Accessibility Assessment | Baker County

Introduction

Baker County Elections Office
1995 3rd Street  Suite 150
Baker City  Oregon 97814

Download a Microsoft Word version of the Assessment

On February 24, 2004, Environmental Access, Inc. conducted an onsite visit and survey of the Baker County Elections Office for compliance with the ADA Accessibility Guidelines and Chapter 11 of the Oregon Structural Specialty Code, the accessibility requirements adopted by the State of Oregon.

Most election offices were located in their county courthouse. Therefore most of the surveys involved an evaluation of a portion of a larger facility. The scope of the survey included the accessible route from the public sidewalk and parking, if provided, to the accessible entrance. If the accessible route to the elections office included use of an elevator, the elevator was evaluated. In addition to surveying the public access areas of the elections office, employee and volunteer areas were evaluated. The survey also included an evaluation of the most accessible toilet facilities that served the elections office.

The purpose of the survey was to identify structural barriers to the county elections office so that the elections offices can evaluate and prioritize barrier removal and obtain financial assistance from the HAVA Program to assist with the funding of the removal of these barriers.

The recommendations provided in this report are made to assist the county elections office in identifying and removing structural barriers to its facilities. An evaluation of individual programs, services and activities within a certain facility was not part of this study. This report does not address potential program modifications that may be available to provide program accessibility. Public entities that are subject to Title II of the ADA must conduct an ADA compliance review known as an ADA Self Evaluation. The ADA Self Evaluation must include an evaluation of policies, practices, procedures, programs, employment, and communication as well as an evaluation of facilities for structural accessibility. As part of the ADA Self Evaluation, each public entity is required to develop an ADA Transition Plan to address any structural barriers identified during the ADA Self Evaluation process.

The ADA Compliance Report

Each report has an "Executive Summary" located at the beginning of the report that summarizes all of the recommendations made in the body of the report. The recommendations are prioritized in order of importance using the priorities established by the U.S. Department of Justice for public entities.

The body of the report utilizes three sections for each set of structural barriers identified. The first section is titled "Existing Condition." The "existing condition" section summarizes the building element or elements that do not comply with either the ADA Accessibility Guidelines or the State of Oregon Building Code.

The second section is titled "ADA Accessibility Guidelines." The "ADA Accessibility Guidelines" section of the report is a summary of the applicable accessibility requirements, including the more stringent Oregon requirements where applicable. A complete copy of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines should be consulted along with the State of Oregon Building Code prior to making any alterations to the facility.

The third section is titled "Recommendations." The "recommendations" section provides a recommendation or recommendations for the removal of the architectural barriers identified. This section may also make a recommendation for an alternative to barrier removal or may make a recommendation for a temporary solution.

Photographs of barriers are provided in the appendix section of the report, which is located at the back of the report. The photographs are numbered and referenced in the body of the report by appendix page and photograph number. Not all barriers have photographs as many are clear and straightforward and therefore photographs were not included in the appendix of the report. New digital camera operator error also caused some photographs to be missing.

Some counties have provided drive-up drop boxes at their county courthouses or at other convenient locations within their county for voters to drive-up and drop their ballots without having to exit their vehicle. These drive-up drop boxes are excellent ways to provide improved access for people with disabilities and seniors. Because of the cost of removing many of the barriers identified during this survey, counties should consider providing these drive-up drop boxes as an alternative.

If, after reviewing the report, there are any questions about the barriers identified or the recommendations made, or any other aspect of the survey or report, please contact Bob Pike at Environmental Access, Inc.

Executive Summary

Parking

Parking Lot
The signs should be raised so that they are clearly visible when a vehicle is parked in the parking space. The pavement markings and lines for the accessible parking spaces and access aisle should be redone.

On-Street Parking:
A sign with the correct statutory language should be located so that the bottom edge of the sign is 84 inches above the ground.

Accessible Routes

Parking Lot:
A curb ramp should be located in the walkway at the front of the access aisle. The gaps and transitions in the walkway should be repaired.

On-Street Parking:
The parking strip should be paved. A curb ramp serving the parking space should be installed.

Entrances

Exterior Entrance:
The accessible entrance should be marked with the International Symbol of Access. The gaps and transitions in the ramp should be repaired. The door pressure should be reduced to a maximum of 8-1/2 lbs. or an automatic door-opening device should be installed.

Interior Entrances:
The door thresholds should be modified to comply. The tax payment box should be relocated. Doors with round knobs should have accessible door hardware installed.

Counters

A 36-inch section of the counter should be lowered to a maximum of 34 inches above the floor. In the interim, a clipboard or accessible table should be utilized.

Toilet Rooms

Men’s:
Signage should be provided at inaccessible toilet facilities utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the accessible facilities. The door pressure should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. opening force. An accessible sink with proper knee space should be provided. The mirror should be lowered so that the reflecting surface is 40 inches above the floor or an accessible full-length mirror should be installed. The flush control device for the toilet should be accessible, the existing system needs a longer chain and there should be a loop handle on the end.

Women’s:
Signage should be provided at inaccessible toilet facilities utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the accessible facilities. The door pressure should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. opening force.

Elevators

A loop handle should be installed on the emergency telephone door compartment.

Emergency Alarms

Audible/visual alarms should be provided in the building. The building should have an emergency evacuation plan that includes provisions for evacuating people with disabilities.

ADA Compliance Report

Parking

Existing Condition — Parking Lot:
There are two designated accessible parking spaces in the small parking lot at the side of the building. Two 9-foot wide parking spaces share a common 8-foot wide access aisle. The parking spaces are marked with signs that are mounted on the building approximately 60 inches above the ground. The pavement markings and lines are faded and difficult to see.

Existing Condition — On-Street Parking:
There is one on-street parking space provided; it is marked with a sign that says "Vehicle ID Required" with a directional sign indicating "Ballot and Tax Payment Drop Box." The parking strip on the passenger side of the parking space is not paved.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
The accessible parking shall be located on the shortest accessible route of travel from the parking area to the accessible entrance. If a facility has multiple accessible entrances, accessible parking shall be dispersed and located closest to the accessible entrances. ADAAG 4.6.2

If parking is located at a facility in such a manner that it requires an individual to enter a vehicular lane of travel, then a crosswalk must be provided. When the accessible route crosses or adjoins a vehicular way, and it is not separated by curbs, railings, or other elements, the boundary between the areas shall be defined by a continuous detectable warning 36" wide. ADAAG 4.29

Two accessible parking spaces are provided. One space is required to be "van accessible." A van accessible space must provide a 108" parking space, a vertical clearance of 98", and a 96" wide access aisle under Oregon Law. The access aisle shall be located on the passenger side of the van accessible parking space. The second space must have a 108" wide parking space, a vertical clearance of 80", and a minimum 72" wide access aisle. Two parking spaces may share a common 96" wide access aisle. ADAAG 4.1.2(5)(a)(b) & 4.6.5

A sign shall be posted for each accessible parking space. The sign shall be clearly visible to a person parking in the space. Signage shall be provided that utilizes the International Symbol of Accessibility with letters a minimum of 1" in height to read:

"Parking with DMV Disabled Permit Only. Violators subject to towing under ORS 811.620 and a fine of up to $300.00 under ORS 811.615."

If these signs are placed on posts then they shall be placed with the bottom edge of the sign at least 84" above the parking lot surface. The van accessible parking space shall add the language "van accessible" to the bottom of the designated sign. ORS & ADAAG 4.1.2(7)(a)(b) & 4.6.4

If the signs are located on buildings, walls or other structures, then they signs shall be located so that they are easily visible when a car is parked in the parking space. ADAAG 4.1.2(7)(a)(b) & 4.6.4

The pavement of each accessible parking space shall be clearly marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility. The symbol shall be a minimum of 29" in height and a minimum of 24" in width. The width of the symbol striping shall be 4".

No ramp or other obstruction may extend into an accessible parking space or the adjacent access aisle.

Accessible parking spaces must measure at least 17’ in length.
ORS 447.233

Parking spaces and access aisles shall have a maximum slope of 1:50 (2%) in all directions. ADAAG 4.6.3

Recommendation — Parking Lot:
The signs should be raised so that they are clearly visible when a vehicle is parked in the parking space. The pavement markings and lines for the accessible parking spaces and access aisle should be redone.

Recommendation — On-Street Parking:
A sign with the correct statutory language should be located so that the bottom edge of the sign is 84 inches above the ground.

Accessible Routes

Existing Condition — Parking Lot:
There is no accessible route that connects the accessible parking to the walkway. The access aisle of the parking spaces is not connected directly to the walkway and an individual must enter the vehicular lane of travel to access the walkway. There are gaps and transitions that are not properly beveled in the walkway to the ramp.

Existing Condition — On-Street Parking:
There is no accessible route from the on-street parking space to the sidewalk. If an individual exits the vehicle from the driver’s side they would need to use the driveway to access the drop box, the driveway has a 1-inch transition that is not beveled.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
At least one accessible route shall be provided within the boundary of the site from public transportation stops, passenger loading zones, if provided, and public streets and sidewalks, and accessible parking spaces to the accessible entrance to the facility. The accessible route, to the maximum extent possible, shall coincide with the route used by the general public. ADAAG 4.1.2(1) & 4.3.2(1)

At least one accessible route shall connect accessible buildings, facilities, elements, and spaces that are on the same site. ADAAG 4.3.2(2)

At least one accessible route shall connect accessible building or facility entrances with all accessible spaces and elements within the building or facility. ADAAG 4.3.2(3)

An accessible route is a continuous unobstructed path connecting all accessible elements and spaces of a building or facility. Interior accessible routes may include corridors, floors, ramps, elevators, lifts, and clear floor space at fixtures. Exterior accessible routes may include parking access aisles, curb ramps, crosswalks at vehicular ways, walks, ramps, and lifts. ADAAG 3.5

An accessible route shall not cross a vehicular lane of travel. If a walk crosses or adjoins a vehicular way, and the walk is not separated by curbs, railings or other elements between pedestrian areas and vehicular ways, the boundary between the areas shall be defined by a continuous detectable warning 36" wide. ADAAG 4.29.5

An accessible route shall be a minimum 36" wide. The minimum clear headroom on an accessible route shall be 80". The maximum slope allowed on an accessible route is 1:20 with a cross slope no greater 1:50. ADAAG 4.3.3, 4.3.5, 4.3.7 & 4.4.2

Maximum level change along an accessible route is 1/4" without edge treatment. Changes in level between 1/4" and 1/2" requires that the edge be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. Changes in level greater than 1/2" require a ramp. ADAAG 4.3.8 & 4.5.2

Accessible routes shall have a firm, stable, slip-resistant surface. If gratings are located along accessible routes, they shall have spaces no greater than 1/2" wide and shall be perpendicular to the route of travel. ADAAG 4.3.6 & 4.5

Recommendation — Parking Lot Accessible Route:
A curb ramp should be located in the walkway at the front of the access aisle. The gaps and transitions in the walkway should be repaired.

Recommendation — On-Street Parking Accessible Route:
The parking strip should be paved. A curb ramp serving the parking space should be installed.

Entrances

Existing Condition — Exterior Entrance:
The accessible side entrance is accessed by use of a ramp. There are gaps and transitions at the ramp that are wider and deeper than _ inch. The accessible entrance is not marked with the International Symbol of Access. The door pressure is greater than 10 lbs. (See Appendix Page 2, Photo. #2)

Existing Condition — Interior Entrances:
The entrance to the county elections office has a door threshold of _ to 1 inch that is not properly beveled. There is a tax payment box next door to the elections office, it is a protruding object hazard, and it protrudes 5-1/2 inches at 38 inches above the finished floor. There are work areas in the elections office, such as the ballot room, that have a door with a clear opening width of 27-1/2 inches and a round doorknob. There is a vault with an opening of 30 inches with a _ inch threshold that is not properly beveled.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
The accessible entrance to a building or facility, where feasible, shall be the entrance used by the general public. ADAAG 4.1.3(8)(a)

When all entrances are not accessible, the accessible entrances shall be marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility. Entrances which are not accessible shall have directional signage indicating where the nearest accessible entrance is located. ADAAG 4.1.2(7)(c), 4.1.3(8)(d), 4.1.6(1)(h) & 4.30.1

At each accessible entrance, at least one door shall be accessible. ADAAG 4.1.3(7)(a)

Out-swinging entrance doors with a front approach shall have a minimum 5’ long landing and it shall extend a minimum of 18" beyond the latch side of the door. The floor or ground area within the required clearances shall be level and clear. ADAAG 4.13.6

Doors into accessible spaces and areas shall provide a minimum clear space of 32", provide lever-operated door hardware, and have a door opening force no greater than 5 lbs. ADAAG 4.3.3, 4.13.5, 4.13.6 & 4.13.11

Accessible door hardware includes handles, pulls, latches, locks, and other operating devices with a shape that is easy to grasp with one hand and does not require tight grasping, tight pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. Lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms and U-shaped handles are acceptable designs. Door hardware shall be mounted no higher than 48" above the finished floor. ADAAG 4.13.8

Maximum threshold height shall be 1/2". Raised thresholds shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. If existing thresholds are 3/4" or less, and have a beveled edge on each side, they are acceptable. ADAAG 4.1.6(3)(d)(ii) & 4.13.8

The maximum force allowed for opening an exterior door shall not exceed 8-1/2 lbs. The maximum force allowed for opening an interior door shall not exceed 5 lbs. Chapter 11 & ADAAG 4.13.11

Objects that project from walls and into walks, corridors, passageways or aisles, with their leading edges between 27" and 80" above the finished floor, shall protrude no more than 4". Objects projecting from walls with their leading edges at or below 27" above the finished floor may protrude any amount. Free-standing objects mounted on posts or pylons may overhang a maximum of 12" from 27" to 80" above the finished floor or ground. Protruding objects shall not reduce the required clear width of an accessible route. ADAAG 4.4

Maximum level change along an accessible route is 1/4" without edge treatment. Changes in level between 1/4" and 1/2" requires that the edge be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. Changes in level greater than 1/2" require a ramp. ADAAG 4.3.8 & 4.5.2

Recommendation — Exterior Entrance:
The accessible entrance should be marked with the International Symbol of Access. The gaps and transitions in the ramp should be repaired. The door pressure should be reduced to a maximum of 8-1/2 lbs. or an automatic door-opening device should be installed.

Recommendation — Interior Entrances:
The door thresholds should be modified to comply. The tax payment box should be relocated. Doors with round knobs should have accessible door hardware installed.

Counter

Existing Condition:
There is a counter in the county elections office, the top of the counter is 39-1/2 inches above the finished floor, and there is no accessible portion of the counter. (See Appendix Page 3, Photo. #3)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
If seating for people in wheelchairs is provided at tables or counters, knee spaces at least 27" high, 30" wide, and 19" deep shall be provided. The tops of accessible tables and counters shall be from 28" to 34" above the finished floor. ADAAG 4.32.3 & 4

In all areas where business transactions occur with the general public, such as department stores and retail stores where counters have cash registers and are provided for sales or distribution of goods or services to the public, a portion of the counter, a minimum of 36" in length, and a maximum of 36" above the finished floor shall be provided. Accessible counters, if provided, must be dispersed throughout the building or facility. Counters must be located on an accessible route. ADAAG 7.2

At ticketing counters, teller stations in a bank, registration counters in hotels and motels, box-office ticket counters, and other counters that may not have a cash register, but at which goods and services are sold or distributed, a portion of the main counter, which is a minimum of 36" in length and a maximum of 36" in height shall be provided. An auxiliary counter with a maximum height of 36" in close proximity to the main counter may be provided. As an alternative, a folding shelf attached to the main counter or the use of the space on the side of the counter or a desk may be utilized. ADAAG 7.2

Recommendation:
A 36-inch section of the counter should be lowered to a maximum of 34 inches above the floor. In the interim, a clipboard or accessible table should be utilized.

Toilet Room

The accessible men’s and women’s toilet rooms are in the basement. At the inaccessible toilet rooms, there is no directional signage indicating the location of the accessible toilet rooms. The following deficiencies pertain to the accessible facilities in the basement.

Existing Condition — Men’s:
The door opening force exceeds 10 lbs. The toilet paper dispenser is mounted near the back wall and is not accessible. The centerline of the toilet is 18-1/2 inches from the sidewall. The sink does not provide the required knee space. The mirror is mounted at 44-1/2 inches to the reflecting surface. The pull chain of the flush the toilet is not accessible, it requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. (See Appendix Pages 4 & 5 Photos. #4 & 5)

Existing Condition — Women’s:
The door opening force exceeds 10 lbs.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
If toilet rooms are provided in a facility, then each public and common use facility shall be accessible. Accessible toilet room facilities shall be located on an accessible route. ADAAG 4.1.2(6) & 4.22.1

Signage utilizing the International Symbol of Accessibility shall be provided at accessible toilet rooms when all toilet rooms are not accessible. Signage shall also be provided on toilet rooms that are not accessible, indicating the location of the nearest accessible toilet room within the facility. ADAAG 4.1.2(7)(d) & 4.1.6(3)(e)(iii)

Doors into accessible toilet rooms shall provide a minimum of 32" clear space, provide lever-operated door hardware, and have a door opening force no greater than 5 lbs. Doors shall not swing into the clear floor space within the toilet room. ADAAG 4.22.2 & 4.23.2

Grab bars shall have a diameter of the gripping surface between 1-1/4" to 1-1/2". The space between the wall or stall partition shall be 1-1/2". Grab bars shall be mounted between 33"-36" above the finished floor. ADAAG 4.16.4, 4.17.6 & 4.26.2

Dispensers and receptacles shall be installed so that they do not interfere with the use of the grab bars. CH. 11

Water closets shall be located 18" from the sidewall or partition. The toilet seat height shall be located between 17" and 19" above the finished floor. ADAAG 4.16.3

Controls, dispensers, receptacles, or other equipment provided in the toilet room shall be located optimally at 48" above the finished floor. A clear floor space of 30" by 48" shall be provided to allow a forward or parallel approach. If a clear floor space allows only a forward approach, the maximum high forward reach shall be 48". If a clear floor space allows a parallel approach, the maximum high side reach shall be 54". Controls and mechanisms shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. The maximum force allowed to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 lbs. ADAAG 4.2.5, 4.2.6, 4.23.7, 4.25.3 & 4.27.4

Flush controls shall be mounted a maximum of 44" above the finished floor. They shall be mounted on the wide side of the toilet area and shall be hand operated or automatic. Controls shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. The maximum force allowed to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 lbs. ADAAG 4.16.5 & 4.27.4

Toilet paper dispensers shall be installed on the sidewall, below the grab bar, a minimum 19" above the finished floor and a maximum 36" from the rear wall. Toilet paper dispensers that control delivery or do not allow continuous paper flow shall not be used. ADAAG 4.16.6

If lavatories are provided, then at least one shall be accessible. ADAAG 4.22.6 & 4.23.6

Lavatories shall be mounted with the rim or counter surface no higher than 34" above the finished floor. A clearance a minimum of 29" shall be provided from the floor to the bottom of the apron. Knee clearance a minimum of 27" high, 30" wide, and 19" deep shall be provided under the bowl. A clear floor space 30" by 48" shall be provided in front of the lavatory to allow a forward approach. ADAAG 4.19.2 & 4.19.3

Hot water and drainpipes under lavatories shall be insulated or otherwise designed to protect against contact. ADAAG 4.19.4

Faucets shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. Lever-operated, push-type or electronically controlled devices are acceptable. If self-closing valves are used, the faucet shall remain open for at least 10 seconds. The force required to activate faucet controls shall not exceed 5 lbs. ADAAG 4.19.5 & 4.27.4

Mirrors shall be mounted with the bottom edge at a maximum of 40" above the finished floor. ADAAG 4.19.6

Recommendation — Men’s:
Signage should be provided at inaccessible toilet facilities utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the accessible facilities. The door pressure should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. opening force. An accessible sink with proper knee space should be provided. The mirror should be lowered so that the reflecting surface is 40 inches above the floor or an accessible full-length mirror should be installed. The flush control device for the toilet should be accessible, the existing system needs a longer chain and there should be a loop handle on the end.

Recommendation — Women’s:
Signage should be provided at inaccessible toilet facilities utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the accessible facilities. The door pressure should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. opening force.

Elevator

Existing Condition:
The door handle to the emergency telephone compartment requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to open and is not accessible.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
Controls and operating mechanisms shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. The maximum force allowed to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 lbs. ADAAG 4.2.5, 4.2.6, 4.23.7, 4.25.3 & 4.27.4

Recommendation:
A loop handle should be installed on the emergency telephone door compartment.

Emergency Alarms

Existing Condition:
There are some emergency alarms provided.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
If an emergency warning system is provided, then it shall include both audible and visual alarms. Visual alarms shall be provided, at a minimum, in restrooms, hallways, lobbies, meeting rooms, and any other common use area. Visual alarms shall be integrated into the building or the facility alarm system. If single station audible alarms are provided, then single station visual alarms shall be provided. The audible emergency alarm shall produce a sound that exceeds the prevailing sound level in the room or space by at least 15 db. or exceeds any maximum sound level with a duration of 60 seconds by 5 dbs. Audible alarm sound levels shall not exceed 120 dbs. Visual alarms shall be placed every 50 feet. Emergency exit signs shall flash as a visual emergency alarm in conjunction with audible emergency alarms. The visual alarm appliances shall provide the following features:

1. The lamp shall be xenon strobe type or equivalent.
2. The color shall be clear or white (i.e., unfiltered or clear-filtered white light).
3. Maximum pulse rate shall be 2/10 of a second with a maximum duty cycle of 40%.
4. The intensity shall be a minimum of 75 candela.
5. The flash rate shall be a minimum of 1 Hz and a maximum of 3 Hz.
6. The device shall be placed 80" above the highest floor level within the space or 6" below the ceiling, whichever is lower.

ADAAG 4.1.3(14), 4.28.1 & 4.28.3

Recommendation:
Audible/visual alarms should be provided in the building. The building should have an emergency evacuation plan that includes provisions for evacuating people with disabilities.