Accessibility Assessment | Clackamas County
Introduction
Clackamas County Elections Office
825 Portland Ave
Gladstone Oregon 97027
Download a Microsoft Word version of the Assessment
On April 12, 2004, Environmental Access, Inc. conducted an onsite visit and survey of the Clackamas 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
At least one van accessible parking space should be provided in the parking lot. The accessible parking space should be paved with asphalt or concrete.
Entrances
Main Entrance:
The entrance should be modified so that the door landings on the exterior and interior side of the door are level. As an alternate, an automatic door-opening device can be installed. Raised letter and Braille signage should be provided on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the ground.
Interior Entrance:
Round doorknobs should be replaced with accessible door hardware. The inaccessible latch on the gate into the elections office should be replaced with accessible hardware.
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 provided on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. The round doorknob should be replaced with accessible door hardware. The door should be equipped with a privacy lock. Compliant grab bars should be installed around the toilet. The toilet seat should be raised to 17 to 19 inches above the floor. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated to an accessible location. The stored items that interfere with the clear floor space of the sink should be removed from the toilet room. The paper towel dispenser should be lowered to 48 inches above the floor. The mirror should be lowered so that the reflecting surface is 40 inches above the floor.
Women’s:
Raised letter and Braille signage should be provided on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. The round doorknob should be replaced with accessible door hardware. The door should be equipped with a privacy lock. Compliant grab bars should be installed around the toilet. The toilet seat should be raised to 17 to 19 inches above the floor. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated to an accessible location. An automatic flush control should be installed. The toilet paper dispenser should be relocated so that is a maximum of 36 inches from the back wall. The sink should be raised so that there is 29 inches of knee clearance. The hot water and waste water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected. The stored items that interfere with the clear floor space of the sink should be removed from the toilet room. The paper towel dispenser should be replaced with an accessible dispenser. The shelf should be relocated so that it is not a protruding object hazard. The mirror should be lowered so that the reflecting surface is 40 inches above the floor.
ADA Compliance Report
Parking
Existing Condition — Parking:
There is a gravel parking lot located next to the Clackamas County Elections Office, there are no accessible parking spaces provided. There are no on-street accessible parking spaces provided.
ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
If parking spaces are provided for parking by employees, visitors, or both, then accessible parking spaces shall be provided in each such parking area. ADAAG 4.1.2(5)(a)
For parking spaces with 1-25, one parking space shall be provided. For parking lots with 26 to 50 there shall be a minimum of two accessible parking spaces 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:
At least one van accessible parking space should be provided in the parking lot. The accessible parking space should be paved with asphalt or concrete.
Entrances
Existing Condition — Main Entrance
The main entrance does not have a level landing on the interior side of the door. There is a slope that exceeds 15 percent. There is a 10 percent slope on the exterior side of the door. There is lettering on the door, but there is no raised letter and Braille signage provided. (See Appendix Page 2 & 3, Photos. # 1 & 2)
Existing Condition — Interior Entrances:
The interior doors in the county elections offices have round doorknobs that require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. There is a round latch on the swinging gate to the back area of elections, it is not accessible.
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)
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
Recommendation — Main Entrance:
The entrance should be modified so that the door landings on the exterior and interior side of the door are level. As an alternate, an automatic door-opening device can be installed. Raised letter and Braille signage should be provided on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the ground.
Recommendation — Interior Entrance:
Round doorknobs should be replaced with accessible door hardware. The inaccessible latch on the gate into the elections office should be replaced with accessible hardware.
Counters
Existing Condition:
There is a main counter that is located at 42 inches above the finished floor; there is no lower section. There is a table near the counter but the table only has 24 inches of knee space. (See Appendix Page 4, 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
There are men’s and women’s toilet rooms in the elections office. The following deficiencies were identified.
Existing Condition — Men’s:
There is a sign on the door and there is no raised letter and Braille signage provided. The doorknob is a round knob that requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. There is no privacy lock on the door. The maneuvering space on the interior side of the door is 37 inches. There are two side grab bars that are 32 inches long, they are centered at 31-1/2 inches above the floor and are mounted 2-3/4 inches from the wall. The toilet seat is located at 15-3/4 inches above the finished floor. The water closet is centered at 21 inches from the sidewall. The toilet seat cover dispenser is mounted above the water closet at 58 inches above the finished floor. There are stored items located in the clear floor space of the sink. The paper towel dispenser is mounted at 66 inches above the floor. The mirror is mounted with the reflecting surface at 42 inches above the floor. (See Appendix Pages 5, 6, & 7, Photos. # 4, 5, & 6)
Existing Condition — Women’s:
There is a sign on the door and there is no raised letter and Braille signage provided. The doorknob is a round knob that requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. There is no privacy lock on the door. There is a side grab bar and a back grab bar that is 32 inches long and mounted with the center of the grab bar at 31-1/2 inches above the floor and mounted 2-3/4 inches from the wall. The toilet seat is located at 15 inches above the finished floor. The water closet is centered at 17-1/2 inches from the sidewall. The toilet seat cover dispenser is mounted above the water closet at 57 inches above the finished floor. The flush is located on the wrong side of the water closet. The toilet paper dispenser is more than 36 inches from the back wall; it is mounted at 41 inches from the back wall. There are stored items located in the clear floor space of the sink. The sink does not have the proper knee space; there is 27 inches of knee and 25 inches to the bowl. The hot water and waste water pipes are not wrapped or otherwise protected. The handle of the paper towel dispenser is not accessible. There is a shelf located above the sink that is a protruding object hazard; it protrudes 12 inches at 60 inches above the finished floor. The mirror is mounted with the reflecting surface at 46-1/2 inches above the floor. (See Appendix Pages 8 & 9, Photos. # 7 & 8)
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)
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
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
The single occupancy facility shall be located in the same area as existing toilet room facilities.
Each such facility shall contain one accessible water closet, one accessible lavatory, and provide a door with a privacy latch. ADAAG 4.1.6(3)(e)
The single-occupancy facility shall be designed to comply with the following:
- The water closet shall be mounted 17" to 19" above the finished floor and located 18" from a sidewall.
- A toilet room providing a front approach to the water closet shall be a minimum of 66" long by 48" wide.
- A toilet room providing a side approach to the water closet shall be a minimum of 56v long by 48" wide.
- A toilet room providing both a front and side approach to the water closet shall be a minimum of 56" long by 60" wide.
ADAAG 4.16.2
For single-occupancy toilet rooms, grab bars shall be provided 33"-36v above the finished floor. One grab bar shall be located on the sidewall a minimum of 42" long and 12" from the back wall. A back grab bar shall be provided a minimum of 36" long and 12" minimum on each side of the water closet centerline. ADAAG 4.16.4 & 4.26
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 provided on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. The round doorknob should be replaced with accessible door hardware. The door should be equipped with a privacy lock. Compliant grab bars should be installed around the toilet. The toilet seat should be raised to 17 to 19 inches above the floor. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated to an accessible location. The stored items that interfere with the clear floor space of the sink should be removed from the toilet room. The paper towel dispenser should be lowered to 48 inches above the floor. The mirror should be lowered so that the reflecting surface is 40 inches above the floor.
Recommendation — Women’s:
Raised letter and Braille signage should be provided on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. The round doorknob should be replaced with accessible door hardware. The door should be equipped with a privacy lock. Compliant grab bars should be installed around the toilet. The toilet seat should be raised to 17 to 19 inches above the floor. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated to an accessible location. An automatic flush control should be installed. The toilet paper dispenser should be relocated so that is a maximum of 36 inches from the back wall. The sink should be raised so that there is 29 inches of knee clearance. The hot water and waste water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected. The stored items that interfere with the clear floor space of the sink should be removed from the toilet room.
The paper towel dispenser should be replaced with an accessible dispenser. The shelf should be relocated so that it is not a protruding object hazard. The mirror should be lowered so that the reflecting surface is 40 inches above the floor.