Harney County Assessment

Accessibility Assessment | Harney County

Introduction

Harney County Elections Office
450 North Buena Vista
Burns Oregon 97720

Download a Microsoft Word version of the Assessment

On February 26, 2004, Environmental Access, Inc. conducted an onsite visit and survey of the Harney 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 signs should be raised so that the bottom edge of the sign is 84 inches above the ground. Wheel stops should be installed at the front of the accessible parking spaces to prevent vehicles from encroaching into the accessible route.

Accessible Routes

The gaps and transitions should be repaired. The sign post should be removed from the sidewalk. The air conditioners should be removed or detectable barriers should be installed under the air conditioners.

Entrances

Directional signage utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at inaccessible entrances 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. or an automatic door-opening device should be installed.

Toilet Rooms

Men’s:
Directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at inaccessible toilet facilities indicating the location of the accessible facilities. The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The grab bars should be lowered to a maximum of 36 inches above the floor. The coat hook on the stall door should be lowered to a maximum of 54 inches above the floor. Accessible sink faucet hardware should be provided. The paper towel dispenser should be relocated to an accessible location.

Women’s:
Directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at inaccessible toilet facilities indicating the location of the accessible facilities. The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The grab bars should be lowered to a maximum of 36 inches above the floor. The coat hook on the stall door should be lowered to a maximum of 54 inches above the floor. An automatic toilet flush device should be installed on the accessible water closet.

Drinking Fountains

The drinking fountain should be relocated or detectable barriers should be installed.

Elevators

Accessible door hardware should be installed on the emergency compartment door for the emergency communication system.

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 — On Street Parking:
There are three designated accessible head-in on-street parking spaces at the side of the building. Two 9-foot wide parking spaces share a common 8-foot wide access aisle. A third parking space has a wide access aisle. The parking spaces are marked with signs that are post mounted approximately 60 inches above the ground. There are two spaces that are designated “van accessible” parking space. There are no wheel stops at the front of the parking spaces to prevent vehicles from encroaching into the walkway. The slope at the front of the parking spaces and access aisles exceed 2 percent. (See Appendix Page 2, Photo. # 1)

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

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

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

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 signs should be raised so that the bottom edge of the sign is 84 inches above the ground. Wheel stops should be installed at the front of the accessible parking spaces to prevent vehicles from encroaching into the accessible route.

Accessible Route

Existing Condition:
The walkway from the public sidewalk to the ramp has gaps and transitions and one of the parking space sign posts is located in the middle of the sidewalk. The walkway has a cross slope in places of 3 and 4 percent. There are three window mounted air conditioners that are protruding object hazards along the walkway and ramp to the accessible rear entrance, they protrude 10-1/2 inches at 48 inches above the ground. There is a gap at the bottom of the ramp that is 1 inch wide and 1 inch deep. The ramp has a 3 percent cross slope. The ramp handrails are mounted at 33 inches above the ramp surface. Two of the air conditioners protrude over the ramp. The top ramp landing has a drop off where the stairs are located. (See Appendix Page 2, 3, 4 & 5, Photos. #2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

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 is a continuous unobstructed path connecting all accessible elements and spaces of a building or facility. Interior accessible routes may include corridors, floors, ramps, elevators, lifts, and clear floor space at fixtures. Exterior accessible routes may include parking access aisles, curb ramps, crosswalks at vehicular ways, walks, ramps, and lifts. ADAAG 3.5

An accessible route shall not cross a vehicular lane of travel. If a walk crosses or adjoins a vehicular way, and the walk is not separated by curbs, railings or other elements between pedestrian areas and vehicular ways, the boundary between the areas shall be defined by a continuous detectable warning 36" wide. ADAAG 4.29.5

An accessible route shall be a minimum 36" wide. The minimum clear headroom on an accessible route shall be 80". The maximum slope allowed on an accessible route is 1:20 with a cross slope no greater 1:50. ADAAG 4.3.3, 4.3.5, 4.3.7 & 4.4.2

Maximum level change along an accessible route is 1/4" without edge treatment. Changes in level between 1/4" and 1/2" requires that the edge be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. Changes in level greater than 1/2" require a ramp. ADAAG 4.3.8 & 4.5.2

Accessible routes shall have a firm, stable, slip-resistant surface. If gratings are located along accessible routes, they shall have spaces no greater than 1/2" wide and shall be perpendicular to the route of travel. ADAAG 4.3.6 & 4.5

Recommendation:
The gaps and transitions should be repaired. The sign post should be removed from the sidewalk. The air conditioners should be removed or detectable barriers should be installed under the air conditioners.

Entrances

Existing Condition — Exterior Entrance:
The main entrance is not accessible. There is signage that states "Handicap Parking on North Side of Building" and "Handicap Entrance on West Side of Building." The signs do not include directional arrows. There is another sign at the accessible parking spaces that says "Access at Rear" but the sign is faded and difficult to read and is located in the middle of the sidewalk. The accessible entrance door has an opening force of 10 lbs. The door is not marked with the International Symbol of Access. (See Appendix Page 5, Photo. #8)

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)

Maximum threshold height shall be 1/2". Raised thresholds shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. If existing thresholds are 3/4" or less, and have a beveled edge on each side, they are acceptable. ADAAG 4.1.6(3)(d)(ii) & 4.13.8

The maximum force allowed for opening an exterior door shall not exceed 8-1/2 lbs. The maximum force allowed for opening an interior door shall not exceed 5 lbs. Chapter 11 & ADAAG 4.13.11

Recommendation:
Directional signage utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at inaccessible entrances 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. or an automatic door-opening device should be installed.

Toilet Room

There are men’s and women’s employee toilet rooms near the elections office. They are not accessible. There are signs on the door that state "employee only," there are no raised letter and Braille signs. There is no directional signage indicating the location of the accessible toilet rooms. The basement area is used for counting ballots. There are accessible toilet rooms in the basement and the following deficiencies were noted.

Existing Condition — Men’s:
The entrance door opening force exceeds 15 lbs. The entrance door does not have the required 18-inch pull side clearance, the clearance is 13 inches. The grab bars in the accessible toilet stall are mounted at 37-1/4 inches above the floor. There is a coat hook on the stall door that is mounted at 68 inches above the floor. The sink faucet is not accessible. The sink provides 28-1/2 inches of knee space. The paper towel dispenser is mounted above the large sink and it does not provide the required clear floor space. (See Appendix Pages 6 & 7, Photos. #9 & 10)

Existing Condition — Women’s:
The entrance door opening force exceeds 12 lbs. The grab bars in the accessible toilet stall are mounted at 37-1/4 inches above the floor. There is a coat hook on the stall door that is mounted at 68 inches above the floor. The flush control is mounted on the wrong side of the water closet.

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)

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

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

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

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

Recommendation — Men’s:
Directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at inaccessible toilet facilities indicating the location of the accessible facilities. The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The grab bars should be lowered to a maximum of 36 inches above the floor. The coat hook on the stall door should be lowered to a maximum of 54 inches above the floor. Accessible sink faucet hardware should be provided. The paper towel dispenser should be relocated to an accessible location.

Recommendation — Women’s:
Directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at inaccessible toilet facilities indicating the location of the accessible facilities. The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The grab bars should be lowered to a maximum of 36 inches above the floor. The coat hook on the stall door should be lowered to a maximum of 54 inches above the floor. An automatic toilet flush device should be installed on the accessible water closet.

Drinking Fountains

Existing Condition:
There is a drinking fountain in the lobby and a drinking fountain in the basement, they are a dual height drinking fountain design and they are protruding object hazards. They protrude 18 inches at 33-1/2 inches above the finished floor. (See Appendix Page 8, Photo. #11)

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)

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

Recommendations:
The drinking fountains should be relocated or detectable barriers should be installed.

Elevator

Existing Condition:
The emergency telephone compartment door is difficult to open and requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. (See Appendix Page 8, Photo. #12)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
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

Recommendations:
Accessible door hardware should be installed on the emergency compartment door for the emergency communication system.

Emergency Alarms

Existing Condition:
There is 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:

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 building. The building should have an emergency evacuation plan that includes provisions for evacuating people with disabilities.