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.

Where sales and service counters are provided, at least one of each type should comply with ADA Standards for accessibility. Where these counters are dispersed throughout the building or facility, accessible counters should also be dispersed. Some counters serve more than one purpose. In the graphic below there is a food service line with three different types of counters including order, pickup, and purchase or checkout. Each type of counter must have an accessible portion of counter space.

All accessible portions of counters required to comply with the ADA Standards should be located adjacent to a walking surface that also complies with the ADA Standards. The walking surface requirements include criteria such as slope, width, and surface conditions.

Accessible sales counters and service counters should also comply with the ADA Standards for length, height, and depth of the accessible portion of the counter. These Standards generally require the accessible portion(s) of the counter(s) to be no greater than 36 inches in height above the finished floor, either at least 36 inches in length for a parallel approach or 30 inches wide for a front approach, and the counter top should extend the same depth as the sales or service counter top. If a front approach is planned then there must be knee and toe clearance below the counter. The graphic below is representative of these Standards.

Where self-service shelves are provided as part of a food service line, at least 50 percent, but no fewer than one, of each type provided should comply with the ADA Standard for reach ranges. The graphic below is representative of the reach requirements in this Standard.

Queues and waiting lines that are part of service counters or check-out aisles should comply with the ADA Standards for walking surfaces to include width, slope or grade, and surface conditions. The slope should be basically flat and the surface should be firm and slip resistant. 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.

Dispensing devices for tableware, dishware, condiments, food and beverages should also comply with the ADA Standards 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.

If a tray slide is installed with the counter the top of the tray slide should be 28 inches minimum and 34 inches 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 ADA Standard. The diagram below is representative of a tray slide.

Security glazing as part of a sales or service counter is also not required by the ADA Standards; however, if security glazing is installed, it must comply with the ADA Standards. Where counters or teller windows have security glazing to separate personnel from the public, a method to facilitate voice communication should be provided. Telephone handset devices, if provided, should also comply with the ADA Standards. 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.

For a similar article with more techinical information please click on Food Service Counters and the ADA Laws

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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