The accessibility requirements for service counters allow for some level of creative design. However, there may be times that a counter design strays from the exact language and diagrams shown in the CBC and ADA Standards, creating questionable conditions.
Let’s jump right to it. Is the service counter in the attached graphic compliant to the California Building Code Accessibility Requirements in 11B?
We know that 11B-904.4 requires that “The accessible portion of the counter top shall extend the same depth as the sales or service counter top.” If we look at 11B-904.4.1, we see that a 36” minimum long section of the counter needs to be installed at 34” maximum height. A 30”x48” clear space is required immediately adjacent to the counter length for a parallel approach (A forward approach option is also available in 11B-904.4.2).
So, we have a 36” minimum long section of counter, at 34” maximum height…but how deep does it need to be? ‘The same depth as the sales or service counter top’? Does that mean the full depth of the counter, from customer side to employee side? Can a split level counter be used (lower customer side, raised employee side)?
The CBC doesn’t provide additional information on the topic. However, the Department of Justice does as it relates to the ADA Standards. And, while we are jumping to guidance on the Federal Standards, the standards and CBC are aligned for this section.
The official DOJ Analysis of the 2010 ADA Standards, published 9/15/2010 on page 56351 of the Federal Register discusses their intent with the language of 904.4. It reads:
"Section 904.4 of the 2010 Standards also clarifies that the accessible portion of the counter must extend the same depth as the sales or service counter top. Where the counter is a single-height counter, this requirement applies across the entire depth of the counter top. Where the counter is a split-height counter, this requirement applies only to the customer side of the counter top. The employee-side of the counter top may be higher or lower than the customer-side of the counter top."
The interpretations are wide ranging on this. “The counter needs to be accessible from customer side to employee side to provide equal use of the counter, similar to the standing section.” “Split level is fine, there’s no depth required.” “The attached graphic has a deeper standing counter section”.
What are your thoughts and experiences? Is the service counter in the attached graphic compliant to 11B-904.4 of the California Building Code and ADA Standards?