Accessibility Assessment | Klamath County
Introduction
Klamath County Elections Office
305 Main Street
Klamath Falls Oregon 97601
Download a Microsoft Word version of the Assessment
May 5, 2004
Robert W. Pike
President
Environmental Access Inc.
On April 22, 2004, Environmental Access, Inc. conducted an onsite visit and survey of the Klamath 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 they are located with the bottom edge at 84 inches above the ground.
Accessible Routes
The elevator should be modified so that it connects to the basement or some other means of access to the basement should be provided.
Ramps
When a renovation is undertaken, the cross slope on the ramp should be modified.
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
The door opening pressure should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The toilet paper dispenser should be relocated to below the grab bar. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from above the back grab bar.
The ADA Compliance Report
Parking
Existing Condition — Parking:
There are six disabled parking spaces provided in the parking lot at the back of the building. There are post-mounted signs provided; the signs are located at 63 inches above the ground.
ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
A sign shall be posted for each accessible parking space. The sign shall be clearly visible to a person parking in the space. Signage shall be provided that utilizes the International Symbol of Accessibility with letters a minimum of 1" in height to read:
"Parking with DMV Disabled Permit Only. Violators subject to towing under ORS 811.620 and a fine of up to $300.00 under ORS 811.615."
If these signs are placed on posts then they shall be placed with the bottom edge of the sign at least 84" above the parking lot surface. The van accessible parking space shall add the language "van accessible" to the bottom of the designated sign. ORS & ADAAG 4.1.2(7)(a)(b) & 4.6.4
Recommendation:
The signs should be raised so that they are located with the bottom edge at 84 inches above the ground.
Accessible Route
Existing Condition — Building Accessible Route:
There is an elevator in the building and it does not connect to the basement. There is no accessible route to the basement. The basement is now used by the elections office to conduct the ballot counting function, which is one of its programs, services or activities under Title II of the ADA.
ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
One passenger elevator shall serve each level of a building, including mezzanines, in all multi-level buildings and facilities. ADAAG 4.1.3(5)
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)
Recommendation:
The elevator should be modified to that it connects to the basement or some of means of access to the basement should be provided.
Ramps
Existing Condition:
There is a ramp at the front entrance. The ramp run has a slight curve and therefore the ramp has a cross slope in places that measures 3.2 to 5.5 percent. (See Appendix Page 2, Photo. # 1)
ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
Ramps are required wherever the slope on an accessible route exceeds 1:20 (5 percent). The least possible slope shall be used for any ramp. The maximum slope allowed on a ramp is 1:12 (8.33 percent). Ramps shall have a minimum clear width of 36". Ramps shall have level landings at the top and bottom of each ramp and each ramp run. A ramp may have a run 30' in length and then must have a landing 5' in length. Landings are required at any place along the ramp where the ramp changes direction. ADAAG 4.8.1
The ramp surface shall be firm, stable, and slip resistant. The maximum cross slope of a ramp shall be 1:50. Outdoor ramps and their approaches shall be designed so that water will not accumulate on their walking surfaces. ADAAG 4.5.1, 4.8.6 & 4.8.8
Recommendation:
When a renovation is undertaken, the cross slope on the ramp should be modified.
Counters
Existing Condition:
There is a main elections counter that is located at 42 inches above the finished floor, there is no lower section. There is a lower section in front of the assessor’s office but it does not serve the elections office. There is a table near the elections counter; it does not provide the required knee space. (See Appendix Page 2, Photo. # 2)
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 on each floor that are accessible. The following deficiencies apply to all of the facilities.
Existing Condition:
The door opening force is greater than 5 lbs. and exceeds 10 lbs. The toilet paper dispenser is mounted above the side grab bar and the toilet seat cover dispenser is mounted above the back grab bar.
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
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
Recommendation — All Floors:
The door opening pressure should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The toilet paper dispenser should be relocated to below the grab bar. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from above the back grab bar.