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Accessibility Assessment | Washington County

Introduction

Washington County Elections Office
3700 S.W. Murray Blvd.  Suite 101
Beaverton  Oregon 97005

Download a Microsoft Word version of the Assessment

On April 12, 2002, Environmental Access, Inc. conducted an onsite visit and survey of the Washington 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

An evaluation should be made to determine if the accessible parking spaces could be moved closer to the accessible entrance in an area where there is a slope of 2 percent or less. The signs should be raised so that the bottom edge of the sign is located at 84 inches above the ground. The parking space with an 8-foot wide access aisle located on the passenger side of the space should be marked as the van accessible parking space. The parking spaces and access aisles should be lengthened so that they are 17 feet long. Wheelstops should be provided at the front of the parking spaces that are located along the accessible route to the entrance.

Accessible Routes

Public Sidewalk/Public Right-Of-Way:
A compliant accessible route should be provided from the public sidewalk/public right-of-way. If the slope is greater than 5 percent, then there must be handrails and intermediate landings. If it crosses a vehicular lane of travel, there should be detectable warnings on each end where the route crosses a vehicular lane. The gaps and transitions should be repaired.

Parking Lot:
The curb ramps should be reconstructed.

Entrances

Main Entrance:
The first door threshold should be modified to comply. The location of the ballot drop should be re-evaluated due to the door opening into its clear floor space.

Interior Entrance:
The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs.

Toilet Rooms

Men’s:
The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated or a second accessible dispenser should be provided in the accessible stall. The toilet paper dispenser should be relocated so that it is no more than 36 inches from the back wall. The paper towel dispenser and soap dispenser should be lowered to 40 inches above the floor.

Women’s:
The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated or a second accessible dispenser should be provided in the accessible stall. The toilet paper dispenser should be relocated so that it is no more than 36 inches from the back wall. The paper towel dispenser and soap dispenser should be lowered to 40 inches above the floor. The feminine hygiene dispenser should be replaced with an accessible dispenser and located so that it is not a protruding object hazard.

ADA Compliance Report

Parking

Existing Condition — Parking:
There are four designated accessible parking spaces provided in the front of the building. Two 9-foot wide parking spaces share a common 5-1/2-foot wide access aisle. Two additional 9-foot wide parking spaces share a common 8-foot wide access aisle. The accessible parking spaces are not the closest spaces to the accessible entrance. The parking spaces are marked with signs that are post mounted approximately 55 inches above the ground. There is one space that is designated a "van accessible" parking space, it is located on the wrong side of the access aisle and not next to the 8-foot access aisle. The slope on the parking spaces and access aisles exceed 2 percent and average 4 to 6 percent. The parking spaces are only 15-1/2 feet long. There are no wheelstops to prevent vehicles from encroaching into the accessible route. (See Appendix Page 2, Photos. # 1 & 2)

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

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

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

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:
An evaluation should be made to determine if the accessible parking spaces could be moved closer to the accessible entrance in an area where there is a slope of 2 percent or less. The signs should be raised so that the bottom edge of the sign is located at 84 inches above the ground. The parking space with an 8 foot wide access aisle located on the passenger side of the space should be marked as the van accessible parking space. The parking spaces and access aisles should be lengthened so that they are 17 feet long. Wheelstops should be provided at the front of the parking spaces that are located along the accessible route to the entrance.

Accessible Route

Existing Condition — Public Sidewalk/Public Right-Of-Way:
There is no compliant accessible route from the public sidewalk/public right-of-way to the accessible entrance. It has a slope greater than 5 percent and exceeds 10 percent in places. There are no handrails. The route crosses a vehicular lane of traffic and there are no detectable warnings or crosswalk. The route only accesses stairs. There are gaps and transitions greater than _ inch along the walkway to the entrance. (See Appendix Page 3, Photos. # 3 & 4)

Existing Condition — Parking:
There are curb ramps located at the front of the access aisles that connect to the walkway, they have transitions greater than _ that are not beveled. The first curb ramp has a slope of 10 percent and flares with a slope of 8.3 percent. The second curb ramp has a slope on the ramp and flares of 10.5 percent. None of the curb ramps have level landings at the top. (See Appendix Page 4, Photos. # 5 & 6)

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

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 a joining 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

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 — Public Sidewalk/Public Right-Of-Way:
A compliant accessible route should be provided from the public sidewalk/public right-of-way. If the slope is greater than 5 percent, then there must be handrails and intermediate landings. If it crosses a vehicular lane of travel, there should be detectable warnings on each end where the route crosses a vehicular lane. The gaps and transitions should be repaired.

Recommendation — Parking Lot:
The curb ramps should be reconstructed.

Entrances

Existing Condition — Main Entrance
The main entrance has two sets of double glass doors; they are equipped with an automatic door opener. At the time of inspection, only the exterior opener was working. The first door threshold is greater than _ inch and is not properly beveled. The interior entrance door swings into the clear floor space of the ballot drop.

Existing Condition — Interior Entrance:
The entrance door to the county election office has an opening pressure that is greater than 5 lbs. and exceeds 15 lbs.

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)

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

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 — Main Entrance:
The first door threshold should be modified to comply. The location of the ballot drop should be re-evaluated due to the door opening into its clear floor space.

Recommendation — Interior Entrance:
The door opening force should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs.

Toilet Room

There are accessible men’s and women’s toilet rooms near the elections office. The doors are equipped with automatic door opening devices. The following deficiencies were identified.

Existing Condition — Men’s:
In the accessible toilet stall, the toilet seat cover dispenser is mounted above the grab bar at 54 inches above the floor and is not accessible. The toilet paper dispenser is more than 36 inches from the back wall, it is mounted at 39 inches. The centerline of the water closet is 20-1/2 inches from the side wall. The sink counter is 24-1/2 inches wide and the paper towels are mounted at 48 inches above the counter and the soap is mounted at 45 inches above the counter. The maneuvering space on the interior side of the door is only 45-1/2 inches deep. (See Appendix Pages 5 & 6, Photos. # 7 & 8)

Existing Condition — Women’s:
In the accessible toilet stall, the toilet seat cover dispenser is mounted above the grab bar at 55 inches above the floor and is not accessible. The toilet paper dispenser is more than 36 inches from the back wall, it is mounted at 41 inches. The centerline of the water closet is 21 inches from the side wall. The toilet seat is 19-1/2 inches above the finished floor. The sink counter is 24-1/2 inches wide and the paper towels are mounted at 48 inches above the counter and the soap is mounted at 45 inches above the counter. The maneuvering space on the interior side of the door is only 45-1/2 inches deep. The feminine hygiene dispenser is a protruding object hazard, it protrudes 5 inches at 44 inches. The coin slot is mounted at 55 inches above the floor and the operating mechanism is not accessible, it requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. (See Appendix Pages 5, 6 & 7, Photos. # 7, 8, & 9)

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

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 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

Toilet paper dispensers shall be installed on the side wall, 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

Recommendation — Men’s:
The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated or a second accessible dispenser should be provided in the accessible stall. The toilet paper dispenser should be relocated so that it is no more than 36 inches from the back wall. The paper towel dispenser and soap dispenser should be lowered to 40 inches above the floor.

Recommendation — Women’s:
The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated or a second accessible dispenser should be provided in the accessible stall. The toilet paper dispenser should be relocated so that it is no more than 36 inches from the back wall. The paper towel dispenser and soap dispenser should be lowered to 40 inches above the floor. The feminine hygiene dispenser should be replaced with an accessible dispenser and located so that it is not a protruding object hazard.