Accessibility Assessment | Lincoln County
Lincoln County Elections Office
225 West Olive Street, Room 201
Newport Oregon 97365
Download a Microsoft Word version of the Assessment
July 13, 2007
Robert W. Pike
President
Environmental Access Inc.
Introduction
On July 11, 2007, Environmental Access, Inc. conducted an onsite visit and survey of the Lincoln County Elections Office for compliance with the ADA Accessibility Guidelines and/or Chapter 11 of the Oregon Structural Specialty Code, the accessibility requirements adopted by the State of Oregon, whichever is more stringent. This building is on the registry of historic buildings.
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 includes an evaluation of the most accessible toilet facilities that serve the elections office.
The purpose of the survey was to identify structural barriers to the county elections office so that the elections office 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 whichever is more stringent.
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 current version of 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.
Digital photographs of non-conforming elements are provided in the report in order to assist with their identification and location within the facility. The photographs are numbered for reference in the body of the report by page and photograph number. Not all non-conforming elements have photographs as many of the elements are clear and straightforward and therefore photographs were not included in the report. 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., (503) 526-9400 or Bobpike@comcast.net
Executive Summary
Parking/Accessible Route
The post-mounted parking signs should be raised so that they are a minimum of 84” to the bottom edge of the sign. Detectable warnings should be installed on the curb ramp.
Entrance
Raised letter and Braille exit signs should be provided on the interior side of the entrances that are marked with overhead exits signs; they should be mounted 60 inches above the floor to the centerline of the sign. The carpet along the rear entrance door threshold should be repaired.
Elevator
Directional signage utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at the inaccessible elevator directing people to the accessible elevator near the stairs around the corner from the inaccessible elevator.
Elections Office
The computer should be relocated onto a table that provides the minimum knee space of 27 inches high by 30 inches wide by 19 inches deep.
Toilet Room
Second Floor:
Directional signage utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided on all inaccessible toilet rooms indicating the location of the nearest accessible toilet room.
Second Floor Single Occupancy Toilet Room by Larger Elevator:
The door opening force should be reduced so that it does not exceed 5 lbs. When a renovation is undertaken, the centerline of the water closet should be adjusted so that it is 18 inches from the side wall and the urinal should be lowered so that the urinal lip is no more than 17 inches above the floor. The flushing mechanism should be relocated to the other side or an automatic flush mechanism should be installed. The paper towel should be relocated to the wall on the right side of the lavatory. The lavatory should be moved so that the centerline is a minimum of 15 inches from the side wall. The feminine hygiene dispenser should be replaced and relocated. The baby changing table should be adjusted so that the maximum force to open and close the table is 5 lbs.
First Floor Single Occupancy Toilet Room by Small Elevator:
The sign should be replaced with a sign that states “Employees and People with Disabilities Only”. The door opening force should be reduced so that it does not exceed 5 lbs. When a renovation is undertaken, the centerline of the water closet should be adjusted so that it is 18 inches from the side wall. The paper towel dispenser should be relocated to the wall on the right side of the lavatory. The lavatory should be moved so that the centerline is a minimum of 15 inches from the side wall and the floor should be modified where the slope is greater than 2 percent. The feminine hygiene dispenser should be relocated. The baby changing table should be adjusted so that the maximum force to open and close the table is 5 lbs.
Drinking Fountains
The operating force for the drinking fountain button should be adjusted so that it does not exceed 5 lbs. to obtain the minimum 4 inch flow of water.
ADA Compliance Report
Parking/Accessible Route
Existing Condition - Parking:
The parking lot with the accessible parking is located at the rear of the building. There are two 9-foot wide parking spaces that share a common 8 foot access aisle. The first accessible parking space is marked as “van accessible”. The parking signs are post-mounted and located too low, at 30 inches to the bottom edge of the sign instead of 84 inches. The curb ramp in the access aisle does not have detectable warnings.
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 $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
Detectable warnings are required the full width and length of the ramp. Surfaces shall contrast visually from the adjoining surfaces, either light-on-dark, or dark-on-light. The material used to provide contrast shall be an integral part of the walking surface. Detectable warnings used on interior surfaces shall differ from adjoining 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 post-mounted parking signs should be raised so that they are a minimum of 84” to the bottom edge of the sign. Detectable warnings should be installed on the curb ramp.
Entrance
Existing Condition - Rear Entrance:
The front and rear entrances are accessible. The accessible rear entrance is off the parking lot where the accessible parking spaces are located. There are overhead exit signs over each entrance on the interior side of the door, there are no raised letter and Braille signs provided. The carpet or door mat at the rear entrance is coming loose along the door threshold.
ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
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
If carpet or carpet tile is used on a ground or floor surface, then it shall be securely attached; have a firm cushion, pad or backing, or no cushion or pad; and have a level loop, textured loop, level cut pile, or level cut/uncut pile texture. The maximum pile thickness shall be 1/2". Exposed edges of carpet shall be fastened to floor surfaces and have trim along the entire length of the exposed edge. Carpet edge trim shall be beveled with a slope to greater than 1:2. ADAAG 4.5.3
Recommendation:
Raised letter and Braille exit signs should be provided on the interior side of the entrances that are marked with overhead exits signs; they should be mounted 60 inches above the floor to the centerline of the sign. The carpet along the rear entrance door threshold should be repaired.
Elevator
Existing Condition - Small Elevator Near Rear Entrance:
There is a small elevator near the rear entrance, it is 40 inches deep by 70 inches wide and is not accessible to many mobility devices. There is no directional signage utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the other more accessible elevator near the main stairs. The elevator door reopening device does not remain effective for at least 20 seconds after the door reopens.
Existing Condition - Large Elevator Near Stairs:
The larger, more accessible elevator is around the corner from the small elevator closest to the rear entrance. There is no signage at this elevator utilizing the International Symbol of Access marking this as the more accessible elevator. The elevator door reopening device does not remain effective for at least 20 seconds after the door reopening.
ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
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
One passenger elevator complying with ADAAG Section 4.10 shall serve each level, including mezzanines, in all multi-story buildings and facilities unless exempted. If more than one passenger elevator is provided, each full passenger elevator shall comply with 4.10. ADAAG 4.1.3(5)
Accessible elevators shall be on an accessible route and shall comply with the ASME A17.1-1990, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.
Doors shall have a reopening device that will stop and reopen the door. The device shall operate without requiring contact and shall be located at heights of 5" and 29" above the finished floor. The reopening device shall remain effective for at least 20 seconds. If safety door edges are provided in existing automatic elevators, automatic reopening devices may be omitted. ADAAG 4.10.6
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 - Elevator Near Rear Entrance:
Directional signage utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at the inaccessible elevator directing people to the accessible elevator near the stairs around the corner from the inaccessible elevator.
Elections Office
Existing Condition:
There is an elections office computer located on a table in the elections office lobby area; the knee space under the table is 24-1/2 inches high instead of the minimum 27 inches and is 6 inches wide instead of 30 inches.
ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
If seating for people in wheelchairs is provided at tables or counters, knee space 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
Recommendation:
The computer should be relocated onto a table that provides the minimum knee space of 27 inches high by 30 inches wide by 19 inches deep.
Toilet Room
Existing Condition - Second Floor:
There are men’s and women’s toilet rooms provided in the hallway outside of the second floor elections office; they are not accessible and there is no directional sign utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the accessible toilet room.
Existing Condition - Second Floor Single Occupancy Toilet Room by Large Elevator:
The door opening force is greater than 5 lbs. and is 8 lbs. The centerline of the water closet is 20 inches from the side wall instead of 18 inches. The flush control is located on the wrong side of the toilet. The urinal lip is mounted at 17-3/4 inches above the finished floor. The paper towel dispenser is a protruding object hazard; it protrudes 7-3/4 inches at 37 inches above the finished floor. The centerline of the lavatory is not mounted a minimum of 15 inches from the sidewall; it is mounted at 12 inches from the sidewall. The feminine hygiene dispenser is a protruding object; it protrudes 6 inches at 35 inches above the floor. The feminine hygiene dispenser in this toilet room does not have a visible coin slot. Depending upon where the waste receptacle is located in the room, it can block the clear floor space of the dispensers. There is a baby changing table located on the wall opposite the lavatory; it requires more than 5 lbs. to open and close.
Existing Condition - First Floor Single Occupancy Toilet Room by Small Elevator:
This toilet room is labeled “Employees and Handicapped Only” The door opening force is greater than 5 lbs. and is 12 lbs. The centerline of the water closet is 19 inches from the side wall instead of 18 inches. The paper towel dispenser is a protruding object hazard; it protrudes 8-1/4 inches at 33 inches above the finished floor. The centerline of the lavatory is not mounted a minimum of 15 inches from the sidewall; it is mounted at 13 inches and the floor has a slope of 2.9 percent to 3.2 percent within the clear floor space. The feminine hygiene dispenser is a protruding object; it protrudes 6 inches at 35 inches above the floor. Depending upon where the waste receptacle is located in the room, it can block the clear floor space of the dispensers. There is a baby changing table located on the wall opposite the lavatory; it requires more than 5 lbs. to open and close.
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
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
Each single occupancy toilet facility shall contain one accessible water closet, one accessible lavatory, and provide a door with a privacy latch. ADAAG 4.1.6(3)(e)
- The water closet shall be mounted 17" to 19" above the finished floor and located 18" from a side wall.
- A toilet room providing a front approach to the water closet shall be a minimum of 66" long by 48" wide.
- A toilet room providing a side approach to the water closet shall be a minimum of 56" long by 48" wide.
- 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 urinals are provided, then at least one shall be accessible. Urinals shall be floor mounted or wall mounted with an elongated rim a maximum of 17" above the finished floor. A clear floor space 30" wide by 48" deep minimum shall be provided in front of the urinal to allow a front approach. Urinal shields may be provided if they do not extend beyond the front edge of the urinal rim and provide 29" of clearance between them. Flush controls shall be located a maximum of 44" above the finished floor. Controls 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 force to operate a flush control shall be no greater than 5 lbs. ADAAG 4.18.2, 3, & 4, 4.22.5 & 4.23.5
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
Recommendation - Second Floor:
Directional signage utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided on all inaccessible toilet rooms indicating the location of the nearest accessible toilet room.
Recommendation - Second Floor Single Occupancy Toilet Room by Larger Elevator:
The door opening force should be reduced so that it does not exceed 5 lbs. When a renovation is undertaken, the centerline of the water closet should be adjusted so that it is 18 inches from the side wall and the urinal should be lowered so that the urinal lip is no more than 17 inches above the floor. The flushing mechanism should be relocated to the other side or an automatic flush mechanism should be installed. The paper towel should be relocated to the wall on the right side of the lavatory. The lavatory should be moved so that the centerline is a minimum of 15 inches from the side wall. The feminine hygiene dispenser should be replaced and relocated. The baby changing table should be adjusted so that the maximum force to open and close the table is 5 lbs.
Recommendation - First Floor Single Occupancy Toilet Room by Small Elevator:
The sign should be replaced with a sign that states “Employees and People with Disabilities Only”. The door opening force should be reduced so that it does not exceed 5 lbs. When a renovation is undertaken, the centerline of the water closet should be adjusted so that it is 18 inches from the side wall. The paper towel dispenser should be relocated to the wall on the right side of the lavatory. The lavatory should be moved so that the centerline is a minimum of 15 inches from the side wall and the floor should be modified where the slope is greater than 2 percent. The feminine hygiene dispenser should be relocated. The baby changing table should be adjusted so that the maximum force to open and close the table is 5 lbs.
Drinking Fountains
Existing Condition:
There is a single height drinking fountain located outside the Elections Office; there is 27-1/2 inches of knee space and the fountain is a protruding object hazard from the Elections Office side, it protrudes 8 inches at 27-1/2 inches above the floor. There is a bench on the other side of the fountain that blocks the protrusion. The operating force of the drinking fountain button requires more than 5 lbs. to obtain the required 4-inch flow of water.
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)
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 & OSSC 1103.2.4.8
Recommendation:
The operating force for the drinking fountain button should be adjusted so that it does not exceed 5 lbs. to obtain the minimum 4 inch flow of water.