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Accessibility Assessment | Morrow County

Introduction

Morrow County Elections Office
100 Court Street
Heppner, Oregon  97836 

Download a Microsoft Word version of the Assessment

May 25, 2004

Robert W. Pike
President
Environmental Access Inc.

On May 19, 2004, Environmental Access, Inc. conducted an onsite visit and survey of the Morrow 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 parking spaces should be reconfigured so that they comply. Two 9 foot wide disabled parking spaces may share a common 8 foot access aisle. Correct signs should be post mounted at 84 inches from the bottom of the sign to the ground. The parking space with the access aisle on the passenger side should be marked with a sign under the standard parking sign that reads “van accessible.” The accessible parking spaces should be relocated closer to the rear entrance.

Accessible Routes

An accessible route should be connected from the accessible parking to the accessible entrance. If the accessible parking spaces are relocated closer to the rear entrance, the access aisle should connect directly to the walkway at the rear entrance.

Entrances

The directional sign at the front entrance should be raised so that it is clearly visible. The rear entrance should be marked with the International Symbol of Access. The door threshold should be properly beveled. It is recommended that an automatic door opening device be installed at the rear entrance.

Counters

When a renovation is undertaken, the counter should be lowered to 34 inches above the finished floor. At least one table with the required 27 inches of knee space should be provided in the commissioner’s office.

Toilet Rooms

The raised letter and Braille sign should be relocated to the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the finished floor. The door should be adjusted so that it does not stick and the door pressure should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated to below the grab bar. A 36 inch long back grab bar should be installed. The coat hook should be lowered to maximum of 54 inches above the floor. The hot water pipe should be wrapped or otherwise protected from contact.  The feasibility of reversing the door swing to be out swinging should be evaluated. The feasibility of revising the approach to the water closet by moving the water closet forward should be evaluated.  

Elevators

An elevator is planned for the building.

Public Telephones

The telephone should be relocated so that it is accessible.  The phone should have a volume control and be hearing aid compatible.

ADA Compliance Report

Parking

Existing Condition — Parking:
There are two disabled parking spaces provided in the parking lot at the rear of the building, they are approximately 16 feet wide and they do not have access aisles. The signs do not comply, they read “Reserved Parking Only” with the International Symbol of Access.  They do not have the required statutory language. They are mounted 38 inches above the ground. The spaces are not 17 feet long. The slope on the parking spaces is greater than 2 percent and range between 8 and 9 percent.  There is gravel in the parking lot. (See Appendix Page 2, Photos. # 1)

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 parking spaces should be reconfigured so that they comply.Two 9 foot wide disabled parking spaces may share a common 8 foot access aisle. Correct signs should be post mounted at 84 inches from the bottom of the sign to the ground. The parking space with the access aisle on the passenger side should be marked with a sign under the standard parking sign that reads “van accessible.”  The accessible parking spaces should be relocated closer to the rear entrance.

Accessible Route

Existing Condition:
There is no accessible route that connects from the public right-of-way/public sidewalks. The accessible route from the accessible parking spaces requires crossing the parking lot, there are no detectable warnings or crosswalk provided.   The slope on the route from the accessible parking spaces is 10 percent. There is a transition from the asphalt parking lot to the concrete walkway that is greater than ¼ inch and is not beveled. (See Appendix Pages 2 & 3, Photos. # 2 & 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

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, 2, 3 & 4

Handrails are required on both sides of the ramp and shall be continuous the full length of the ramp. If they are not continuous, they shall extend at least 12" beyond the top and bottom of the ramp. The height of the handrails shall be 34"-38" above the ramp surface and mounted 1-1/2" from any wall. The diameter of the handrail shall be 1-1/4" to 1-1/2", shall have a continuous gripping surface, and have ends rounded or returned smoothly to the floor, wall or post.  ADAAG 4.8.5, 4.26.2 & 4.26.4

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

Ramps and landings with a vertical drop-off shall have walls, railings, projecting surfaces, or minimum 2" high curbs to prevent people from slipping off the side of the ramp. ADAAG 4.8.7

Recommendation:
An accessible route should be connected from the accessible parking to the accessible entrance. If the accessible parking spaces are relocated closer to the rear entrance, the access aisle should connect directly to the walkway at the rear entrance.

Entrances

Existing Condition —Rear Entrance
There is a directional sign at the front entrance that reads “Access at Rear” but the sign is mounted too low and is obstructed by shrubs. The rear entrance is not marked with the International Symbol of Access. There is no 18 inch pull side clearance at the rear entrance due to the stone wall.  The door threshold is 1 inch and 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 door knob. The door knob has been modified so that it is inoperable. The entrance is marked with a raised letter and Braille sign.  

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

Recommendation:
The directional sign at the front entrance should be raised so that it is clearly visible. The rear entrance should be marked with the International Symbol of Access.  The door threshold should be properly beveled. It is recommended that an automatic door opening device be installed at the rear entrance.

Counter

Existing Condition:
There is a main counter that is located at 36 inches above the finished floor. The commissioner’s office is used to count votes. There are tables but they do not provide the required 27 inches of knee space.  

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:
When a renovation is undertaken, the counter should be lowered to 34 inches above the finished floor. At least one table with the required 27 inches of knee space should be provided in the commissioner’s office.

Toilet Rooms

There is a single occupancy unisex toilet room provided on the floor where the elections office is located. The following deficiencies were identified.  

Existing Condition — Single Occupancy Facility:
There is a raised letter and Braille but the sign is located on the door. The door opening force exceeds 6 lbs. and the door sticks. The sinks hot water pipe is not wrapped or otherwise protected. The head room at the sink is reduced to 75 inches. The centerline of the water closet is 19 inches from the side wall. There is a 24 inch back grab bar. The toilet seat cover dispenser is mounted above the side grab bar. The toilet room does not provide the required clearances, the toilet room narrows to 37 inches where the water closet is located. The door swings into the clear floor space of the sink. The light switch is located at 52-1/2 inches above the floor. There is a coat hook on the back of the door, it is mounted at 63 inches above the floor. (See Appendix Pages 6, 7 & 8, Photos. # 7, 8, 9 & 10)

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)

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

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

In alterations or existing facilities, where it is technically infeasible to comply with the requirement that each toilet room provide accessible facilities, the installation of at least one unisex, single occupancy toilet room per floor is allowed. The unisex, single occupancy facility shall be located in the same area as existing toilet room facilities.  Each such 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 unisex, single-occupancy facility shall be designed to comply with the following:

  1. The water closet shall be mounted 17" to 19" above the finished floor and located 18" from a side wall.
  2. A toilet room providing a front approach to the water closet shall be a minimum of 66" long by 48" wide.
  3. A toilet room providing a side approach to the water closet shall be a minimum of 56" long by 48" wide.
  4. A toilet room providing both a front and side approach to the water closet shall be a minimum of 56" long by 60" wide.

ADAAG 4.16.2

For unisex, single-occupancy toilet rooms, grab bars shall be provided 33"-36" above the finished floor. One grab bar shall be located on the side wall a minimum of 42" long and 12" from the back wall. A back grab bar shall be provided a minimum of 36" long and located a maximum of 6" from the sidewall closest to the water closet. ADAAG 4.16.4 & 4.26

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

Recommendation:
The raised letter and Braille sign should be relocated to the latch side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the finished floor. The door should be adjusted so that it does not stick and the door pressure should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated to below the grab bar. A 36 inch long back grab bar should be installed. The coat hook should be lowered to maximum of 54 inches above the floor. The hot water pipe should be wrapped or otherwise protected from contact.  The feasibility of reversing the door swing to be out swinging should be evaluated. The feasibility of revising the approach to the water closet by moving the water closet forward should be evaluated.  

Elevator

Existing Condition:
There is no elevator in this multi-story building. 

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)

Accessible elevators shall be on an accessible route and shall comply with the ASME A17.1-1990, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.

Elevators shall have self-leveling devices that will automatically align the car and floor within 1/2". ADAAG 4.10.2

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

Minimum car dimensions shall be 48" deep by 48" wide for existing conditions and alterations. Cabs of other sizes may be allowed when usability is demonstrated and other provisions are in compliance. ADAAG 4.1.6(3)(c) & 4.10.9

Hall call buttons shall be centered at 42" above the floor and shall have visual signals to indicate when a call is registered and answered. The minimum button size is 3/4" and they shall be raised or flush. Objects mounted below the call buttons shall not protrude more than 4" from the wall. ADAAG 4.10.3

Hall lanterns shall have visual and audible signals at each hoist-way entrance to indicate which car is answering.  Audible signals shall sound once for "up" and twice for "down". Visual signals shall be mounted with a centerline at least 72" above the lobby floor. Visual signals shall be a minimum of 2-1/2" in the smallest dimension. ADAAG 4.10.4

Raised and Braille floor designations shall be provided on both jambs at all elevator hoist-way entrances. They shall be located and centered 60" above the finished floor.  Characters shall be 2" high, raised 1/32" and shall be accompanied by Grade 2 Braille. ADAAG 4.10.5

Car control buttons shall be a minimum of 3/4" in the smallest dimension and shall be raised or flush. All control buttons shall be designated by Braille and raised numbers.  Characters shall be 5/8" high, raised 1/32" and be accompanied by Grade 2 Braille. The main floor call button shall be designated by a raised star. They shall be placed to the left of the button. Floor buttons shall be provided with signals which light when a call is registered. All floor buttons shall be a maximum of 54" above the floor where a side approach is possible and a maximum of 48" where a front approach is required. ADAAG 4.10.12(1)(2)(3)(4)

A visual car position indicator shall be located above the car control panel or above the door. As the car passes or stops at a floor, the number shall illuminate and an audible signal shall sound. Numbers shall be a minimum of 1/2" and audible signals shall be no less than 20 db. ADAAG 4.10.13

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

Recommendation:
An elevator is planned for the building.

Public Use Phones

Existing Condition:
There is a public telephone mounted on the wall in the hall near the clerk’s office.  It is mounted at 56 inches above the floor. There is a bench located in the clear floor space at the phone. (See Appendix Page 9, Photo. # 11)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:

When public telephones are provided then they shall be accessible. All accessible telephones shall be hearing aid compatible and equipped with a volume control for the hearing impaired. In addition, 25%, but never less than one of all other public telephones shall be equipped with a volume control. Telephones required to have a volume control shall be identified by a sign containing a depiction of a telephone handset with radiating sound waves. ADAAG 4.1.3(17)(a)(d) & 4.31.5

A clear floor space at telephones is required to be at least 30" by 48" that allows either a forward or parallel approach.  Bases, enclosures, and fixed seats shall not impede approaches to accessible telephones. The highest operable part of an accessible telephone shall be a maximum of 48" above the floor where a forward reach is required, and a maximum of 54" above the floor where a side reach is required. ADAAG 4.31.2

Telephones shall have push-button controls with a cord length from telephone to hand set that is at least 29" long.  ADAAG 4.31.6 & 4.31.8

Recommendation:
The telephone should be relocated so that it is accessible.  The phone should have a volume control and be hearing aid compatible.