Grant County Assessment

Introduction

Grant County Elections Office
201 S. Humbolt Suite 290

Canyon City Oregon 97820

Download a Microsoft Word version of the Assessment

May 25, 2004

Robert W. Pike
President
Environmental Access Inc.

On May 20, 2004, Environmental Access, Inc. conducted an onsite visit and survey of the Grant 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 existing location for the accessible parking spaces must be renovated so that the slope is no greater than 2 percent or the accessible parking spaces must be moved to a different location.

Accessible Routes

The transition from the access aisle to the walkway should be properly beveled so that the transition is level or no greater than ¼ inch. Detectable warnings consisting of truncated domes should be installed on the bottom 24 inches of the curb ramp.

Entrances

Rear Entrance:
Directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at inaccessible entrances indicating the location of the accessible entrance. The rear entrance should be marked with the International Symbol of Access. The door opening force should be adjusted so that it is no greater than 8-1/2 lbs. The door mat should be removed from in front of the door. The door landing should be repaired. The ashtray should be removed from the maneuvering space of the door. The door threshold should be properly beveled.

Elections Entrance:
The round door knob should be replaced with accessible door hardware. A raised letter and Braille signage should be provided and located on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor.

Interior Entrances:
Round doorknobs should be replaced with accessible door hardware.

Counters

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

Toilet Rooms

Men’s:
Raised letter and Braille sign should be relocated on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. The door pressure should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The hot water and waste water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected from the contact. One accessible sink should be provided with adequate knee space. An accessible mirror should be provided and mounted with the reflecting surface at 40 inches above the floor. The urinal should be lowered so that it is accessible. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from above the side grab bar. The toilet paper dispenser should be relocated so that it is no more than 36 inches from the back wall. An automatic flush device should be installed on the water closet. The toilet room should either be converted into a single occupancy facility and the toilet partitions should be removed or a standard swinging stall door should be installed and the door to the toilet room should be reversed to be out-swinging.

Women’s:
A raised letter and Braille sign should be located on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. 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. The hot water and waste water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected from the contact. An accessible sink should be provided with adequate knee space. 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. An accessible stall lock should be installed on the stall door. An accessible feminine hygiene dispenser should be provided and the existing dispenser should be relocated so that it is not a protruding object hazard. The coat hook should be lowered to 54 inches above the floor.

Drinking Fountains

A dual height drinking fountain should be installed, in the interim a paper cup dispenser and waste basket should be provided at the inaccessible drinking fountain.

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:
There are two disabled parking spaces provided in the parking lot at the rear of the building. Two 9-foot wide parking spaces share a common 8-foot wide access aisle. The slope on the accessible parking spaces and access aisles exceeds 2 percent and is greater than 7 percent. The signs are mounted at 36 inches above the ground. The parking space with the access aisle on the passenger side is not designated by a “van accessible” sign mounted below the existing sign. (See Appendix Page 2, Photos. # 1 & 2)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
Two 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 $450.00 under ORS 811.615."

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recommendation:
The existing location for the accessible parking spaces must be renovated so that the slope is no greater than 2 percent or the accessible parking spaces must be moved to a different location.

Accessible Route

Existing Condition:
The accessible route from the accessible parking space to the accessible entrance does not comply. The curb ramp at the front of the access aisle has a transition greater than ¼ inch and is greater than 1 inch and is not beveled. There are no detectable warnings on the curb ramp. (See Appendix Page 3, Photo. # 3)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
At least one accessible route shall be provided within the boundary of the site from public transportation stops, passenger loading zones, if provided, and public streets and sidewalks, and accessible parking spaces to the accessible entrance to the facility. The accessible route, to the maximum extent possible, shall coincide with the route used by the general public. ADAAG 4.1.2(1) & 4.3.2(1)

At least one accessible route shall connect accessible buildings, facilities, elements, and spaces that are on the same site. ADAAG 4.3.2(2)

At least one accessible route shall connect accessible building or facility entrances with all accessible spaces and elements within the building or facility. ADAAG 4.3.2(3)

An accessible route 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 curb 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

Recommendation:
The transition from the access aisle to the walkway should be properly beveled so that the transition is level or no greater than ¼ inch. Detectable warnings consisting of truncated domes should be installed on the bottom 24 inches of the curb ramp.

Entrances

Existing Condition — Rear Entrance
There is a sign at the side of the building that states “Handicap Parking & Access at Rear” it does not have the International Symbol of Access and it is mounted too low and is blocked by parked cars. The rear entrance is not marked with the International Symbol of Access. The entrance door “sticks” and the door opening force exceeds 8-1/2 lbs. and is greater than 12 lbs. There is a metal mat in front of the door that is ½ inch and it is not beveled at the edges or attached. The concrete landing in front of the door is broken away and there are two 6-inch diameter holes ½ to 1 inch deep. There is an ashtray in the maneuvering space of the door. The door has a threshold of 2 inches that is not properly beveled. (See Appendix Pages 3, 4 & 5, Photos. # 4, 5 & 6)

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

Existing Condition – Interior Entrances:
The entrance into the elections counting room has a round knob that requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate.

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

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 — Rear Entrance:
Directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at inaccessible entrances indicating the location of the accessible entrance. The rear entrance should be marked with the International Symbol of Access. The door opening force should be adjusted so that it is no greater than 8-1/2 lbs. The door mat should be removed from in front of the door. The door landing should be repaired. The ashtray should be removed from the maneuvering space of the door. The door threshold should be properly beveled.

Recommendation – Elections Entrance:
The round door knob should be replaced with accessible door hardware. A raised letter and Braille signage should be provided and located on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor.

Recommendation – Interior Entrances:
Round doorknobs should be replaced with accessible door hardware.

Counter

Existing Condition:
There is a main counter that is located at 42-1/2 inches above the finished floor; there is no lower section. (See Appendix Page 5, 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 are men’s and women’s toilet rooms provided. There are signs mounted on the door that state “Handicapped.” The following deficiencies were identified.

Existing Condition – Men’s:
The sign is mounted on the door and there is no raised letter and Braille sign provided.The door hardware is a round knob that requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. The door opening force is 20 lbs. There is no 5 foot turning diameter in the toilet room and the door swings into the clear floor space of the sink. The sinks the hot water and waste water pipes are not wrapped or otherwise protected. The sinks do not provide adequate knee space; the sink provides 26-1/2 inches of knee clearance. The mirror is mounted at 52 inches from the floor to the reflecting surface. There is a urinal that is not accessible; it is mounted 22-1/2 inches above the floor to the urinal lip. There is one designated accessible stall, the stall door slides open and requires more than 5 lbs. to operate. The toilet seat cover dispenser is mounted above the side grab bar at 56 inches above the finished floor. The toilet paper dispenser is mounted more than 36 inches from the back wall. The flush control is mounted on the wrong side of the water closet. The centerline of the water closet is 17 inches from the sidewall. (See Appendix Pages 6, 7 & 8, Photos. # 8, 9 & 10)

Existing Condition — Women’s:
The sign is mounted on the door and there is no raised letter and Braille sign provided. The door hardware is a round knob that requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. The door opening force is 10 lbs. There is no 18-inch latch side pull side door clearance. There is no 5 foot turning diameter in the toilet room. The sinks hot water and waste water pipes are not wrapped or otherwise protected. The sink faucet is not accessible. The sink does not provide adequate knee space; there is 27 inches of knee space. The mirror is mounted at 52 inches from the floor to the reflecting surface.

The stall lock is not accessible, it requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. There is one designated accessible stall. The water closet is 16 inches from the side partition. The toilet paper dispenser is mounted more than 36 inches from the back wall. The toilet seat cover dispenser is mounted above the back grab bar at 63 inches above the finished floor. The back grab bar is more than 6 inches from the side wall. The feminine hygiene dispenser is not accessible, the coin slot is mounted at 56 inches above the finished floor and it is a protruding object hazard, it protrudes 5-1/2 inches at 48 inches above the finished floor. There is a coat hook that is not accessible, it is mounted at 65-1/2 inches above the floor. (See Appendix Pages 6, 9, 10, 11 & 12, Photos. # 8, 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 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

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

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

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 – Men’s:
Raised letter and Braille sign should be relocated on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. The door pressure should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The hot water and waste water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected from the contact. One accessible sink should be provided with adequate knee space. An accessible mirror should be provided and mounted with the reflecting surface at 40 inches above the floor. The urinal should be lowered so that it is accessible. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from above the side grab bar. The toilet paper dispenser should be relocated so that it is no more than 36 inches from the back wall. An automatic flush device should be installed on the water closet. The toilet room should either be converted into a single occupancy facility and the toilet partitions should be removed or a standard swinging stall door should be installed and the door to the toilet room should be reversed to be out-swinging.

Recommendation – Women’s:
A raised letter and Braille sign should be located on the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor. 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. The hot water and waste water pipes should be wrapped or otherwise protected from the contact. An accessible sink should be provided with adequate knee space. 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. An accessible stall lock should be installed on the stall door. An accessible feminine hygiene dispenser should be provided and the existing dispenser should be relocated so that it is not a protruding object hazard. The coat hook should be lowered to 54 inches above the floor.

Drinking Fountains

Existing Condition:
There is a drinking fountain across the hall from the clerk’s office. The drinking fountain is single height, the spout is not accessible it is mounted at 42 inches above the finished floor. (See Appendix Page 13, 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:
A dual height drinking fountain should be installed, in the interim a paper cup dispenser and waste basket should be provided at the inaccessible drinking fountain.

Emergency Alarms

Existing Condition:
There are some audible/visual emergency alarms provided, but they are not located in all offices, toilet rooms, etc. where required.

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:

The lamp shall be xenon strobe type or equivalent.
The color shall be clear or white (i.e., unfiltered or clear-filtered white light).
Maximum pulse rate shall be 2/10 of a second with a maximum duty cycle of 40%.
The intensity shall be a minimum of 75 candela.
The flash rate shall be a minimum of 1 Hz and a maximum of 3 Hz.
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 offices and toilet rooms in the building. The building should have an emergency evacuation plan that includes provisions for evacuating people with disabilities.