Counters Covered Under the ADA
Some of the information contained herein was provided by the United States Access Board (USAB).
Different Counter Spaces
In the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) there are several different kinds of counters, each with its own rules and requirements. The graphic on the right is representative of different kinds of counters. The different kinds of counters include:
check out aisles
sales and service counters (all kinds)
food service lines
check-in/ coat check counters
counters at service windows
customer service counters
ordering, pick-up & drop-off counters
other types of service or sales counters to include display/ exhibit counters only if they function as a sales/ service counter
2010 ADA Standard 904 and 227 apply to counters. Standard 904.1, [Check-Out Aisles and Sales and Service Counters] General, states, “Check-out aisles and sales and service counters shall comply with the applicable requirements of [Standard] 904.” Standard 227.1, [Sales and Service] General, states, “Where provided, check-out aisles, sales counters, service counters, food service lines, queues, and waiting lines shall comply with [Standards] 227 and 904.”
Although counters can have a different function and different ADA requirements, there are some common ADA requirements that apply to all counters. These common ADA requirements will be discussed below.
It is possible for one counter to have more than one function. An example is shown in the graphic above. Each part of the counter that has a separate and different function needs to have its own accessible portion of counter space. 2010 ADA Standard 227.3, [Sales and Service] Counters, states, “Where provided, at least one of each type of sales counter and service counter shall comply with [Standard] 904.4. Where counters are dispersed throughout the building or facility, counters complying with [Standard] 904.4 also shall be dispersed.” In other words, if counters are dispersed throughout the facility, accessible counter spaces should be dispersed as well.
2010 ADA Standard 904.2, [Check-Out Aisles and Sales and Service Counters] Approach, states, “All portions of counters required to comply with [Standard] 904 shall be located adjacent to a walking surface complying with [Standard] 403.” Don’t let the term “walking surface” confuse you, there is always a requirement for a clear space at the accessible counter, depending on whether the approach is a forward approach or parallel approach. The grade (slope) of a clear space cannot exceed 1:48, or 2.08%. See the graphic below for a representation of a clear space at a counter.
Counter Clear Space
The edge of the clear space should abut the edge of the counter. See the graphic below for a representation.
Clear Space [Yellow} Abuts Counter (Plan View)
Counters that project out from a wall or cabinet more than 4 inches cannot create a protruding object. The graphic below is representative of an acceptable counter projection.
Counter Extending 4 Inches of Less from Wall is not a Protruding Object
If the counter extends out more than 4 inches from the wall or cabinet, support below the counter must be within the detection zone for protruding objects. Side panels supporting the counter could do that if designed similar to the graphic below.
Counter with Detectable Side Support Panels
If an accessible portion of a counter is designed for a forward approach, there should be adequate knee and toe space below the counter. The diagram below is representative of this requirement.
Knee and Toe Space Below an Accessible Counter Designed for a Forward Approach
Side View of Knee and Toe Clearance
A side view of knee and toe space is shown on the left.
There is no requirement in the ADA Standards to keep an accessible portion of a counter clear of items such as displays or point of sale machines. However, the intent of the accessible portion of a counter is to give the disabled a small section of the counter to conduct business. Therefore it is recommended by the USAB to keep the accessible portions of counters clear if possible. The graphic below is representative of items on the accessible portion of the counter that block access for the disabled.
Blocked Accessible Portion of Counter
A good [and recommended] installation on an accessible portion of a counter is a point-of-sale machine. See the graphic below.
Point-of-Sale machine Mounted on Accessible Portion of a Counter
Advisory 904.2, [Check-Out Aisles and Sales and Service Counters] Approach, states, “If a cash register is provided at the sales or service counter, locate the accessible counter close to the cash register so that a person using a wheelchair is visible to sales or service personnel and to minimize the reach for a person with a disability.”
2010 ADA Standard 904.6, Security Glazing, states, “Where counters or teller windows have security glazing to separate personnel from the public, a method to facilitate voice communication shall be provided. Telephone handset devices, if provided, shall comply with [Standard] 704.3.” The graphic below is representative. This rule also applies to the plexiglass installations for virus protection.
Service Counter Window with Communication Ports