Gilliam County Assessment

Accessibility Assessment | Gilliam County

Introduction

Gilliam County Elections Office
PO Box 427
Condon Oregon 97823

Download a Microsoft Word version of the Assessment

May 5, 2004

Robert W. Pike
President
Environmental Access Inc.

On February 23, 2004, Environmental Access, Inc. conducted an onsite visit and survey of the Gilliam 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

Both disabled parking spaces should be re-striped to comply. A compliant sign should be provided for the space with the access aisle on the passenger side and should be marked as “van accessible.” The signs should be installed a minimum of 84 inches from the ground to the bottom edge of the sign. The surface of the accessible parking space and access aisle must be firm, stable and slip resistant and therefore gravel is a non-compliant surface material for accessible parking.

Accessible Routes

Public Sidewalk/Walkway:
When public sidewalks are installed in this area, they should connect to the accessible entrance. The drop offs along the building side of the walkway to the accessible entrance should be modified to comply.

Interior Accessible Route:
The platform lift should be serviced and adjusted so that the lift platform stops flush with the adjoining floor level. Raised letter and Braille designations should be placed next to the operating buttons of the platform lift.

Entrances

Exterior Entrances:
Inaccessible entrances should be marked with signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the accessible entrance. The accessible entrance should be marked with the International Symbol of Access. The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 8-1/2 lbs.

Interior Entrances:
The round doorknob should be replaced with accessible hardware such as a lever. The large metal cabinet should be relocated so that the 18-inch latch side clearance on the pull side of the door is not obstructed. Raised letter and Braille signage should be provided and installed 60 inches centered above the floor, on the latch side of the door.

Courtroom Entrances:
Raised letter and Braille signage should be provided. The gate should be replaced with a single leaf gate that provides a minimum 32-inch clearance. The round doorknobs should be replaced with accessible door hardware.

Platform Entrances:
The opening force on the doors to the platform lift should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs.

Counter

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

Women’s Toilet Room:
Directional signage utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at the inaccessible men’s and women’s toilet facilities indicating the location of the accessible toilet facility. The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from above the back grab bar. The wooden cabinet should be relocated out of the maneuvering clearance of the door. The shelf below the mirror should be removed or relocated so that it is not a protruding object hazard. One of the coat hooks should be lowered to a maximum of 54 inches above the finished floor.

Jury Room Toilet Room:
The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The raised letter and Braille sign should be relocated to the latch side of the door and located at 60 inches centered above the floor. The slope around the drain grate should be modified so that the slope is no greater than 2 percent. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from above the back grab bar. The toilet paper dispenser should be relocated so that it is no more than 36 inches from the back wall. The shelf below the mirror should be removed or relocated so that it is not a protruding object hazard. The first aid kit should be relocated so that it is accessible, a maximum of 54 inches above the floor. The sink faucet hardware should be adjusted so that the operating force is no greater than 5 lbs. When a renovation is undertaken, the knee clearance of the sink should be modified.

Drinking Fountains

Dual-height drinking fountains should be provided when new drinking fountains are installed. In the interim, a paper cup dispenser and wastebasket should be provided next to the drinking fountain. The wastebasket should be located to provide a tactile barrier for persons with vision impairments.

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:
There are two designated accessible parking spaces located at the rear of the building. Two 9-foot wide parking spaces share a common 7-foot wide access aisle. The spaces are 15 feet long. The pavement markings are not correct. There are two post-mounted parking signs; they are mounted approximately 36 inches above the ground. The parking space signs do not comply. The van accessible parking space has a sign that reads "Handicapped Parking Permit Required" without the proper statutory citation. The second accessible parking space is marked with a compliant sign. There is gravel located in the accessible parking space and access aisle. (See Appendix Page 2, Photos. # 1)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recommendation:
Both disabled parking spaces should be re-striped to comply. A compliant sign should be provided for the space with the access aisle on the passenger side and should be marked as "van accessible." The signs should be installed a minimum of 84 inches from the ground to the bottom edge of the sign. The surface of the accessible parking space and access aisle must be firm, stable and slip resistant and therefore gravel is a non-compliant surface material for accessible parking.

Accessible Routes

Existing Condition — Public Sidewalk/Public Right-Of-Way:
There is no accessible route from the public sidewalk to the accessible entrance. The walkway that connects from the accessible parking spaces to the accessible entrance has 2-inch drop offs in places along the building side of the walk.

Existing Condition — Interior Accessible Route:
The interior accessible route from the accessible entrance to the County Elections Office requires the use of a platform lift. The lift platform does not stop level with the floor but leaves a transition of _ to 1 inch. There are no raised letter or Braille markings for the lift buttons, including the emergency stop button.

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

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. A raised star shall designate the main floor call button. 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 — Public Sidewalk/Walkway:
When public sidewalks are installed in this area, they should connect to the accessible entrance. The drop offs along the building side of the walkway to the accessible entrance should be modified to comply.

Recommendation — Interior Accessible Route:
The platform lift should be serviced and adjusted so that the lift platform stops flush with the adjoining floor level. Raised letter and Braille designations should be placed next to the operating buttons of the platform lift.

ENTRANCES

Existing Condition — Exterior Entrances:
The main entrance to the courthouse has steps and is not accessible. There is no directional signage at this entrance utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the accessible entrance. The accessible rear entrance is not marked with the International Symbol of Access. The entrance door has an opening pressure that exceeds 13 lbs. (See Appendix Page 2 & 3, Photos. # 2 & 3)

Existing Condition — Interior Entrances:
The entrance door to the county elections office has a round doorknob that requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. However, the door is propped open at all times that business is being transacted. The door does not have 18 inches of clearance on the pull side of the door due to the placement of a large metal storage cabinet. It reduces the pull side clearance to 9 inches. The door is marked with a sign that says "County Clerk," there is no raised letter or Braille sign provided. The interior door is marked with an emergency exit sign located over the door; there is no raised letter or Braille sign. (See Appendix Page 4 & 5, Photos. # 4 & 5)

Existing Condition — Courtroom Entrances:
There is no raised letter and Braille signage. There is 5 inches of latch-side, pull side clearance at the entrance door. There is a slight slope of 2.5 percent at the exterior of the entrance door. There is a gate in the courtroom with double swinging gate doors. A single gate door provides a 20-inch clear opening width. The gate doors were propped open and secured during the time of the survey. The doors to the jury rooms have round doorknobs. (See Appendix Page 6, Photos. # 6)

Existing Condition — Platform Lift:
The door to the platform lift has an opening force that exceeds 13 lbs at the lower entrance and more than 16 lbs of opening force for the upper entrance door.

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)

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

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

Signs which provide direction to or information about functional spaces of the building shall have letters and numbers with a width-to-height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1 and a stroke-width-to-height ratio between 1:5 and 1:10. Characters and numbers on such signs shall be sized according to the viewing distance from which they are to be read, except for signs higher than 80" above the finished floor, which shall have a minimum height of 3". 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. ADAAG 4.1.2(7), 4.1.3(16)(b), 4.30.2, 4.30.3 & 4.30.5

Recommendation — Exterior Entrances:
Inaccessible entrances should be marked with signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the accessible entrance. The accessible entrance should be marked with the International Symbol of Access. The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 8-1/2 lbs.

Recommendation — Interior Entrances:
The round door knob should be replaced with accessible hardware such as a lever. The large metal cabinet should be relocated so that the 18-inch latch side clearance on the pull side of the door is not obstructed. Raised letter and Braille signage should be provided and installed 60 inches centered above the floor, on the latch side of the door.

Recommendation — Courtroom Entrances:
Raised letter and Braille signage should be provided. The gate should be replaced with a single leaf gate that provides a minimum 32-inch clearance. The round door knobs should be replaced with accessible door hardware.

Recommendation — Platform Entrances:
The opening force on the doors to the platform lift should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs.

Counter

Existing Condition:
There is a counter in the county election office, the top of the counter is 42-1/2 inches above the finished floor, and there is no lower section of the counter that is accessible. (See Appendix Page 6, Photo. # 7)

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

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

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

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

Toilet Rooms

There is men’s and women’s toilet room that is used by employees and the public. The men’s toilet room is not accessible. The women’s toilet room is designated as accessible and the following deficiencies were identified.

Existing Condition — Women’s Toilet Room:
The women’s toilet room is marked with the International Symbol of Access. The door opening pressure exceeds 12 lbs. The water closet is located 21 inches from the sidewall. The toilet seat cover dispenser is mounted above the back grab bar. The toilet paper dispenser is mounted on the back wall, behind the toilet. There is a wooden cabinet located in the maneuvering space of the pull side of the door. There is a mirror mounted on the wall, it has a shelf that protrudes 6 inches at 38 inches above the floor and when the cabinet is removed, it will be a protruding object hazard. There is a coat hook mounted on the bathroom wall, it is located at 68 and 70 inches above the finished floor. (See Appendix Pages 7, 8, & 9, Photos. # 8, 9 & 10)

Existing Condition — Jury Room Toilet Room:
The door opening force exceeds 12 lbs. There is a raised letter and Braille sign but it is mounted on the door. There is a floor drain located in the toilet room, it is mounted _" below the floor and there is a slope that exceeds 2 percent. The toilet paper dispenser is mounted more than 36 inches from the back wall; it is mounted at 44 inches from the back wall. The flush control is located on the closed side of the toilet. The toilet seat cover dispenser is mounted above the back grab bar. The shelf on the mirror is a protruding object hazard within the maneuvering space of the door; it protrudes 6 inches at 47 inches above the finished floor. The latch of the first aid kit is located at 60 inches above the finished floor and over the sink. The sink faucet requires 8 lbs. to operate. There is insufficient knee space at the sink, at 2 inches under the sink bowl; the knee clearance is 26 inches. (See Appendix Pages 10, 11, 12 & 13, Photos. # 11, 12, 13 & 14)

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

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 side wall 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 side wall closest to the water closet. Nothing shall be mounted above the grab bars that may obstruct their use. 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

Water closets shall be located 18" from the side wall 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 side wall, 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 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 side wall.
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 side wall 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 drain pipes 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

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

Recommendation — Women’s Toilet Room:
Directional signage utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at the inaccessible men’s and women’s toilet facilities indicating the location of the accessible toilet facility. The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from above the back grab bar. The wooden cabinet should be relocated out of the maneuvering clearance of the door. The shelf below the mirror should be removed or relocated so that it is not a protruding object hazard. One of the coat hooks should be lowered to a maximum of 54 inches above the finished floor.

Recommendation — Jury Room Toilet Room:
The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The raised letter and Braille sign should be relocated to the latch side of the door and located at 60 inches centered above the floor. The slope around the drain grate should be modified so that the slope is no greater than 2 percent. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from above the back grab bar. The toilet paper dispenser should be relocated so that it is no more than 36 inches from the back wall. The shelf below the mirror should be removed or relocated so that it is not a protruding object hazard. The first aid kit should be relocated so that it is accessible, a maximum of 54 inches above the floor. The sink faucet hardware should be adjusted so that the operating force is no greater than 5 lbs. When a renovation is undertaken, the knee clearance of the sink should be modified.

Drinking Fountains

Existing Condition:
There is a single height drinking fountain located in the hall near the county elections office. The spout is mounted at 36 inches above the finished floor. There is 27-3/4 inches of knee space and therefore the fountain is a protruding object hazard, it protrudes 8 inches at 27-3/4 inches above the finished floor. (See Appendix Page 14, Photo. # 15)

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)

Recommendation:
Dual-height drinking fountains should be provided when new drinking fountains are installed. In the interim, a paper cup dispenser and wastebasket should be provided next to the drinking fountain. The waste basket should be located to provide a tactile barrier for persons with vision impairments.

Emergency Alarms

Existing Condition:
There are some emergency alarms provided.

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

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

ADAAG 4.1.3(14), 4.28.1 & 4.28.3

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