Look at the photo below. What you are looking at is a walkway that runs in front of a public entity. The building was only 2 years old when the photo was taken. The walkway immediately in front of the building is approximately 34 inches wide. With respect to ADA accessibility, is that OK? If not, what’s wrong? (HINT: Look at the stone veneer installation.)

ANSWER: No, 34 inches is not wide enough for an accessible route. 2010 Standard 403.5.1. [Walking Surfaces] Clear Width, states, “[with few exceptions] the clear width of walking surfaces shall be 36 inches (915 mm) minimum.” But this building is only 2 years old. How could this be? How could this walkway only be 34 inches wide? Look at the photo below.

The photo above is a close-up of one front corner of the building. In this second photo you see where the stone veneer on the building hangs out over the walkway. So when the walkway was installed, it was 36 inches wide to the building framing. But when the veneer was installed, apparently after the walkway, the depth of the stone veneer compromised the required 36 inches for the walkway. So now the walkway is too narrow for ADA standards. Who would have thought, right? For a correct installation see the diagram below.

Please contact me at 615-376-2753 should you have any questions, or comment below.

If you observe a building that is not ADA compliant and you would like to know how to proceed, please see the link at What To Do When A Building Is Not ADA Compliant or Accessible.

ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC, offers ADA/ABA/FHA accessibility compliance inspections for buildings and facilities, as applicable to the different laws, and expert witness services with respect to ADA/ABA/FHA laws for building owners, tenants and managers. Also, ADAIN offers consulting for home modifications as a CAPS consultant for people wishing to age in place in their homes. For a complete list of services please see ADAIN Services.

Thank you.