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Accessibility Assessment | Benton County

Introduction

Benton County Elections Office
120 NW 4th Street
Corvallis  Oregon 97330

Download a Microsoft Word version of the Assessment

On April 16, 2002, Environmental Access, Inc. conducted an onsite visit and survey of the Benton County Elections Office and the North Albany Drop Site 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

The accessible parking space should be relocated. Two accessible parking spaces with a common access aisle should be located at 5th and Monroe Street, across from Ticor Title.

Accessible Routes

Exterior Accessible Route:
A curb ramp should be installed to serve the accessible parking. If the accessible parking space is relocated to 5th and Monroe, a curb ramp should be installed at the end of the access aisle and provide direct access to the public sidewalk

Interior Accessible Route:
The interior accessible route should be reconfigured and may be reduced from 36 inches wide to a minimum of 32 inches wide for a maximum distance of 24 inches.

Ramps

Handrails should be provided on both sides of the ramp and extend 12 inches past the top of the ramp. The bottom portion of the ramp should be evaluated to determine if the slope can be modified.

Entrances

Rear Entrance:
Directional signage utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at inaccessible entrances indicating the location of the accessible entrance. The accessible entrance should be marked at the top of the ramp with the International Symbol of Access.

Elections Entrance:
The round doorknob should be replaced with accessible door hardware. Raised letter and Braille signage should be installed on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor.

Interior Entrances:
The round doorknob should be replaced with accessible door hardware. Raised letter and Braille signage should be installed on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. If the elections counting room continues to be used, an automatic door opening device should be 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:
Raised letter and Braille signage should be located on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. The door should be replaced with a door that provides a minimum 32-inch clear opening width. The door hardware should be replaced with accessible hardware. The sink hot water and drain water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected. The accessible stall should be reconfigured to be fully accessible. Compliant grab bars should be installed. The stall lock should be replaced with accessible. The toilet seat should be located at 17 to 19 inches above the floor. The paper towel dispenser should be lowered so that it is accessible and relocated so that it is not a protruding object hazard. The mirror should be lowered or an accessible mirror should be installed with the reflecting surface at 40 inches above the floor.

Women’s:
Raised letter and Braille signage should be located on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. The door should be replaced with a door that provides a minimum 32-inch clear opening width. The door hardware should be replaced with accessible hardware. The sink hot water and drain water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected. The accessible stall should be reconfigured to be fully accessible. Compliant grab bars should be installed. The stall lock should be replaced with accessible hardware. The paper towel dispenser should be lowered so that it is accessible and relocated so that it is not a protruding object hazard. The mirror should be lowered or an accessible mirror should be installed with the reflecting surface at 40 inches above the floor. The shelf should be relocated so that it is not a protruding object hazard. The feminine hygiene dispenser should be relocated so that it is not a protruding object hazard.

Drinking Fountains

A detectable barrier should be installed on the side of the fountain that is a protruding object.

Emergencey 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.


Ballot Drop — North Albany

A crosswalk and detectable warnings should be provided from the accessible parking to the curb ramp. Detectable warnings should be installed on the curb ramp. The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The door threshold should be beveled. The ballot drop box should be relocated so that it is accessible. It can be placed on a table in the office lobby.

ADA Compliance Report

Parking

Existing Condition — Parking:
The only accessible parking available is on-street parking. There is one on-street accessible parking space provided behind the courthouse. It is located on the right hand side of a one-way street. (See Appendix Page 2, Photos. # 1 & 2)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
There are no accessibility standards for on-street disabled parking spaces.

Two accessible parking spaces should be 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."

These signs shall be placed on posts 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 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

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:
The accessible parking space should be relocated. Two accessible parking spaces with a common access aisle should be located at 5th and Monroe Street, across from Ticor Title.

Accessible Route

Existing Condition — Exterior Accessible Route:
There is no curb ramp serving the accessible parking space. If you exit a vehicle from the driver’s side you must travel in the street to the driveway that is two spaces down the block from the accessible parking space. (See Appendix Page 2, Photo. # 1)

Existing Condition — Interior Accessible Route:
The route from the public side of the elections counter to the work area is 28 inches wide between the door and counter. (See Appendix Page 3, Photo. # 3)

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 — Exterior Accessible Route:
A curb ramp should be installed to serve the accessible parking.  If the accessible parking space is relocated to 5th and Monroe, a curb ramp should be installed at the end of the access aisle and provide direct access to the public sidewalk.

Recommendation — Interior Accessible Route:
The interior accessible route should be reconfigured and may be reduced from 36 inches wide to a minimum of 32 inches wide for a maximum distance of 24 inches.

Ramps

Existing Condition:
The accessible route to the accessible rear entrance is a ramp. The ramp has a handrail on one side only and the handrail does not extend 12 inches beyond the top of the ramp. The slope on the bottom 4 feet of the ramp is 13 percent. The bottom landing is not flat; it has a slope of 2 to 4 percent. (See Appendix Page 4, Photos. # 4 & 5)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
Ramps are required wherever the slope on an accessible route exceeds 1:20 (5 percent). The least possible slope shall be used for any ramp. The maximum slope allowed on a ramp is 1:12 (8.33 percent). Ramps shall have a minimum clear width of 36". Ramps shall have level landings at the top and bottom of each ramp and each ramp run. A ramp may have a run 30’ in length and then must have a landing 5’ in length. Landings are required at any place along the ramp where the ramp changes direction. ADAAG 4.8.1, 2, 3 & 4

Handrails are required on both sides of the ramp and shall be continuous the full length of the ramp. If they are not continuous, they shall extend at least 12" beyond the top and bottom of the ramp. The height of the handrails shall be 34"-38" above the ramp surface and mounted 1-1/2" from any wall. The diameter of the handrail shall be 1-1/4" to 1-1/2", shall have a continuous gripping surface, and have ends rounded or returned smoothly to the floor, wall or post. ADAAG 4.8.5, 4.26.2 & 4.26.4

The ramp surface shall be firm, stable, and slip resistant. The maximum cross slope of a ramp shall be 1:50. Outdoor ramps and their approaches shall be designed so that water will not accumulate on their walking surfaces. ADAAG 4.5.1, 4.8.6 & 4.8.8

Ramps and landings with a vertical drop-off shall have walls, railings, projecting surfaces, or minimum 2" high curbs to prevent people from slipping off the side of the ramp. ADAAG 4.8.7

Recommendation:
Handrails should be provided on both sides of the ramp and extend 12 inches past the top of the ramp. The bottom portion of the ramp should be evaluated to determine if the slope can be modified.

Entrances

Existing Condition — Rear Entrance
The rear entrance is not marked with the International Symbol of Access at the top of the ramp where it is visible from the public sidewalk. The inaccessible entrances are not marked with directional signage utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the accessible entrance. There are pieces of outdoor carpet and matt at the rear entrance and they are loose. The door has a threshold that is broken and chipped and more than _ inch and not properly beveled. (See Appendix Page 4 & 5, Photos. # 5 & 6)

Existing Condition — Elections Entrance:
The door to the elections office has a round knob that requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. There is a sign at the entrance but there is no raised letter and Braille signage.

Existing Condition — Interior Entrances:
There are three election offices in the basement; they all have round doorknobs. The entrance into the elections counting room has a round knob and a slope up into the entrance. The slope is 12 percent for a run of two feet. There is no raised letter or Braille signage provided for these offices.

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)

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

Recommendation — Rear Entrance:
Directional signage utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at inaccessible entrances indicating the location of the accessible entrance. The accessible entrance should be marked at the top of the ramp with the International Symbol of Access.

Recommendation — Elections Entrance:
The round doorknob should be replaced with accessible door hardware. Raised letter and Braille signage should be installed on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor.

Recommendation — Interior Entrances:
The round doorknob should be replaced with accessible door hardware. Raised letter and Braille signage should be installed on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. If the elections counting room continues to be used, an automatic door opening device should be installed.

Counters

Existing Condition:
There is a main counter that is located at 43 inches above the finished floor; there is no lower section. (See Appendix Page 6, Photo. # 7)

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

There is a men’s and women’s toilet rooms located in the basement.

Existing Condition — Men’s:
There is no raised letter and Braille signage provided. The door has a clear opening width of 28 inches. The door has a round doorknob. There are two floor-mounted urinals; the flush controls are located at 50 inches above the floor. There is one sink, the hot water and waste water pipes are not wrapped or otherwise protected. The sink does not provide the required knee space. There is one designated accessible stall that is 37 inches wide and 57 inches long. There is a side and back grab bar provided. The side grab bar is 36 inches long and the back grab bar is 30 inches long. There is no stall lock. The toilet seat is located at 15 inches above the finished floor. The paper towel dispenser is not accessible, the handle is located at 65 inches above the floor and is a protruding object hazard, and it protrudes 10 inches at 57 inches above the finished floor. The reflecting surface of the mirror is located at 55 inches above the floor. (See Appendix Pages 7, 8, & 9, Photos. # 8, 9, & 10)

Existing Condition — Women’s:
There is no raised letter and Braille signage provided. The door has a clear opening width of 28 inches. There is one sink, the hot water and waste water pipes are not wrapped or otherwise protected. The sink does not provide the required knee space; there is 26-3/4 inches of clearance. There is one designated accessible stall that is 34 inches wide and 56 inches long. There is a side and back grab bar provided. The side grab bar is 36 inches long and the back grab bar is 30 inches long. The stall lock is not accessible, it requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. The paper towel dispenser is not accessible, the handle is located at 63 inches above the floor and is a protruding object hazard, and it protrudes 10 inches at 57 inches above the finished floor. The reflecting surface of the mirror is located at 44 inches above the floor. There is a shelf that is a protruding object hazard, it protrudes 8 inches at 39 inches above the floor. The feminine hygiene dispenser is not accessible and is a protruding object hazard; it protrudes 6 inches at 40 inches above the finished floor. (See Appendix Pages 10, 11, & 12, Photos. # 11, 12, & 13)

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)

Signs which designate permanent rooms and spaces, shall be raised and provide Braille characters and pictograms. Letters and numbers shall be raised 1/32" and shall be accompanied by Grade 2 Braille. Raised character height shall be a minimum 5/8" and a maximum of 2". Pictograms shall be accompanied by the equivalent verbal description placed directly below the pictogram. The border dimension of the pictogram shall be 6" minimum in height. The characters and background of signs shall be a non-glare finish. Characters and symbols shall contrast with their background, light-on-dark or dark-on-light. The identification for rooms and spaces shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door. Where there is no wall space to the latch side of the door, including at double leaf doors, signs shall be placed on the nearest adjacent wall. Mounting height shall be 60" above the finished floor to the centerline of the sign. Such signage shall allow a person to approach within 3" without encountering protruding objects or standing within the swing of the door. ADAAG 4.1.2(7), 4.1.3(16)(a) & 4.30.4, 5, & 6

An unobstructed turning space is required in toilet rooms. This space shall be either a 60" diameter circle or a T-shaped space 60" square with 36" legs. ADAAG 4.2.3, 4.22.3 & 4.23.3

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

At least one toilet stall shall be accessible in a toilet room. An accessible toilet stall shall have the following dimensions:


Accessible Stall: Minimum width: 60"

Minimum depth: 59" with a floor mounted water closet.

Minimum depth: 56" with a wall mounted water closet.


Grab bars in accessible toilet stalls shall be located on the sidewall closest to the water closet, and on the back wall. The sidewall grab bar shall be a minimum of 40" long and shall be mounted a maximum of 12" from the rear wall. The back grab bar shall be a minimum of 36" long and located a maximum of 6" from the sidewall closest to the water closet. ADAAG 4.17.6

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

Stall doors shall be out-swinging with self-closing hinges. Minimum stall door width shall be a 32" clear opening. Stall door locks shall be slide bolts or flip latches and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. If coat hooks are provided on the inside of stall doors, they shall be located a maximum of 48" above the finished floor. ADAAG 4.13.5, 4.13.9 & 4.2.5

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 urinals are provided, then at least one shall be accessible. Urinals shall be floor mounted or wall mounted with an elongated rim a maximum of 17" above the finished floor. A clear floor space 30" wide by 48" deep minimum shall be provided in front of the urinal to allow a front approach. Urinal shields may be provided if they do not extend beyond the front edge of the urinal rim and provide 29" of clearance between them. Flush controls shall be located a maximum of 44" above the finished floor. Controls 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 force to operate a flush control shall be no greater than 5 lbs. ADAAG 4.18.2, 3, & 4, 4.22.5 & 4.23.5

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:
Raised letter and Braille signage should be located on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. The door should be replaced with a door that provides a minimum 32-inch clear opening width. The door hardware should be replaced with accessible hardware. The sink hot water and drain water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected. The accessible stall should be reconfigured to be fully accessible. Compliant grab bars should be installed. The stall lock should be replaced with accessible hardware. The toilet seat should be located at 17 to 19 inches above the floor. The paper towel dispenser should be lowered so that it is accessible and relocated so that it is not a protruding object hazard. The mirror should be lowered or an accessible mirror should be installed with the reflecting surface at 40 inches above the floor.

Recommendation — Women’s:
Raised letter and Braille signage should be located on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. The door should be replaced with a door that provides a minimum 32-inch clear opening width. The door hardware should be replaced with accessible hardware. The sink hot water and drain water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected. The accessible stall should be reconfigured to be fully accessible. Compliant grab bars should be installed. The stall lock should be replaced with accessible hardware. The paper towel dispenser should be lowered so that it is accessible and relocated so that it is not a protruding object hazard. The mirror should be lowered or an accessible mirror should be installed with the reflecting surface at 40 inches above the floor. The shelf should be relocated so that it is not a protruding object hazard. The feminine hygiene dispenser should be relocated so that it is not a protruding object hazard.

Drinking Fountains

Existing Condition:
There is a dual height drinking fountain, it is a protruding object hazard on one side, and it protrudes 8 inches at 32 inches above the finished floor. (See Appendix Page 13, Photo. # 14)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
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

Recommendation:
A detectable barrier should be installed on the side of the fountain that is a protruding object.

Emergency Alarms

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.

Ballot Drop — North Albany

Existing Condition:
There is a ballot drop location in North Albany. The accessible route from the accessible parking requires crossing a vehicular lane of travel, there are no detectable warnings or crosswalk. The curb ramp to the entrance does not have detectable warnings. The entrance door to the building has an opening force of 16 lbs. and a door threshold that is 1 inch that is not properly beveled. The door to the office where the ballot drop is located has a round doorknob. The ballot drop is located on top of a file cabinet that is 56 inches above the floor. (See Appendix Pages 13 & 14, Photos. # 15 & 16)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
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

Detectable warnings are required the full width and length of the ramp. Surfaces shall contrast visually from the adjoining surfaces, either light-on-dark, or dark-on-light. The material used to provide contrast shall be an integral part of the walking surface. Detectable warnings used on interior surfaces shall differ from a joining walking surfaces in resiliency or sound-on- cane contact. The surface shall consist of raised truncated domes with the following features:


Diameter: 0.9" nominal

Height: 0.2" nominal

Center to Center spacing: 2.35" nominal


ADAAG 4.7.7 & 4.29.2

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

If a clear floor space allows only a forward approach, the maximum high forward reach shall be 48". If clear floor space allows a parallel approach, the maximum high side reach shall be 54". ADAAG 4.2.5 & 4.2.6

The minimum low forward reach shall be 15". ADAAG 4.2.5

If the high forward reach is over an obstruction, the following conditions shall be met:

  1. Knee spaces below obstruction shall equal or exceed reach length required above the obstruction.
  2. If the obstruction is less than 20" deep, the maximum high forward reach shall be 48".
  3. If the obstruction is 20"-25" deep, the maximum high forward reach shall be 44".
  4. If a clear floor space allows a parallel approach, the maximum high side reach shall be 54".
  5. The minimum low side reach shall be 9".

ADAAG 4.2.5

Recommendation:
A crosswalk and detectable warnings should be provided from the accessible parking to the curb ramp. Detectable warnings should be installed on the curb ramp. The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The door threshold should be beveled. The ballot drop box should be relocated so that it is accessible. It can be placed on a table in the office lobby.