Douglas County Assessment

Accessibility Assessment | Douglas County

Introduction

Douglas County Elections Office
1036 SE Douglas Room 124
Roseburg Oregon 97470

Download a Microsoft Word version of the Assessment

May 5, 2004

Robert W. Pike
President
Environmental Access Inc.

On April 20, 2004, Environmental Access, Inc. conducted an onsite visit and survey of the Douglas County Elections Office for compliance with the ADA Accessibility Guidelines and Chapter 11 of the Oregon Structural Specialty Code, the accessibility requirements adopted by the State of Oregon.

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

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

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

The ADA Compliance Report

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Executive Summary

Parking

Parking — Side of Building:
The access aisle of the parking space should be re-striped so that it is fully 8-feet wide at the front and back of the aisle. The sign should be mounted at 84 inches from the bottom edge of the sign to the ground.

Parking — Rear of Building:
Due to the slope on the parking space, this space should be relocated. Two parking spaces can share a common access aisle at the location of the accessible parking space on the side of the building. If the parking space is not relocated, then the parking space should be re-stripped so that there is an access aisle on the passenger side of the parking space. A compliant sign should be installed and mounted at 84 inches from the bottom edge of the sign to the ground.

Accessible Routes

Accessible Parking Space— Side of Building:
Detectable warnings should be installed on the curb ramp. The transition at the bottom of the curb ramp should be properly beveled. Handrails should be provided on the route from the curb ramp.

Accessible Parking Space— Rear of Building:
The parking space at this location should be relocated. If the parking space is not relocated, the curb ramp should be reconstructed to comply. The access aisle of the parking space should be connected to the curb ramp with a crosswalk and detectable warnings. The handrails on the ramp should be modified to comply.

Ramp

Exterior Ramp:
When a renovation is undertaken, the ramp and ramp handrails should be modified to comply.

Interior Ramp — Rear Door:
The matt on the ramp and chairs under the handrails should be removed. When a renovation is undertaken, the ramp and ramp handrails should be modified to comply.

Interior Metal Ramp to Accessible Toilet Rooms:
Handrails should be installed on both sides of the ramp. The ramp should be evaluated to determine if there is sufficient room to lengthen the ramp in order to reduce the excessive slope. If the ramp is modified, the landing should be modified to comply.

Entrances

Rear Entrance:
Inaccessible entrances should be marked with directional signage utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the accessible entrance. The door-opening button should be located so that the ground area at the button is level. The chairs should be removed from the interior door button.

Elections Entrance:
The round doorknob should be replaced with accessible door hardware. Raised letter and Braille signage should be provided. The door pressure should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The door swing should be reversed so that the door is out-swinging or an automatic door-opening device should be installed to alleviate the lack of the 18-inch latch side, pull side clearance.

Interior Entrances:
Round doorknobs should be replaced with accessible door hardware. The vault room door threshold should be properly beveled. The desk should be moved so that there is 18 inches of latch-side, pull side clearance at the gate. The gate hardware 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

Directional signage utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at the inaccessible toilet rooms indicating the location of the accessible toilet room. The latch on the hallway door should be replaced with accessible hardware and the door-opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The toilet room door-opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. An automatic flush control should be installed on the toilet. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from behind the back grab bar. The paper towel dispenser should be replaced with a dispenser that is accessible and relocated so that it is not above the grab bar. The slope of the drain grate should be modified so that it has no more than a 2 percent slope. The feminine hygiene dispenser should be relocated so that it is not a protruding object hazard. The operating force of the soap dispenser should be adjusted so that it is a maximum of 5 lbs. The wastebasket should be relocated so that it is not in the maneuvering clearance of the door.

Elevators

The elevator should be upgraded to be ADA compliant.

Emergency Alarms

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

ADA Compliance Report

Parking

Existing Condition — Parking — Side of Building:
There are four disabled parking spaces provided in the front of the building. There is one accessible parking space located in the parking lot at the side of the building. This parking space is designated as van accessible. The access aisle is not fully 8 feet wide at the front of the parking space. The sign does not comply; it is mounted at 45 inches above the ground. (See Appendix Page 2, Photos. # 1 & 2)

Existing Condition — Parking — Rear of Building:
There is a second accessible parking space located in a lot near the first space at the rear of the building. The parking space is 9 feet wide and there is no access aisle. The sign marking the parking space does not comply, it is marked “Parking for Disabled Only” it does not have the required statutory language. The parking space has a slope of 4 percent (See Appendix Page 3, Photo. # 3)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
One accessible parking space is provided in each lot. This parking space is required to be "van accessible." In Oregon, a van accessible parking space in a facility with less than 26 parking spaces must provide a 108" parking space, a vertical clearance of 98", and a 96" access aisle. The access aisle shall be located on the passenger side of the van accessible parking space. ADAAG 4.1.2(5)(a)(b) & 4.6.5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recommendation — Parking — Side of Building:
The access aisle of the parking space should be re-striped so that it is fully 8-feet wide at the front and back of the aisle. The sign should be mounted at 84 inches from the bottom edge of the sign to the ground.

Recommendation – Parking – Rear of Building:
Due to the slope on the parking space, this space should be relocated. Two parking spaces can share a common access aisle at the location of the accessible parking space on the side of the building. If the parking space is not relocated, then the parking space should be re-stripped so that there is an access aisle on the passenger side of the parking space. A compliant sign should be installed and mounted at 84 inches from the bottom edge of the sign to the ground.

Accessible Route

Existing Condition — Accessible Parking Space — Side of Building:
There is a curb ramp next to the access aisle, it does not have detectable warnings and it has a transition greater than ½ inch that is not properly beveled. The route from the curb ramp has a slope that is greater than 5 percent (6.8%) and there are no handrails. (See Appendix Page 2 & 3, Photo. # 2 & 4)

Existing Condition — Accessible Parking Space — Rear of Building:
There is a curb ramp located next to the parking space and it does not comply. It requires entering a vehicular lane of travel. The curb ramp does not have detectable warnings and the slope on the curb ramp is 21 percent. There is a transition at the bottom of the curb ramp that is ¾ inch that is not beveled. The route from the curb ramp has a slope of 7 percent and there is another ramp with handrails that do not extend 12 inches beyond the top and bottom of the ramp. The handrails are mounted at 29 inches above the ramp surface. The ramp with handrails has a cross slope of 5 percent. (See Appendix Page 3 & 4, Photo. # 3, 5 & 6)

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

Curb ramps shall be provided wherever an accessible route crosses a curb. Curb ramps shall have the least slope possible; the maximum slope allowed is 1:12 or 8.3 percent. ADAAG 4.7.1

Curb ramps shall have a minimum clear width of 36" and have a firm, stable, and slip-resistant surface. Transitions shall be flush and free of abrupt changes, no greater than 1/4". Any greater than 1/4" shall be beveled. ADAAG 4.7.3, 4.7.4 & 4.5

Curb ramp sides or flares may be 1:10 unless they are located in an accessible route where pedestrians may walk across the ramp, then they must have a maximum slope of 1:12. ADAAG 4.7.5

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

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 — Accessible Parking Space — Side of Building:
Detectable warnings should be installed on the curb ramp. The transition at the bottom of the curb ramp should be properly beveled. Handrails should be provided on the route from the curb ramp.

Recommendation — Accessible Parking Space — Rear of Building:
The parking space at this location should be relocated. If the parking space is not relocated, the curb ramp should be reconstructed to comply. The access aisle of the parking space should be connected to the curb ramp with a crosswalk and detectable warnings. The handrails on the ramp should be modified to comply.

Ramp

Existing Condition — Exterior Ramp:
There is a ramp to the accessible entrance. The handrails of the ramp do not extend parallel to the ground at the top and bottom of the ramp. The ramp has a slope of 9.2 percent at the top and 10.2 percent at the bottom. (See Appendix Page 5, Photos. # 7 & 8)

Existing Condition — Interior Ramp — Rear Door:
There is a ramp inside the accessible building entrance. The handrails of the ramp do not extend parallel to the floor at the top and bottom of the ramp. The ramp has a slope of 9.9 percent from the top to the middle of the ramp. There is a mat that is not attached on the ramp. The handrails do not extend past the top of the ramp on one side due to a vault door. There are chairs stacked along the ramp run that obstruct the handrails. (See Appendix Page 6, Photos. # 9 & 10)

Existing Condition – Interior Metal Ramp to Accessible Toilet Rooms:
There is a metal ramp that provides access to the accessible toilet rooms. There are no handrails on one side. The ramp has a slope of 14.5 percent. The ramp landing where the ramp changes direction is 36 inches by 36 inches. (See Appendix Page 7, Photo. # 11)

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

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 – Exterior Ramp:
When a renovation is undertaken, the ramp and ramp handrails should be modified to comply.

Recommendation – Interior Ramp – Rear Door:
The mat on the ramp and chairs under the handrails should be removed. When a renovation is undertaken, the ramp and ramp handrails should be modified to comply.

Recommendation – Interior Metal Ramp to Accessible Toilet Rooms:
Handrails should be installed on both sides of the ramp. The ramp should be evaluated to determine if there is sufficient room to lengthen the ramp in order to reduce the excessive slope. If the ramp is modified, the landing should be modified to comply.

Entrance

Existing Condition — Rear Entrance
The rear entrance door has an automatic door-opening device. The door-opening button is not on a level surface but is located on the slope of the ramp. Chairs obstruct the door-opening button that is located on the inside of the building. There are two mats that are not attached. The inaccessible entrances are not marked with a directional sign that includes the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the accessible entrance. There is a sign near the parking lot entrance that states “Handicapped Parking in North Lot” but it does not have a directional indicator. (See Appendix Page 5 & 6, Photos. # 8 & 10)

Existing Condition — Elections Entrance:
The entrance to the elections office has a round doorknob that requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. There is a sign above the door and on the door but there is no raised letter and Braille signage. The door opening pressure exceeds 5 lbs. There is 9-1/2 of latch side clearance on the pull side of the door due to the counter. (See Appendix Page 8 & 9, Photos. # 12 & 13)

Existing Condition — Interior Entrances:
The entrance into the elections ballot preparation room has a round knob that requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. The entrance to the storage area and the counting machines is through the vault door; it has a threshold of 1 inch that is not properly beveled. The vault door has a clear opening width of 29-3/4 inches. There is a gate that leads from the public side of the counter to the employee work area; there is no 18-inch pull side clearance due to a desk. The latch on the gate is not accessible, it requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. (See Appendix Page 10 & 11, Photos. # 14 & 15)

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

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

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

If an entrance has two independently operated door leaves, then at least one leaf shall comply with this section. ADAAG 4.13.4

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

Generally, the maneuvering clearance required at a door with a front approach shall be 18" beyond the latch side of the door on the pull side and 12" beyond the latch side of the door on the push side. A 5' landing is required on the pull side of the doors. ADAAG 4.13.6

Controls, dispensers, receptacles, or other equipment 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 and the clear floor space shall be level. 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, 4.25.3 & 4.27.4

Recommendation – Rear Entrance:
In accessible entrances should be marked with directional signage utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the accessible entrance. The door-opening button should be located so that the ground area at the button is level. The chairs should be removed from the interior door button.

Recommendation – Elections Entrance:
The round doorknob should be replaced with accessible door hardware. Raised letter and Braille signage should be provided. The door pressure should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The door swing should be reversed so that the door is out-swinging or an automatic door-opening device should be installed to alleviate the lack of the 18-inch latch side, pull side clearance.

Recommendation – Interior Entrances:
Round doorknobs should be replaced with accessible door hardware. The vault room door threshold should be properly beveled. The desk should be moved so that there is 18 inches of latch-side, pull side clearance at the gate. The gate hardware should be replaced with accessible hardware.

Counter

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 11, Photo. # 16)

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 provided that are not accessible. There are no directional signs at the inaccessible toilet rooms utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the accessible toilet rooms. Access to the toilet room requires utilizing the inaccessible interior metal ramp. There is a hallway door to the accessible toilet rooms that has a thumb latch that is not accessible, it requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. The door opening pressure is greater than 5 lbs and exceeds 10 lbs. The accessible toilet room is a unisex single occupancy facility and the following deficiencies were identified.

Existing Condition — Toilet Rooms:
The door opening force exceeds 12 lbs. The centerline of the water closet is 18-1/2 inches from the sidewall. The flush control is located on the wrong side of the water closet. The toilet seat cover dispenser is mounted above the back grab bar. The paper towel dispenser is not accessible, it requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. There is a drain grate in the clear floor space of the toilet; it has a slope of 5 percent. The feminine hygiene dispenser is a protruding object hazard; it protrudes 5 inches at 33 inches above the floor. The operating force of the soap dispenser exceeds 5 lbs. The reflecting surface of the mirror is located at 41-1/2 inches above the floor. There is a wastebasket that is located in the 18-inch latch side pull side maneuvering clearance of the door. (See Appendix Pages 11, 12, 13, 14 15 & 16, Photos. # 19, 20, 21, 22, & 24)

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

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 unisex, 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 unisex, single-occupancy facility shall be designed to comply with the following:

1. The water closet shall be mounted 17" to 19" above the finished floor and located 18" from a sidewall.
2. A toilet room providing a front approach to the water closet shall be a minimum of 66" long by 48" wide.
3. A toilet room providing a side approach to the water closet shall be a minimum of 56" long by 48" wide.
4. 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 unisex, single-occupancy toilet rooms, grab bars shall be provided 33"-36" 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

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

Recommendation:
Directional signage utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at the inaccessible toilet rooms indicating the location of the accessible toile room. The latch on the door to the hallway should be replaced with accessible hardware and the door-opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The toilet room door-opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. An automatic flush control should be installed on the toilet. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from behind the back grab bar. The paper towel dispenser should be replaced with a dispenser that is accessible and relocated so that it is not above the grab bar. The slope of the drain grate should be modified so that it has no more than a 2 percent slope. The feminine hygiene dispenser should be relocated so that it is not a protruding object hazard. The operating force of the soap dispenser should be adjusted so that it is a maximum of 5 lbs. The wastebasket should be relocated so that it is not in the maneuvering clearance of the door.

Elevator

Existing Condition:
The elevator is not accessible. It has a large heavy metal door and metal gate that must be manually opened to enter the elevator; the opening force exceeds 5 lbs. The elevator does not level; there is a 6-inch transition, as the elevator does not have a self-leveling device.The hall call button is located at 48 inches above the floor.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
Accessible elevators shall be on an accessible route and shall comply with the ASME A17.1-1990, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.

Elevators shall have self-leveling devices that will automatically align the car and floor within 1/2". ADAAG 4.10.2

Doors shall have a reopening device that will stop and reopen the door. The device shall operate without requiring contact and shall be located at heights of 5" and 29" above the finished floor. The reopening device shall remain effective for at least 20 seconds. If safety door edges are provided in existing automatic elevators, automatic-reopening devices may be omitted. ADAAG 4.10.6

Minimum car dimensions shall be 48" deep by 48" wide for existing conditions and alterations. Cabs of other sizes may be allowed when usability is demonstrated and other provisions are in compliance. ADAAG 4.1.6(3)(c) & 4.10.9

Hall call buttons shall be centered at 42" above the floor and shall have visual signals to indicate when a call is registered and answered. The minimum button size is 3/4" and they shall be raised or flush. Objects mounted below the call buttons shall not protrude more than 4" from the wall. ADAAG 4.10.3

Hall lanterns shall have visual and audible signals at each hoist-way entrance to indicate which car is answering. Audible signals shall sound once for "up" and twice for "down". Visual signals shall be mounted with a centerline at least 72" above the lobby floor. Visual signals shall be a minimum of 2-1/2" in the smallest dimension. ADAAG 4.10.4

Raised and Braille floor designations shall be provided on both jambs at all elevator hoist-way entrances. They shall be located and centered 60" above the finished floor. Characters shall be 2" high, raised 1/32" and shall be accompanied by Grade 2 Braille. ADAAG 4.10.5

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)

A visual car position indicator shall be located above the car control panel or above the door. As the car passes or stops at a floor, the number shall illuminate and an audible signal shall sound. Numbers shall be a minimum of 1/2" and audible signals shall be no less than 20 db. ADAAG 4.10.13

If an emergency two-way communication system is provided, it shall be located a maximum of 48" above the floor. The system shall be identified by raised symbol and lettering next to the device. If the device uses a handset, it shall have a minimum cord length of 29". The emergency communication device shall not require voice communication. If it is located in a closed compartment, the door shall be easy to open with one hand, shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. If emergency alarms or stops are provided, they shall be grouped at the bottom of the elevator control panel at a minimum of 35" above the floor. ADAAG 4.10.14

Recommendation:
The elevator should be upgraded to be ADA compliant.

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.