Accessibility Assessment | Columbia County

Introduction

Columbia County Elections Office
230 Strant Street
St. Helens   Oregon 97051

Download a Microsoft Word version of the Assessment

On April 14, 2004, Environmental Access, Inc. conducted an onsite visit and survey of the Columbia 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

The parking spaces should be marked with post-mounted signs and located at 84 inches above the ground. The parking space with the 8-foot access aisle on the passenger side should be marked as the van accessible space. The van accessible sign should be mounted below the standard parking sign.

Accessible Routes

The asphalt protrusion that is located in front of the second accessible parking space should be removed.

Entrances

Accessible Entrance:
A raised letter and Braille exit sign should be mounted on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the finished floor.

Elections Room Entrances:
Doors with round doorknobs should have accessible door hardware installed. The chairs should be removed from the maneuvering clearance of the door.

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:
The raised letter and Braille sign should be raised to 60 inches to the centerline of the sign. The door pressure should be adjusted so that it does not exceed 5 lbs. The door should be replaced with a door that provides a minimum of a 32-inch clear opening. The sink hot water and waste water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected from contact. One of the urinals should be lowered to a maximum of 17 inches above the floor. The accessible stall should be reconfigured to be fully accessible. The stall door should be located on the end of the stall. The stall door lock should be replaced with an accessible mechanism. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from above the back gab bar. The back grab bar should be replaced with a 36 inch long bar. The water closet should be replaced with one that has the seat 17 to 19 inches above the floor. The paper towel dispenser should be replaced with an accessible dispenser or an additional accessible dispenser should be installed.

Women’s:
The raised letter and Braille sign should be raised to 60 inches to the centerline of the sign. The door pressure should be adjusted so that it does not exceed 5 lbs. The door should be replaced with a door that provides a minimum of a 32-inch clear opening. The sink hot water and waste water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected from contact. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from above the back gab bar. The back grab bar should be replaced with a 36 inch long bar. The water closet should be replaced with one that has the seat 17 to 19 inches above the floor. The toilet paper dispenser should be located so that it is no more than 36 inches from the back wall. The paper towel dispenser should be replaced with an accessible dispenser or an additional accessible dispenser should be installed at an accessible height. The feminine hygiene dispenser should be replaced with a dispenser with an accessible operating mechanism and located so that it is not a protruding object hazard.

Elevators

The car controls buttons should be marked with raised and Braille designations located to the left of the buttons.

Drinking Fountains

Dual height accessible drinking fountains should be provided.  In the interim, paper cup dispensers and wastebaskets should be provided at the inaccessible drinking fountains.

Public Pay Telephones
The telephone company should be contacted to modify the public pay telephone so that it is accessible.

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

There are four disabled parking spaces provided. Two 9-foot wide parking spaces share a common 8-foot wide access aisle. The second set of 9-foot wide parking spaces share a common 5-foot wide access aisle. None of the parking spaces have signs. The slopes on the parking spaces range from 3 to 4.5 percent. (See Appendix Page 2, Photos. # 1 & 2)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
Four 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 and subsequent spaces 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

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 parking spaces should be marked with post-mounted signs and located at 84 inches above the ground. The parking space with the 8-foot access aisle on the passenger side should be marked as the van accessible space. The van accessible sign should be mounted below the standard parking sign.

Accessible Route

Existing Condition — Accessible Route:
There is no accessible route from the public sidewalk/public right of way. The accessible route from the accessible parking spaces has a 1-1/2 by 3 foot lump of asphalt in front of the second parking space and is located in the accessible route from the last two parking spaces.

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 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:
The asphalt protrusion that is located in front of the second accessible parking space should be removed.

Entrances

Existing Condition — Accessible Entrance:
The interior side of the accessible entrance is marked with an overhead "exit" sign; there is no raised letter and Braille signage provided.

Existing Condition — Elections Room Entrances:
In the rooms where the votes are counted, the entrance doors have round doorknobs that require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. One of the doors has chairs blocking the pull side of the door. (See Appendix Page 3, Photo. # 3)

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

Recommendation — Accessible Entrance::
A raised letter and Braille exit sign should be mounted on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the finished floor.

Recommendation — Elections Room Entrances:
Doors with round doorknobs should have accessible door hardware installed. The chairs should be removed from the maneuvering clearance of the door.

Counters

Existing Condition:
There is a main counter that is located at 42 inches above the finished floor; there is no lower section. (See Appendix Page 7, Photo. # 10)

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 Rooms

There are men’s and women’s toilet rooms provided.

Existing Condition — Men’s:
There is a raised letter and Braille sign mounted at 53 inches above the finished floor. The door opening force is 10 lbs. The door opening clearance is 29-1/2 inches. The door does not have the required 18-inch pull side clearance. There are three sinks and the hot water and waste water pipes are not wrapped or otherwise protected. There are three urinals and none of them are accessible. The accessible stall lock is not accessible, it requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. The stall is 63 inches long and 37 inches wide. The stall door is mounted on the side of the stall. The toilet seat cover dispenser is mounted above the back grab bar. There is a 30-inch back grab bar. The toilet seat is located at 21 inches above the finished floor. The paper towel dispenser requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. (See Appendix Pages 5, 6, 7, Photos. # 5, 6 & 7)

Existing Condition — Women’s:
There is a raised letter and Braille sign mounted at 53 inches above the finished floor. The door opening clearance is 30 inches. The door does not have the 18-inch pull side clearance. There are three sinks and the hot water and waste water pipes are not wrapped or otherwise protected. In the accessible stall, the toilet seat cover dispenser is mounted above the back grab bar. There is a 30-inch back grab bar. The toilet seat is located at 22 inches above the finished floor. The toilet paper dispenser is more than 36 inches from the back wall, and is mounted at 42 inches. The paper towel dispensers require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate and are not accessible; they are mounted at 55 and 50 inches above the floor. The feminine hygiene dispenser is not accessible; it has a round knob that requires tight grasping, pinching and twisting of the wrist. (See Appendix Pages 5, 7 & 8, Photos. # 5, 7, 8 & 9)

Recommendation:
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:
The raised letter and Braille sign should be raised to 60 inches to the centerline of the sign. The door pressure should be adjusted so that it does not exceed 5 lbs. The door should be replaced with a door that provides a minimum of a 32-inch clear opening. The sink hot water and waste water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected from contact. One of the urinals should be lowered to a maximum of 17 inches above the floor. The accessible stall should be reconfigured to be fully accessible. The stall door should be located on the end of the stall. The stall door lock should be replaced with an accessible mechanism. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from above the back gab bar. The back grab bar should be replaced with a 36 inch long bar. The water closet should be replaced with one that has the seat 17 to 19 inches above the floor. The paper towel dispenser should be replaced with an accessible dispenser or an additional accessible dispenser should be installed.

Recommendation — Women’s:
The raised letter and Braille sign should be raised to 60 inches to the centerline of the sign. The door pressure should be adjusted so that it does not exceed 5 lbs. The door should be replaced with a door that provides a minimum of a 32-inch clear opening. The sink hot water and waste water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected from contact. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from above the back gab bar. The back grab bar should be replaced with a 36 inch long bar. The water closet should be replaced with one that has the seat 17 to 19 inches above the floor. The toilet paper dispenser should be located so that it is no more than 36 inches from the back wall. The paper towel dispenser should be replaced with an accessible dispenser or an additional accessible dispenser should be installed at an accessible height. The feminine hygiene dispenser should be replaced with a dispenser with an accessible operating mechanism and located so that it is not a protruding object hazard.

Elevator

Existing Condition:
The elevator does not have raised and Braille car control button markings.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
Car control buttons shall be a minimum of 3/4" in the smallest dimension and shall be raised or flush. All control buttons shall be designated by Braille and raised numbers. Characters shall be 5/8" high, raised 1/32" and be accompanied by Grade 2 Braille. The main floor call button shall be designated by a raised star. They shall be placed to the left of the button. Floor buttons shall be provided with signals which light when a call is registered. All floor buttons shall be a maximum of 54" above the floor where a side approach is possible and a maximum of 48" where a front approach is required. ADAAG 4.10.12(1)(2)(3)(4)

Recommendation:
The car controls buttons should be marked with raised and Braille designations located to the left of the buttons.

Drinking Fountains

Existing Condition:
There are single height drinking fountains located between the men’s and women’s toilet rooms, they are not accessible. The spout is located at 42 inches above the finished floor.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
Where only one drinking fountain is provided per floor, accessible drinking facilities shall be provided for wheelchair users and for persons who have difficulty bending or stooping. This may be accomplished by utilizing a "hi-lo" drinking fountain design with spouts at wheelchair and standard height. ADAAG 4.1.3(10)(a)

An accessible drinking fountain shall provide a spout no higher than 36" above the floor or ground. The spout shall be located at the front of the drinking fountain. The spout shall provide a flow of water at least 4" high so as to allow the insertion of a cup or glass under the flow of water. Controls shall be located at the front or side mounted near the front edge. Controls shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. The maximum force required to operate the controls shall be no greater than 5 lbs. ADAAG 4.15.2, 3, & 4 & 4.27.4

Wall- or post-mounted cantilevered fountains shall have a clear knee space a minimum of 27" high, 30" wide, and 17" to 19" deep. A minimum clear floor space 30" by 48" allowing a forward approach to the drinking fountain shall be provided. ADAAG 4.15.5(1)

Free-standing or built-in units not having clear knee space shall have a minimum of 30" by 48" clear floor space allowing a parallel approach to the drinking fountain. ADAAG 4.15.5(2)

Recommendations:
Dual height accessible drinking fountains should be provided. In the interim, paper cup dispensers and wastebaskets should be provided at the inaccessible drinking fountains.

Public Pay Telephones

Existing Condition:
There is a public pay telephone next to the elections office, the coin slot is located at 65 inches above the floor and the phone cord is 28 inches in length. There is no volume control on the handset. (See Appendix Page 9, Photo. # 10)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
When public pay telephones are provided, then at least one per floor shall be accessible. If a bank of telephones, consisting of two or more public telephones, is provided on a floor, then at least one telephone in the bank of telephones shall be accessible. If two or more banks of public telephones are provided on a floor, then at least one telephone per bank shall be accessible and at least one public telephone per floor shall provide a forward reach at a maximum height of 48" above the floor. All accessible telephones shall be hearing aid compatible and equipped with a volume control for the hearing impaired. In addition, 25%, but never less than one of all other public telephones shall be equipped with a volume control. Telephones required to have a volume control shall be identified by a sign containing a depiction of a telephone handset with radiating sound waves. ADAAG 4.1.3(17)(a)(d) & 4.31.5

A clear floor space at telephones is required to be at least 30" by 48" that allows either a forward or parallel approach. Bases, enclosures, and fixed seats shall not impede approaches to accessible telephones. The highest operable part of an accessible telephone shall be a maximum of 48" above the floor where a forward reach is required, and a maximum of 54" above the floor where a side reach is required. ADAAG 4.31.2

Telephones shall have push-button controls with a cord length from telephone to hand set that is at least 29" long. ADAAG 4.31.6 & 4.31.8

Recommendations:
The telephone company should be contacted to modify the public pay telephone so that it is accessible.

Emergency Alarms

Existing Condition:
There are no audible/visual 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.