Backside of counter meet CA ADA req?

[Wayfarer]

Hello,

We have a 2-tier reception counter. One end is attached to the wall, the other end is open to the reception area to walk around. The frontside of the counter where people walk up does not meet ADA height requirements. The backside and lower part of the counter where the receptionist sits is 30" tall and longer than 36" wide, which would meet California ADA requirements for a reception counter. There is open access on one end of the counter to reach both sides.

Does anyone know if the backside of this counter will qualify the entire counter to meet the California ADA requirements for a reception counter?

Thank you!

 

[Msradell]

I gut feeling is that it doesn't because the side where customers arrive at it doesn't meet the height requirement. Unless they allow customers to come to the backside (which I highly doubt) and place signage for this I don't see how it can meet the requirements.

 

[mark handler]

CA Accessibility requirements require the customer service counter meet the code.
The employee side may require accessibility if needed to meet the "Reasonable Accommodation" requirements, for employment.

So no, your proposal, IMPO, does not meet the intent, or letter, of the code.

 

[Yikes]

you did not state the height of the front side.
If the front side is higher than 34" above finish floor and is intended to be used as a worksurface, check-out aisle, or service counter with the public, then no, it would not meet CBC or ADA.

for example this would not comply, because it has a counter:


This is a gray area: the upper part is not counter, but people are setting things on it, and the moment somebody sets a check-in clipboard there, it's a noncompliant worksurface:


Remember Calfironia has the Unruh Act which attracts 90% of ADA lawsuits in the country. Best practice is to avoid the appearance of discrimination, so as not to invite a lawsuit in the first place.

This one has a divider wall that is too skinny to be a transaction counter. It might comply if it is less than 46-48" and no one is using the top ledge for anything:



See CBC 11B-226.1 and 227.1 for scoping, and 11B-904.4 for sales and service counters.

 

[Wayfarer]

Ok, great, thank you all for the feedback!