Accessible Controls, Counters, and Work Surfaces

Summary

Public counters, check-out aisles, tables, work surfaces, and benches must have a section at a lower height with knee clearance, in numbers set by scoping. Lowering part of a counter changes millwork, so program the accessible portions with the casework design.

Cols

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Accessible Controls, Counters, and Work Surfaces.gif

Cites the 2010 ADA Standards, Sections 226, 227, 902, 903, and 904, with Section 309 for operable parts. Always verify the adopted code edition and local amendments for the project jurisdiction
Covers built-in elements that the public uses: counters, aisles, dining and work surfaces, benches, and self-service shelves
Drinking fountains and plumbing fixtures are in the toilet rooms note

Terminology

Sales and service counter: a counter used for transactions with the public
Check-out aisle: a lane with a cash register in a store
Dining surface: a table or counter used for eating
Work surface: a surface used for work by non-employees, such as a library table
Parallel approach: approach alongside the counter
Forward approach: approach facing the counter with knee clearance
Self-service shelf: a shelf from which customers take items
Bench: a seat in locker rooms, dressing rooms, and similar spaces
Edge protection: a raised edge on a check-out counter
Accessible portion: the lowered, clear part of the counter

Requirements

Dining and work surfaces

2010 ADA Standards, Section 226.1: at least 5 percent of dining seating and standing spaces comply with Section 902, and at least 5 percent of work surfaces used by non-employees
2010 ADA Standards, Section 902.3: surface heights of 28 in. minimum and 34 in. maximum above the floor
2010 ADA Standards, Section 902.4.2: for children's use, 26 in. minimum and 30 in. maximum

Sales and service counters

2010 ADA Standards, Table 227.2: check-out aisles with each function: 1 to 4 aisles need 1 accessible; 5 to 8 need 2; 9 to 15 need 3; 16 and over need 3 plus 20 percent of the additional aisles
2010 ADA Standards, Section 227.2, exception: a store with less than 5,000 sq ft of selling space needs no more than one check-out aisle complying with Section 904.3
2010 ADA Standards, Section 227.3: at least one of each type of sales or service counter complies with Section 904.4
2010 ADA Standards, Section 227.4: at least 50 percent (minimum one) of each type of self-service shelf complies with Section 308
2010 ADA Standards, Section 904.3.2: check-out counters 38 in. maximum high with 2 in. maximum edge protection
2010 ADA Standards, Section 904.4.1: parallel approach counters are 36 in. long minimum and 36 in. high maximum
2010 ADA Standards, Section 904.4.2: forward approach counters are 30 in. long minimum and 36 in. high maximum, with knee and toe clearance

Benches

2010 ADA Standards, Section 903: bench seats are 42 in. long minimum, 20 in. to 24 in. deep, and 17 in. to 19 in. high, and resist 250 lbf

Communication

2010 ADA Standards, Section 230: two-way communication systems used to gain admittance comply with Section 708

Worked examples

Restaurant seating

A restaurant has 80 dining seats and 20 standing spaces at a bar.

Step	Calculation	Result
Total seating and standing spaces	80 + 20	100
Accessible	100 × 0.05	5 spaces at 28 in. to 34 in. high
Distribution	Each type and area	Spread across the dining area and the bar

Check-out aisles

A grocery store has 12 check-out aisles, all for the same function.

Step	Requirement	Result
Aisles	9 to 15	3 accessible
Height	38 in. maximum counter	Lower the accessible aisle counters
Store under 5,000 sq ft selling space	Exception	One accessible aisle at most

Reception counter

A reception counter is 10 ft long.

Step	Requirement	Result
Accessible portion	36 in. high maximum, 36 in. long minimum parallel	A 36 in. lowered section
Forward approach option	30 in. long with knee clearance	Open knee space below

Coordination

Casework drawings: show the accessible portion with its height and knee clearance in elevations
Operations: the lowered portion must be where transactions happen, not decoration
Flooring and clear space: each accessible portion has a 30 in. by 48 in. clear floor space
Technology: card readers and payment terminals within reach ranges
Self-service items: shelves and dispensers within the reach range
Seating plans: accessible tables are spread through the room, not grouped

Common issues

Raised counters only: a full-height counter with no lowered section
Knee clearance missing at tables: pedestal bases and aprons reduce knee space
Bar counters: 42 in. bars with no lowered section
Terminals out of reach: controls above 48 in.
Child-use surfaces: 26 in. to 30 in. height for children's use is overlooked
Benches too short or low: dimensions and load capacity are missed

Standards

2010 ADA Standards, Chapter 9: built-in elements
2010 ADA Standards, Section 309: operable parts
ICC A117.1: parallel technical standard

Sources

U.S. Access Board: 2010 ADA Standards, https://www.access-board.gov/ada/
U.S. Access Board: 2010 ADA Standards, Figure 306.3 Knee Clearance, https://www.access-board.gov/ada/