Lately there has been several of my clients that are using the term “transaction” when describing the type of counters they are designing and installing. In 1991, when the ADA Design Guidelines were published, there were requirements for counters where a transaction was being performed. Most of the time, this “transaction” was associated with payment of some kind, and possibly writing a check or signing a receipt after payment was made.

In 2010, after evaluating the guidelines, The ADA Standards removed the word “transaction” and replaced it with “Sales or Service Counters”. Sales counters are pretty much understandable. What confuses people are “service counters”. This newsletter will explain the requirements for those counters and hopefully clear up some of the misunderstanding.

227 SCOPING

Service counters are where a service is being provided but no money transaction occurs: an information desk, a hostess stand at a restaurant, a reception desk at an office are all examples of service counters.

The ADA requires that sales or service counters meet the following requirements:

227.1 General. Where provided, check-out aisles, sales counters, service counters, food service lines, queues, and waiting lines shall comply with 227 and 904.

This is an example of an service counter which provides the service of giving information counter at a Court house.

No “transaction” required for it to comply

This is an example of an service counter at an information desk in the lobby of an office building

No “transaction” required for it to comply

This is an example of a service counter: an “will call” window at a theater

No “transaction” required for it to comply

This is an example of a service counter: a reception desk

No “transaction” required for it to comply

This is an example of a service counter: a host stand at a restaurant

No “transaction” required for it to comply

This is an example of a service counter: a nurse station

No “transaction” required for it to comply

227.3 Counters. Where provided, at least one of each type of sales counter and service counter shall comply with 904.4. Where counters are dispersed throughout the building or facility, counters complying with 904.4 also shall be dispersed.

If the counters are different and have different function, each one must have an accessible portion that is accessible and meeting the technical standards, even if they are all on the same location.

In these counters shown above, there are a portion for ordering and paying for an order (sales counter) and a portion for picking up the order. (service counter). Each one must comply

904.4 Sales and Service Counters. Sales counters and service counters shall comply with 904.4.1 or 904.4.2.

The accessible portion of the counter top shall extend the same depth as the sales or service counter top.

904.4.1 Parallel Approach. A portion of the counter surface that is 36 inches (915 mm) long minimum and 36 inches (915 mm) high maximum above the finish floor shall be provided. A clear floor or ground space complying with 305 shall be positioned for a parallel approach adjacent to the 36 inch (915 mm) minimum length of counter.

A service counter will have the “public side” where the customer approaches and the “work area” side which is where the person receives or serves the customer. Only the public side will have to comply

The public side of the service or sales counter, must have a portion that is no higher than 36″ a.f.f. and no shorter than 36″ long

This service counter has a portion that is lower as required by 904.