Food Service Counters have unique Standards in the ADA Laws. 2010 ADA Standards 227.3, 227.4, 227.5, and 904 cover the accessibility requirements of Food Service Counters. The graphic on the right is representative of a food service counter.

2010 ADA Standard 227.3, 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 the graphic below there are three different types of counters in this food service line including order, pickup, and purchase or checkout. Standard 227.3 mandates that each type of counter must have an accessible portion of counter space.

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.” Standard 403 applies to Walking Surfaces requirements for slope, width, and surface conditions.

2010 ADA Standard 904.4, Sales and Service Counters, states, “Sales counters and service counters shall comply with [Standards] 904.4.1 or 904.4.2. The accessible portion of the counter top shall extend the same depth as the sales or service counter top.” These Standards generally require the accessible portion(s) of the counter to be no greater than 36 inches in height above the finished floor and either at least 36 inches in length for a parallel approach or 30 inches wide for a front approach. The graphic below is representative of these Standards.

2010 ADA Standard 227.4, Food Service Lines, states, “Food service lines shall comply with [Standard] 904.5. Where self-service shelves are provided, at least 50 percent, but no fewer than one, of each type provided shall comply with [Standard] 308.” Standard 308 has guidance for reach ranges. The graphic below is representative of the reach requirements in this Standard.

2010 ADA Standard 227.5, Queues and Waiting Lines, states, “Queues and waiting lines servicing counters or check-out aisles required to comply with [Standards] 904.3 or 904.4 shall comply with [Standard] 403.” Standard 403 has guidance for Walking Surfaces to include width, slope or grade, and surface conditions. Walking surface widths should normally be at least 36 inches wide minimum, reducable to 32 inches for short lengths. The diagram below is representative of these measurements.

2010 ADA Standard 904.5, Food Service Lines, states, “Counters in food service lines shall comply with 904.5.”

2010 ADA Standard 904.5.1, Self-Service Shelves and Dispensing Devices, states, “Self-service shelves and dispensing devices for tableware, dishware, condiments, food and beverages shall comply with [Standard] 308.” Again Standard 308 has guidance for reach ranges. The graphic below is representative of the reach requirements in this Standard. This Standard applies to fixed items only.

In most cases the maximum height of these items is 48 inches above the finished floor if the items are within 10 inches laterally from the front of the counter. If the items are between 10 and 24 inches of the front of the counter the maximum height is 46 inches. The diagram below is representative of this measurements. These items should not be located more than 24 inches from the front of the counter.

2010 ADA Standard 904.5.2, Tray Slides, states, “The tops of tray slides shall be 28 inches (710 mm) minimum and 34 inches (865 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground.” Tray slides are not required at food service lines. However, if a tray slide is installed, it must comply with this Standard. The diagram below is representative of a tray slide.

2010 ADA Standard 904.6, Standard 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.” Security glazing is not required by the ADA Standards. However, if security glazing is installed, it must comply with this Standard. The graphic below is representative of security glazing and communication ports.

Counter visibility is not specifically covered in the ADA Standards. However, it is recommended that counter visibility for individuals with a lower level of sight be equal to or better than individuals using a counter from a standing position. The graphic below is representative of a disabled individual trying to look through the glazing of a food service counter.

In summary, there are many aspects of food service counters that must comply with the ADA Standards. If you observe a building or food service counter 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.

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