency diagram is intended 

only as an illustration.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Alternate Workplace Strategies | 18-14

Legend:

 Demountable Walls

 Wall-Mounted Cabinets

 U-Shaped Desk

 Glass Panels

 Sliding Door

 Collaboration Table

Figure 18.2

Dedicated Individual Workspace - Executive Office

Executive Office 180 NSF (16.7 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted Access, Direct Access Control/Key Lock

Adjacent to: Within Professional Neighborhood

Architectural Features:

- Glass Panels with Sliding Door

- Demountable Walls

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE) Options

- (1) U-Shaped Desk or (1) Credenza and Return

- (1) Collaboration Table with (4) Chairs

- (4) Chairs for Guest Seating

- Wall-Mounted Storage Cabinets

Notes:

1. Workplace setting should be compatible with existing conditions and court operations. 

The dimensional layout and furniture placement of the examples on this page can be 

modified as necessary.

Axonometric Diagram (Example 1)

1

2

3

4

5

6

Example 1: U-shaped desk with collaboration table 

and seating

Example 2: Credenza and return with 

collaboration table and guest seating

Example 3: U-shaped desk with guest seating

1

2

4

3

5

6
18-15 | Alternate Workplace Strategies U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Legend:

 Demountable Walls

 Wall-Mounted Cabinets

 Credenza

 Glass Panels

 Sliding Door

Figure 18.3

Dedicated Individual Workspace - Enclosed Office

Enclosed Office 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted Access, Direct Access Control/Key Lock

Adjacent to: Within Professional Neighborhood

Architectural Features:

- Glass Panels with Sliding Door

- Demountable Walls

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE) Options

- (1) U-Shaped Desk or (1) Desk with Credenza

- (1) Collaboration Table with (3) Chairs

- (2) Chairs for Guest Seating

- Wall-Mounted Storage Cabinets

Notes:

1. Workplace setting should be compatible with existing conditions and court operations. 

The dimensional layout and furniture placement of the examples on this page can be 

modified as necessary.

Example 1: Credenza and wall-mounted 

storage cabinet with guest seating

Example 2: Linear desk, round table, 

small credenza with guest seating

Axonometric Diagram (Example 1)

1

1

2

3

4

5

2

3

5 4
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Alternate Workplace Strategies | 18-16

Figure 18.4

Dedicated Individual Workspace - Open Workstation

Legend:

 Panel Mounted Storage

 Guest Seating

 Storage Pedestal

 Privacy Screen

1 1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Axonometric Diagram (Example 3)

Open Workstation 48 NSF (4.5 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: None

Adjacent to: Within Professional Neighborhood

Architectural Features:

- Seated Privacy Screen

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE) Options

- (1) Desk Workstation with Bench Seat

- (1) U-Shaped Workstation

- (1) L-Shaped Workstation with Table

- (1) Optional Guest Chairs

Notes: 

1. Workplace setting should be compatible with existing conditions and court operations. 

The dimensional layout and furniture placement of the examples on this page can be 

modified as necessary.

Example 1: Example 1: Desk workstation with bench seat Desk workstation with bench seat Example 2: Example 2: L-shaped workstation L-shaped workstation Example 3: Example 3: U-shaped workstation with guest seat U-shaped workstation with guest seat
18-17 | Alternate Workplace Strategies U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Figure 18.5

Mobile Individual Workspace - Enclosed Office

Enclosed Office 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted Access, Uncontrolled

Adjacent to: Within Professional Neighborhood

Architectural Features:

- Glass Panels with Sliding Door

- Demountable Walls

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE) Options

- (1) L-Shaped Desk with (2) Guest Chairs

- (1) Linear Desk, (1) Round Table with (1) Guest Chair

- (1) Small Linear Desk, (1) Round Table with (2) Guest Chairs 

- Wall-Mounted Storage Cabinets

Notes:

1. Workplace setting should be compatible with existing conditions and court operations. 

The dimensional layout and furniture placement of the examples on this page can be 

modified as necessary.

Legend:

 Demountable Walls

 L-Shaped Desk

 Glass Panels

 Sliding Door

Example 1: L-shaped desk with guest 

seating

Example 2: Linear desk and round table 

with guest seating

Example 3: Small linear desk and round 

with guest seating

Axonometric Diagram (Example 1)

1

2

4

3

1

2

3

4
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Alternate Workplace Strategies | 18-18

Figure 18.6

Mobile Individual Workspace - Open Workstation

Open Workstation 48 NSF (4.5 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: None

Adjacent to: Within Professional Neighborhood

Architectural Features:

- Seated Privacy Screen

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE) Options

- (1) Desk Workstation with Bench Seat

- (1) U-Shaped Workstation

- (1) L-Shaped Workstation

- (1) Optional Guest Chairs

Notes: 

1. Workplace setting should be compatible with existing conditions and court operations. 

The dimensional layout and furniture placement of the examples on this page can be 

modified as necessary.

Example 1: Desk workstation with bench seat Example 2: L-shaped workstation Example 3: U-shaped workstation with guest seat

Legend:

 Desk Workstation

 Bench Seat/Storage

 Storage Pedestal

 Privacy Screen

1

1

2

2

3

3

4 4

Axonometric Diagram (Example 1)
18-19 | Alternate Workplace Strategies U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Figure 18.7

Mobile Individual Workspace - Getaway Booth

Getaway Booth 48 NSF (4.5 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted Access, Uncontrolled

Adjacent to: Within Interactive or Professional Neighborhood

Architectural Features:

- Glass Panels with Sliding Door

- Demountable Walls

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE) Options

- (1) Wall Monitor and (1) Linear Desk with Chair

- (1) Small Table and (2) Chairs

- (1) L-Shaped Desk with Chair

Notes:

1. Workplace setting should be compatible with existing conditions and court operations. 

The dimensional layout and furniture placement of the examples on this page can be 

modified as necessary.

Example 1:

Videoconferencing

Example 2: Informal 

Seating

Example 3: L-Shaped 

Workstation

Axonometric Diagram (Example 1)

Legend:

 Demountable Walls

 Presentation Monitor

 Movable “Smart” Table

 Glass Panels

 Sliding Door

1

1 2

3 2

3

4

4

5

5
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Alternate Workplace Strategies | 18-20

Figure 18.8

Mobile Individual Workspace - Touchdown Area

Touchdown Area 36 NSF (3.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: None

Adjacent to: Within Professional Neighborhood

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE) Options

- (1) Round Table with Chair

- (1) 120 Degree Desk with Chair

- (1) Linear Desk with Storage Pedestal in Alcove

Notes: 

1. Workplace setting should be compatible with existing conditions and court operations. 

The dimensional layout and furniture placement of the examples on this page can be 

modified as necessary.

Example 1: Round tables Example 2: 120-degree clusters Example 3: Desk in Alcove

Legend:

1 Desk with Storage Pedestals

1

Axonometric Diagram (Example 1)
18-21 | Alternate Workplace Strategies U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Figure 18.9

Mobile Individual Workspace - Personal Storage Area

Personal Storage Area 2 NSF (.2 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: None

Adjacent to: Within Professional Neighborhood

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE) Options

- Mobile Pedestal Garage

- Double-Stacked Lockers

- 4-High Lateral Files

Notes: 

1. Workplace setting should be compatible with existing conditions and court operations. 

The dimensional layout and furniture placement of the examples on this page can be 

modified as necessary.

Example 1: Mobile pedestal garage

Example 3: 4-high lateral files

Example 2: Double-stacked lockers

Legend:

 Wall-Mounted Storage

 Mobile Storage Pedestals

1

1 2

2

Axonometric Diagram (Example 1)
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Alternate Workplace Strategies | 18-22

Figure 18.10

Collaborative Workspace - Training Room

Training Room 35 NSF/Seat, 200 min. 

(3.3 Nm2/Seat, 18.6 min.)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted Access, Direct Access Control/Key Lock

Adjacent to: Within Interactive Neighborhood

Architectural Features:

- Glass Panels with Sliding Door

- Demountable Walls

- Folding Partition for large spaces

Illumination

- Light dimming

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

- (1) Multimedia Lectern

- Movable Training Tables with plug-and-play data connections and WLAN

- Wall-Mounted Presentation Monitors

- Electronic Concierge Touch-Screen Monitor

Notes: 

1. Workplace setting should be compatible with existing conditions and court operations. 

The dimensional layout and furniture placement of the examples on this page can be 

modified as necessary.

Legend:

 Demountable Walls

 Presentation Monitor

 Movable Training Table

 Multimedia Lectern

 Sliding Door

1

2

3

4

5

Axonometric Diagram

Example 1: Chevron style setup

1

2

3

4

5
18-23 | Alternate Workplace Strategies U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Figure 18.11

Collaborative Workspace - Conference Room

Conference Room 25 NSF/Seat, 100 min. 

(2.3 Nm2/Seat, 9.3 min.)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted Access, Direct Access Control/Key Lock

Adjacent to: Within Interactive Neighborhood

Architectural Features:

- Glass Panels with Sliding Door

- Demountable Walls

- Folding Partition for large spaces

Illumination

- Light dimming

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

- Movable “Smart” Tables with plug-and-play data connections and WLAN

- Wall-Mounted Presentation Monitors

- Electronic Concierge Touch-Screen Monitor

Notes: 

1. Workplace setting should be compatible with existing conditions and court operations. 

The dimensional layout and furniture placement of the examples on this page can be 

modified as necessary.

Legend:

 Demountable Walls

 Presentation Monitor

 Movable “Smart” Table

 Glass Panels

 Sliding Door

1

2 1 2

3

3 4

4

5

5

Example 1: Three, six foot tables (364 

NSF)

Example 2: Two, six foot tables (240 

NSF)

Axonometric Diagram (Example 2)
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Alternate Workplace Strategies | 18-24

Figure 18.12

Collaborative Workspace - Huddle Area

Huddle Area 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted Access, Uncontrolled (Enclosed Space) or

Unrestricted Access (Open Area)

Adjacent to: Within Interactive or Professional Neighborhood

Architectural Features:

- Enclosed or open meeting space

- Glass Panels with Sliding Door (Enclosed Space)

- Demountable Walls (Enclosed Space)

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE) Options

- (1) Movable “Smart” Table with plug-and-play data connections and WLAN

- (2-5) Chairs

- (1) Wall-Mounted Presentation Monitor

- (1) White board

Legend:

 Demountable Walls

 Presentation Monitor

 Movable “Smart” Table

 Glass Panels

 Sliding Door

Example 1: Enclosed area with table, 

monitor, and white board

Example 2: Enclosed area with round 

table, monitor, and white board

Example 3: Open area with table and 

monitor or white board

2

3

1

4

5

Notes: 

1. Workplace setting should be compatible 

with existing conditions and court 

operations. The dimensional layout and 

furniture placement of the examples on 

this page can be modified as necessary.

Axonometric Diagram (Example 1)

1

2

3

4

5
18-25 | Alternate Workplace Strategies U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Figure 18.13

Collaborative Workspace - Work Lounge

Work Lounge 25 NSF/Seat (2.3 Nm2/Seat)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: None

Adjacent to: Within Informal Neighborhood

Architectural Features:

- Built-In Booth Seating

- Standing or seated counter space

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE) Options

- Cafe Seating with (1) Table and (4) Chairs

- Stools for seated counter space

- Break room appliances (sinks, refrigerators, microwaves, etc)

- Other informal seating arrangements

Notes: 

1. Workplace setting should be compatible with existing conditions and court operations. 

The dimensional layout and furniture placement of the examples on this page can be 

modified as necessary.

Legend:

 Informal Seating

 Cafe-Style Seating

 Booth Seating

 Stool-Height 

 Seating

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Axonometric Diagram

Example 1: Stool-height, booth, cafe-style, and 

informal seating
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Alternate Workplace Strategies | 18-26

Figure 18.14

Modular Design Example

Dedicated Individual Workspace:

Enclosed Offices

Mobile Individual Workspace:

Enclosed Offices

Collaborative Workspace:

Huddle Area

Minimal to no 

physical change 

necessary, to convert 

use

Note: Figure 18.14 demonstrates the benefits of modular design, using a 100 net SF enclosed room. Over time, the enclosed room can be adapted for various functions and uses without 

costly major renovations. Please refer to “Modularity” under the “Alternative Workplace Strategies Programming and Planning” section of this chapter for full description.
A-1 U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

APPENDIX: ROOM DATA SHEETS A The following room data sheets (RDSs) are a compilation of information contained in the Design 

Guide that identify spatial and programmatic requirements by space type. For simplification and 

clarity purposes, some spaces have been combined into a single RDS.

General Courthouse Spaces

Chapter 4 Courtrooms

Chapter 5 Jury Assembly Suite 

Chapter 6 Judges’ Chambers Suites 

Chapter 7 Court Library Spaces

Chapter 8 Associated Appeals Clerks’ Office Spaces

Chapter 9 Associated Probation and Pretrial Services Office Spaces 

Chapter 10 Associated Other Court Unit Office Spaces 

Chapter 11 Shared Support Spaces

Topics:
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-2

Definitions, Legends and Symbols

Security Definitions

• Public 1 - Unscreened Public Access

• Public 2 - Screened Public Access

• Public 3 - Screened Public Access, Locked When Not in Use

• Restricted 1 - Restricted Access, Uncontrolled

• Restricted 2 - Restricted Access, Remote Access Control

• Restricted 3 - Restricted Access, Direct Access Control/Key Lock

• Restricted 4 - Restricted Access, Counter/Window Service 

• P - Privacy Lock

• Secure 1 - Secure Access, Authorized Staff

• Secure 2 - Secure Access, Prisoner/Security Staff

Symbols

Handicap Spectator Seating 

5’-0” Wheelchair Turning Radius 

General Notes:

• The graphics on the RDS are not to scale and are for illustrative purposes only. 

• The RDS are meant to be used as a guideline. It is essential that the user obtain 

additional information from the court, the General Services Administration (GSA), 

and other participants and users to tailor the design response to the specific court 

requirements.

• The RDS should be used in conjunction with other facility design standards including 

but not limited to: The U.S. Courts Design Reference Manual and applicable GSA 

PBS P-100. 

• The interpretation and application of the information provided in the RDS into 

specific design solutions will require the overall review & confirmation of the design 

by the court, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC), the GSA, and 

the United States Marshals Service (USMS). 

• The design architect is responsible for the coordination and conformance with the 

Design Guide, and all applicable laws, codes regulations, and governmental facility 

standards.

• Finishes indicated on the RDS show a range of acceptable finishes per space; 

however, this list should not be considered comprehensive. Final finish selection 

should be determined by the design architect and project stakeholders.

• Fixtures, furniture, and equipment (FFE) requirements should be determined on 

a project-to-project basis to satisfy the local needs. FFE shown on the graphics is 

notional and should not be considered comprehensive.

• Furniture, accessories, and equipment indicated with an asterisk (*) is funded by 

GSA. 

• Furniture shown in the RDS are general guidelines of potential layouts. Final 

furniture design and procurement will be determined by individual project 

requirements. 
A-3 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Finish Legend Finish Legend (cont.)

Room Data Sheet Space Nomenclature

The space nomenclature is used for the General Courthouse Spaces section and denotes a 

space type followed by a square footage for the space. The remaining Room Data Sheet 

sections are chapter specific and are noted with the corresponding chapter.

Abbreviation Material

ACP Acoustical Ceiling Panel or Tile

AWP Acoustical Wall Panel

CPT Carpet

CR Chair Rail

CT Ceramic Tile

FWC Fabric Wall Covering

GL Glass

GWB Gypsum Wall Board

MTL Metal

PLAS Plaster

PLY Plywood on MTL Studs

PNT-1 Latex paint with eggshell finish. Preferred Finish, unless 

noted otherwise.

PNT-2 Latex paint with semi-gloss finish. To be used in wet areas 

such as service units and restroom wet walls.

PNT-3 Water-based catalyzed epoxy or equivalent. To be used for 

the urinalysis lab.

RAF Raised Access Floor

ST Stone

SVT Solid/Premium Vinyl Tile

SV Sheet Vinyl 

TZ Terrazzo

VCT Vinyl Composition Tile

V/RB Vinyl/Rubber Base

Abbreviation Space Type

CR Conference Room

OS Office Support (Shared space ie., Copier, Printer, Faxes)

PO Private Office

REC Reception 

SL Soundlock

ST Storage

SU Service Unit

VT Vault

WS Workstation

Abbreviation Material

WD Wood

WD Wainscot Wood Wainscot

 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-4

This page intentionally left blank. 
A-5 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Reception/Waiting, per person 15 NSF (1.4 Nm2)

Minimum Area Required 150 NSF (13.9 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 3, Restricted 1, 4

Adjacent to: Public & Restricted Circulation, Counter

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 25 - Normal

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

PUBLIC 

CIRCULATION

COUNTER

RESTRICTED 

CIRCULATION

REC - 15
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-6

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Reception/Waiting Area 105 NSF (9.8 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 3, Restricted 1, 4

Adjacent to: Public & Restricted Circulation, Counter

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 25 - Normal

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

REC - 105

PUBLIC 

CIRCULATION

COUNTER

RESTRICTED 

CIRCULATION
A-7 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Reception/Waiting Area 150 NSF (14 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 3, Restricted 1, 4

Adjacent to: Public & Restricted Circulation, Counter

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 25 - Normal

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

REC - 150

PUBLIC 

CIRCULATION

COUNTER

RESTRICTED 

CIRCULATION
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-8

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Soundlock 50 NSF (4.6 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3 

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 55-60 - Confidential

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT, WD

Base: WD, V/RB

Ceiling: ACP, PNT-1

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-40 fc

Vertical: 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: No

SL - 50

4' - 0" MIN RESTRICTED 

CIRCULATION
A-9 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Soundlock 80 NSF (7.4 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 3

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 55-60 - Confidential

Finishes:

Wall: WD, ST, MTL, AWP, PLAS, PNT-1

Floor: CPT, WD

Base: WD, V/RB

Ceiling: WD, MTL, ACP, PNT-1

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-40 fc

Vertical: 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

4'-0" MIN

SL - 80
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-10

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Storage, per shelf unit 9 NSF (0.84 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: Varies (based on location)

Floor: Varies (based on location)

Base: Varies (based on location)

Ceiling: Varies (based on location)

ST - 09

3' - 0"

3' - 0"

Legend:

 File Cabinets 1

1
A-11 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Coat Closet 20 NSF (1.9 Nm2) 

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1

Ceiling Height: 10’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP, PNT-1

Space Notes:

1. Provide three linear inches of coats space (75mm) per juror (jury facilities). 

ST - 20

10' - 0"

2' - 0"
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-12

10' - 0"

5' - 0"

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Storage 50 NSF (4.7 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Ceiling Height: 10’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Legend:

 Shelves

1

1

ST - 50
A-13 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

10' - 0"

8' - 0"

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Storage 80 NSF (7.4 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Ceiling Height: 10’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• Shelves: Open shelves 18” (450 mm) deep on 2-3 walls, movable or fixed

Legend:

 Shelves

1

1

ST - 80
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-14 10' - 0"

10' - 0"

Storage Room 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Ceiling Height: 10’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• Shelves: Open shelves 18” (450 mm) deep on 2-3 walls, movable or fixed

Legend:

 Movable Shelves

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

1

1

ST - 100
A-15 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

10' - 0"

15' - 0"

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

1

ST - 150

Storage Room 150 NSF (13.9 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Ceiling Height: 10’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• Shelves: Open shelves 18” (450 mm) deep on 2-3 walls, movable or fixed

Legend:

 Movable Shelves 1
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-16

5' - 0"

6' - 0"

1' - 0"

2' - 0"

3' - 0"

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Counter Workstations 45 NSF (4.2 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 4

Adjacent to: Reception/Waiting 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Millwork:

• Durable work surface with a divider to the floor below. Accommodate computer 

monitor, keyboard, and mouse at staff side of counter.

• Where ballistic and break-resistant glass is provided, counter should accommodate 

document-size deal tray transaction opening for each station.

Public Queuing Area Legend:

 Transaction Tray

 Security Glazing with 

 Natural Voice 

 Communication

 Cash Drawer

1 2

3

1

2

3

WS - 45
A-17 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

6' - 0"

8' - 0"

Workstation 48 NSF (4.5 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1

Finishes:

Wall: Varies (based on location)

Floor: Varies (based on location)

Base: Varies (based on location)

Ceiling: Varies (based on location)

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• 6’ x 8’ systems furniture workstation 

• Chair

Legend:

 Systems Furniture

 Chair

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

1

1

2

2

WS - 48
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-18

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

8' - 0"

8' - 0"

Legend:

 Systems Furniture

 Chair 

1

1

2

2

WS - 64

Workstation 64 NSF (5.8 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1

Finishes:

Wall: Varies (based on location)

Floor: Varies (based on location)

Base: Varies (based on location)

Ceiling: Varies (based on location)

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• 8’ x 8’ systems furniture workstation 

• Chair 

Building Systems:

Security:

• Security intercom (associated chamber space) 

• Duress alarm (associated chamber space)

• CCV monitor (associated chamber space)

• Remote door - release mechanism (associated chamber space)
A-19 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

8' - 0"

12' - 0"

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Workstation 96 NSF (8.9 Nm2) 

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1 

Finishes:

Wall: Varies (based on location)

Floor: Varies (based on location)

Base: Varies (based on location)

Ceiling: Varies (based on location)

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• 8’ x 12’ systems furniture workstation 

• Chair 

 

Legend:

 Systems Furniture

 Chair 

1

1

2

2

WS - 96
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-20

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Executive Secretary 170 NSF (15.8 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1

Adjacent to: Unit Executive Private Office

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Security:

• Duress alarm

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• 6’ x 8’ systems furniture workstation 

• Chair

10' - 0"

17' - 0"

UNIT EXECUTIVE 

PRIVATE OFFICE

WS - 170

Legend:

 Systems Furniture

 Chair 

 Duress Alarm

1

1

2

3

2

3
A-21 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

General Courthouse Spaces 

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Private Office 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1

Ceiling Height: 9’-0”

Acoustics NIC 35 - Normal

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1, CR (Judge’s Chambers Suite)

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

10' - 0"

10' - 0"

2

1

Legend:

 Desk

 Chair 

1

2

PO - 100
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-22

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Private Office 120 NSF (13.9 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1

Adjacent to: 

Ceiling Height: 9’-0”

Acoustics NIC 35 - Normal (Probation and Pretrial Services Offices)

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1, CR (Judge’s Chambers Suite)

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

10' - 0"

12' - 0"

Legend:

 Desk 

 Chair

1

2

1

2

PO - 120
A-23 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Private Office 150 NSF (13.9 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Ceiling Height: 9’-0”

Acoustics NIC 35 - Normal (Probation and Pretrial Services Offices)

NIC 40 - Normal (Court of Appeals Clerks’ Offices)

NIC 55 - Confidential (Federal Public Defender’s Trial 

 Preparation)

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1, CR (Judge’s Chambers Suite)

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Security:

• CCV monitor (law clerk office)

• Duress alarm (law clerk office, professional staff)

• Security intercom (law clerk office)

• Remote door - release mechanism (law clerk office)

10' - 0"

15' - 0"

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Legend:

 Desk

 Chair

 File Cabinet

1

2

3

1

2

PO - 150

3
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-24

12' - 0"

15' - 0"

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Private Office 180 NSF (16.7 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Ceiling Height: 9’-0” 

Acoustics NIC 35 - Normal (Probation and Pretrial Services Offices)

 NIC 40 - Normal (Court of Appeals Clerks’ Offices) 

 NIC 55 - Confidential (Pre-Argument/Conference Attorney)

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1, CR (Judge’s Chambers Suite)

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Security:

• Duress alarm (deputy circuit librarian) 

1

2

PO - 180

3

Legend:

 Desk

 Chair

 File Cabinet

1

2

3
A-25 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Private Office 240 NSF (22.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Ceiling Height: 9’-0”

Acoustics NIC 35 - Normal (Probation and Pretrial Services Offices)

 NIC 40 - Normal (Court of Appeals Clerks’ Offices) 

 NIC 55 - Confidential (Pre-Argument/Conference Attorney 

 and Bankruptcy Administrator)

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1, CR (Judge’s Chambers Suite)

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Security:

• Duress alarm (circuit librarian) 

17' - 0"

14' - 0"

Legend:

 Desk

 Chair

 File Cabinet 

 Table

 Duress Alarm

1 4

1

2 5

2

5

3

3

PO - 240

4
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-26

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Safe or Vault 20 NSF (1.6 Nm2)

Architectural:

Finishes:

Wall: Varies (based on location)

Floor: Varies (based on location)

Base: Varies (based on location)

Ceiling: Varies (based on location)

Space Notes:

1. Partition construction: 

• Slab to slab, (2) layers 5/8” type X GWB both sides, 3-5/8” 18-GA steel studs 16” o.c

• Maximum security steel mesh (ASM.50-13F) provided on the inner side of wall board

• Security screen attached to floor slab and structure above, welded together on studs to 

form a continuous barrier against entry

2. Door construction:

• UL-labeled class B, 18-gauge, metal fire doors constructed with 14-gauge hardware 

reinforcements

• 16-gauge steel frames with three hinges, high quality, three-tumbler combination lock 

to secure the door for after-hours protection

• Key lock to be provided for business hours after the alarm has been turned off and 

combination lock is dialed in., emergency egress hardware

3. Reference GSA PBS P-100 for HVAC, telecom, fire alarm, data, and security system 

requirements

VT - 20

5' - 0"

4' - 0"

5' - 0"

4' - 0"

Legend:

 Under-Counter Safe

 Standalone Safe

1

2

1

2
A-27 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Vault 80 NSF (7.4 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Adjacent to: Restricted Corridor

Ceiling Height: 9’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: PNT-1

Building Systems:

Life Safety:

Fire Rating: 2 hour partition

Security:

Duress Alarm: Yes

Space Notes:

1. Partition construction: 

• Slab to slab, (2) layers 5/8” type X GWB both sides, 3-5/8” 18-GA steel studs 16” o.c

• Maximum security steel mesh (ASM.50-13F) provided on the inner side of wall board

• Security screen attached to floor slab and structure above, welded together on studs to 

form a continuous barrier against entry

2. Door construction:

• UL-labeled class B, 18-gauge, metal fire doors constructed with 14-gauge hardware 

reinforcements

• 16-gauge steel frames with three hinges, high quality, three-tumbler combination lock 

to secure the door for after hours protection

• Key lock to be provided for business hours after the alarm has been turned off and 

combination lock is dialed in., emergency egress hardware

3. Reference GSA PBS P-100 for HVAC, telecom, fire alarm, data, and security system 

requirements

VT - 80

GENERAL COURTHOUSE SPACES - VAULT 80 SF

8' - 0"

10' - 0"
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-28

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Vault 150 NSF (14 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Adjacent to: Restricted Corridor

Ceiling Height: 9’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Security:

Duress Alarm: Yes

Space Notes:

1. Partition construction: 

• Slab to slab, (2) layers 5/8” type X GWB both sides, 3-5/8” 18-GA steel studs 16” 

o.c, 2-hour rated wall

• Maximum security steel mesh (ASM.50-13F) provided on the inner side of wall board

• Security screen attached to floor slab and structure above, welded together on studs to 

form a contiguous barrier against entry

2. Door construction:

• UL-labeled class B, 18-gauge, metal fire doors constructed with 14-gauge hardware 

reinforcements

• 16-gauge steel frames with three hinges, high quality, three-tumbler combination lock 

to secure the door for after hours protection

• Key lock to be provided for business hours after the alarm has been turned off and 

combination lock is dialed in., emergency egress hardware

3. Reference GSA PBS P-100 for HVAC, telecom, fire alarm, data, and security system 

requirements 

VT - 150

15' - 0"

10' - 0"
A-29 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Conference Room 300 NSF (27.9 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 55 - Confidential

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-50 fc

Vertical: 10-15 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Emergency Lighting: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

Space Notes:

1. Conference room for meetings with fewer than 20 occupants. 

15' - 0"

20' - 0"

Legend:

 Table

 Chairs

 Credenza

 Monitor 

1

2

3

1

2

3

4

CR - 300

4
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-30

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Conference Room 400 NSF (37.2 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 55 - Confidential

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-50 fc

Vertical: 10-15 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Emergency Lighting: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

Space Notes:

1. Conference room for meeting with more than 20 or more occupants. 

17' - 0"

24' - 0"

Legend:

 Table

 Chairs

 Credenza

 Monitor 

1

2

3

1

2

3

4

CR - 400

4
A-31 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Service Unit 20 NSF (1.9 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted Corridor

Ceiling Height: 10’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-2

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 20-30 fc

Vertical: 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: Yes 

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• (1) Optional full-size refrigerator for jurors who bring their own food (jury 

facilities). 

Space Notes:

1. Accommodate a sink, a microwave, a coffeemaker, and potentially vending machines.

Legend:

 Full-Size Refrigerator

 Sink 

 Microwave

 Coffeemaker

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

SU - 20
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-32

10' - 0"

10' - 0"

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Service Unit 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted Corridor

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-2

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 20-30 fc

Vertical: 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: Yes 

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

-(1) Optional full-size refrigerator 

Space Notes:

1. Accommodate a sink, a microwave, a coffeemaker, and potentially vending machines.

Legend:

 Full-Size Refrigerator

 Sink 

 Microwave

 Coffeemaker

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

SU - 100
A-33 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Staff Break Room 200 Min-600 Max NSF (18.6-55.8 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Adjacent to: Restricted Corridor

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-2

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 20-30 fc

Vertical: 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Space Notes:

1. Allocate 25 NSF (2.32 Nm2) for every three staff members, plus 20 NSF (1.9 Nm2) 

for a service unit. 

2. Accommodate a sink, a microwave, a coffeemaker, and potentially vending machines.

Legend:

 Full-size refrigerator

 Sink 

 Microwave

 Coffeemaker

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

SU - 200
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-34

Printer/Copier/Fax Area 60 NSF (5.6 Nm2)

Shredder 25 NSF (2.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Adjacent to: Workstations 

Finishes:

Wall: Varies (based on location)

Floor: Varies (based on location)

Base: Varies (based on location)

Ceiling: Varies (based on location)

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

OS - 01

8' - 0"

7' - 6"

5' - 0"

5' - 0"

Legend:

 Printer, Copier, Fax

 Shredder 

1

1

2

2
A-35 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Public: Print/Copier/Scanner 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2)

Staff: Print/Copier/Scanner 50 NSF (4.7 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 2 (Public Print/Copier/Scanner)

 Restricted 2 (Staff Print/Copier/Scanner)

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: Varies (based on location)

Floor: Varies (based on location)

Base: Varies (based on location)

Ceiling: Varies (based on location)

OS - 02

8' - 0"

7' - 6"

5' - 0"

5' - 0"

Legend:

 Printer, Copier, Fax

 Shredder 

1

1

2

2
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-36

General Courthouse Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Copier, Low Volume 50 NSF (4.7 Nm2) 

Copier, Medium Volume 80 NSF (7.4 Nm2) 

Copier, High Volume 120 NSF (11.2 Nm2) 

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Adjacent to: Workstations 

Ceiling Height: 10’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• Work Surface: copier, work surface, supplies storage (staff print/copier/scanner)

• Storage: to accommodate supplies, 12” (300-mm) D shelves (staff printer/copier/

scanner)

OS - 03

10' - 0"

12' - 0"

Legend:

 Counter

 Copier 

 Storage

2

1

3

1

2

3
A-37 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

General Courthouse Space

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Work Area

Minimum 195 NSF (18.1 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1

Ceiling Height: 9’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Space Notes:

1. Assign 15 NSF (1.4 Nm2) per staff member. Minimum area is 195 NSF (18.1 Nm2).

2. Work area is inclusive of NSF alloted for a work table. 

OS - 04
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-38

Courtrooms

Space and Ceiling Requirements

En Banc Courtroom 3,000 NSF (278.7 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 3, Restricted 2

Adjacent to: Public Waiting Area

Ceiling Height: 18’-0”

Acoustics NIC 55-60 - Confidential 

Finishes:

Wall: WD, ST, MTL, AWP, PLAS, PNT-1

Floor: CPT, WD, RAF

Base: WD, V/RB

Ceiling: WD, MTL, ACP, PNT-1

Building Systems:

Illumination (Horizontal/Vertical):

Judge’s Bench 50-55 fc / 20-25 fc

Court Reporter 50-55 fc / 20-25 fc

Jury Box 50-55 fc / 20-25 fc

Attorney Witness Area 40-50 fc / 15-20 fc

Witness Box 40-50 fc / 15-20 fc

News Media Room 30-40 fc / 15-20 fc

Attorney Work Room 30-40 fc / 15-20 fc

Attorney/Witness Room 30-40 fc / 15-20 fc

Public Seating 40-50 fc / 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Emergency Power: Yes

Emergency Lighting: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 6-8/hour

CH. 4

Building Systems (con’t):

Security:

• CCV camera 

• Duress alarm

• Card reader 

• Walk-through metal detector

• Ballistic-resistant material capability at judge’s bench and deputy clerk station

• (2) 120-volt outlets connected to emergency generators outside of courtroom 

Millwork:

• Judge’s bench(es)

• (1-2) Deputy clerk station 

• Recording equipment cabinet

• (3) Law clerk station

• Lectern (fixed or movable), accommodate a clock/timer, microphone, and task lighting

• (120-150 & 5 wheelchair) Spectator seating

Furniture and Equipment:

• Judge’s bench chair(s), swivel, tilt

• (6) Task chair

• (2) Deputy clerks

• (3) Law clerks

• (1) Bailiff

• Chair (attorney): (4) chairs per attorney table, extra chairs to be stored outside of 

courtroom

• (4) Tables for attorneys and litigants*

• (1) Clock
A-39 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

APPELLATE EN BANC COURTROOM 4 3

LAW 

CLERKS

EL. +6"

SOUNDLOCK

ATTORNEY WORK 

ROOM

COURTROOM 

DEPUTY CLERKS

EL. +6"

SPECTATOR

SEATING

(162+6 HC)

EL. 0"

EL. 0" EL. +6"

JUDGE

EL. +18"

ATTORNEY TABLES/WELL

EL. 0"

EL. 0" EL. +6" EL. +18"

EL. +18"

Courtrooms

Space and Ceiling Requirements

En Banc Courtroom 3,000 NSF (278.7 Nm2)

Legend:

 Spectator Seating

 Movable Rail

 Movable “Smart” Table

 Deputy Clerk Station

 Law Clerk Station

 Judge’s Bench

 Lectern

1

2

3

4

5

6 7

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

CH. 4
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-40

Courtrooms

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Panel Courtroom 1,800 NSF (167.2 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 3, Restricted 2

Adjacent to: Public Waiting Area

Ceiling Height: 16’-0”

Acoustics NIC 55-60 - Confidential

Finishes:

Wall: WD, ST, MTL, AWP, PLAS, PNT-1

Floor: CPT, WD, RAF

Base: WD, V/RB

Ceiling: WD, MTL, ACP, PNT-1

Building Systems:

Illumination (Horizontal/Vertical):

Judge’s Bench 50-55 fc / 20-25 fc

Court Reporter 50-55 fc / 20-25 fc

Jury Box 50-55 fc / 20-25 fc

Attorney Witness Area 40-50 fc / 15-20 fc

Witness Box 40-50 fc / 15-20 fc

News Media Room 30-40 fc / 15-20 fc

Attorney Work Room 30-40 fc / 15-20 fc

Attorney/Witness Room 30-40 fc / 15-20 fc

Public Seating 40-50 fc / 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Emergency Power: Yes

Emergency Lighting: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 6-8/hour

CH. 4

Building Systems (con’t):

Security:

• CCV camera 

• Duress alarm

• Card reader 

• Walk-through metal detector

• Ballistic-resistant material capability at judge’s bench and deputy clerk station

• (2) 120-volt outlets connected to emergency generators outside of courtroom 

Millwork:

• (3) Judge’s benches

• (1-2) Courtroom deputy clerk station 

• Recording equipment cabinet

• (3) Law clerk station

• Lectern (fixed or movable), accommodate a clock/timer, microphone, and task 

lighting 

• (40-80 & 4 wheelchair) Spectator seating 

Furniture and Equipment:

• (3) Judge’s chair: swivel, tilt

• (6) Task chair: swivel

• (2) Deputy clerks

• (3) Law clerks

• (1) Bailiff

• Chair (attorney): (4) chairs per table max, extra chairs to be stored outside of 

courtroom

• (4) Tables for attorneys and litigants*

• (1) Clock
A-41 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

COURTROOM 

DEPUTY 

CLERK

EL. +6"

SPECTATOR

SEATING

(68+4 HC)

EL. 0"

JUDGE

EL. +18"

LAW CLERK

EL. +6"

ATTORNEY WORK 

ROOM

SOUNDLOCK ATTORNEY TABLES/WELL

EL. 0"

EL. +6"

EL. 0" EL. +6"

EL. 0"

Courtrooms

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Panel Courtroom 1,800 NSF (167.2 Nm2)

Legend:

 Spectator Seating

 Movable Rail

 Movable “Smart” Table

 Deputy Clerk Station

 Law Clerk Station

 Judge’s Bench

 Lectern

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

5 4

5

6

6

7

7

CH. 4
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-42

Courtrooms

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Multi-Party Courtroom 3,000 NSF (278.7 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 3, Restricted 3, Secure 2

Adjacent to: Public Waiting Area

Ceiling Height: 18’-0”

Acoustics NIC 55-60 - Confidential 

Finishes:

Wall: WD, ST, MTL, AWP, PLAS, PNT-1

Floor: CPT, WD

Base: WD, V/RB

Ceiling: WD, MTL, ACP, PNT-1

Building Systems:

Illumination (Horizontal/Vertical):

Judge’s Bench 50-55 fc / 20-25 fc

Court Reporter 50-55 fc / 20-25 fc

Jury Box 50-55 fc / 20-25 fc

Attorney Witness Area 40-50 fc / 15-20 fc

Witness Box 40-50 fc / 15-20 fc

News Media Room 30-40 fc / 15-20 fc

Attorney Work Room 30-40 fc / 15-20 fc

Attorney/Witness Room 30-40 fc / 15-20 fc

Public Seating 40-50 fc / 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Emergency Power: Yes

Emergency Lighting: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 6-8/hour

CH. 4

Building Systems (con’t):

Security:

• CCV camera 

• Duress alarm

• Card reader 

• Walk-through metal detector (only for trials with high security)

• Ballistic-resistant material capability at judge’s bench and deputy clerk station

• (2) 120-volt outlets connected to emergency generators outside of courtroom 

Millwork:

• (1-3) Judge’s benches

• (1-2) Deputy clerk station 

• Evidence cabinet

• (1) Court reporter/recorder station

• Recording equipment cabinet 

• (1) Law clerk station

• (1-2) Witness box

• (18) Jury Box

• Lectern (movable), accommodate a microphone and task lighting

• (100-120 & 4-5 wheelchair spaces) Spectator Seating

Furniture and Equipment:

• Judge’s chair: swivel, tilt

• (4) Task chair: swivel

• (2) Deputy clerks

• (1) Court reporter/recorder

• (1) Law clerk

• (1) Chair (interpreter): swivel, movable

• (1) Chair (witness): swivel, movable

• (18) Chair (jury): swivel, fixed, (2) removable*

• Chairs (attorney and litigant): (4) seats per table, extra chairs to be stored outside of 

courtroom

• Chairs (USMS personnel): movable, as needed 

• (6) Tables for attorneys and litigants*

• (1) Clock 
A-43 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

SPECTATOR

SEATING

(114+4 HC)

EL. 0"

ATTORNEY/

WITNESS ROOM

ATTORNEY 

WITNESS ROOM

SOUNDLOCK

HC

EL. 0"

EL. +6"

JUDGE

EL. +18"

LAW CLERK

EL. +6"

COURTROOM 

DEPUTY CLERK

EL. 0"

COURT REPORTER

EL. 0"

WITNESS

EL. +6"

EL. 0"

EL. +6"

ATTORNEY TABLES/WELL

EL. 0"

EL. 0" EL. +6"

Courtrooms

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Multi-Party Courtroom 3,000 NSF (278.7 Nm2)

Legend:

 Spectator Seating

 Movable Rail

 Movable “Smart” Table

 Jury Box

 Witness Box

 Judge’s Bench

 Law Clerk Station

 Court Reporter/Deputy 

 Clerk Station 

 Lectern

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4 5

5

6

6

7

7

8

9

9

8

CH. 4
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-44

Courtrooms

Space and Ceiling Requirements

District Judge Courtroom 2,400 NSF (223 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 3, Restricted 3, Secure 2

Adjacent to: Public Waiting Area

Ceiling Height: 16’-0”

Acoustics NIC 55-60 - Confidential 

Finishes:

Wall: WD, ST, MTL, AWP, PLAS, PNT-1

Floor: CPT, WD, RAF

Base: WD, V/RB

Ceiling: WD, MTL, ACP, PNT-1

Building Systems:

Illumination (Horizontal/Vertical):

Judge’s Bench 50-55 fc / 20-25 fc

Court Reporter 50-55 fc / 20-25 fc

Jury Box 50-55 fc / 20-25 fc

Attorney Witness Area 40-50 fc / 15-20 fc

Witness Box 40-50 fc / 15-20 fc

News Media Room 30-40 fc / 15-20 fc

Attorney Work Room 30-40 fc / 15-20 fc

Attorney/Witness Room 30-40 fc / 15-20 fc

Public Seating 40-50 fc / 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Emergency Power: Yes

Emergency Lighting: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8-10/hour

CH. 4

Building Systems (con’t):

Security:

• CCV camera 

• Duress alarm

• Card reader 

• Walk-through metal detector (only for trials with high security)

• Ballistic-resistant material capability at judge’s bench and deputy clerk station

• (2) 120-volt outlets connected to emergency generators outside of courtroom 

Millwork:

• (1) Judge’s bench

• (1-2) Courtroom deputy clerk station 

• Evidence cabinet

• (1) Court reporter/recorder station

• Recording equipment cabinet 

• (1) Law clerk station

• (1-2) Witness box

• (16) Jury Box

• Lectern (movable), accommodate a microphone and task lighting 

• (65-85 & 4 wheelchair) Spectator Seating

Furniture and Equipment:

• Judge’s chair: swivel, tilt

• (4) Task chair (deputy clerk): swivel

• (2) Deputy clerks 

• (1) Court reporter/recorder

• (1) Law clerk

• (1) Chair (interpreter): swivel, movable

• (1) Chair (witness): swivel, movable

• (16) Chair (jury): swivel, fixed, (2) removable*

• Chairs (attorney and litigants): (4) seats per table max, extra chairs to be stored 

outside of courtroom

• Chairs (USMS personnel): movable

• (4) Tables for attorneys and litigants*

• (1) Clock
A-45 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

JUDGE

EL. +18"

LAW CLERK

EL. +6"

COURTROOM 

DEPUTY CLERK

EL. 0"

COURT REPORTER

EL. 0"

SPECTATOR

SEATING

(76+4 HC)

EL. 0"

ATTORNEY/

WITNESS ROOM

ATTORNEY/

WITNESS ROOM

SOUNDLOCK

HC

WITNESS

EL. +6"

ATTORNEY TABLES/WELL

EL. 0"

EL. 0"

EL. +6"

EL. 0"

EL. 0"

EL. +6"

EL. +6"

Courtrooms

Space and Ceiling Requirements

District Judge Courtroom 2,400 NSF (223 Nm2)

Legend:

 Spectator Seating

 Movable Rail

 Movable “Smart” Table

 Jury Box

 Witness Box

 Judge’s Bench

 Law Clerk Station

 Court Reporter/Deputy 

 Clerk Station 

 Lectern

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

CH. 4
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-46

Courtrooms

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Magistrate Judge Courtroom 1,800 NSF (167.2 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3, Public 3

Adjacent to: Public Waiting Area

Ceiling Height: 16’-0”

Acoustics NIC 55-60 - Confidential 

Finishes:

Wall: WD, ST, MTL, AWP, PLAS, PNT-1

Floor: CPT, WD, RAF

Base: WD, V/RB

Ceiling: WD, MTL, ACP, PNT-1

Building Systems:

Illumination (Horizontal/Vertical):

Judge’s Bench 50-55 fc / 20-25 fc

Court Reporter 50-55 fc / 20-25 fc

Jury Box 50-55 fc / 20-25 fc

Attorney Witness Area 40-50 fc / 15-20 fc

Witness Box 40-50 fc / 15-20 fc

News Media Room 30-40 fc / 15-20 fc

Attorney Work Room 30-40 fc / 15-20 fc

Attorney/Witness Room 30-40 fc / 15-20 fc

Public Seating 40-50 fc / 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Emergency Power: Yes

Emergency Lighting: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8-10/hour

CH. 4

Building Systems (con’t):

Security:

• CCV camera 

• Duress alarm

• Card reader 

• Walk-through metal detector (only for trials with high security)

• Ballistic-resistant material capability at judge’s bench and deputy clerk station

• (2) 120-volt outlets connected to emergency generators outside of courtroom 

Millwork 

• (1) Judge’s bench

• (1-2) Deputy clerk station

• Evidence cabinet

• (1) Court reporter/recorder station

• Recording equipment cabinet 

• (1) Law clerk station

• (1-2) Witness box

• (12) Jury Box

• Lectern (movable), accommodate a microphone and task lighting 

(55-60 & 4 wheelchair) Spectator Seating

Furniture and Equipment

• (1) Judge’s chair: swivel, tilt

• (4) Task chair: swivel

• (2) Deputy clerks

• (1) Reporter/recorder

• (1) Law clerk

• (1) Chair (interpreter): swivel, movable

• (1) Chair (witness): swivel, movable

• (12) Chair (jury): swivel, fixed, 2 removable*

• (2) Tables for attorneys and litigants*

• Chairs (attorney and litigant) (4) chairs per table max, extra chairs to be stored outside 

of courtroom

• Chairs (USMS personnel): movable

• (1) Clock
A-47 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

SPECTATOR

SEATING

(68+4 HC)

EL. 0"

ATTORNEY/

WITNESS ROOM

ATTORNEY/

WITNESS ROOM

SOUNDLOCK

HC

EL. 0"

EL. +6"

JUDGE

EL. +18"

LAW CLERK

EL. +6"

WITNESS

EL. +6"

EL. 0"

ATTORNEY TABLES/WELL

EL. 0"

EL. 6"

EL. 0" EL. 6"

COURTROOM 

DEPUTY CLERK

EL. 0"

COURT REPORTER

EL. 0"

Courtrooms

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Magistrate Judge Courtroom 1,800 NSF (167.2 Nm2)

Legend:

 Spectator Seating

 Movable Rail

 Movable “Smart” Table

 Jury Box

 Witness Box

 Judge’s Bench

 Law Clerk Station

 Court Reporter/Deputy 

 Clerk Station 

 Lectern

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

5 4

5

6

6

7

7

8 8

9

9

CH. 4
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-48

Courtrooms

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Bankruptcy Judge Courtroom 1,800 NSF (167.2 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 3, Restricted 3

Adjacent to: Public Waiting Area

Ceiling Height: 16’-0”

Acoustics NIC 55-60 - Confidential 

Finishes:

Wall: WD, ST, MTL, AWP, PLAS, PNT-1

Floor: CPT, WD, RAF

Base: WD, V/RB

Ceiling: WD, MTL, ACP, PNT-1

Building Systems:

Illumination (Horizontal/Vertical):

Judge’s Bench 50-55 fc / 20-25 fc

Court Reporter 50-55 fc / 20-25 fc

Jury Box 50-55 fc / 20-25 fc

Attorney Witness Area 40-50 fc / 15-20 fc

Witness Box 40-50 fc / 15-20 fc

News Media Room 30-40 fc / 15-20 fc

Attorney Work Room 30-40 fc / 15-20 fc

Attorney/Witness Room 30-40 fc / 15-20 fc

Public Seating 40-50 fc / 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Emergency Power: Yes

Emergency Lighting: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 6-8/hour

CH. 4

Building Systems (con’t):

Security:

• CCV camera 

• Duress alarm

• Card reader 

• Walk-through metal detector (only for trials with high security)

• Ballistic-resistant material capability at judge’s bench and deputy clerk station

• (2) 120-volt outlets connected to emergency generators outside of courtroom 

Millwork

• (1) Judge’s bench

• (1-2) Deputy clerk station

• (1) Court reporter/recorder station

• Recording equipment cabinet 

• (1) Law clerk station

• (1-2) Witness box

• Lectern (movable), accommodate a microphone and task lighting

• (75-82 and four wheelchairs) Spectator seating

Furniture and Equipment

• (1) Judge’s chair: swivel, tilt 

• (4) Task chair: swivel

• (2) Deputy clerks

• (1) Court reporter/recorder

• (1) Law clerk

• (1) Chair (interpreter): swivel, movable

• (1) Chair (witness): swivel, movable

• (2) Tables for attorneys and litigant*

• Chair (attorney and litigants): (4) chairs per table, extra chairs to be stored outside 

 of courtroom

• (1) Clock
A-49 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

COURTROOM 

DEPUTY CLERK

EL. 0"

COURT REPORTER

EL. 0"

SPECTATOR

SEATING

(84+4 HC)

EL. 0"

ATTORNEY/

WITNESS ROOM

ATTORNEY/

WITNESS ROOM

SOUNDLOCK ATTORNEY TABLES/WELL

EL. 0"

EL. 0" EL. 6"

EL. 0" EL. 6"

JUDGE

EL. +18"

LAW CLERK

EL. +6"

WITNESS

EL. +6"

Courtrooms

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Bankruptcy Judge Courtroom 1,800 NSF (167.2 Nm2)

Legend:

 Spectator Seating

 Movable Rail

 Movable “Smart” Table

 Witness Box

 Judge’s Bench

 Law Clerk Station

 Court Reporter/Deputy 

 Clerk Station 

 Lectern

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

CH. 4
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-50

Associated Courtroom Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Public Waiting Area 400 NSF (37.2 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 2

Adjacent to: Courtroom

Acoustics NIC 25 - Normal

Finishes:

Wall: ST, WD, GL, MTL, PNT-1

Floor: TZ, ST

Base: TZ, ST

Ceiling: ACP, WD, MTL, PNT-1

Building Systems:

Security:

• CCV camera

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE):

• (TBD) Benches 

Space Notes:

1. The design and furnishings for the public waiting areas should be consistent with the 

design intent of the public lobby and public circulation. 

4'-0" MIN

SOUNDLOCK COURT ROOM PUBLIC 

CIRCULATION

Legend:

 Benches 1

1

CH. 4
A-51 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

SERVICE

UNIT

Associated Courtroom Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Judges’ Conference Room 250 NSF (23.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Adjacent to: Robing Room

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 55 - Confidential

Finishes:

Wall: WD, PNT-1, FWC

Floor: CPT, WD

Base: WD, V/RB

Ceiling: ACP, PNT-1

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-50 fc

Vertical: 10-15 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Emergency Lighting: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

Security:

• (2) Duress alarms

• Door Contact 

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• Service unit: (1) sink, (1) microwave, and (1) refrigerator

• (TBD) Conference table

• (TBD) Chairs

Space Notes:

1. Allocation of 250 NSF (23.3 Nm2) includes a service unit.

WITNESS ROOM APPELLATE - JUDGE'S CONFERENCE ROOM

12' - 6"

20' - 0"

TOILET

TOILET

Legend:

 Conference Table

 Chairs

 Sink

 Refrigerator

 Microwave 

1

1

1

2

3

4

5

2

2

3

3

4

4

5

5

CH. 4
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-52

TOILET

TOILET

SOUNDLOCK

JUDGE'S 

CONFERENCE 

ROOM

APPELLATE JUDGE'S ROBING ROOM

RESTRICTED 

CIRCULATION

Associated Courtroom Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Judges’ Robing Room

Soundlock 80 NSF (7.4 Nm2)

Toilet 1 50 NSF (4.7 Nm2)

Toilet 2 50 NSF (4.7 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3, Restricted 1

Adjacent to: Courtroom, Judge’s Conference Room

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 40 - Normal

Finishes:

Wall: WD, PNT-1, FWC

Floor: CPT, WD

Base: WD, V/RB

Ceiling: ACP, PNT-1

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 20-30 fc

Vertical: 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

Security

• Duress alarm

• Door control 

Space Notes:

1. Allocate 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2) plus 25 NSF (2.3 Nm2) per judge for judges’ robing 

room. 

Legend:

 Full-Height Locker 

 (quantity based on number 

 of judges)

1

1

CH. 4
A-53 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

ATTORNEY

WORK ROOM

WAITING

AREA

SOUNDLOCK

Attorney Waiting Area 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2) 

Attorney Work Room 250 NSF (23.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 2

Adjacent to: Public Waiting Area

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 40 - Normal

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-40 fc

Vertical: 15-20 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE):

• (TBD) Benches

Space Notes:

1. Furniture for the attorney work area shall not be funded by Judiciary. 

2. Only one per courthouse, not per courtroom.

3. Attorney work area and attorney waiting area may be combined into one space. 

Legend:

 Benches

 (Optional) Entry to 

 Courtroom Soundlock

Associated Courtroom Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

1

1

2

2

CH. 4
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-54

12' - 0"

17' - 0"

RESTRICTED

CIRCULATION

COURTROOM

Judges’ Conference/Robing Room 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Adjacent to: Courtroom

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 40 - Normal

Finishes:

Wall: WD, PNT-1, FWC

Floor: CPT, WD

Base: WD, V/RB

Ceiling: ACP, PNT-1

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-50 fc

Vertical: 10-15 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Emergency Lighting: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

Security:

• Duress alarm

• Door Control

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• Lockers, quantity to be determined by court: individual full-sized lockers,

 12”W x 12”D x 72”H, with one shelf and coat rod 

Space Notes:

1. Provide judges’ conference/robing room when chambers are located on a separate

floor (collegial design).

Legend:

 Table

 Chair

 Full-Height Locker

Associated Courtroom Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

2

1

1

2

3

3

CH. 4
A-55 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

10' - 0"

15' - 0"

SOUNDLOCK

Attorney/Witness Room 150 NSF (14.0 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 2

Adjacent to: Soundlock, Public Waiting Area

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 55 - Confidential 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1, CR

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB, WD

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-40 fc

Vertical: 15-20 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• (1) Small conference table

• (4) Arm chairs 

Space Notes:

1. Provide occupancy indicator for each attorney/witness room.

Legend:

 Table

 Chair

 (Optional) Door into Public 

 Corridor

2

Associated Courtroom Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

1

1

2

3

CH. 4

3
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-56

Shared Workroom 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1

Adjacent to: Reporter/Recorder Office

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Associated Courtroom Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

10' - 0"

10' - 0"

Legend:

 Desk

 Chair

1

1

2

2

CH. 4
A-57 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Audiovisual Equipment Room 120 NSF (11.1 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Adjacent to: Courtroom

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP, Open

Associated Courtroom Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 4

10' - 0"

12' - 0"
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-58

10' - 0"

10' - 0"

26" - 30"

Jury Assembly Suite

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Check-In 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 3

Adjacent to: Reception

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 35 - Normal

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-40 fc

Vertical: 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

Security:

Duress Alarm: Yes

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• (1) Transaction Counter

• Glass security window with transaction tray

Space Notes:

1. Outlet for wall-mounted clock.

2. Check-in has direct visual observation of assembly room and jury assembly suite 

front door.

3. Ballistic-resistant transaction windows may be required.

To Clerks Office 

To Jury Lounge

/Orientation

Public Corridor

Legend:

 Transaction Counter

 Chair

1

1

2

2

ABA 

Accessible Standing

CH. 5
A-59 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Jury Assembly Suite

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Vending Area

Per machine 15 NSF (1.4 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1

Adjacent to: Service Unit

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 35 - Normal

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-2

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-40 fc

Vertical: 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: No

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

3' - 0"

5' - 0"

Legend:

 Vending Machines

1

1

CH. 5
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-60

 Wall Mounted Magazine 

Racks

 Mounted TV Monitor 

Legend:

 Counter with Telephone/Data 

and movable seating 

 Lounge Seating

Jury Assembly Suite

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Juror Lounge, per person 20 NSF (1.9 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1

Adjacent to: Assembly Area

Ceiling Height: 10’-0” (Recommended)

Acoustics NIC 35 - Normal

Finishes:

Wall: WD, MTL, WP, PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB, WD

Ceiling: EXP, ACP, WD, MTL, ACP, PNT-1

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-40 fc

Vertical: 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• Lounge Seating: Comfortable armchairs and/or modular sectional sofas. (Judiciary)

• Chairs: A movable chair should be provided at counter. (Judiciary)

• Magazine racks: A wall-mounted magazine & book rack should be provided near 

lounge areas. (Judiciary)

• (1) Mounted TV monitor (Judiciary)

Space Notes:

1. Jury lounge space for 20 percent of jurors.

2. Natural light is desirable.

2

3

4

1

1 3

2 4

CH. 5
A-61 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Jury Assembly Suite

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Orientation Area, per person 10 NSF (0.93 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1

Ceiling Height: 12’-0”

Acoustics NIC 35 - Normal

Finishes:

Wall: WD, MTL, WP, PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB, WD

Ceiling: EXP, ACP, WD, MTL, ACP, PNT-1

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-40 fc

Vertical: 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• Chairs: Armchairs with fold-up tablet arms may be provided for prospective jurors. 

(Judiciary). A movable chair should be provided at each carrel. (Judiciary)

• Tables: Movable tables, at least 36”x36”(925mm x 925mm) required. Min one table 

should be accessible by a wheelchair. (Judiciary)

• (1) Lectern (Judiciary)

• (TBD) TV stand(s), TV monitor(s), screen(s). (Judiciary)

Space Notes:

1. Outlets for monitors, projectors, or audiovisual equipment should be provided; 

orientation room and all areas opening to it require lighting control for audiovisual 

presentations. 

1

2

3

4

5

CH. 5

Legend:

 Optional cart-mounted video 

 projection system

 Movable Podium

 Seating

 Carrel seating with Internet 

 Optional projection screen or 

 rear projection screen (verify)

 Movable Partition

1

2

3 6

4

5

6
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-62

Multi-Party 500 NSF (46.4 Nm2)

District Judge 350 NSF (32.5 Nm2)

Magistrate Judge 250 NSF (23.2 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1

Ceiling Height: 10’-0” (Recommended)

Acoustics NIC 55 - Confidential (Entire Jury Suite)

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB, WD

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-40 fc

Vertical: 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: No

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

Trial Jury Suite

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• (TBD) Visual display board: Screen, tackboard, magnetic whiteboard (Judiciary) 

• (TBD) Video monitor station: Provision for video reproduction equipment, movable. 

(Judiciary)

• (1) Conference table (Judiciary)

• (7-18) Conference chairs: Swivel base with arms, movable. (Judiciary)

• (1) Visual display board: Wall-mounted screen, tackboard, whiteboard (magnetic),

• 18”x24” (450mm x 600mm). (Judiciary)

Space Notes:

1. One jury deliberation room at 500 NSF (46.4Nm2) should be provided for every four 

district judge courtrooms. In courthouses with fewer than four district courtrooms, 

one of the jury deliberation rooms to be constructed should be 500 NSF (46.4 Nm2). 

If a multi-party courtroom is planned, the 500 NSF (46.4Nm2) jury deliberation room 

should be adjacent. 

2. Combination of direct/indirect lighting. Jurors need direct component when 

reviewing reading material. When exhibits are viewed on a projection screen or TV 

monitor, the indirect units can be switched off, & the direct units dimmed, leaving 

sufficient residual lighting to take notes.

3. Provide additional 10 NSF (0.93 Nm2

) for video equipment closet. 

4. FFE requirements should be determined on a project-to-project basis to satisfy the 

local needs. FFE shown on the graphic is notional. 

CH. 5
A-63 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Multi-Party 500 NSF (46.4 Nm2)

District Judge 350 NSF (32.5 Nm2)

Magistrate Judge 250 NSF (23.2 Nm2)

Trial Jury Suite

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Vestibule

Legend:

 Projection Screen, 

 Whiteboard & Display Board 

 Rail (Exhibits Display)

 Coat Closet

 Service Unit 

 TV/Video Monitor on Cart 

 High Window, sill @ 6’-0” 

 min with sun control (if 

 provided) & black out shade 

1

2 3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

CH. 5
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-64

Grand Jury Suite

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Witness Room 

Minimum 120 NSF (18.6 Nm2) 

Maximum 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2) 

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1

Acoustics NIC 55 - Confidential

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1, CR

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB, WD

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-40 fc

Vertical: 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: Dimmer

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

Legend:

 Table

 Chair

1

2

1 2

CH. 5
A-65 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

27' - 9"

27' - 5"

Grand Jury Suite

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Hearing Room 700 NSF (65 Nm2) 

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3 - Secure 1

Adjacent to: Restricted Circulation

Ceiling Height: 11’-0”

Acoustics NIC 55-60 - Confidential

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 50-55 fc

Vertical: 10-15 fc

Lighting Control: Dimmer

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

Security:

• Duress alarm, at U.S. Attorney’s table

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• (16-23) Chairs: Fixed-base swivel armchairs. Provide writing surface, either table 

arms on the chairs or separate tables or counters. The writing table should not exceed 

18” (450mm) in depth with modesty panel. (GSA)

• (TBD) Chairs: With arms, swivel base, movable, for attorney, grand jury foreperson, 

grand jury secretary, witness, interpreter, & court reporter/recorder.

• (TBD) Visual display board: Wall-mounted screen, tackboard, whiteboard (magnetic), 

18” (450mm) by 24” (600mm). (Judiciary)

• Verify with court regarding need for fixed seating, movable seating & tiered seating.

• Ceiling to be 10’-0” above the highest tier of juror seating. 

CH. 5

 U.S. Attorney’s Table w/ 

 Duress Alarm

 Court Reporter

Legend:

 Exhibits/Display

 Witness

1

2

3

4

1

3 2

4 Vestibule Juror 

Entry

El. 6”

El. 1’-0”
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-66

Associated Jury Suite Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Video Equipment Closet 50 NSF (4.7 Nm2) 

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT, VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-40 fc

Vertical: 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: Dimmer

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

CH. 5

10' - 0"

5' - 0"
A-67 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

CONFERENCE / 

REFERENCE

RECEPTION 

AREA

20' - 0"

30' - 0"

VESTIBULE

Circuit Judge’s Chambers Office 600 NSF (55.8 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1, 3

Adjacent to: Conference/Reference Room, Reception Area, Vestibule

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 50 - Confidential

Finishes:

Wall: WD, PNT-1, FWC, WD Wainscot

Floor: CPT, WD 

Base: V/RB, WD

Ceiling: ACP, PNT-1

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-50 fc

Vertical: 10-15 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Emergency Power: Yes

Emergency Lighting: Yes

Security:

• Duress alarm

Millwork:

• Bookshelves: 3LF x 10” D: 25, per suite 

Space Notes:

1. Ballistic-resistant exterior windows per USMS. 

2. Location and quantity of bookshelves are at the judge’s discretion. Legend:

 Desk

 Table 

 Chair 

 Additional Seating

 Filing Cabinet

 Credenza 

1 Bookshelves

1

2 3

2

3

4 7

5

6

4

5

7

6

Judges’ Chambers Suites CH. 6

Space and Ceiling Requirements
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-68

CONFERENCE / 

REFERENCE

VESTIBULE

RECEPTION 

AREA

20' - 0"

25' - 0"

District Judge’s Chambers Office 500 NSF (46.5 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1, 3

Adjacent to: Conference/Reference Room, Reception Area, Vestibule 

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 50 - Confidential

Finishes:

Wall: WD, PNT-1, FWC, WD Wainscot

Floor: CPT, WD

Base: V/RB, WD

Ceiling: ACP, PNT-1

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-50 fc

Vertical: 10-15 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Emergency Power: Yes

Emergency Lighting: Yes

Security:

• Duress alarm

Millwork:

• Bookshelves: 3LF x 10” D: 20, per suite 

Space Notes:

1. Ballistic-resistant exterior windows per USMS.

2. Location and quantity of bookshelves are at the judge’s discretion. 

1

2

3

4

Legend:

 Desk

 Table 

 Chair 

 Additional Seating

 Filing Cabinet

 Credenza 

1 Bookshelves

2

3

4 7

5

6

5

7

5

6

Judges’ Chambers Suites CH. 6

Space and Ceiling Requirements
A-69 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

CONFERENCE / 

REFERENCE

VESTIBULE

RECEPTION 

AREA

18' - 0"

22' - 0"

Judges’ Chambers Suites

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Magistrate Judge’s Chambers Office 400 NSF (37.2 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1, 3

Adjacent to: Conference/Reference Room, Judicial Assistant, Vestibule

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 50 - Confidential

Finishes:

Wall: WD, PNT-1, FWC, WD Wainscot

Floor: CPT, WD

Base: V/RB, WD

Ceiling: ACP, PNT-1

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-50 fc

Vertical: 10-15 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Emergency Power: Yes

Emergency Lighting: Yes

Security:

• Duress alarm

Millwork:

• Bookshelves: 3LF x 10” D: 10, per suite 

Space Notes:

1. Ballistic-resistant exterior windows per USMS.

2. Location and quantity of bookshelves are at the judge’s discretion. 

1

2

3

Legend:

 Desk

 Table 

 Chair 

 Filing Cabinet

 Credenza

 Bookshelves

1

2

3

4

4

5

6

5

6

CH. 6
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-70

Circuit Judges’ Non-Resident Office 240 NSF (22.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1, 3

Adjacent to: Reception Area, Vestibule 

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 50 - Confidential

Finishes:

Wall: WD, PNT-1, FWC, WD Wainscot

Floor: CPT, WD

Base: V/RB, WD

Ceiling: ACP, PNT-1

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-50 fc

Vertical: 10-15 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Emergency Power: Yes

Emergency Lighting: Yes

Security:

• Duress alarm 

Millwork:

• Bookshelves: 3LF x 10” D: 3, per suite 

Space Notes:

1. Ballistic-resistant exterior windows per USMS.

2. Location and quantity of bookshelves are at the judge’s discretion. 

VESTIBULE

RECEPTION 

AREA

15' - 0"

16' - 0"

1

2

Legend:

 Desk

 Chair 

 Credenza

 Bookshelves

1

2

3

4

4

3

Judges’ Chambers Suites CH. 6

Space and Ceiling Requirements
A-71 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Associated Chamber Space

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Judge’s Private Toilet 56 NSF (5.2 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Privacy Lock

Adjacent to: Vestibule

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-2, CT Wainscot

Floor: CT

Base: CT

Ceiling: PNT-2

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 20-30 fc

Vertical: 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Space Notes:

1. Designed to be adaptable for judges with a disability. 

2. A cabinet should accommodate a sink and a drawer with storage below.

JUDGE'S 

PRIVATE 

TOILET

VESTIBULE

COAT 

CLOSET

JUDGE'S 

CHAMBERS

RESTRICTED 

CIRCULATION

6' - 2"

9' - 0"

CH. 6
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-72

Filing Room 140 NSF (13.0 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Adjacent to: Near Judicial Assistant 

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT, VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-50 fc

Vertical: 10-15 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Space Notes:

1. Storage, copier, fax, files, and service unit may be combined into a single space.

10' - 0"

14' - 0"

Legend:

 File Cabinets 1

1

Associated Chamber Space

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 6
A-73 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

JUDGE'S 

CHAMBERS

INTERNAL 

CHAMBER 

CIRCULATION

12' - 0"

20' - 0"

Associated Chamber Space

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Legend:

 Table 

 Chair

 Credenza

1

1 2

3

2

3

CH. 6

Conference/Reference Room 240 NSF (22.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Adjacent to: Judge’s Chambers, Staff Circulation 

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 50 - Confidential

Finishes:

Wall: WD, PNT-1, FWC

Floor: CPT/WD

Base: V/RB, WD

Ceiling: ACP, PNT-1

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-50 fc

Vertical: 10-15 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Emergency Lighting: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

Security:

• Duress alarm

• Door Control

Space Notes:

1. Location and quantity of bookshelves at judge’s discretion. 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-74

Reception Area 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1, 2

Adjacent to: Restricted Circulation 

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: WD, PNT-1, FWC

Floor: CPT, WD

Base: V/RB, WD

Ceiling: ACP, PNT-1

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 20-30 fc

Vertical: 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Emergency Lighting: Yes

Security:

• CCV camera (outside of entry to reception) 

• Security intercom (outside of entry to reception)

• Card reader 

Space Notes:

1. Judicial assistant work space shown within reception area.

2. Flooring for light commercial traffic. 

Associated Chamber Space

Space and Ceiling Requirements

JUDGE'S 

CHAMBERS

RESTRICTED 

CIRCULATION

JUDICIAL

ASSISTANT

CH. 6
A-75 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

10' - 0"

12' - 0"

Judicial Assistant Work Space 120 NSF (11.2 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1

Adjacent to: Reception

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT, WD

Base: V/RB, WD

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-50 fc

Vertical: 10-15 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Emergency Lighting: Yes

Security:

• CCV monitor 

• Duress alarm

• Security intercom

• Door Contact

• Remote Door - Release Mechanical 

Space Notes:

1. Reception area is included in NSF for non-resident chambers suites. 

2. Flooring for light commercial traffic. 

Associated Chamber Space

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Legend:

 Systems Furniture

 Chair

1

2

1

2

CH. 6
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-76

Court Library Spaces 

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Public Entry/Lobby

Circuit HQ 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2)

Satellite 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Circuit HQ - Public 2,3 Restricted 3

 Satellite - Public 2,3, Restricted 3

Adjacent to: 

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 45 - Minimal

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB, WD

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 20-30 fc

Vertical: 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

Security:

- Card reader

 

Furniture and Equipment

• (TBD) Seating: lounge, movable

• (TBD) Library shelves: 36” (925 mm) W x 10” (250 mm) D metal shelving. End 

panels with wood veneer finish to match wood trim and library (doors). Cantilevertype shelving preferred if seismic anchoring is required. Reference materials.*

• (TBD) Card catalog 

• (TBD) Computer workstation: to support computerized catalog, movable

• (TBD) Chair: For use at card catalog workstation, movable

• (TBD) Book carts

• (TBD) Clock: wall-mounted 

CH. 7
A-77 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Public Entry/Lobby

Circuit HQ 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2)

Satellite 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2)

CIRCULATION / 

REFERENCE 

DESK

ENTRY / LOBBY

Legend:

 Additional Seating 1

1

Court Library Spaces 

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 7
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-78

Circulation/Reference Desk

Circuit HQ 500 NSF (46.5 Nm2)

Satellite 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Circuit HQ - Public 2, Restricted 1

 Satellite - Public 2, Restricted 1

Adjacent to: Public Entry

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB, WD

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 40-50 fc

Vertical: 10-15 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

Security:

- Duress alarm 

 

Millwork

• Circulation/Reference Desk: 

• Circuit HQ - 20’-0” (6,100 mm) L maximum 

• Satellite - 12’-0” (3,700 mm) L maximum

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• Book drop space for a book cart and compressible shelf.

Space Notes:

1. Counter to accommodate a computer, printers, on-line computerized library catalog 

(OCLC) terminals, printer/copier/fax equipment.

Court Library Spaces 

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 7
A-79 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

CIRCULATION / 

REFERENCE 

DESK

ENTRY / LOBBY

Circulation/Reference Desk

Circuit HQ 500 NSF (46.5 Nm2)

Satellite 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2)

Legend:

 Circulation Desk/Counter

 Book Drop

 Printer/Copier

1

2 3

1

2

3

Court Library Spaces 

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 7
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-80

Periodical Area

Circuit HQ 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2)

Satellite 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2)

Unstaffed 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Circuit HQ - Public 2

 Satellite - Public 2

 Unstaffed - Restricted 1

Adjacent to: Circulation, Reading Area

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB, WD

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 40-50 fc

Vertical: 10-15 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

 

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• (TBD) Shelves: periodical shelving, movable

• (TBD) Newspaper racks

• (TBD) Magazine displays

• (TBD) Lounge chairs

• (TBD) Side tables 

Court Library Spaces 

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 7
A-81 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Periodical Area

Circuit HQ 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2)

Satellite 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2)

Unstaffed 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2) 

Legend:

 Shelves

 Lounge Chairs 

 Side Tables

1

2

1

2

3

3

Court Library Spaces 

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 7
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-82

Computer-Assisted Legal Research (CALR) and 

Library Catalog: Public

Circuit HQ 292 NSF (27.1 Nm2)

Satellite 96 NSF (8.9 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Circuit HQ - Public 2

 Satellite - Public 2

Adjacent to: 

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB, WD

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-40 fc

Vertical: 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

 

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• (TBD) Workstation: L- or U-shaped work surface enclosed by acoustic panels with 

enough space to accommodate shelving 

• (TBD) Task chair: swivel base with short arms

• (TBD) Bookshelf: for use in workstation 

• (TBD) Bookshelf: for manuals and aids in the CALR area 

• (TBD) Clock: wall-mounted 

Court Library Spaces 

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 7
A-83

| Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

COURT LIBRARIES LIBRARY SPACES - COMPUTER-ASSISTED LEGAL RESEARCH (CALR)

AND REFERENCE CATALOG: PUBLIC

Computer-Assisted Legal Research (CALR) and 

Library Catalog: Public

Circuit HQ 292 NSF (27.1 Nm

2

)

Satellite 96 NSF (8.9 Nm

2

)

Legend:

 Workstation

 Task Chair 

 Bookshelf

1

2

123

3

Court Library Spaces 

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 7
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-84

Stack Area (9 NSF/21 LF Shelves)

Circuit HQ 5,000 NSF (465 Nm2)

Satellite 1,500 NSF (139.5 Nm2)

Unstaffed 500 NSF (46.5 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Circuit HQ - Public 2

 Satellite - Public 2

 Unstaffed - Restricted 3

Adjacent to: 

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 55 - Normal 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 40-50 fc

Vertical: 10-15 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• Bookshelves: 3’-0” (915mm) wide x 7’-0” (2134mm) high. Each row should be no 

more than (7) or (8) units long.

Court Library Spaces 

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 7
A-85 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Stack Area (9 NSF/21 LF Shelves)

Circuit HQ 5,000 NSF (465 Nm2)

Satellite 1,500 NSF (139.5 Nm2)

Unstaffed 500 NSF (46.5 Nm2)

Legend:

 Shelves

 Stack Area

 Study Area/Seating Area

1

1

2

3

Court Library Spaces 

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 7

2 3
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-86

Study Area/Seating Area

Circuit 700 NSF (65.1 Nm2) 

Satellite 408 NSF (37.9 Nm2)

Unstaffed 204 NSF (18.9 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Within Stack Area 

Adjacent to: Reference Area

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 55 - Normal 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB, WD 

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 40-50 fc

Vertical: 10-15 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

Security:

- Duress alarm (unstaffed only)

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• (TBD) Table: 4’-0” x 8’-0” (1,225 mm x 2,425 mm)

• (4) Chairs 

• (TBD) Clock: wall-mounted 

Space Notes:

1. Courts have the flexibility to determine the appropriate amount of study and seating 

areas to meet their local need. However courts should not exceed the square footage 

listed.

2. Allocate 35 NSF (3.3 Nm2) per seat for Seating Areas. The maximum number of seats 

in a seating area is 20.

Court Library Spaces 

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 7
A-87 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Study Area/Seating Area

Circuit 700 NSF (65.1 Nm2) 

Satellite 408 NSF (37.9 Nm2)

Unstaffed 204 NSF (18.9 Nm2)

Legend:

 Table

 Chair

1

1

2

2

Court Library Spaces 

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 7

Court Libraries Library Spaces - Study Area/Seating Area
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-88

Court Libraries Spaces 

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Microform Area: Public & Staff 35 NSF (3.3 Nm2)/

Machine 15 NSF, (1.4 Nm2)/Cabinet)

Circuit HQ 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2)

Satellite 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2) 

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Circuit HQ - Public 2

 Satellite - Public 2

Adjacent to: Reference Area

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-40 fc

Vertical: 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE):

• (TBD) Carrel: to support microform reader/printer, chair microform storage cabinets

• (TBD) Chair

• (1) Storage cabinet: to store microforms 

Space Notes:

1. Coordinate equipment selection and location early in planning process to account for 

structural implications. 

CH. 7
A-89 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Court Libraries Spaces 

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Microform Area: Public & Staff 35 NSF (3.3 Nm2)/

Machine 15 NSF, (1.4 Nm2)/Cabinet)

Circuit HQ 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2)

Satellite 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2) 

Legend:

 Carrel

 Chair 

 Microform Storage Cabinet 

 Copier

1

2

3

4

3

4

1

2

CH. 7
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-90

Archival Storage

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3 

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: VCT

Base: VRB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 20-30 fc

Vertical: 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

Space Notes:

1. Natural light is not desirable in the archival storage area. Interior windows with a 

view of library areas should be provided if the area is enclosed. 

2. In extreme climates library archival storage space requires 24-hour climate control 

with an individual thermostatic control for the space. Technical specifications may be 

found in the National Archives’ NARA Information Paper Number 13 (1997). 

3. Provide humidity sensors.

Court Library Spaces 

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 7
A-91 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

This page intentionally left blank. 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-92

Court Libraries Spaces 

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Technical Services Area

Circuit HQ 400 NSF (37.2 Nm2)

Satellite 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2) 

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Circuit HQ - Restricted 3

 Satellite - Restricted 3

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-40 fc

Vertical: 5-10 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

Security:

- Duress alarm

Millwork

• Technical services area counter: accommodate a sink 

Furniture and Equipment

• (1) Book cart

• (1) Storage cabinet: to accommodate supplies, 12” (300-mm) D shelves

• (TBD) File cabinet

• (TBD) 18” (450-mm) depth shelves 

CH. 7
A-93 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Court Libraries Spaces 

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Technical Services Area

Circuit HQ 400 NSF (37.2 Nm2)

Satellite 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2) 

Legend:

 Counter with Sink

 Storage Cabinets

 Shelving

 Workstations

1

1

3

3 3

4

4

2

2

CH. 7
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-94

Court Libraries Other Spaces 

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Freight Mail Receiving (9 NSF/Shelf)

Circuit HQ 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2)

Satellite 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2) 

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Circuit HQ - Restricted 1

 Satellite - Restricted 1

Adjacent to: Technical Services Area, Mail Room

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• (TBD) Sorting tables, mail slots

CH. 7
A-95 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Court Libraries Spaces 

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Shelving Area

Circuit HQ 500 NSF (46.5 Nm2)

Satellite 250 NSF (23.2 Nm2) 

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Circuit HQ - Restricted 3

 Satellite - Restricted 3

Adjacent to: Technical Services Area

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

Legend:

 Shelves

1

1

CH. 7
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-96

Associated Appeals Clerks’ Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Queuing/Work Area 105 NSF (9.8 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 3

Adjacent to: Public Corridor

Ceiling Height: 12’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: VCT, CT

Base: V/RB, WD

Ceiling: ACP

Space Notes:

1. Assign 15 NSF (1.4 Nm2) per staff member. Minimum area is 105 NSF (9.8 Nm2)

2. In some courthouses ballistic-resistant transaction windows may be required to 

separate public and staff areas.

CH. 8

PUBLIC 

CIRCULATION

COUNTER

RESTRICTED 

CIRCULATION
A-97 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Associated Appeals Clerks’ Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 8

Public Counter (including Cashier Station),

per person 5 LF (1,525 mm)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1

Adjacent to: Reception/Waiting 

Ceiling Height: 12’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT, TZ, ST

Base: V/RB, TZ, ST

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Security:

• Key Locks

• Duress alarm

Millwork:

• Durable work surface with a divider to the floor below. Accommodate computer 

monitor, keyboard, and mouse at staff side of counter.

• Where ballistic and break-resistant glass is provided counter should accommodate 

document-size deal tray transaction opening for each station.

5' - 0"

Legend:

 Counter

 Chair

1

2

1

2
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-98

Accessory Stand-up Work Counter 25 NSF (2.3 Nm2) 

per person

Accessory Stand-up Work Counter 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2) 

Open Area

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 2

Adjacent to: Public Queuing

Ceiling Height: 12’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT, TZ, ST

Base: V/RB, TZ, ST

Ceiling: ACP

Associated Appeals Clerks’ Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 8
A-99 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Records Exam Area 25 NSF (2.3 Nm2) plus open area 

per person

Records Exam Open Area 125 NSF (11.6 Nm2) 

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 2, Restricted 4

Adjacent to: Public Queuing

Ceiling Height: 12’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB, WD

Ceiling: ACP

2

3

Associated Appeals Clerks’ Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 8

Legend:

 Public Transaction Counter

 Active Records Area 

 (number varies per Jurisdiction) 

 Public Queuing

1

1

2

3
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-100

Public Access Computer Station 35 NSF (3.3 Nm2) 

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 2

Adjacent to: Public Queuing

Ceiling Height: 12’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT, TZ, ST

Base: V/RB, TZ, ST

Ceiling: ACP

Associated Appeals Clerks’ Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 8

2' - 0"

7' - 0"

5' - 0"

Legend:

 Computer

 Chair 

2

1

1

2
A-101 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

15' - 0"

10' - 0"

Public Counter & Clerk Workstation, 

Small Courthouse 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2) 

Medium Courthouse 150 NSF (14 Nm2)

Large Courthouse 250 NSF (18.6 Nm2) 

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 3, Restricted 4

Adjacent to: Public Queuing & Clerks Offices

Ceiling Height: 12’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT, TZ, ST

Base: V/RB, TZ, ST

Ceiling: ACP, GWB

Building Systems:

Security:

- Key Locks

-Duress alarm

Space Notes:

1. Small courthouse = five courtrooms or fewer. Provide 10 LF of counter space.

Medium courthouse = 6-12 courtrooms. Provide 15 LF of counter space.

Large courthouse = 13 or more courtrooms. Requires 25 LF of counter space.

2. Counter space @ 10’-0” depth.

3. Area includes cashier station

PUBLIC QUEUING AREA

CLERK’S OFFICE

Legend:

 Workstation Countertop

 Chair

1

2

1

2

Associated District & Bankruptcy Clerks’ Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 8
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-102

Associated District & Bankruptcy Clerks’ Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 8

Public Pay Copier & Scanning Workstation 

Small Courthouse 128 NSF (11.8 Nm2) + Open Area

Medium Courthouse 192 NSF (17.7 Nm2) + Open Area

Large/Extra-Large Courthouse 320 NSF (29.5 Nm2) + 

Open Area

Open Area 110 NSF (10.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 2

Adjacent to: Public Queuing 

Ceiling Height: 10’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Space Notes:

1. Small courthouse = five courtrooms or fewer. Provide two open workstations

Medium courthouse = 6-12 courtrooms. Provide three open workstations

Large/extra-large courthouse = 13 or more courtrooms. Provide five open 

workstations

Each workstation = 64 NSF (51.1Nm2)

8' - 0" 8' - 0"

8' - 0"

OPEN AREA
A-103 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Records Exam Area 

Small Courthouse 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2)

Medium Courthouse 150 NSF (14 Nm2)

Large/Extra-Large Courthouse 180 NSF (16.7 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 2, Restricted 4

Adjacent to: Public Queuing

Ceiling Height: 10’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Space Notes:

1. Area includes computer access station.

2. In some courthouses ballistic-resistant transaction windows may be required to 

separate public and staff areas.

Legend:

 Public Transaction Counter

 Active Records Area (number 

 varies per Jurisdiction) 

 Public Queuing

1

2

3

1

2

3

Associated District & Bankruptcy Clerks’ Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 8
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-104

Associated District & Bankruptcy Clerks’ Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 8

Access Station 35 NSF (3.3 Nm2) 

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 2

Adjacent to: Queuing Area

Ceiling Height: 10’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

2' - 0"

7' - 0"

5' - 0"

Legend:

 Computer

 Chair 

2

1

1

2
A-105 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Queuing Area 

Small Courthouse 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2)

Medium Courthouse 150 NSF (14 Nm2)

Large/Extra-Large Courthouse 180 NSF (16.7 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 3, Restricted 4

Adjacent to: Counters, Record Exam

Ceiling Height: 10’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT, TZ, ST

Base: V/RB, TZ, ST

Ceiling: ACP, GWB

Associated District & Bankruptcy Clerks’ Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 8

PUBLIC 

CIRCULATION

COUNTER

RESTRICTED 

CIRCULATION
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-106

10' - 0"

12' - 0"

FAC ID Room 120 NSF (11.2 Nm2) 

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Adjacent to: Restricted Circulation

Ceiling Height: 10’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Security:

- Duress alarm

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• (1) Secure storage for ID media.

• (TBD) Badging station.

Legend:

 Workstation

 Chair

 Secure Storage

 Retractable Screen

1 3

2 4

1

3

Associated Clerks’ Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 8

2

4
A-107 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

This page intentionally left blank. 
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-108

Computer Training Room

Small/Medium Courthouse 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2)

Large Courthouse 300 NSF (27 Nm2) 

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Adjacent to: Restricted Corridor

Ceiling Height: 12’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB, WD

Ceiling: ACP

Space Notes:

1. FFE requirements should be determined on a project-to-project basis to satisfy the 

local needs. FFE shown on the graphic is notional. 

Associated Clerks’ Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 8
A-109 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

CLERK'S GENERAL OFFICE SPACE - COMPUTER TRAINING ROOM TYPE A CLERK'S GENERAL OFFICE SPACE - COMPUTER TRAINING ROOM TYPE B

Computer Training Room

Small/Medium Courthouse 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2)

Large Courthouse 300 NSF (27 Nm2) 

Legend:

Visual Display Board

Shared Printers

Projection Screen 

Instructor Workstation

Secure Storage

Ceiling Mounted Projector 

1

1

1

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

5

5

6

6

2

3

4

5

6

Associated Clerks’ Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 8
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-110

Mail Work Area 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2) 

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1

Adjacent to: Restricted Corridor

Ceiling Height: 12’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Security:

• Duress alarm

Associated Clerks’ Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 8
A-111 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Associated Probation and Pretrial Services Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Shared Interview Room 120 NSF (11.1 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1, 3

Adjacent to: Reception/Waiting

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 55 - Confidential

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

RESTRICTED

CIRCULATION

PUBLIC

CIRCULATION

12' - 0"

10' - 0"

Legend:

 Systems Furniture 

 Chair 

 Window (One-Way Glass) 

1

2

3

1

2

3

CH. 9
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-112

Counter/Screening, per staff position 5 LF (1,525 mm)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1

Adjacent to: Reception/Waiting 

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT, TZ, ST

Base: V/RB, TZ, ST

Ceiling: ACP

Millwork:

• Durable work surface with a divider to the floor below. Accommodate computer 

monitor, keyboard, and mouse at staff side of counter.

• Where ballistic and break-resistant glass is provided counter should accommodate 

document-size deal tray transaction opening for each station.

5' - 0"

Legend:

 Counter

 Chair

1

2

1

2

Associated Probation and Pretrial Services Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 9
A-113 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Microform Reader/Printer 35 NSF (3.3 Nm2)

Microform Storage Cabinet, per cabinet 12 NSF (1.1 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Space Notes:

1. Coordinate equipment selection and location early in planning process to account for 

structural implications. 

Associated Probation and Pretrial Services Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 9

5' - 0"

7' - 0"

4' - 0"

3' - 0"

Legend:

 Microform Reader/Printer

 Microform Storage Cabinet 

1 2

1

2
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-114

Toilet for Urinalysis Sample Collection 56 NSF (5.2 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Adjacent to: Urinalysis Test Lab and Specimen Storage Room 

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-2, CT Wainscot

Floor: CT

Base: CT

Ceiling: ACP

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• wall-mounted flip down table (optional)

• occupied light/sign (optional)

Space Notes: 

1. Urinalysis toilet rooms are secured and supervised. Each room should accommodate 

both the person providing the specimen and an officer to visually monitor the 

collection process, either directly or through the use of an observation mirror mounted 

in the room which provides a clear line of sight. 

2. Urinalysis collection observation may be from an adjoining room through a window. 

The officer observation point should be equipped with a duress alarm.

3. Barrier-free access should be provided to each room, ideally through two doors. One 

door is to be used by the offender from the unsecured public waiting room, and the 

other door for the officer from the secured private office space. If space planning 

allows only one room access point, it is preferred that it be from the unsecured public 

waiting room.

URINALYSIS 

TESTING LAB

PUBLIC 

WAITING

ADJACENT 

VIEWING AREA

Legend:

 Toilet

 Sink 

 Paper Towel Dispenser

 Waste Bin

 Soap Dispenser 

 Toilet Paper Holder

 Sanitary Napkin Disposal

 Grab Bar 

 Observation Window

1

1

4 5

5

2

2

5 6

6

3

3 4

6 7

7 8

Associated Probation and Pretrial Services Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 9
A-115 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Urinalysis Supplies Storage 25 NSF (2.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Adjacent to: Urinalysis Test Lab and Specimen Storage Room 

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1 

Floor: VCT, SV 

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Space Notes:

1. Should be securable; partitions should span from floor slab to floor slab above.

GENERAL SPACES - EQUPMENT STORAGE ROOM

Legend:

 Shelves

1

1

Associated Probation and Pretrial Services Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 9
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-116

M NI

10' - 0"

11' - 6"

17' - 6"

URINALYSIS 

TESTING LAB

UA SUPPLY 

STORAGE

RESTRICTED 

INTERNAL 

CIRCULATION

Urinalysis Testing/EMIT Lab &

Sample Storage 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Adjacent to: Urinalysis Toilet, Urinalysis Supply Storage

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-3 

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• Trash disposal

• (2) Operator Stools

• double stainless steel sink set in millwork base cabinets @ 44” high

• (2) Full-size refrigerators with freezers

• (2) Countertop EMIT machines @ 44” high

Space Notes:

1. Wall paint to be water-based catalyzed epoxy paint or another equally cleanable, 

durable material.

2. Chemical-resistant, laboratory-type finishes on all countertops.

 EMIT Machine

 Operator Stool 

 Trash Disposal 

Legend:

 Full-Size Refrigerator

 Sink 

 Chemical-Resistant 

 Laboratory-Type Finished 

 Countertop

1

1

2

3

3

4

4

5

5

6

6

1

6

2

5

3

4

Associated Probation and Pretrial Services Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 9
A-117 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Electronic Monitoring Equipment 

Storage/Repair Room 95 NSF (8.8 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Adjacent to: Restricted Internal Circulation

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: VCT

Ceiling: ACP

Millwork

• Upper and Base Cabinets; 8’-0” min in length

• 44” high counter 

Furniture and Equipment

• Stainless Steel Shelving Units

• Work Table: durable for equipment repair

Space Notes:

1. Secure room controlled by a physical access control system (PACS) and monitored by 

an intrusion detection system (IDS) and closed circuit video (CCV). The room should 

be secured by a door with an electric strike and lock.

2. Should accommodate gun storage lockers, ammunition storage, a gun clearing station 

and a standalone gun vault (if required).

3. Walls are recommended to consist of either CMU block or metal stud and dry wall 

construction with heavy gauge metal mesh located on one side of the wall.

4. Walls are required to span from floor slab to floor slab. Floor slab should 

accommodate the additional structural load.

8'-0" MIN

9' - 6"

10' - 0"

RESTRICTED 

INTERNAL 

CIRCULATION

Legend:

 Shelves

 44” high Counter

 Table 

1

1

2

3

2

3

Associated Probation and Pretrial Services Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 9
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-118

Secure Computer Terminal/

Printer Room and LAN Server 150 NSF (13.9 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Adjacent to: Restricted Internal Circulation 

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Space Notes:

1. Walls should be slab to slab to eliminate access through ceiling plenum, pipe chase, etc.

2. Door to be equipped with secure cipher lock, card reader, or keypad. 

Associated Probation and Pretrial Services Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 9

15' - 0"

10' - 0"
A-119 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Gun Locker Room 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3 

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT, SVT, SV, VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Space Notes:

1. Gun locker should be located within a securable space. 

5' - 0"

2' - 0"

Associated Probation and Pretrial Services Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 9

Legend:

 Discharge/Cleaning Area 1

1
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-120

Multipurpose Room 400 NSF (37.1 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3 

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE)

• Furniture should be movable. 

Space Notes:

1. A movable partition might be desired to divide the space depending on what functions 

this space will serve.

Legend:

 Table

 Chairs

 Credenza 

1

2

3

1

2

3

Associated Probation and Pretrial Services Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 9
A-121 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Associated Other Court Unit Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Queuing 105 NSF (9.8 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 3

Adjacent to: Public & Restricted Circulation, Counter

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Space Notes:

1. Assign 15 NSF (1.4 Nm2) per staff member. Minimum area is 105 NSF (9.8 Nm2)

2. In some courthouses ballistic-resistant transaction windows may be required to 

separate public and staff areas.

CH. 10

PUBLIC 

CIRCULATION

COUNTER

RESTRICTED 

CIRCULATION
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-122

Accessory Stand-up Work Counter 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1, 4

Adjacent to: Intake Counter, Deputy Clerks 

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT, TZ, ST

Base: V/RB, TZ, ST

Ceiling: ACP

Associated Other Court Unit Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 10
A-123 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Records Examination Workstation 35 NSF (3.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 2, Restricted 4

Adjacent to: Public Queuing

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT, TZ, ST

Base: V/RB, TZ, ST

Ceiling: ACP

Associated Other Court Unit Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 10

5' - 0"

7' - 0"
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-124

Public Access Computer Stations 35 NSF (3.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 3, Restricted 3

Adjacent to: Public Corridor

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT, TZ, ST

Base: V/RB. TZ. ST

Ceiling: ACP

Associated Other Court Unit Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 10

5' - 0"

7' - 0"
A-125 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Records, Copier,

Work Room & Storage 350 NSF (32.6 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Adjacent to: Restricted Corridor

Ceiling Height: 10’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Space Notes:

1. Provide record storage areas of 150 psf live load. Confer with clerk staff prior to the 

design of this area.

Associated Other Court Unit Office Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 10
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-126

Catalog Library

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1

Adjacent to: Restricted Corridor

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Space Notes:

1. For executive’s office only - Space allowance: 9 NSF (0.8 Nm2) for every 21 linear 

feet of catalogs. Add 25 NSF (2.3 Nm2) per person, & 64 NSF (5.9 Nm2) per CALR 

station. 

Associated Other Court Unit Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 10
A-127 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Mail Work Area 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 1

Adjacent to: Restricted Corridor

Ceiling Height: 10’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Security:

• Duress alarm

Space Notes:

1. Area includes a copier. 

10' - 0"

10' - 0"

Associated Other Court Unit Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 10

1

2

Legend:

 Shelves

 Counter

 Copier

1

2

3

3
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-128

Conference/Reception/Waiting Room 100 NSF (9.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 3, Restricted 1

Adjacent to: Public Corridor 

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Associated Other Court Unit Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 10
A-129 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Creditor Meeting Room (341) 1,500 NSF (139.9 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 2

Adjacent to: Restricted Corridor

Ceiling Height: 10’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Associated Other Court Unit Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

CH. 10
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-130

SERVICE

UNIT

Shared Support Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Shared Judges’ Conference Room

Minimum 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2)

Maximum 800 NSF (74.3 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 3

Adjacent to: Restricted Circulation 

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 55 - Confidential

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1, WD, WD Wainscot, AWP

Floor: CPT

Base: V/RB, WD

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30-50 fc

Vertical: 10-15 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Emergency Power: Yes

Emergency Lighting: Yes

Mechanical:

Air Changes: 8/hour

Security:

• Duress alarm

• Door Control 

Space Notes:

1. Conference room at 100 NSF (9.2 Nm2) plus 25 NSF/judge (2.3 Nm2/judge). Square 

footage allocation for minimum and maximum is inclusive of 20 NSF (1.9 Nm2

) for a 

service unit.

Legend:

 Table

 Chair 

 Refrigerator

 Sink

 Microwave 

 Coffeemaker

1

1

1 4

2 5

3 6

2 2

3

3 4

4

5

5 6

CH. 11
A-131 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Shared Support Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Judges’ Dining Area

Minimum 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2)

Maximum 400 NSF (37.2 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Restricted 

Adjacent to: Service Unit

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Acoustics NIC 55 - Confidential

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1, WD Wainscot 

Floor: VCT, SVT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (FFE):

• (TBD) Table

• (TBD) Chair 

Space Notes:

1. Dining area allocation is 15 NSF (1.4 Nm2) per judge plus 20 NSF (1.9 Nm2) service 

unit. The minimum allocation is 200 NSF (18.6 Nm2) and the maximum allocation is 

400 NSF (37.2 Nm2) inclusive of the service unit.

COMMON BUILDING SPACES - JUDGES DINING ROOM

SERVICE 

UNIT

Legend:

 Table

 Chair 

1

1

2

2

CH. 11
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 Room Data Sheets | A-132

Shared Support Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

News Media Room

Small 150 NSF (13.9 Nm2)

Medium 250 NSF (23.2 Nm2)

Large 450 NSF (37.1 Nm2)

Extra-Large 600 NSF (55.7 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 3, Restricted 3 

Ceiling Height: 10’-0”

Finishes:

Wall: PNT-1

Floor: CPT, VCT

Base: V/RB

Ceiling: ACP

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 30 fc

Vertical: 5 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

COMMON BUILDING SPACES - NEWS MEDIA ROOM - MEDIUM COURTHOUSE Legend:

 Table

 Chair 

1

1

2

2

CH. 11
A-133 | Room Data Sheets U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Shared Support Spaces

Space and Ceiling Requirements

Central Mail Facility

Small/Medium 800 NSF (81.7 Nm2)

Large/Extra-Large 1,100 NSF (102.1 Nm2)

Architectural:

General Requirements:

Security Level: Public 3, Restricted 1, 2

Adjacent to: Loading Dock, Screening Station 

Ceiling Height: 10’-0” 

Finishes:

Wall: 

Floor: 

Base: 

Ceiling: 

Building Systems:

Illumination:

Horizontal: 50 fc

Vertical: 10 fc

Lighting Control: Yes

Emergency Power: Yes

Emergency Lighting: Yes

Security:

• CCV camera

• Duress alarm 

• Security intercom

• Door contact 

• Card reader 

• Audible alarm

Millwork

• Counter with sink and eyewash, upper and lower storage for personal protection 

supplies and equipment such as gloves, gowns, etc. 

Furniture and Equipment

• Sorting Tables

• Chairs

• Mail Slots

• Storage Unit: for supplies and equipment

• Isolation Tubs: with “tight seal” lid

Space Notes:

1. Areas given are exclusive of the mail and package screening area on the loading dock. 

Only one central mail facility is funded for new construction. 

CH. 11

Glossary | U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021

Glossary

The following is an alphabetized list of specialized terms and abbreviations with their definitions 

referred to within the U.S. Courts Design Guide.
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 | Glossary

Glossary

341 conference room: conference room provided for a debtor to meet with the 

bankruptcy attorney and creditors 

ABA: Architectural Barriers Act 

ABAAS: Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards 

AC: alternating current 

ACH: air changes per hour 

ACT: acoustic ceiling tile

ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act 

ADAAG: Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines

ADR: alternative dispute resolution 

A/E: architecture/engineering 

AFF: above finished floor 

AFWP: acoustic fabric wrapped panel 

AHU: air-handling unit 

AI: articulation index 

ALS: assisted-listening system 

AMP: asset management plan amp: ampere, an electrical unit

ANSI: American National Standards Institute, the major standards organization in the 

United States and the publisher of the BOMA Standards, the NAHB Residential 

Standard, and ISO 9836 International Standard (www.ansi.org)

AnyCourt: US Courts questionnaire and software used to establish program of 

requirements for US Courts projects

AOUSC: Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts

AP: acoustic plaster

ASHRAE: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers

ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials, a U.S. standards organization that 

publishes the IFMA Standard (www.astm.org)

AV: audiovisual (equipment)

A/V: audio/video

AWI: American Woodworking Institute

BAP: bankruptcy appellate panel

Berm: a mound or wall of earth, typically at the top or bottom of a slope

Bollard: a short vertical post, typically refers to permanent physical security elements 

which are established to control access to the site

BOMA: Building Owners and Managers Association

BOMA Standard: Either the Standard Method for Measuring Floor Area in Office 

Buildings or the Standard Methods for Measuring Floor Area in Industrial 

Buildings, depending on the occupancy of a property. It is clearer to refer to the 

BOMA Office Standard or the BOMA Industrial Standard, and clearer yet to 

specify the publication year. The Office Standard in particular has been modified 

and republished many times, and it is likely that the Industrial Standard will be 

also.

BOP: Bureau of Prisons

Brooks Act (40 USC Sections 541–544) legislation that establishes the requirement for 

a technical quality-based procurement of professional design services (rather than 

low price)

BSC: Building Security Committee

C: Celsius

CAB: cabinet

CALR: computer-assisted legal research

CAT: computer-aided transcription

CCMG: Central Courthouse Management Group

CCP: GSA’s Center for Courthouse Programs

CCTV: closed-circuit television

CD-ROM: compact disc read-only memory

CFM: cubic feet (of air) per minute

CIRC: circulation

CITES: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

CL or CLOS: closet

CM/ECF: case management/electronic case filing

CMU: concrete masonry unit

CONF: conference

CONT. CIR.: controlled circulation

CPT: carpet
Glossary | U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021

CPTT: carpet tile

CRI: Carpet and Rug Institute

CSC: Court Security Committee

CSO: court security officer

CT: ceramic tile

CTB: ceramic tile base

CTRM: courtroom

CUST or CUSTOD: custodian

custom grade: millwork standard of quality

CWT: ceramic wall tile

D: deep; direct (lighting)

dB: decibel

DDC: direct digital control

DHS: Department of Homeland Security

DOJ: Department of Justice

Double-loaded corridors: corridors with offices or spaces on both sides

DUSM: deputy U.S. Marshal

DVD: digital video disc

ELEC: electrical

ELEV: elevator

EMIT: enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique (machine)

en banc courtroom: panel courtroom where judges hear cases together

EPA: Environmental Protection Agency

EQUIP: equipment

ERS: electronic recording system

EVAC: emergency evacuation system

EXEC: executive

EXHIB: exhibit

F: Fahrenheit

FAP: furniture acquisition plan

FINANC: financial

FIT: Fitness in Total (program) 

FLUOR: fluorescent (lighting)

FPD: federal public defender

FPMR: Federal Property Management Regulations

FPS: Federal Protective Service

FT: feet

FC: foot-candles

FWC: fabric wall covering

ga: gauge

Gm2: gross square meters

GSA: General Services Administration

GSA P-100: GSA’s Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service

GSF: Gross square feet represents the floor area within the inside perimeter of the 

exterior walls of the building under consideration, exclusive of vent shafts and 

courts, without deduction for corridors, stairways, closets, the thickness of interior 

walls, columns, or other features. The floor area of a building, or portion thereof, 

not provided with surrounding exterior walls shall be the usable area under the 

horizontal projection of the roof or floor above. The gross floor area shall not 

include shafts with no openings or interior courts.

HC: handicapped

HI: high

HVAC: heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning

I: indirect (lighting)

ID: identification

IEC: International Electrotechnical Commission, sets standards and conformity 

assessment for Government business and for all electrical, electronic and related 

technologies.

IIC: Impact Isolation Class

IN: inches

INCAN: incandescent (lighting)

ISC: Interagency Security Committee

JCUS: Judicial Conference of the United States

JSS: Judicial Security Systems
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 | Glossary

kg: kilograms

L: liters

LAN: local area network

LF: linear feet

LG: large

LIN.FT.: linear feet

LIN.IN.: linear inches

Ln: linoleum

L/s: liters per second

lx: lux

m: meters

m2: square meters

MAG: magistrate judge

MATV: master antenna television (system)

max.: maximum

MDF: main distribution frame

MED: medium

Metric Conversion Act of 1975: The Metric Conversion Act of 1975 (later amended by 

the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, the Savings in Construction 

Act of 1996, and the Department of Energy High-End Computing Revitalization 

Act of 2004) designated the metric system as the preferred system of weights and 

measures for U.S. trade and commerce, and directed federal agencies to convert 

to the metric system to the extent feasible, including in the construction of federal 

facilities.

min.: minimum

mm: millimeters

NC: noise criteria

NEC: National Electrical Code

NFPA: National Fire Protection Association

NIC: Noise Isolation Class

Nm2:net square meters

NRC: noise reduction coefficient

NSF: Net square feet represents the actual occupied area of a floor, not including 

accessory unoccupied areas (stairs, elevator and HVAC shafts, mechanical rooms, 

etc.) or the thickness of walls.

OCLC: online computerized library catalog

OCM: Office of Courthouse Management

OFC: office

Omnibus Trade Act of 1988

OP: operated

OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSS: Office of Security Systems

oz: ounces 

Pa: pascals

PA: public address (system)

PBS: Public Buildings Service

PC: personal computer

PDS: Prospectus Development Study

peened: Hinge pin ends are peened, or flattened, in order to prevent pin removal. Hinges 

may be peened as a security measure.

Pln: paneling

PNT: Paint 1: latex, eggshell finish

PNT: Paint 2: latex, semigloss finish

PO: probation office

PRIV: private

PROF: professional

PSF: pounds per square foot 

PSO: pretrial services office

PT1: paint color 1

PTR: printer

RASTI: Rapid Speech Transmission Index

RC: Room criterion is an acoustic measurement of background noise.

RCDD: registered communications distribution designer

RDR: reader
Glossary | U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021

REC or RECEPT: reception 

REP/REC: reporter/recorder

REQ: requirement

REQ’D: required

REVERB: reverberation

RM: room

RSF: rentable square feet

S: standard ceiling height of 8–10 feet; summer

SCR: silicone-controlled rectifier

SEC: security

SECR: secretary

SF: square feet

SHRED: shredder

SI: Système international d’unités, or International System of Units (also known as the 

metric system)

SL: soundlock

SRAC: spatial relationship, accessibility, and circulation (diagram)

ST or STOR: storage

STC: Sound Transmission Class 

STI: Speech Transmission Index

SUP: supply

TDD: telecommunications device for the deaf

TEL: telephone

TEMP: temperature

TERM: terminal

TI: tenant improvement

TL: transmission loss

TLT: toilet

UA: urinalysis

UFAS: Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards

UL: Underwriters Laboratories

UPS: uninterrupted power supply

USBC: U.S. Bankruptcy Court 

USCA: U.S. Court of Appeals

USDC: U.S. District Court

USF: Usable square feet represents the BOMA Office Standard connoting the sum of 

office, store, and building common areas on a floor.

USMS: U.S. Marshals Service

USMS Publication 64: Requirements and Specifications for Special Purpose and 

Support Space Manual, Volume Three, Judicial Security Systems Requirements and 

Specifications

V/RB: vinyl/rubber base

V: volt

VAV: variable air volume

VB: vinyl base

VCR: videocassette recorder 

VCT: vinyl composition tile 

VDT: video display terminal

VEST: vestibule

VIT: vinyl inset tile

VOL: volume

W: wide; winter; watts

WAN: wide area network 

WB or WDB: wood base

WC: water closet

WD: wood

WD Pln: wood paneling

WD Wnst: wood wainscot

WK: work

WKRM: work room

WKSTA: workstation

Wnst: wainscot 

x: time(s) or by

Index

| U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

A

Accessibility

See Barrier free access

Acoustics

See Chapter 14, “Acoustics”

Adjacency and Circulation

Appellate Courtrooms, 4-9

Bankruptcy Judge Courtroom, 4-21

Clerks’ Office, 8-9

Common Building Spaces, 11-7

Court Libraries, 7-9

District Judge Courtroom, 4-13

Judges’ Chambers Suites, 6-8

Jury Facilities, 5-7

Magistrate Judge Courtroom, 4-18

Other Court Units, 10-8

Probation and Pretrial Services Offices, 9-9

Adjacency Relationships

Clerk’s Office

Bankruptcy, 8-11

Court of Appeals, 8-10

District, 8-11

Common Building Support Spaces, 11-8

Court Libraries

Circuit Headquarters, 7-10

Satellite, 7-11

Unstaffed, 7-12

Courtrooms

Appellate, 4-10

Magistrate Judge, 4-19

U.S. Bankruptcy Court, 4-23

U.S. District Court, 4-14

Judges’ Chamber Suites

Circuit Judge’s Non-resident/Visiting Chambers, 6-10

Circuit Resident Judge’s Chambers, 6-9

District Judge’s Resident Chamber, 6-11

District, Magistrate or Bankruptcy Judge’s Visiting Chambers, 6-12

Magistrate or Bankruptcy Judge’s Resident Chambers, 6-13

Jury Facilities

Grand Jury Suite, 5-10

Jury Assembly Suite, 5-8

Trial Jury Suite, 5-9

Other Court Units

Bankruptcy Administrator, Office of the, 10-13

Bankruptcy Appellate Panel (BAP) Clerk, Office of the, 10-10

Circuit Executive, Office of the, 10-9

District Court Executive, Office of the, 10-9

Federal Defender’s Trial Preparation Suite, Office of the, 10-14

Pre-Argument/Conference Attorney, Office of the, 10-12

Senior Staff Attorney, Office of the, 10-11

Probation and Pretrial Services Offices, 9-10

Air distribution

See Chapter 15 “Building Systems”

Alternative Workplace Strategies, 1-6

Amplifiers

See Chapter 15 “Building Systems”

Appellate Courtrooms, 4-8, 4-9, 4-10

Assisted listening systems (ALSs), 3-7

Attorney and Litigant Station, 4-13, 4-18, 4-21

Attorney Station, 4-8

Attorney Table

See Counsel Table

Attorney/witness conference rooms, 3-6

Attorney/Witness Room, 4-4, 4-6, 4-12, 4-15, 4-17, 4-18, 4-22, 14-6, 14-8, 15-14

Attorney Work Area, 4-6, 4-9, 4-12, 4-17, 4-22

Index
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 | Index

Attorney Work Room, 4-4, 4-8, 4-11, 4-15, 4-18, 4-22, 14-6, 14-8, 15-14

Audio

See Chapter 15 “Building Systems”

Automation

Voice, Data, Courtroom Audio/Video, and Low-Voltage Cabling Design, 15-15

B

Bailiff, 15-14

Bailiff’s station, 3-6

Bankruptcy Administrator, Office of the, 1-6, 10-1, 10-4, 10-7, 10-13, 14-7, 14-10, 

15-18, 16-9, 18-1, 18-12

Bankruptcy Appellate Panel Clerk, Office of the, 10-1, 10-4, 10-5, 10-6, 10-8, 10-10, 

18-1, 18-12

Bankruptcy Judge Courtrooms, 4-6, 4-20, 4-22

Barrier free access, 4-8

Bench

See Judges’ Bench

Benchmarking, 2-4

BOMA, 3-8

Break-resistant glass

See Chapter 16, “Building Security”

Budget

See Chapter 2 “Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations”; See 

also Costs

Building circulation

See “Adjacency and Circulation”

Building entrances

See Chapter 16, “Building Security”

Building Security Committee, 3-5

Building support areas, 12-6

Building support functions, 11-5

Bullet-resistant glazing

See Chapter 16 “Building Security”

C

Cafeteria, 11-4, 11-7

CALR, 7-7, 7-9, 10-8, 15-13, 15-14, 15-18

Ceiling Height

Common Building Spaces, 11-6

Court Libraries, 7-5

Courtrooms and Associated Spaces, 4-6

Judges’ Chambers Suites, 6-4

Other Court Units, 10-5

Probation and Pretrial Services, 9-5

Ceiling heights

See Space and Ceiling Requirements

Cell block, 16-7

Circuit Executive, Office of the

See Chapter 10 “Other Court Units”

Circuit Judicial Councils, 1-3, 3-3, 4-3, 5-2, 6-2, 7-2, 8-2, 9-3, 10-2, 11-2, 17-3, 

18-4

Circulation

See Adjacency and Circulation

Clean power

See Chapter 15, “Building Systems”

Clerk’s Office

See Chapter 8, “Clerk’s Office”

Building Security, 16-7, 16-8, 16-12

Communication Systems, 15-18

Other, 1-7, 1-8, 1-9, 1-10, 2-6, 3-5, 3-12, 3-13, 3-14, 5-6, 6-5, 6-7, 6-11, 6-12, 

6-13, 9-4, 10-8

Tenant Improvements and Furnishings, 12-4, 12-6

Clock

See Chapter 12 “Tenant Improvements and Furnishings”

Closed-circuit television

See Chapter 16, “Building Security”

Committee on Space and Facilities, 1-3, 2-8, 3-3, 4-3, 4-20, 5-2, 6-2, 7-2, 8-2, 9-3, 

10-2, 11-3, 16-5, 17-3, 18-4

Communications

See Chapter 15, “Building Systems”

Computer-Assisted Legal Research (CALR)

See CALR

Control room

See Chapter 15, “Building Systems”

Costs

Benchmarking, 2-4
Index | U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Construction, 2-4, 2-7, 2-9, 2-12, 2-13, 12-2, 12-3, 17-7

Cost-Control, 2-4, 2-5

Funding Responsibilities, 2-5, 2-12, 2-14, 2-15, 2-16, 2-17, 12-10, 12-11, 15-2

Life-Cycle cost, 2-2, 2-4, 2-6, 12-3, 12-11

Value Engineering, 2-6

Counsel table, 4-8, 4-11, 4-13, 4-15, 4-17, 4-18

Counter

See Public counters

Courthouse Management Group (CCMG), 2-3, 11-2, 12-2, 15-2

Courthouse Project Development, 2-7

Court of Appeals, U.S., 1-7, 1-8, 3-5, 3-12, 4-2, 6-4, 7-4, 8-4, 8-6, 8-8, 8-10, 16-8, 

18-12

See also Chapter 4, “Courtroom and Associated Spaces”

Court-related offices, 2-5, 3-2, 8-4, 9-4, 9-7, 10-3, 15-4, 15-8, 16-7, 16-9

See also Chapter 10, “Other Court Units”

Court Reporter/Recorder, 4-11, 4-12, 4-15, 4-16, 4-17, 4-18, 4-20, 4-21, 4-22, 5-5, 

8-4, 12-11, 12-12, 15-11, 15-14, 15-16, 15-17

Courtroom deputy clerk, 2-15, 4-4, 4-8, 4-11, 4-15, 4-16, 4-18, 4-20, 4-22, 6-5, 

6-7, 6-11, 6-12, 6-13

Courtroom Technology Manual, 2-3, 3-4, 4-2, 4-6, 11-2

Court Security Committee (CSC)

See Chapter 16 “Building Security”

Court security officers

See Chapter 16 “Building Security”

D

Defender

See Federal public defender

Definitions

See “Glossary”

Departures, approval for

See Approval for departures from the Design Guide

Deputy U.S. Marshal

See Security

Design process, 1-2, 2-4, 13-2, 14-5, 16-2, 16-3

Design Requirements

Acoustics, 14-3, 14-10

All Courtrooms, 4-4, 4-6

Appellate Courtrooms, 4-8

Bankruptcy Judge Courtrooms, 4-20

Building Systems, 15-18

Clerk’s Office, 8-5

Common Building Spaces, 11-5

Court Libraries, 7-5

District Judge Courtrooms, 4-11

Interior Finishes, 12-3

Interior Signage, 13-2

Judges’ Chambers Suites, 6-4, 6-8

Jury Facilities, 5-5

Magistrate Judge Courtrooms, 4-16

Millwork, 12-10

Other Court Units, 10-4

Probation and Pretrial Services Offices, 9-5

disposal, 9-6, 11-6, 11-7, 12-11

District Court Executive, Office of the

See Chapter 10, “Other Court Units”

District Judge Courtrooms, 4-11, 4-12, 4-15

Doors

See Chapter 12, “Tenant Improvements and Furnishings”

Duress alarms

See Chapter 16, “Building Security”

E

Electrical System

See Chapter 15, “Building Systems”

Electric door strike

See Chapter 16, “Building Security”

Electronic case management/electronic case filing

See CM/ECF

Emergency lighting

See Chapter 15, “Building Systems”, and 16, “Building Security”

Emergency power

See Chapter 15, “Building Systems”, and 16, “Building Security”

En Banc Courtrooms, 4-6, 4-9, 4-10, 16-14

Energy considerations

See Chapter 15, “Building Systems”

Engineering systems

See Chapter 15, “Building Systems”
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 | Index

Equipment (copiers, fax machines, modems, telephones, computers)

See Chapter 12, “Tenant Improvements and Furnishings”

Equipment rooms

See Chapter 11, “Common Building Spaces”, and 15, “Building Systems”

Evacuation Systems

See Chapter 15, “Building Systems”

Exhibits

Display, 4-5, 4-12, 4-16, 4-20, 4-21, 5-6, 15-12, 15-13, 15-14

Storage, 4-9, 4-11, 4-12, 4-16, 4-17, 4-22, 5-4, 5-5

Expansion, 2-5, 2-6, 2-9, 2-11, 15-3, 15-7, 16-4, 17-5, 17-8

Explosives

See Chapter 16, “Building Security”

F

Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service

See General Services Administration, GSA P-100

Federal Court System, 1-4, 1-5

Federal Defender, Office of the

See Chapter 10, “Other Court Units”

File storage, 2-6, 6-6, 15-14

Finishes, design requirements

See Chapter 12, “Tenant Improvements and Furnishings”

Foreperson/secretary station

Grand jury station, 15-17

Functions (and Activities)

All Courtrooms, 4-4

Alternate Workplace Strategies, 18-5

Appellate, 4-8

Bankruptcy Judge Courtrooms, 4-20

Clerk’s Office, 8-4

Common Building Spaces, 11-4

Court Libraries, 7-4

District Judge Courtrooms, 4-11

Judges’ Chambers Suites, 6-4

Jury Facilities, 5-4

Magistrate Judge Courtrooms, 4-15

Other Courts Units, 10-4

Probation and Pretrial Services, 9-4

Furniture Acquisition Plan (FAP), 2-14, 12-10, 12-11

Furniture/Furnishings and Equipment

See Chapter12, “Tenant Improvements and Furnishings”

G

General area network

See Automation, Data communications networks

General building service areas

See Chapter 11, “Common Building Spaces”

General Services Administration (GSA)

Benchmarking, 2-4

GSA-P100

See P-100

Governing codes and criteria, 15-2

See also Supporting Documents

Grand Jury, 1-5, 2-5, 2-6, 3-6, 5-4, 5-5, 5-6, 5-7, 5-10, 12-8, 14-6, 14-7, 14-9, 

15-3, 15-5, 15-11, 15-13, 15-17, 16-8

Grounding

See Electrical systems

GSA

See General Services Administration

GSA P-100

See P-100

Guide to Judiciary Policy, 2-3, 2-15, 2-17, 6-3, 12-2, 12-11, 12-12, 18-3

H

Handicapped access

See Barrier-free access

Hearing impaired

See Barrier-free access

Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems

See Chapter 15, “Building Systems”

Heat sensor, 15-7

Human Resources Manual

See Chapter 12, “Tenant Improvements and Furnishings”

HVAC

See Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning
Index | U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

I

Image projection, 4-6, 15-9, 15-10, 15-11, 15-17

See also Chapter 12, “Tenant Improvements and Furnishings”

Interagency Security Committee (ISC), 2-3

Intercoms

See Chapter 16, “Building Security”

Interior finishes, 12-2, 12-3

Interior security

See Chapter 16, “Building Security”

Interior Signage

See Chapter 13, “Interior Signage”

Interns/externs

See Chapter 6, “Judges’ Chambers Suites”

Intrusion-detection systems

See Chapter 16, “Building Security”

J

Judges’ bench

See Chapter 4, “Courtrooms and Associated Spaces”

Judges’ bench, 4-8

Judges’ Chambers Suites

See Chapter 6, “Judges’ Chambers Suites”

Judges’ robing rooms, 3-5, 4-8, 4-9, 4-11

Judicial Conference of the United States (JCUS), 1-2, 1-3, 2-3, 2-4, 2-8, 3-3, 4-3, 

5-2, 6-2, 7-2, 8-2, 9-3, 10-2, 11-3, 12-2, 16-5, 17-3, 18-4

Judicial Security Systems (JSS), 2-3, 3-4, 9-9, 11-2, 11-7, 12-2, 15-2, 15-8, 16-2, 

16-3, 16-4, 16-5, 16-7, 18-3, 18-7

Judiciary-related offices

See Chapter 10, “Other Court Units”

Jury assembly area

See Chapter 5, “Jury Facilities”

Jury box, 4-13, 4-16, 4-21

Jury facilities

See Chapter 5, “Jury Facilities”

K

Key locks

See Chapter 16, “Building Security”

L

Landscaping

See Chapter 16, “Building Security”

Law clerks’ office

See Chapter 6, “Judges’ Chambers Suites”

Law clerk’s station, 2-15

Lectern, 12-10

See Chapters 4, “Courtrooms and Associated Spaces”

Library

See Chapter 7, “Court Libraries”

Life-cycle costing

See Costs

Life Safety Systems, 16-6

Lighting design and systems

See Chapter 15, “Building Systems”

Litigant table

See Counsel table

Loading docks

See Chapter 11, “Common Building Space” and Chapter 16, “Building Security””

Lobby

Public, 2-2, 2-14, 3-4, 3-5, 3-7, 4-4, 7-7, 12-3, 12-4, 12-6, 12-12, 13-2, 13-3, 

15-14, 16-5, 16-6, 16-7, 16-8, 16-9

Local Area Network (LAN)

See Chapter 15, “Building Systems”

Lounge

Staff, 10-8

Work, 18-6, 18-7

Low-voltage, 15-8, 15-15

M

Magistrate Judge Courtroom, 4-15, 4-16, 4-17, 4-18

Magistrate judges’ chambers suites, USDC

See Chapter 6, “Judges’ Chambers Suites”

Mail room, 7-9, 8-5, 11-4, 11-7, 16-9

Main library

See Library

Master antenna television (MATV)

See Glossary
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 | Index

Mechanical systems, 15-3, 15-4, 15-7, 15-16, 15-18

Metal detectors

See Security

Millwork (tenant improvement)

See Chapter 12, “Tenant Improvements and Furnishings”

Motion detectors

See Security

Multi-tenant, 1-2, 1-5, 16-3, 16-9, 16-10

N

Networks

See Automation, Data communications networks

Noise criteria value

See Chapter 14, “Acoustics”

P

Perimeter security

See Chapter 16, “Building Security”

Personnel security

See Chapter 16, “Building Security”

Plumbing, noise reduction

See Chapter 14, “Acoustics”

Pre-argument/Conference Attorney, Office of the

See Chapter 10, “Other Court Units”

Pretrial services office

See Judiciary-related offices

Privacy

See Chapter 14, “Acoustics”

Probation Office, U.S.

See Judiciary-related offices and U.S. Probation Office

Programming process

See Chapter 2, “Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations”; See Chapter 

3, “Planning for U.S. Courthouses”

Project process

See Chapter 2, “Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations”; See Chapter 

3, “Planning for U.S. Courthouses”

Property and documents

See Security

Prospectus Development Study (PDS)

See Glossary

Public lobby

See Lobby, public

Public Waiting Areas, 3-4, 3-5, 3-7, 4-4, 4-9, 4-12, 4-17, 4-22, 12-12, 13-3, 14-6, 

14-8, 15-11, 18-9

R

Raised Access Flooring, 12-3, 14-5, 15-8, 15-9

Relocation, 2-5, 7-5

Renovation of existing courthouses

See Chapter 2, “Courthouse Programming and Budgetary Considerations”

Reverberation time

See Chapter 14, “Acoustics”

Robing room, 3-5, 4-8, 4-9, 4-11, 4-12, 4-15, 4-16, 4-18, 4-20, 4-22, 12-8, 14-6, 

16-7

S

Sally port

See Chapter 16, “Building Security”

Satellite library

See Chapter 7, “Court Libraries”

Security concepts

See Chapter 16, “Building Security”

Senior Staff Attorney, Office of the

See Chapter 10, “Other Court Units”

Service unit

See Chapter 12, “Tenant Improvements and Furnishings”

Settlement director

See Pre-argument/Conference Attorney, Office of the

Shared courtrooms, 2-5, 4-11, 4-16, 4-20

Signage, 1-6, 2-15, 3-7, 4-4, 13-2, 13-3

Site, 2-2, 2-3, 2-5, 2-6, 2-9, 2-13, 2-14, 4-8, 9-6, 14-4, 16-2, 16-4, 16-7, 16-8, 

17-7, 17-8

Skylights, 2-6, 4-5

Smart table

See counsel table
Index | U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 

Soundlock

See Chapter 4, “Courtrooms and Associated Spaces”

Space Requirements

Appellate Courtrooms, 4-9

Bankruptcy Judge Courtrooms, 4-22

Clerk’s Office, 8-6

Common Building Spaces, 11-6

Court Libraries, 7-7

District Judge Courtrooms, 4-12

Judges’ Chambers Suites, 6-6

Jury Facilities, 5-2

Jury Facility, 5-6

Magistrate Judge Courtrooms, 4-17

Other Court Units, 10-5

Probation and Pretrial Services, 9-8

Special Facilities, 12-9

Spectator area, 2-12, 4-4, 4-5, 4-13, 4-17, 15-5, 15-12, 16-7

Speech intelligibility

See Chapter 14, “Acoustics”

Stacking

See Program Tacking

Staff Attorney, Office of the Senior

See Judiciary-related offices

Staff Breakroom, 8-4, 8-6, 8-8, 9-4, 9-7, 9-8, 9-9, 10-3, 10-6, 10-7, 10-8

Staff lounges

See Staff Breakroom

Staff Toilets

See Toilets

STI, 14-3, 14-6, 14-7

Storage

See tables throughout the Design Guide

Structure, 2-2, 2-4, 2-5, 2-6, 2-9, 2-14, 11-6, 12-3, 12-4, 12-10, 13-2, 14-2, 14-

10, 15-4, 16-5, 17-8, 18-8

Supporting Documents

Acoustics, 14-2

Building Security, 16-2

Building Systems, 15-2

Clerks’ Offices, 8-2

Court Libraries, 7-2

Courtrooms, 4-2

Judges’ Chambers Suites, 6-2

Other Court Units, 10-2

Planning for U.S. Courthouses, 3-4

Probation and Pretrial Services, 9-2

Shared Support Spaces, 11-2

Tenant Improvements and Furnishings, 12-2

Support Space, 2-3, 2-5, 2-6, 2-12, 3-4, 3-8, 3-10, 6-6, 7-9, 9-4, 9-9, 11-1, 11-2, 

12-2, 15-2, 15-8, 16-2, 16-3, 16-4, 16-7

Supreme Court, 1-4, 1-5

T

Temperature

See Chapter 15, “Building Systems”

Tenant alterations, above standard, 18-4

Tenant Improvements, 1-6, 2-4, 2-5, 2-13, 2-14, 4-4, 9-6, 12-2, 12-3, 12-10, 16-7, 

17-4, 17-6, 18-2, 18-9

Toilets, 2-6, 3-8, 4-9, 4-11, 4-12, 4-15, 4-17, 4-18, 4-22, 5-6, 6-8, 8-4, 8-6, 8-8, 

9-4, 9-7, 9-8, 10-3, 10-4, 12-6, 14-8, 14-9, 15-14

Training, 2-5, 4-4, 4-8, 5-3, 7-9, 8-3, 8-4, 8-6, 8-8, 9-4, 9-7, 10-3, 11-4, 15-2, 

15-11, 17-4, 18-5, 18-6, 18-7, 18-8, 18-9, 18-11, 18-22

Trial deliberation room

See Chapter 5, “Jury Facilities”

U

Uninterrupted power supply

See Chapter 15, “Building Systems”

Unstaffed library

See Chapter 7, “Central Court Libraries”

urinalysis facilities, 9-6

U.S. Attorney Grand Jury Suite, 5-4, 5-5, 5-7

U.S. Attorney, Office of the, 2-5, 3-2, 3-6, 10-4, 10-8

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (USBC), 1-2, 1-9, 3-6, 3-14, 4-2, 4-23, 5-3, 6-4, 8-4, 10-4, 

16-8

U.S. Court of Appeals (USCA), 1-2, 1-7, 3-5, 3-12, 4-2, 6-4, 7-4, 8-4, 16-8

U.S. District Court (USDC), 1-2, 1-8, 2-12, 3-6, 3-13, 4-2, 4-14, 5-3, 6-4, 8-4, 10-

4, 16-8
U.S. Courts Design Guide | Revised 2021 | Index

Users and Capacities

Appellate Courtrooms, 4-8

Bankruptcy Judge Courtrooms, 4-20

Clerk’s Office, 8-4

Court Libraries, 7-5

District Judge Courtrooms, 4-11

General Requirements for all Courtrooms, 4-4

Judges’ Chambers Suites, 6-4

Jury Facilities, 5-5

Magistrate Judge Courtrooms, 4-15

Other Court Units, 10-4

Planning for U.S. Courthouses, 3-6

Probation and Pretrial Services Offices, 9-5

Shared Support Spaces, 11-5

U.S. Marshals, deputy

See Chapter 16, “Building Security”

U.S. Marshals Service

See Chapter 16, “Building Security”

U.S. Probation Office

See Chapter 9, “Probation and Pretrial Offices”

V

Value engineering, 2-4, 2-6, 2-7

Vault

See tables throughout the Design Guide

VAV

See Chapter 15, “Building Systems”

Vehickle barriers

See Chapter 16, “Building Security”

Vehicle entry

See Chapter 16, “Building Security”

Video

See Chapter 15, “Building Systems”

Visually impaired

See Barrier-free access

W

Weapons, 4-4, 9-4, 9-5, 9-7, 9-9, 16-2, 16-5, 16-6, 16-7, 16-9

Wide area network (WAN), 15-16

Witness box

Courtroom, 2-15, 4-11, 4-12, 4-15, 4-16, 4-20, 4-21, 12-11, 15-9, 15-14

Grand jury room, 15-17

Z

Zoning

See Courthouse Zoning; See Mechanical systems and Chapter 15, “Building Systems”