ADA Checklist for New Lodging Facilities

II. Tips and Techniques

A. Measuring Slope and Cross Slope

Surveying ramps, parking spaces, access aisles, door approaches and sidewalks will require you to determine if the slopes (i.e.: in the direction of travel) and cross slopes (i.e.:slopes tilting side to side) are within the limits allowed by the ADA Standards for Accessible Design ("Standards"). There are three primary ways to determine a given slope:

1. Hire a land surveyor to shoot grades;
2. Use a digital "slope meter"; and,
3. Use a 24" long builders' level and tape measure.

Each of these methods will provide the information you need. The simplest method is the third option of using the level and tape measure as described below.

First, observe the general slope of the surface and place the builders' level on the pavement at the steepest point parallel to the direction of the slope. While holding the uphill end of the level on the pavement, place the pencil under the other end and roll it toward the uphill end of the level until the horizontal air bubble in the center of the level is itself centered in the little glass cylinder. This means that the level is perfectly horizontal. Now, take the tape measure and measure the open gap at the downhill end of the level, as shown in the photo opposite - this the "critical dimension". As you will note in the Accessibility Certification Worksheet, three maximum slopes have been specified by the Standards:

For a 24" long builders' level...

Photo of Measuring Slope

B. Measuring Clear Passage at Doors

Verifying the clear passage width at standard hinged doors requires an understanding of exactly where to measure. The photo below shows that you measure horizontally from the face of the door in its 90 degree open position to the surface of the door stop on the frame opposite the hinge. The 21" clear passage width shown below is too narrow to allow wheelchair passage. It should be at least 32". If a pair of doors are at an opening, measure the clear passage width of only one (the widest) door - this clear passage width is not allowed to be determined by opening both doors.

Photo of How to Measure Clear Passage Width at a Door