Space Planning Standards

Knowing how much space to allocate is an important step in architectural programming. The following recommended dimensions are approximate.

Courtroom Elements

Space or Function	Dimensions/Details	Size (NSF)
Judge's Bench
Desktop Workspace	6-10' x 2-2.5'	45-7
Minimum Bench Elevation	12-21"
Worksurface Elevation	21-22"
Privacy Rail Elevation	3-4"
Bench Front	52-56"
Court Clerk's Station
Desktop	30-36" x 5'	30-40
Workspace	30-36" x 8-10'	55-70
Court Reporter's Station		25-3
Witness Stand	5' x 5'	25-3
Jury Box
14-Person Jury Box (Standard)	19-21' x 8-9'	10-12'/juror 150-200
8-Person Box	19-21' x 4-5'	80-100
Attorney Tables	7-10' x 3-4'	50-8
Bailiff's Station		15-25
Spectator Seating
Jury Trial Courtroom	55-80 seats	8-12'/person
Non-Jury Trial Courtroom	30-50 seats
Arraignment Court	80-120 seats
Traffic Court	80-120 seats
Juvenile Court	10-30 seats
Domestic Relations Court	10-30 seats
Other Courtroom Components
Sound Lock/Entrance Vestibule	90-1
Attorney Conference Room	90-100
A/V Courtroom Storage Closet	25-50

Courtroom Support Spaces

Space or Function	Dimensions/Details	Size (NSF)
Judge's Chambers Trial judges' Office Appellate judges' Office		250-500 400-500
Judicial Staff Support Reception/Secretarial Area Waiting area Law Clerk Office / Work Area Court Reporter Bailiff or court officer Judicial toilets and robing areas		100-120 8-10 SF/person 120 100-120 50-75 50-60
Jury Operations Assembly rooms Deliberation rooms Deliberation Room Vestibule Two toilets	15-25 square feet / juror	900 - 25 400 - 450 280-350 80 60/Toilet
Grand Jury Operations Witness waiting Reception/waiting Interview room Entry vestibule Juror lounge	30-40 square feet / person	600-8 100-240 150-200 100 80 15-25 / Juror
General Court Support Lobby Public Waiting Areas Attorney-Client Conference Rooms Law Library Attorney Lounge Press Accommodations Law Enforcement Officers Workroom Audio-Video Control Room		1000-5 8-10 sq. ft. per person 90-100 sq. ft.
Prisoner Handling and Circulation Bailiff's central workroom Sheriff and Process Servers Building security control room Central prisoner holding Court-floor holding		25-3 250-350
Court Administration
Clerk's Office Public Queuing and Waiting Area Counter Work Stations Cashier Work Stations Public Viewing / Records Review Area Active Records Storage Area Inactive Records Storage Area Evidence Storage Area Microfilm Room Imaging Workstation Clerks' Work Stations Supervisor Office Computer Facilities Supply / Storage / Equipment Non-court Activities Staff Support Areas
Prosecuting Attorney's Office - Assistant Attorney		120-15
Public Defender's Office - Attorney Office		120-15
Probation, Parole, Pretrial and Community Services		120-14
Juvenile and Family Court

Building Management and Support

Space or Function	Dimensions/Details	Size (NSF)
Elevators and Escalators
Public Restrooms
Vending Areas		80-200
Child Care		300-500
First Aid		120-500 +
Mail Room		120-300
Maintenance