Kitchens

September 2024:ADA Signage Location

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024

The ADA regulations for singage location cover three things:

  1. Location relative to the door of the room it designates
  2. Installation Height of characters
  3. Clear floor space

This newsletter will explain each one and will give some examples of ambigous locations.

Scope of Coverage

The ADA has requirements on when a sign must comply with the Standards. These requirements are found in the scoping section 216. Not all signs must comply. Below are some of the signs that are required to meet certain minimum standards:

216.2 Designations. Interior and exterior signs identifying permanent rooms and spaces shall comply with 703.1, 703.2, and 703.5. Where pictograms are provided as designations of permanent interior rooms and spaces, the pictograms shall comply with 703.6 and shall have text descriptors complying with 703.2 and 703.5.

The picture above shows a sign for an office suite. Since these may not always be office (could be storage, conference rooms etc) This sign is not designating “permanent” rooms and do not have to comply

216.4 Means of Egress. Signs for means of egress shall comply with 216.4.

216.4.1 Exit Doors. Doors at exit passageways, exit discharge, and exit stairways shall be identified by tactile signs complying with 703.1, 703.2, and 703.5.

216.4.2 Areas of Refuge. Signs required by section 1003.2.13.5.4 of the International Building Code (2000 edition) or section 1007.6.4 of the International Building Code (2003 edition) (incorporated by reference, see “Referenced Standards” in Chapter 1) to provide instructions in areas of refuge shall comply with 703.5.

216.4.3 Directional Signs. Signs required by section 1003.2.13.6 of the International Building Code (2000 edition) or section 1007.7 of the International Building Code (2003 edition) (incorporated by reference, see “Referenced Standards” in Chapter 1) to provide directions to accessible means of egress shall comply with 703.5

216.6 Entrances. Where not all entrances comply with 404, entrances complying with 404 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.2.1. Directional signs complying with 703.5 that indicate the location of the nearest entrance complying with 404 shall be provided at entrances that do not comply with 404.

 

The sign is a directional sign which provides information to the accessible entrance

Here are the sections referenced above and what they are about:

703.1- gives guidance for raised and tactile characters and braille

703.2- Gives the requirements for raised characters

703.3- Gives the requirements for Braille

703.4- Gives the requirements for Installation Height and Location of signage

Location of ADA Signage

The ADA requires that accessible signs be located alongside the door at the latch side:

703.4.2 Location.

  • Where a tactile sign is provided at a door, the sign shall be located alongside the door at the latch side.

The picture above shows the Accessible sign designating the permanent restroom was located next to the latch side of the door

The picture above shows the Accessible sign designating the permanent room was located next to the latch side of the door and it is either mounted on the side light or on the wall away from the glass. Either of those locations are acceptable.

The picture above shows the Accessible sign designating the permanent restroom was located next to the hinge side of the door

  • Where a tactile sign is provided at double doors with one active leaf, the sign shall be located on the inactive leaf.

The picture above shows the Accessible sign designating the permanent restroom was located next to the hinge side of the door

  • Where a tactile sign is provided at double doors with two active leafs, the sign shall be located to the right of the right hand door.

The picture above shows the Accessible sign at double doors with two active leaves designating the permanent room can be located at either side of the doors

  • Where there is no wall space at the latch side of a single door or at the right side of double doors, signs shall be located on the nearest adjacent wall.

The picture above shows the Accessible sign at walls outside the restrooms. The doors did not have enough room for a sign at the latch side so they can be located at the wall closest to the strike

The picture above shows the Accessible sign at the hinge side of the restroom door

The picture above shows the Accessible sign at walls outside the restrooms without doors. A cased opening will be similar to a door. The sign can be located anywhere along the wall.

Clear Floor Space to read the signs

ADA reqires that signage have a clear floor space of 18″x18″ beyond the swing of the door and centered below the sign.

  • Signs containing tactile characters shall be located so that a clear floor space of 18 inches (455 mm) minimum by 18 inches (455 mm) minimum, centered on the tactile characters, is provided beyond the arc of any door swing between the closed position and 45 degree open position.

The image above shows the reason why the 18″x18″ must be located beyond the swing of the door. This prevents a person from getting hit by the door as they read the sign.

The photo above shows the restroom sign next to the strike side of the door

The photo above shows the restroom sign 8″ from the door which is less than the 9″ min. required from the door the centerline of the sign.

The photo above shows the restroom sign between the wall and the drinking fountain.

The photo above shows the clear floor space less than 18″x18″. The drinking fountain is located inside the clear floor space

The p18″x18″ clear floor space must be located away from the swing of the door

The photo above shows the clear floor space less than 18″x18″. The drinking fountain is located inside the clear floor space

Can the sign be located on the door?

An accessible sign is required to be located on a wall alongside the latch side of the door. But there is one exception that allows the sign to be located on a door. If the door has a closer a sign can be located on the push side of the door.

EXCEPTION: Signs with tactile characters shall be permitted on the push side of doors with closers and without hold-open devices.

The photo above shows the sign located on the pull side of the door

Height of ADA Signage

The height of the sign is required to be mounted between 48″ to 60″ a.f.f. to the bottom of the raised characters

703.4.1 Height Above Finish Floor or Ground. Tactile characters on signs shall be located 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground surface, measured from the baseline of the lowest tactile character and 60 inches (1525 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground surface, measured from the baseline of the highest tactile character

The photo above shows the sign mounted higher than 60″ a.f.f to the bottom of the raised characters

The photo above shows a sign with raised characters

The photo above shows a sign with raised characters mounted at 61 1/2″ a.f.f.

Summary

1) The location of the sign must be located on the wall closest to the strike side of the door of the room it designates

2) If there is no room adjacent the strike side, it is allowed to be located on a wall adjacent the door’s strike side

3) An 18″x18″ clear floor space and centered below the sign and located beyond the swing of the door must be provided.

4) At a double leaf door , the sign can be located adjacent eigher active leaf

5) At a double leaf with one active leaf, the sign can be located on the inactive leaf.

6) The sign may be located on a door provided that it is a push side approach and the door have a closer.

August 2024:Fixed and Built in Elements

Monday, August 5th, 2024

The ADA regulations for building access only apply to built-in or fixed elements. Movable furniture and movable equipment (unless scoped in the standards specifically) are not covered by the Standards and do not have any requirements.

Scope of coverage. The 1991 Standards and the 2010 Standards apply to fixed or built-in elements of buildings, structures, site improvements, and pedestrian routes or vehicular ways located on a site.

My colleagues get confused about these requirements, so I am sharing some examples of when these rule can be ambigous and how we can clarify the requirements.

When elements that are not built in or fixed are not required to comply

Movable furniture is not required to comply with the ADA. Even if the furniture is a reception desk, a dining surfaces, or benches. That means that they don’t have any regulations, but they cannot be used as an accessible element that is required.

The image above shows movable tables in a cafeteria at a school. Even though a school is required to provide areas for kids and faculty with disabilities to eat lunch just like everyone else, the fact that these are movable will exempt them from any requirements found in the standards.

The image shown above shows a dining area that is not only movable but raised higher than the ground. But because it is not built in it does not have to be on an accessible route and the table does not have to have a knee space

The image shown above shows movable classroom tables. Since they are not built in, they will not have to be at a certain height or have knee clearance.

The image shown above shows a system’s furniture reception desk with a service counter. Because it is movable, the counter will not be required to comply with the sales and service counter requirements.

Even though the banquette itself is not scoped in the Standards, and even though the tables at this dining area is movable and also not scoped, what is scoped because it is a built in element is the charging outlet that is provided at the banquette. Because that charging outlet is fixed or built in, it will be required to be within reach (15″ min. a.f.f.)

When elements that are not built in or fixed are used to provide cane detection to protruding objects

Movable furniture and elements cannot be used to create cane detection for persons who are visually impaired. Cane detection is required to be permanently available because if the movable element is moved the cane detection will not be there. Below are some examples.

The image shown above shows a movable table below a pendant light. The pendant light is technically located along a circulation path because the table is not considered permanently in the location shown. It could potentially move and therefore the pendant light would be located in the open circulation path.

The pendant light was mounted at 63″ a.f.f. and therefore considered a protruding object.

The image shown above shows movable planters that are being used as cane detection to the open stairs beyond

The image shown above shows movable trash can that is being used as a cane detection for the paper towel dispenser that is protruding onto the circulation path. since the trash can is movable, it cannot be used as cane detection.

Movable elements being used to provide accessibility when a buiilt in or fixed element is not compliant.

Becuse only fixed or built in elements are scoped and have requirements, movable elements cannot be counted as the accessible element instead of the built in element. Below are some examples

In this kitchen, there are two built in microwaves that are mounted higher than the allowable reach range. The owner decided to provide a movable microwave as the accessible element, but as we have explained, this microwave can be moved and not returned, therefore it cannot be used as the “accessible” element.

But in this kitchen there is only a movable microwave and it will not be required to be within reach.because it is not technically there.

The image shown above shows a movable shower seat. If a shower seat is required, it must be built in and not mvable.

The bench shown above is not bolted down and therefore not considered a substitute for the built in enches at the lockers

Which movable elements are scoped and required to comply?

Even though ADA only applies to built in or fixed elements, there are a few elements that are movable but also scoped. Below are some examples:

The image shown above are of washer and dryers. Even thought they are movable, they are also technically built in because it is connected to the wall via venting. But even if they were not, there is scoping for the equipment on section 611.

Even though a beverage dispenser could be considered movable, most of the time it is part of the plumbing and built in by way of the connection of the water line. But even if it wasn’t built in, beverage dispensers are scoped by the standards and requirements are found in section 904.

Exercise equipment are also “movable” but are scoped and have requirements in the standards. The requirmements for Exercise equipment is found in section 1004

Work Surface in a residential kitchens

Monday, July 1st, 2024

Happy 34th birthday to the Americans with Disabilities Act!!!

July 26, 2024 will be the ADA’s 34th anniversary! This historic date became the “indepence day” for persons with disabilities. Just like in July we celebrate the date that the United States gained their independence from England, so too we celebrate the independence from people with disabilities having to navigate architectural barriers. Throughout the year and on the ADA Anniversary, the ADA National Network recognizes this landmark event and the important work to promote equal opportunity for people with disabilities.

As architects and design professionals we remove barriers from our buildings that would prevent persons with disabities to feel independent and dignified.

This newsletter will cover one of the topics which is found in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible design as well as the ICC ANSI A117.1.

 

Happy 34th anniversary to the ADA!

Work surfaces at residential kitchens

The ADA and ANSI have requirements for residential dwelling units and their kitchens. Although, the ADA does not have jurisdiction with non public accommodations such as Multi-family housing (which falls under the IBC/ICC requirements), they do deal with the type of residences that are considered “public accommodations” such as social service homes, fire station sleeping quarters, and apartments at places of education that are leased to faculty and students.

In these “residences” if there are kitchens provided, there is a requirement that a work surface be provided adjacent to the ovens.

804.3 Kitchen Work Surface. In residential dwelling units required to comply with 809, at least one 30 inches (760 mm) wide minimum section of counter shall provide a kitchen work surface that complies with 804.3.

The image shown above shows a 30″ clear floor space adjacent the oven door.

What are the requirements

The only kitchens that require a work surface are at ADA required residetial dwelling units (Section 809). Other kitchens and kitchennettes do not require the work surface adjacent the oven.

The photo above is a break room kitchennette with an oven. A work surface is not required at this kitchennette because it is not a residential dwelling unit

What are the requirements

Below are the requirements for work surfaces

804.3.1 Clear Floor or Ground Space.

  • A clear floor space complying with 305 positioned for a forward approach shall be provided.
  • The clear floor or ground space shall be centered on the kitchen work surface and shall provide knee and toe clearance complying with 306.
  • EXCEPTION:
    Cabinetry shall be permitted under the kitchen work surface provided that all of the following conditions are met:(a) the cabinetry can be removed without removal or replacement of the kitchen work surface;(b) the finish floor extends under the cabinetry; and(c) the walls behind and surrounding the cabinetry are finished.

The kitchen above provided a work surface with a clear floor space centered under the counter

The kitchen above provided a work surface with doors in front of it, but since the flooring does all the way to the back wall and the surfaces are finished, they are allowed to have doors provided in front of the work surface.

The kitchen above did not provide a work surface adjacent the oven door.

The Work surface height should be no higher than 34″ a.f.f.

804.3.2 Height. The kitchen work surface shall be 34 inches (865 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground.EXCEPTION: A counter that is adjustable to provide a kitchen work surface at variable heights, 29 inches (735 mm) minimum and 36 inches (915 mm) maximum, shall be permitted.

804.3.3 Exposed Surfaces. There shall be no sharp or abrasive surfaces under the work surface counters.

Alterations vs. Maintenance

Thursday, June 1st, 2023

I have had several projects latetly where my clients have asked me to write them a letter that explains that their project was excempted from having to be reviewed or inspected because they were not “alterations”. One of them said that all they were doing was MEP upgrades and “finishes”. That made me question their request….

  • What finishes?
  • Where are the MEP upgrades occurring?
  • Were they just doing mechanical and electrical upgrades?
  • or werer there also plumbing changes involved?
  • Were they installing new lighting or light switches as part of the upgrades?
  • What finishes? painting, flooring, new cabinetry?

The concept of “alterations” is a confusing concept for most of us. The basic confusion is what is an alteration? The answers to my questions above would have given me some clarity. In the ADA and TAS an “alteration” has a specific (not so specific) definition. And in the definition it also tells you what is NOT an alteration. I will put the definition below and then I will explain why the request was not able to be fulfilled.

Alteration: A change to a building or facility that affects or could affect the usability of the building or facility or portion thereof. Alterations include, but are not limited to, remodeling, renovation, rehabilitation, reconstruction, historic restoration, resurfacing of circulation paths or vehicular ways,

changes or rearrangement of the structural parts or elements, and changes or rearrangement in the plan configuration of walls and full-height partitions.

Below are some examples:


Reconstruction….even if it is demolishing something and re-building it EXACTLY IN THE SAME PLACE….or as my clients like to explain…BUILDING IT IN KIND….it is still an alteration.

 

 

Reconstruction of a cabinet even it is going to be put back exactly where it was, will be considered an alteration.

 


Reconfiguration of a floor plan, by either removing walls, adding or re-building walls, adding or re-building millwork (even if it was there before) is an alteration.

 


Historic Restoration, depending on what is being restored might be considered an alteration. If it happens in the vertical plane or the ceiling it may not because it may not affect the usabilitity.

 

The definition of alteration, includes “re-surfacing of circulation paths”. This would include flooring. Even if the flooring is being replaced “IN KIND” with the same material that was there before….it is an alteration.


Removing toilet partitions and replacing them is an alteration. Be careful when re-installing them. If they were not compliant before, they will need to be compliant at the time of installantion.


Rebuidling toilet compartments will require that they comply. Even if they were put back exactly where they were, it is an alteration. The wheelchair accessible toilet compartment will have to comply with the standards even if it did not originally. DON’T ASSUME THEY WERE COMPLIANT BEFORE

 


In an alteration, the standards only requires that the element that you are altering be compliant. In this project, they were only replacing the lavatory, therefore the lavatory is the only thing in the restroom that will need to comply at the end of the project.

 

 

In this restroom, all the elements were removed and will be re-built. Even if they are all going back exactly where they were before, each new element will have to comply with the standards.

Therefore when alterations ocur based on the definition, it will trigger ADA and TAS to be applied. Everything that is newly installed will have to comply.

The definition continues with this clarification:

Normal maintenance, reroofing, painting or wallpapering, or changes to mechanical and electrical systems are not alterations unless they affect

the usability of the building or facility.


Replacing one or two damaged carpet tile would be considered maintenance. Replacing an entire carpet would an alteration.

 


painting is not an alteration because it does not affect the usability of the building for persons with disabilities

 


changing ceilings is NOT an alteation becuase it does not affect the usability

 

adding pendant light fixtures could affect the usability, therefore adding them to an existing space will be an alteration.


replacing a broken toilet, may be considered “maintenance” if it does not require a permit and other elements are being altered. This will need to be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Alterations in Areas that contain a Primary Function:

Once you determine that your project is an alteration, then we have to explore where it happens? Is it located inside an area of your facility that is considered to have a function that is a major activity to the facility? This area would be considered a “primary function” according to the ADA and TAS

Definition of: Primary Function. A major activity for which the facility is intended. Areas that contain a primary function include, but are not limited to, the customer services lobby of a bank, the dining area of a cafeteria, the meeting rooms in a conference center, as well as offices and other work areas in which the activities of the public accommodation or other private entity using the facility are carried out.

If the area you are altering is considered a primary function, then Section 202.4 will apply:

202.4 Alterations Affecting Primary Function Areas. In addition to the requirements of 202.3, an alteration that affects or could affect the usability of or access to an area containing a primary function shall be made so as to ensure that, to the maximum extent feasible, the path of travel to the altered

area, including the parking areas, rest rooms, telephones, and drinking fountains (and in Texas they added parking) serving the altered area, are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, unless such alterations are disproportionate to the overall alterations in terms of cost and scope.

Mechanical rooms, boiler rooms, supply storage rooms, employee lounges or locker rooms, janitorial closets, entrances, corridors, and restrooms are not areas containing a primary function.


break rooms are not considered a “primary function”. If any renovation occurs inside the break room, it will not trigger the “path of travel” elements to be in compliance

 


restrooms are not considered a “primary function” except in rest stops. If any renovation occurs inside the restrooms (other than at rest stops), it will not trigger the “path of travel” elements to be in compliance

 

 

parking is not the “primary function” of a facilty and therefore will not trigger compliance with the path of travel elements.

Alterations that affect the usability of or access to an area containing a primary function include, but are not limited to:

(i) Remodeling merchandise display areas or employee work areas in a department store;

(ii) Replacing an inaccessible floor surface in the customer service or employee work areas of a

bank;

(iii) Redesigning the assembly line area of a factory; or

(iv) Installing a computer center in an accounting firm.

For the purposes of this section, alterations to windows, hardware, controls, electrical outlets, and signage shall not be deemed to be alterations that affect the usability of or access to an area containing a primary function.

Then the existing elements located within the path of travel will have to comply. This requirement comes from the alteration section 202.4

The figure above shows a visual of the “path of travel” elements. The existing path of travel to the altered area will have to comply in this project (EVEN IF IT IS NOT PART OF THE ORIGINAL SCOPE OF WORK) because it serves the altered area which occurs in an area that contains a primary function. The ADA and TAS requires that at least 20% of the construction budget is used for barrier removal and ADA upgrades.

I hope this newsletter made some of these items a bit more clear. This topic is very confusing and frustrating…if you have more questions, feel free to reach out.

Fair Housing Kitchen Clearances

Monday, May 1st, 2023

Introduction:

The Fair Housing Design Manual as well as the ICC ANSI A117.1 has a requirement for clearances between counter and appliances. They also have clearance requirements between kitchen counters and walls. But when the kitchen counter is next to a wall that is not part of the kitchen it gets a bit confusing how to apply the standards. This newsletter will give you some examples and will explain the difference in the requirements.

Clear width along the accessible route vs. Clearance between counters

In the fair housing design manual Requirement 4: Accessible route into and through the covered unit, the clear width of the accessible route must be a minimum of 36″ wide. Keep in mind that the clear width through the unit is measured from finished wall to finished wall (including base boards)

 

 

The accessible route inside this bathroom was less than 36″ wide. The lavatory counter and toilet reduced the clear width of the path to the closet

When designing kitchens using the Fair Housing (and even ANSI and ADA) there is a requirement to have a minimum clearance between counters and even kitchen walls and counter that is wider than the accessible route. Requirement 7: Usable Kitchens provides guidance on clearance between counters:

(1) Usable Kitchens. Usable kitchens would meet section
100.205(c) (3)(iv) if:
(b) Clearance between counters and all opposing base cabinets, countertops, appliances or walls is at least 40 inches.

The figures above show the required distance between counters and between counters and kitchen walls. The Design manual also gives us information that the distance is between counters and appliances can be taken without the handle of the appliance. The figure above shows the refrigerator handle inside the clearance.

 

The pictures above shows a kitchen counter facing the pantry wall that is less than 40″ clearance

 

counters and walls that are associated with the ktichen must be 40″ away from the facing counter or wall in a pass through or galley kitchen

Requirement 7 continues:
(c) In U-shape kitchens with sink or range or cooktop at the base of the “U”, a 60 inch turning radius is provided to allow parallel approach, or base cabinets are removable at the location to allow knee space for a forward approach.

There are a couple of exceptions in the Fair Housing depending on where the sink is located. See the figure below

The figure above shows two Fair Housing exceptions when there is a sink at the end of the “U”, a 40” clearance is allowed.

The ADA has a different interpretation of a “U-Shape” kitchen and when there is a dead end/galley but no pass through, it will also require a 60” clearance

This is the ADA figure showing that kitchens require a turning space, therefore when it is not a pass through galley kitchen layout, it will require a minimum of 60” from counter to counter.

The ANSI A117.1 Standards shows a similar galley type kitchen that is not a pass through and might create a “U-Shape” but it does not require a wider space.

The figure above is of the ANSI A117.1 Standards for Type A unit kitchen. Type B is similar.

 

This kitchen had U-shape counters but the clearance was less than 60″ wide

What is you have a kitchen next to an accessible route? Is the wall that is part of the accessible route but next to the kitchen considered part of the kitchen? That is the confusing part. When in doubt you can use the 40″ clearance since the accessible route is just a minimum. But below are some examples of when the walls adjacent to a a kitchen may be considered the accessible route and only require 36″ clear width.

This graphic shows the minimum clear width at the accessible route to ENTER the kitche which must be a minimum of 36″ wide, AND the minimum 40″ clearance between counters INSIDE the kitchen.

This graphic shows a peninsula counter. The wall next to the end counter is the entrance to the kitchen and can be 36″ minimum clear width

 

This is a kitchen counter next to a wall that is not in the kitchen. That clearance only has to be a minimum of 36″ clear width because that is part of the accessible route through the unit.

 

Even though the island counter is part of the kitchen the aisle between the window and the island is considered the accessible route into the kitchen. That clearance can be 36″ minimum. This clearance was 39″ which is acceptable.

 

This kitchen island located next to a “corridor” to enter the kitchen had a base cabinet ALMOST 36″ from the adjacent wall, but the counter itself had an overhang and it was only 30″ from the adjacent wall which narrows the clear width to less than 36″ wide

 

When measuring the clear with we measure it to the narrowest points. The base boards in dwelling units might reduce the clear with. Make sure you allow for tile thickness, base board thickness or overhangs when you design to ensure that your end result will yield a MINIMUM of 36″ clear width

When can a sink be allowed to have a parallel approach?

Tuesday, November 1st, 2022

There seems to be a lot of confusion regarding the parallel (side) approach at sinks. The ADA, TAS and ANSI standards require all sinks and lavatories have a forward approach with a knee and toe clearance provided.

ADA and TAS (ANSI A117.1 similar) 606.2 Clear Floor Space. A clear floor space complying with 305, positioned for a forward approach, and knee and toe clearance complying with 306 shall be provided.

There are some exceptions that we will cover in this newsletter. Exceptions don’t have to be used, but if you need them, they are available.

Kitchen sinks WITHOUT a cook top or range

Exception 1. A parallel approach complying with 305 shall be permitted to a kitchen sink in a space where a cook top or conventional range is not provided and to wet bars.

The confusion in this exception is what is a “kitchen” sink. When there is not a clear definition in the definition section of the standards, they recommend that a dictionary definition may be used. TDLR did go on record as explaining what is their definition of kitchen with their Technical Memo TM2012-09.

In essense, a space with a fixed or built in cooking appliance will be considered a kitchen. And if the kitchen DOES NOT have a cooktop or range, then a parallel approach at the sink can be used.

The photo above is of a space with a built in oven. It is a built in cooking appliance, therefore it is considered a kitchen. Because this “kitchen” does not have a cook top or a range, the sink may have a parallel approach.

The photo above is of a space with a movable microwave oven on a shelf. Since the microwave is not built in, this is not considered a “kitchen” and a parallel approach cannot be used at the sink. The sink must have a forward appraoch with a knee and toe clearance as shown.

 

The photo above is of a space with a built in microwave oven and a built in range. This is considered a kitchen. And since it has a range, it cannot take the parallel approach exception and a knee clearance must be provided (as shown) at the sink.

 

The photo above is of a space with a microwave on the counter. Because the microwave is not built in, it is not considered a kitchen. Therefore, it cannot take the parallel approach exception and a knee clearance must be provided (as shown) at the sink.

Outdoor Kitchen Sinks

The photo below is of an outdoor kitchen for an office space. It is in essense an outdoor break area. The outdoor kitchen is scoped per TAS 212, 606, and 804. The sink is not eligible for 606.2 exception 1 because a fixed cooking facility is provided (grill). The parallel approach is not compliant because the kitchen does not meet the definition of a wet bar – it provides a fixed cooking facility and it is used as a range/cook top.

The photo above is of an outdoor break area with a sink and a range

Wet Bars

Exception 1. A parallel approach complying with 305 shall be permitted to a kitchen sink in a space where a cook top or conventional range is not provided and to wet bars.

Part of this exception allows a parallel approach if the sink is part of a “wet bar”. A wet bar is essentially a place where only drinks will be served or prepared. These most commonly occur at waiting rooms or at hotel rooms without kitchennettes.

The photo above is of “wet bar” at a waiting room in a clinic

Lavatory at a private bathroom (accessed from a private office)

Exception 2. A lavatory in a toilet room or bathing facility for a single occupant accessed only through a private office and not for common use or public use shall not be required to provide knee and toe clearance complying with 306.

A office is deemed “private” if it is only for one person and not located in a common area. A “private” bathroom is deemed private if it is only accessed from the private office and only used by one person.

The image above is of a “private bathroom” that is accessed by a doctor’s office. The lavatory may take excepton 2

 

The photo above is of the lavatory at the private restroom that is accessed by a doctor’s office. The lavatory may take excepton 2 and can have a parallel approach.

The image above is of a restroom accessed from the staff break room. This is NOT a private bathroom and the lavatory must have a forward approach w

ANSI A117.1, ADA and TAS Residential Lavatory and Kitchen Sinks

Exception 3. In residential dwelling units, cabinetry shall be permitted under lavatories and kitchen sinks provided that all of the following conditions are met:

(a) the cabinetry can be removed without removal or replacement of the fixture;

(b) the finish floor extends under the cabinetry; and

(c) the walls behind and surrounding the cabinetry are finished

This exception can be taken only at residential dwelling units. If it is taken a door can be used to cover the knee clearance, but the floor finish must extend to the back wall and the pipes must be protected. In addition the cabinetry must be able to be removed without having to re-build the knee clearance.


The image above shows a sink at a residential dwelling unit that has doors in front of the knee space. Once the doors are open, the floor finish and all the side walls around the sink are finished as well.

Sinks and lavatories for children 5 years old and younger

Exception 5. A parallel approach complying with 305 shall be permitted to lavatories and sinks used primarily by children 5 years and younger.

The image above shows a sink at a classroom for children five years old and younger



Upcoming Classes

November 17, 2022

8:30-9:30 a.m.

“Understanding and Complying with Barrier-Free Requirements in Outdoor Spaces” 1 HR HSW Barrier Free CEU

Webinar for HalfMoon Education

When does the Fair Housing Require a centered approach?

Monday, October 3rd, 2022

The ADA is not the only Standard that requires clear floor space to be centered. The Fair Housing Design Guidelines and ANSI A117.1 also does. This newsletter will provide guidance on when the clear floor space in a residential dwelling unit must be centered.

Fair Housing Kichen Appliances

The parallel clear floor space at sinks, as at sink when bowls are ranges and cooktops, must be centered on the bowl of unequal size or appliance.

In addition to the turning space, the kitchen must be arranged so there is a 30-inch x 48-inch clear floor space for a parallel approach centered on the sink, range, or cooktop. The centerline of the fixture or appliance must be aligned with the centerline of the clear floor space.

 

Fair Housing Clear Floor Space Bathroom Lavatories

A 30-inch x 48-inch clear floor space is required at the lavatory so a person who uses a wheelchair or scooter can get close enough to the basin and controls to use the fixture. When knee space is not provided for a forward approach, this 30-inch x 48-inch clear floor space must be parallel to the cabinet or counter front and centered on the basin.

ANSI A117.1 Washer and Dryer

611.2 Clear Floor Space. A clear floor space complying with Section 305, positioned for parallel approach, shall be provided. For top loading machines, the clear I floor space shall be centered on the appliance. For front loading machines, the centerline of the clear floor space shall be offset 24 inches (610 mm) maximum from the centerline of the door opening.

ANSI A117.1 Residential Kichen Work Surface

In kitchens of residential dwelling units there is a requirement to provide a “work surface” with a knee clearance with a floor space centered and allowing a forward approach.

804.3 Kitchen Work Surface (Residential only)

804.3.1 Clear Floor or Ground Space. A clear floor space complying with 305 positioned for a forward approach shall be provided. The clear floor or ground space shall be centered on the kitchen work surface and shall provide knee and toe clearance complying with 306.

The image above shows a residential kitchen with a sink as well as a “work surface” which provides a forward approach. The work surface is required that the clear floor space below it be centered at the surface. The sink is not required to provide a clear floor space that is centered.

The image above shows a residential kitchen work surface and it is centered at the surface.

Inspector’s Corner

Thursday, April 1st, 2021

It’s been a while since I have done an “Inspector’s Corner”….It was actually last April…must be an April Fools thing…but it is not. I go to many inspections and see some really interesting violations (amid all the common ones). I even learn from them. Here are three that I saw that are good to learn from:

Ambulatory Toilet compartments

There are two types of toilet compartments required by the ADA: one for wheelchairs and another for other mobility devices such as walkers, crutches, knee scooters etc. Those are called Ambulatory and the requirements are found in section 604.8.
Since they are for different types of disabilities they do have different configurations.

Some of the obvious things that are different is the width. The wheelchair toilet compartment is required to be 60″ min. wide while the ambulatory must be between 35″-37″. Also the location of the grab bars are different. But one of that was missed during my inspection was the length of the ambulatory.
If you see the size of the wheelchair toilet compartment you will notice that the depth can be between 56″ to 59″ depending on the type of toilet used.
The Ambulatory toilet compartment must be 60″ minimum.
So if you are designing the wheelchair toilet compartment to its minimum depth and the ambulatory is built the same, there will be a violation since the depths are slightly different

The ambulatory compartment was located next to the wheelchair compartment which was only 58″ long

Cane detectable aprons at Electric Water Closets

As we have learned, persons who are visually impaired will require feeling their way through the built environment rather than seeing. So if there are any objects along the path that they will use to circulate that might be mounted above 27″ a.f.f. (which is the height where they cannot detect the object with their cane), then the object should not be deeper than 4″ or it will be considered a “protruding object” and will violate the standards.
One object that is typically considered protruding objects are electric water cooler (EWC) or drinking fountains.

The drinking fountain shown above if mounted along a circulation path the high one will not be detectable and will be considered a protruding object

A good solution for drinking fountains that are protruding onto the circulation path is to create “cane detection” by using a cane detectable apron which most manufactures have as an accessory that can be added after market. The apron should be located under the “protruding object” which is typically the high drinking fountain. If mounted correctly it will reach the 27″ a.f.f. which provides cane detection and will resolve the violation.

The issue becomes when the use of the cane detectable apron is misunderstood. Some contractors do not understand why they are being installed and will mount them to the wrong drinking fountain.

The drinking fountain shown above has a cane detectable apron mounted under the wheelchair accessible drinking fountain. That drinking fountain was not the protruding object but in addition not the wheelchair drinking fountain does not have a knee clearance due to the apron.

 

the cane detectable apron was mounted under all the drinking fountains. In addition, the cane detectable apron was not required since the wing walls that were installed would have been used as cane detection as well.

Changes in Level

The ADA Standards has a chapter called “Changes in Level” which states that along the accessible route you may not have any changes in level greater than 1/4″ or 1/2″ with a bevel.

One of my inspections had a roll in shower inside a restroom. The turning space of the restroom was partially located inside the roll in shower. The roll in shower had a collapsable curb which reached 1/4″ of heigh once the wheelchair would rolll on it.

The drawing is showing the location of the turning space which overlaps inside the roll in shower.

This was a photo of the collapsable curb at the roll in shower.

Based on the advisory of section 304 which discusses turning spaces, this is acceptable:

Advisory Advisory 304.2 Floor or Ground Surface Exception.

As used in this section, the phrase “changes in level” refers to surfaces with slopes and to surfaces with abrupt rise exceeding that permitted in Section 303.3. Such changes in level are prohibited in required clear floor and ground spaces, turning spaces, and in similar spaces where people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices must park their mobility aids such as in wheelchair spaces, or maneuver to use elements such as at doors, fixtures, and telephones.

Accessible Toilet and Shower Rooms

Monday, March 1st, 2021

 

ADA Section 213 Toilet Facilities and Bathing Facilities

Section 213.2 of the ADA explains that where toilet room and bathing rooms are provided, each one must comply with the Standards.

There are a few exceptions that allow some toilet rooms and bathing rooms not to have to comply. This newsletter will explain those exceptions and when they can be taken.

ADA Section 213.2 Exceptions

Exception #1 explains that not all restrooms would be required to comply in an alteration when it is technically infeasible to comply and cannot be made compliant due to existing conditions, they do not all have to comply and a the owner must apply for a variance with the AHJ. In such cases, a single user restroom can be used instead.

Exception #2 In a Historic facility (a facility regsitered with the National Register or Landmark Commission) is not required to have all toilet rooms accessible. One unisex restroom will be allowed to be used.

Exception #3 if there are multiple single user portable toilet or bathing rooms that are clustered at a single location, no more than 5% of each must comply.

This is a single user portable toilet room

 

Exception #4 Where multiple single user toilet rooms are clustered at a single location, no more than 50% of the single user toilet rooms for each use at each cluster shall be required to comply. This section only gives the exception to toilet rooms (even though it is part of the same section that also discusses bathing rooms)

The above image is of two single user restrooms clustered together. Only one must comply

 

The above image is of two single user restrooms that are not in a cluster because the doors open to separate areas. In the Advisory it explains that a cluster are “within sight of or adjacent to one another”. Both of these toilet rooms must comply

 

The above image is of multiple single user toilet rooms and multiple single user bathing rooms in a cluseter. In this plan only restroom 117 and 119 can take the exception because they are toilet rooms in a cluster and they are of the same kind.

All the other toilet rooms have showers and therefore are considered bathing rooms. Even though they are in a cluster, there is no exception for bathing rooms that are in a cluster, so all of the bathing rooms must comply.

 

Section 213.2.1 Unisex or single user restroom or Family restroom and unisex bathing rooms is defined as containing no more than one lavatory,and two water closets without urinals or one water closet, one urinal and one urinal. In addition, a unisex bathing room is considered unisex when it has one shower or one shower/tub, one lavatory and one water closet.

Even though these individual toilet compartments have a lavatory and a water closet, they are located inside a multi-user toilet room and therefore only one compartment is required to comply. These are not single user toilet rooms. These are toilet compartments inside one multi-user toilet room.

 

Even though these individual shower compartments, they are located inside a multi-user toilet room and therefore only one compartment is required to comply.

Operable Parts and Reach Ranges

Monday, February 1st, 2021

Before we start designing…..

Before starting to design operable parts by looking in section 309, we should begin in section 106.5 Defined Terms. This section will give us guidance on what is defined as an operable part:

Operable Part. A component of an element used to insert or withdraw objects, or to activate, deactivate, or adjust an element.

Now that we know what is defined as an “operable part” we can then go to Section 205 which gives us information on how many and which type are required to comply with the technical standards found in 309.

Section 205 begins with some exceptions. According to this section, operable parts on an accessible element, accessible route and in accessible rooms must comply. In the same section we also have a few exceptions.

1.Operable parts that are intended for the use only by service or maintenance personnel do not have to comply:

The medical equipment in this patient room is only for the use of the medical service personnel and does not have to be mounted within reach range

2 . Dedicated use electrical receptacles do not have to comply

The outlets that are used for appliances or specific electrical uses above the counter will not have to comply

3 . Where two or more outlets are provided in a kitchen above the length of counter top that is uninterrupted by a sink or appliance, one outlet shall not be required to comply

There are two outlets above the counter. Because they are not interrupted by a sink or appliance only one outlet will have to comply

4 . Floor outlets are not required to comply
5 . HVAC diffusers shall not be required to comply
6 Redundant controls (except light switches) for a single element, one control in each space shall not be required to comply
7 . Cleats and other boat securement devices shall not be required to comply.
8 . Exercise machines and exercise equipment shall not be required to comply

The exercise equipment controls do not have to comply.

Section 309 Operable parts

Once we have determined which operable parts are required to comply, we read the requirements on those operable parts in section 309: There are several requirements but in this newsletter we will focus on reach ranges which are found in section 308.

The rules about reach ranges are to locate the maximum and minimum heights to the operable parts.. In essense the height to the parts of the element that will need to be operated so that the element can work.

309.3 Height. Operable parts whsll be placed within one or more of the reach ranges in section 308

Section 308 requires that the operable part be within reach. Either unobstructed forward or side.

This light switch was mounted so that its operable part is at 48 1/2″ a.f.f. rather than the required BELOW 48″ a.f.f. to the top of the switch (which is what make it operate)

The rocker light switch was mounted so that it was 48″ a.f.f. to the middle of the switch. The problem with this is that the switch is operable by pushing the top or the bottom of the switch, not the middle.

The low reach (forward or side) can be no lower than 15″ a.f.f The charging outlet at these booths are mounted 8″ a.f.f.

Operable parts could also be located so that they are reached over an obstruction, either forward or side approach.

the outlet at the wall behind the counter is a type of operable part that will need to be within reach range. Most of the times the outlets are located at the gyp board, which in this case it is located more than 25″ away from the edge

operable parts over the obstruction can only be located a maximum of 25″ from the edge of the obstruction. The soap dispenser is located 26″ away

operable parts at classroom lab tables must be within reach also

the operable part is more than 25″ from the edge of the obstruction

Operable parts have many requirements, including the ability to reach it in order to operate if. The reach range requirements are to the part of the element to operate it, rather than the middle of the element, or the top of bottom. In addition, the location should never be exactly at the “maximum” or “minimum” . Construction is not a perfect science and tolerances are built in to the requirements. So when we are designing the elements keep in mind how it is operated and always design within the reach range, not higher or lower.