Guidance on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

Analysis and Com menta ry on the 201 0 A DAStandards most building codes which do not exempt requires at least five percent (5%) of sinks stairways when the route is also served by a in each accessible space to comply with ramp or elevator. the technical requirements for sinks. The technical requirements address clear floor 211 and 602 Drinking Fountains space, height, faucets, and exposed pipes and surfaces. The 1991 Standards, at section Sections 4.1.3(10) and 4.15 of the 1991 4.24, and the 2010 Standards, at section 606, Standards and sections 211 and 602 of the both require the clear floor space at sinks 2010 Standards require drinking fountains to to be positioned for a forward approach and be provided for persons who use wheelchairs knee and toe clearance to be provided under and for others who stand. The 1991 the sink. The 1991 Standards, at section Standards require wall and post-mounted 9.2.2(7), allow the clear floor space at kitchen cantilevered drinking fountains mounted sinks and wet bars in transient lodging guest at a height for wheelchair users to provide rooms with mobility features to be positioned clear floor space for a forward approach with for either a forward approach with knee and knee and toe clearance and free standing toe clearance or for a parallel approach. or built-in drinking fountains to provide clear The 2010 Standards include an exception floor space for a parallel approach. The that permits the clear floor space to be 2010 Standards require drinking fountains positioned for a parallel approach at kitchen mounted at a height for wheelchair users sinks in any space where a cook top or to provide clear floor space for a forward conventional range is not provided, and at a approach with knee and toe clearance, wet bar. and include an exception for a parallel approach for drinking fountains installed at a A commenter stated that it is unclear what height to accommodate very small children. the difference is between a sink and a The 2010 Standards also include a technical lavatory, and that this is complicated by requirement for drinking fountains for requirements that apply to sinks (five percent standing persons. (5%) accessible) and lavatories (at least one accessible). The term “lavatory” generally 212 and 606 Kitchens, Kitchenettes, refers to the specific type of plumbing fixture Lavatories, and Sinks required for hand washing in toilet and bathing facilities. The more generic term The 1991 Standards, at sections 4.24, and “sink” applies to all other types of sinks 9.2.2(7), contain technical requirements located in covered facilities. for sinks and only have specific scoping requirements for sinks in transient lodging. A commenter recommended that the Section 212.3 of the 2010 Standards mounting height of sinks and lavatories Department of Justice Guidance on the 2010 Standards: Titles II and III - 91