Commercial Kitchenette and Work Surface countertop heights

[benjamin_flight]

Hello experts, I have a question about the height of countertops in business kitchenettes, breakrooms, and workrooms. There are many types of spaces in the project I'm working on - employee breakrooms that include sinks, a coffee-serving countertop area, and workroom/copy rooms. So the main question is, are 36" high countertops okay in these areas, or should they be 34"? From what I see in A117.1 804.3, spaces that do not provide a cooktop do not need to be dropped to 34". However, there is language in A117.1 902 that refers to "work surfaces" in a very generic sense (and the term "work surfaces" is not a defined term), and it says that such surfaces are max 34" high.

I'm thinking the "safe" route would be to provide 34" high countertops at all kitchenettes and work-surface-type countertops. Such would be fine, but it would require all appliances beneath the countertops to be the specialty type, which are often more expensive. Does anyone have a source of clear direction on which countertops need to be reduced to 34" high?

Thanks in advance.

 

[classicT]

Always remember that A117.1 tells you how to make something accessible; it is the IBC that tells you when it must be accessible. Simple answer, as you can glean from the following, is 5% of the items you asked about need to be accessible. Note that the 5% is in each area of function. Therefore, most counters will need to be 34".

1109.4 Kitchens and Kitchenettes
Where kitchens and kitchenettes are provided in accessible spaces or rooms, they shall be accessible.

1109.9 Storage
Where fixed or built-in storage elements such as cabinets, coat hooks, shelves, medicine cabinets, lockers, closets and drawers are provided in required accessible spaces, at least 5 percent, but not less than one of each type shall be accessible.

1109.9.1 Equity​

Accessible facilities and spaces shall be provided with the same storage elements as provided in the similar nonaccessible facilities and spaces.​

​

1109.11 Seating at Tables, Counters and Work Surfaces
Where seating or standing space at fixed or built-in tables, counters or work surfaces is provided in accessible spaces, at least 5 percent of the seating and standing spaces, but not less than one, shall be accessible.

Exception: Check-writing surfaces at check-out aisles not required to comply with Section 1109.12.2 are not required to be accessible.

1109.11.1 Dispersion​

Accessible fixed or built-in seating at tables, counters or work surfaces shall be distributed throughout the space or facility containing such elements and located on a level accessed by an accessible route.​

 

[benjamin_flight]

Always remember that A117.1 tells you how to make something accessible; it is the IBC that tells you when it must be accessible. Simple answer, as you can glean from the following, is 5% of the items you asked about need to be accessible. Note that the 5% is in each area of function. Therefore, most counters will need to be 34".

1109.4 Kitchens and Kitchenettes
Where kitchens and kitchenettes are provided in accessible spaces or rooms, they shall be accessible.

1109.9 Storage
Where fixed or built-in storage elements such as cabinets, coat hooks, shelves, medicine cabinets, lockers, closets and drawers are provided in required accessible spaces, at least 5 percent, but not less than one of each type shall be accessible.

1109.9.1 Equity​

Accessible facilities and spaces shall be provided with the same storage elements as provided in the similar nonaccessible facilities and spaces.​

​

1109.11 Seating at Tables, Counters and Work Surfaces
Where seating or standing space at fixed or built-in tables, counters or work surfaces is provided in accessible spaces, at least 5 percent of the seating and standing spaces, but not less than one, shall be accessible.

Exception: Check-writing surfaces at check-out aisles not required to comply with Section 1109.12.2 are not required to be accessible.

1109.11.1 Dispersion​

Accessible fixed or built-in seating at tables, counters or work surfaces shall be distributed throughout the space or facility containing such elements and located on a level accessed by an accessible route.​

Thank you very much classicT! This is exactly the type of help I needed. I felt like there was a clear way to describe the requirements, but I was having a hard time nailing down the right way to put it. I believe you've described it perfectly, and I'm implementing this direction in our design. Thank you very much, I'll be returning to this description for all future projects!