Please see the photo on the right. This is a concierge station at a hotel. What’s wrong?

The 2010 ADA Standards mandates that a service counter must have a section of the counter that is accessible to disabled people. The height of the counter is approximately 40 inches at the lowest side, which is on the left in the photo.

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.”

Standard 904.4.1, [Sales and Service Counters] Parallel Approach, states, “A portion of the counter surface that is 36 inches (915 mm) long minimum and 36 inches (915 mm) high maximum above the finish floor shall be provided. A clear floor or ground space complying with [Standard] 305 shall be positioned for a parallel approach adjacent to the 36 inch (915 mm) minimum length of counter.” The diagram below is representative of this Standard.

Standard 904.4.2, [Sales and Service Counters] Forward Approach, states, “A portion of the counter surface that is 30 inches (760 mm) long minimum and 36 inches (915 mm) high maximum shall be provided. Knee and toe space complying with [Standard] 306 shall be provided under the counter. A clear floor or ground space complying with [Standard] 305 shall be positioned for a forward approach to the counter.” The diagram below is representative of a clear floor space.

So in each case, forward approach or side/parallel approach, the maximum counter height is 36 inches above the finished floor for that portion of the counter that is accessible. Because there is no knee and toe clearance provided for this counter, only a parallel approach is possible. Therefore, the portion of the counter that is 36 inches maximum above the finished floor should extend at least 36 inches in length of the counter.

A concierge counter should not be confused with an employee work station. An employee work station is where an employee performs work for an extended period of time. A counter is where the function performed (assisting patrons) is for a short period of time. There are many examples of services provided by the concierge, including directions using a map of the local area. If individuals who are not disabled can use this concierge station counter to discuss and observe a map, disabled individuals should have the same privilege.

SUMMARY

The concierge counter should have a section of the counter that is not greater than 36 inches in height above the finished floor, that extends the full depth of the counter, and that is 36 inches in counter length for a parallel approach. The clear space for a parallel approach to this accessible portion of the counter should be on a mostly flat surface.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………[Revised 2/10/2010]

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.