Multnomah County Assessment

Accessibility Assessment | Multnomah County

Multnomah County Elections Office
1040 SE Morrison Street
Portland Oregon 97214-2495

Download a Microsoft Word version of the Assessment

July 13, 2007

Robert W. Pike
President
Environmental Access Inc.

Introduction

On July 5, 2007, Environmental Access, Inc., conducted an onsite visit and survey of the Multnomah 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.

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

Due to the slope on S.E. Morrison Street, the accessible parking should be relocated to the S.E. 11th Street side of the building where the accessible route complies and the entrance with an automatic door provides direct access to the elections counter. The designated accessible parking area should be connected to the sidewalk with a compliant curb ramp.

Accessible Routes

Public Right-of-Way/Parking:
The accessible parking should be relocated to S.E. 11th Street in order to have the parking and accessible route to the entrance comply. A curb ramp should be installed to connect accessible parking to the sidewalk.

Interior:
The opening force on the gate near the elevator should be adjusted to 5 lbs. or less.

Entrances

Main Entrance:
Directional signage should be provided at the main entrance utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating with an arrow the location of the accessible entrance on S.E. 11th Street.

Elections Entrance:
The landing in front of the entrance on the S.W. 11th Street side of the building should be modified to provide a minimum 5 foot landing as level as the sidewalk will allow and the entrance should be marked with the International Symbol of Access.

Ballot Drops

A ballot drop should be located on the S.E. 11th Street side of the building near the accessible entrance to elections. There are plans to provide a drive-up ballot drop on the S.E. Belmont side of the building.

Ramps

The ramp from the main entrance should be reconstructed so that the maximum slope is 8.3 percent. Until the ramp can be modified to comply, directional signage utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at the main entrance indicating the location of the accessible entrance on S.E. 11th Street.

Counters

A minimum 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.

Elevator

The main floor call button should be designated with a raised star placed to the left of the call button.

Toilet Rooms

Toilet Room 202:
The door opening force should be adjusted so that it does not exceed 5 lbs. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from behind the water closet so that there is a clear floor space of 30 inches by 48 inches that provides either a forward or parallel approach.

Toilet Room 203:
The door opening force should be adjusted so that it does not exceed 5 lbs. The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from behind the water closet so that there is a clear floor space of 30 inches by 48 inches that provides either a forward or parallel approach.

Drinking Fountains

Drinking fountain manufacturers make an accessory that alleviates the protruding object hazard that currently exists, one should be installed under both of the higher side fountains.

Break Rooms

When additional renovations are undertaken, the break room on the first floor should be modified to be accessible.

Signage

Signs that are mounted 80 inches above the finished floor must have a minimum height of 3 inches. The existing sign can be relocated so that it is below 80 inches or a new sign can be provided.

ADA Compliance Report

Parking

Existing Condition — Parking:
Parallel parking is available on the one-way streets of S.E. 11th Street and S.E. Morrison Street but there is no designated disabled parking on S.E. 11th Street. There is approximately a 60 foot long disabled parking area designated and signed with the International Symbol of Access and the State Disabled Parking sign along S.E. Morrison Street. The running slope of the parking area is greater than 2 percent and is 5.8 percent and the cross slope is greater than 2 percent and is 7 percent.

There is no curb ramp that is located within the designated area that connects this disabled parking area to the sidewalk. Drivers with disabilities that exit from the driver’s side of their vehicles have no accessible route.

There is a driveway apron at the back of the disabled parking area that has a yellow strip along the transition from driveway to street. The transition is approximately 3/4 inch and is not beveled. The running slope on the driveway apron exceeds 8.3 percent and is 9.4 percent and the cross slope is greater than 2 percent and is 5 percent.

The curb ramp at the intersection of S.E. Morrison and S.E. 11th Street is approximately 15 feet from the front of the disabled parking area. The curb ramp does not have detectable warnings.

There are three signs mounted on the S.E. Morrison Street side of the building and two signs mounted on the S.E. 11th Street side of the building that read: Voters with Disabilities for Curbside Service Honk your Horn or Call (503) 988-3720.”

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
The accessible parking shall be located on the shortest accessible route of travel from the parking area to the accessible entrance. If a facility has multiple accessible entrances, accessible parking shall be dispersed and located closest to the accessible entrances. ADAAG 4.6.2

A minimum of 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 space 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."

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

Passenger loading zones shall provide an access aisle 60" wide by 20' long adjacent and parallel to the vehicle pull-up space. If there are curbs between the access aisle and the vehicle pull-up space, then a curb ramp shall be provided. A vertical clearance of 114" shall be provided. An accessible passenger loading zone shall be identified by a sign utilizing the International Symbol of Accessibility. The vehicle space and access aisle shall be level with surface slopes not exceeding 1:50 (2%) in all directions. ADAAG 4.1.2(5)(c), 4.1.2(7)(b), 4.6.5 & 4.6.6

Curb ramps shall be provided wherever an accessible route crosses a curb. Curb ramps shall have the least slope possible, the maximum slope allowed is 1:12 or 8.3 percent. ADAAG 4.7.1

Curb ramps shall have a minimum clear width of 36" and have a firm, stable, and slip-resistant surface. Transitions shall be flush and free of abrupt changes, no greater than 1/4". Any greater than 1/4" shall be beveled. ADAAG 4.7.3, 4.7.4 & 4.5

Curb ramp sides or flares may be 1:10 unless they are located in an accessible route where pedestrians may walk across the ramp, then they must have a maximum slope of 1:12. ADAAG 4.7.5

Detectable warnings are required the full width and length of the 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:
Due to the slope on S.E. Morrison Street, the accessible parking should be relocated to the S.E. 11th Street side of the building where the accessible route complies and the entrance with an automatic door provides direct access to the elections counter. The designated accessible parking area should be connected to the sidewalk with a compliant curb ramp.

Accessible Route

Existing Condition — Public Right-of-Way/Parking:
The slope on the public sidewalk from the public transportation stop and disabled parking on S.E. Morrison Street is 5.5 percent to 5.8 percent. The slope on the public sidewalk from the parking on S.E. 11th Street is 2.5 percent.

Existing Condition — Interior:
There is a gate that must be used to gain access to the elevator from the interior of the building, the opening force is greater than 5 lbs. and is 8 lbs.

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 4.1.2 (2), 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 4.1.3 (1), 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 walking area are not separated by curbs, railings or other elements between pedestrian areas and vehicular areas, 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 — Public Right-of-Way/Parking:
The accessible parking should be relocated to S.E. 11th Street in order to have the parking and accessible route to the entrance comply. A curb ramp should be installed to connect accessible parking to the sidewalk.

Recommendation — Interior:
The opening force on the gate near the elevator should be adjusted to 5 lbs. or less.

Entrance

Existing Condition — Main Entrance:
The main entrance is located at the corner of S.E. Morrison Street and S.E. 11th Street; the entrance door is equipped with an automatic door opening device. When this door opens there is a recorded message that plays indicating that if you are disabled and need an accommodation that you should press the button located on the wall opposite the elections counter. The button has a sign that reads: “Push Button for Accommodation”.

This entrance is not accessible due to the inaccessible ramps at this entrance.

Existing Condition — Elections Entrance:
There is an entrance located off of S.E. 11th Street and it provides the direct access to the elections side of the facility; the entrance door is equipped with an automatic door opening device. This entrance does not have a 5’ level landing in front of the door but has a level area for 8” then 2’ of slope at 10% and 3’ of slope that ranges from 4% to 6%.

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

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

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. OSSC Chapter 11 & ADAAG 4.13.11

Recommendation — Main Entrance:
Directional signage should be provided at the main entrance utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating with an arrow the location of the accessible entrance on S.E. 11th Street.

Recommendation — Elections Entrance:
The landing in front of the entrance on the S.W. 11th Street side of the building should be modified to provide a minimum 5 foot landing as level as the sidewalk will allow and the entrance should be marked with the International Symbol of Access.

Ballot Drops

Existing Condition:
There is a ballot drop slot located near the front door along the S.E. Morrison Street side of the building. There is no level clear floor space of 30 inches by 48 inches next to the ballot drop slot as the slope of the sidewalk is more than 5 percent.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
Controls and operating mechanisms shall provide a clear floor space of 30" by 48" 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". The minimum low forward reach is 15”. If a clear floor space allows a parallel approach, the maximum high side reach shall be 54". The minimum low side reach shall be no less than 9”. ADAAG 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.2.6, & 4.27.

Recommendation:
A ballot drop should be located on the S.E. 11th Street side of the building near the accessible entrance to elections. There are plans to provide a drive-up ballot drop on the S.E. Belmont side of the building.

Ramp

Existing Condition:
There is a ramp from the main entrance to the elections counter. The ramp has a slope that is greater than 8.3 percent and ranges from 12.5 percent to 12.8 percent at the middle of the ramp to 12.4 percent at the bottom of the ramp.

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, 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:
The ramp from the main entrance should be reconstructed so that the maximum slope is 8.3 percent. Until the ramp can be modified to comply, directional signage utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at the main entrance indicating the location of the accessible entrance on S.E. 11th Street.

Counters

Existing Condition:
The elections counter is located at 42 inches above the finished floor; there is no lower section.

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 minimum 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.

Elevator

Existing Condition:
The elevator car control does not have a raised “star” at the left side of the button that designates the ground floor.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
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)

Recommendation:
The main floor call button should be designated with a raised star placed to the left of the call button.

Toilet Room

There are men’s and women’s toilet rooms provided on the main floor, the basement and the second floor. The toilet rooms on the second floor are designated accessible. The toilet rooms in the basement and main floor are not accessible and there is no directional signage that utilizes the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the accessible toilet rooms. The following deficiencies were identified in the second floor toilet rooms:

Existing Condition — Toilet Room 202:
The door opening force exceeds 5 lbs. and is 7 lbs. The centerline of the water closet is 18-1/2 inches from the sidewall at the front and 19-1/2 inches at the back. The toilet seat cover dispenser is mounted above the back grab bar and does not provide the required clear floor space. The top of the lavatory is mounted at 34-3/4 inches.

Recommendation:
A minimum 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.

Elevator

Existing Condition:
The elevator car control does not have a raised “star” at the left side of the button that designates the ground floor.

Recommendation:
The main floor call button should be designated with a raised star placed to the left of the call button.

Toilet Room

Existing Condition – Toilet Room 202:
The door opening force exceeds 5 lbs. and is 7 lbs. The centerline of the water closet is 18-1/2 inches from the sidewall at the front and 19-1/2 inches at the back. The toilet seat cover dispenser is mounted above the back grab bar and does not provide the required clear floor space. The top of the lavatory is mounted at 34-3/4 inches.

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 & OSSC 1103.2.4.8

Recommendation — First and Second Floor:
Drinking fountain manufacturers make an accessory that alleviates the protruding object hazard that currently exists, one should be installed under both of the higher side fountains.

Break Rooms

There are two break rooms, one on the first floor and one on the second floor. The break room on the first floor is not accessible. The break room on the second floor is accessible.

Existing Condition — First Floor:
There is a sink and counter that is located more than 34 inches above the finished floor and it is not accessible. There is a sink and counter on the second floor that is accessible.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
Where kitchens, kitchenettes, or wet bars are provided, they shall be accessible. A clear floor space shall be provided for a front or parallel approach to cabinets, counters, sinks, and appliances. Countertops and sinks shall be 34" maximum above the floor. At least 50% of shelf space in cabinets and refrigerators/ freezers shall be within reach ranges. Space shall be designated to allow for operation of doors on cabinets and appliances.

Recommendation:
When additional renovations are undertaken, the break room on the first floor should be modified to be accessible.

Signage

Existing Condition:
There is directional and informational signage that is mounted more than 80 inches above the finished floor and the letters are not a minimum of 3 inches high. For example, the sign on the second floor that reads, “Helen Walton Conference Room” is located above 80 inches and the letters are not a minimum of 3 inches.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
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:
Signs that are mounted 80 inches above the finished floor must have a minimum height of 3 inches. The existing sign can be relocated so that it is below 80 inches or a new sign can be provided.