Yamhill County Assessment

Accessibility Assessment | Yamhill County

Yamhill County Elections Office
411 NE Evans Street
McMinnville Oregon 97128-4607

Download a Microsoft Word version of the Assessment

July 13, 2007

Robert W. Pike
President
Environmental Access Inc.

Introduction

On July 6, 2007, Environmental Access, Inc. conducted an onsite visit and survey of the Yamhill 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

Accessible Route/Parking

A wheel stop should be installed at the front of the accessible parking space in order to provide a minimum 36-inch accessible route from the passenger side of the vehicle, around the front of the parking space and to the entrance of the ramp.

Ramp

The ramp handrails should be modified so that they extend a minimum of 12 inches at the top and bottom of the ramp on each side. Since the handrail will extend over the sidewalk it should be returned below 27 inches in order to avoid being a protruding object.

Entrance

Main Entrance:
A directional sign utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be installed at the front entrance to the building with an arrow indicating the location of the accessible entrance. The letters should be a minimum of 3 inches tall and there should be a good contrast between the letters and the background with either light-on-dark or dark-on-light.

Rear Entrance:
The automatic door opening button located on the interior side of the door should be lowered to a maximum height of 48 inches and located so that it is not within the swing of a door. The garbage can should be moved away from the door button.

Counter

If feasible, considering the buildings historic significance, a minimum 36-inch section of the counter should be lowered to a maximum of 34 inches above the floor or an adjacent counter or table should be provided. In the interim, a clipboard or accessible table should be utilized.

Toilet Rooms

The following items pertain to the designated accessible toilet room except a.

Signs:
Directional signs utilizing the International of Symbol of Access should be provided at the inaccessible toilet room indicating the location of the accessible toilet room.

Door:
The in-swing of the door to the accessible toilet room should be reversed so that the door swings out instead of into the toilet room and into the unobstructed turning space. The privacy lock should be relocated to a maximum of 48 inches above the floor and/or below the door lever.

Lavatory:
The lavatory should be remounted so as to provide the proper knee space under the lavatory of 29 inches at the front and 27 inches under the bowl.

Mirror:
The mirror should be remounted so that the bottom edge of the reflecting surface is 40 inches above the finished floor. As an alternative, a full length mirror could be installed.

Toilet Seat Cover Dispenser:
The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from behind the water closet so there is an unobstructed clear floor space of 30 inches by 48 inches.

Grab Bars:
The placement of the side grab bar should not have a downward angle. The window sill should be modified so that the grab bar can be mounted parallel to the floor or a floor mounted side grab bar should be utilized.

Water Closet:
No change is recommended to the centerline of the water closet at this time. If a future renovation is undertaken at this facility this non-complying element should be modified.

Paper Towel Dispenser:
The paper towel dispenser should be lowered to a maximum height of 48 inches above the finished floor.

Feminine Hygiene Dispenser:
The dispenser should be relocated so that it does not protrude into the toilet room. It could be lowered so that the bottom edge is at or below 27 inches above the finished floor.

Drinking Fountain

Drinking fountain manufacturers make an accessory that is installed under the higher fountain that alleviates the protruding object hazard, one should be installed under the higher fountain. The waste receptacle should be moved away from the lower accessible fountain.

Sink and Counter

When a renovation is undertaken, the sink and counter should be modified to be accessible.

ADA Compliance Report

Accessible Route/Parking

Existing Condition - Accessible Route/Parking:
There is one van accessible parking space provided in the parking lot at the rear of the building. There is no wheel stop provided at the front of the accessible parking space to prevent a vehicle from blocking the accessible route from the passenger side of the parking space, around the front of the parking space to the ramp. If the vehicle blocks the accessible route in front of the parking space an individual must enter the vehicular lane of travel to access the sidewalk and the entrance to the ramp.

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

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

Recommendation:
A wheel stop should be installed at the front of the accessible parking space in order to provide a minimum 36-inch accessible route from the passenger side of the vehicle, around the front of the parking space and to the entrance of the ramp.

Ramp

Existing Condition:
There is a ramp that connects the accessible parking and the public sidewalk to the accessible entrance. The ramp handrails do not comply; they do not extend 12 inches beyond the top and bottom of the ramp on each side. The ramp has a patch at the top of the ramp that is beginning to come off exposing an area that will need to be repaired again or there will be a transition that is greater than ¼ inch.

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 should 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 handrails should be modified so that they extend a minimum of 12 inches at the top and bottom of the ramp on each side. Since the handrail will extend over the sidewalk it should be returned below 27 inches in order to avoid being a protruding object.

Entrance

Existing Condition - Main Entrance:
The main entrance at the front of the building is not accessible, there are steps. There is a paper sign on the entrance door that reads “Handicap Access at Rear of Building” the sign does not include the International Symbol of Access and is difficult to read from the street.

Existing Condition - Rear Accessible Entrance:
The rear accessible entrance has a button marked: “Please Ring for Entry” “We must keep door locked for security reasons”. The entrance is monitored via a closed circuit television that can be seen by all employees in order to provide access for the people with disabilities that cannot negotiate the steps at the front entrance. The door is equipped with an automatic door opening device. The button used to activate the door from the inside is mounted at 51 inches above the finished floor and is located within the swing of a door. There is a garbage can located by the door opening button that obstructs a side approach to the button.

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

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

Controls and operating mechanisms shall have a clear floor space. 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

Recommendation - Main Entrance:
A directional sign utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be installed at the front entrance to the building with an arrow indicating the location of the accessible entrance. The letters should be a minimum of 3 inches tall and there should be a good contrast between the letters and the background with either light-on-dark or dark-on-light.

Recommendation - Rear Entrance:
The automatic door opening button located on the interior side of the door should be lowered to a maximum height of 48 inches and located so that it is not within the swing of a door. The garbage can should be moved away from the door button.

Counter

Existing Condition:
The elections counter is located at 42-1/2 inches above the finished floor and mounted in marble. There is no lowered counter or alternate writing surface provided

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:
If feasible, considering the buildings historic significance, a minimum 36-inch section of the counter should be lowered to a maximum of 34 inches above the floor or an adjacent counter or table should be provided. In the interim, a clipboard or accessible table should be utilized.

Toilet Rooms

Existing Condition - Signs:
There are two single occupancy toilet rooms; one is accessible and one is not accessible. There is no directional signage at the inaccessible toilet room utilizing the International Symbol of Access indicating the location of the accessible toilet room.

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)

Recommendation - Signs:
Directional signs utilizing the International of Symbol of Access should be provided at the inaccessible toilet room indicating the location of the accessible toilet room.

The following items pertain to the designated accessible toilet room:

Existing Condition - Door:
The in-swing of the door to the accessible toilet room should be reversed so that the door swings out instead of into the toilet room and into the unobstructed turning space. The privacy lock should be relocated to a maximum of 48 inches above the floor and/or below the door lever.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
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

Door hardware shall be mounted no higher than 48” above the finished floor. OSSC 1109.9.8

Recommendation - Door:
The in-swinging door to the accessible toilet room should be reversed so that the door swings out instead of into the toilet room and into the unobstructed turning space. The privacy lock should be relocated to a maximum of 48 inches above the floor and/or below the door lever.

Existing Condition - Lavatory:
There is insufficient knee space under the lavatory. The clearance under the front of the lavatory is 27 inches instead of 29 inches and the clearance under the bowl is 25 inches instead of 27 inches.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
Lavatories shall be mounted with the rim or counter surface no higher than 34" above the finished floor. Knee clearance a minimum of 29" shall be provided from the floor to the bottom edge of the rim and 27" high measured 8 inches under the rim and 30" wide. Toe clearance shall be a minimum of 9” high and extend under the rim of the lavatory a minimum of 17". 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 - Lavatory:
The lavatory should be remounted so as to provide the proper knee space under the lavatory of 29 inches at the front and 27 inches under the bowl.

Existing Condition - Mirror:
The mirror is mounted so that the bottom edge of the reflecting surface is 43-1/2 inches above the finished floor instead of 40 inches.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
Mirrors shall be mounted with the bottom edge of the reflecting surface at a maximum of 40" above the finished floor. ADAAG 4.19.6

Recommendation - Mirror:
The mirror should be remounted so that the bottom edge of the reflecting surface is 40 inches above the finished floor. As an alternative, a full length mirror could be installed.

Existing Condition - Toilet Seat Cover Dispenser:
There is a toilet seat cover dispenser that is mounted above the back grab bar and above the water closet without the required clear floor space of 30 inches by 48 inches.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
Controls, dispensers, receptacles, or other equipment provided in the toilet room shall have a clear floor space. 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

Recommendation - Toilet Seat Cover Dispenser:
The toilet seat cover dispenser should be relocated from behind the water closet so there is an unobstructed clear floor space of 30 inches by 48 inches.

Existing Condition - Grab Bars:
There is a compliant back grab bar of 36 inches and a side grab bar of 48 inches that is mounted at a downward angle due to the location of a window. Due to the location of the window the side grab bar is 34 inches above the floor at the back of the grab bar and 30 inches above the floor at the front of the side grab bar.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
For single-occupancy toilet rooms, grab bars shall be mounted 33"-36" above the finished floor. One grab bar shall be located on the side wall a minimum of 42" long and a maximum of 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 and a maximum of 6 inches from the side wall. ADAAG 4.16.4 & 4.26

Recommendation - Grab Bars:
The placement of the side grab bar should not have a downward angle. The window sill should be modified so that the grab bar can be mounted parallel to the floor or a floor mounted side grab bar should be utilized.

Existing Condition - Water Closet:
The water closet is mounted so that the centerline is 19 inches from the side wall instead of 18 inches.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
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

Recommendation - Water Closet:
No change is recommended to the centerline of the water closet at this time. If a future renovation is undertaken at this facility this non-complying element should be modified.

Existing Condition - Paper Towel Dispenser:
The paper towel dispenser is mounted at 52 inches above the floor but there is insufficient clear floor space for a side approach and therefore the dispenser is mounted too high.

Recommendation - Paper Towel Dispenser:
The paper towel dispenser should be lowered to a maximum height of 48 inches above the finished floor.

Existing Condition - Feminine Hygiene Dispenser:
There is a feminine hygiene dispenser mounted next to the paper towel dispenser, it is a protruding object hazard, it protrudes 6 inches at 32-3/4 inches above the floor.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
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

Recommendation - Feminine Hygiene Dispenser:
The dispenser should be relocated so that it does not protrude into the toilet room. It could be lowered so that the bottom edge is at or below 27 inches above the finished floor.

Drinking Fountain

Existing Condition:
There is a dual height drinking fountain located next to the toilet rooms. The lower fountain is obstructed by a waste basket. The higher fountain is a protruding object hazard; it protrudes 8 inches at 32 inches above the finished floor.

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:
Drinking fountain manufacturers make an accessory that is installed under the higher fountain that alleviates the protruding object hazard, one should be installed under the higher fountain. The waste receptacle should be moved away from the lower accessible fountain.

Sink and Counter

Existing Condition:
There is a sink and counter that is located 36 inches above the floor with a microwave oven and coffee maker. The sink does not have knee space for a forward approach to the sink. There is a paper towel dispenser mounted over the sink, 51 inches above the floor.

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 a renovation is undertaken, the sink and counter should be modified to be accessible.