Abadi 
Work Surface in a residential kitchens
Posted on - Monday, July 1st, 2024Happy 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.