ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities

Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance

Based on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
Project      

Building      

Location      

Date      

Surveyors      

     

Contact Information      

     

An accessible route from site arrival points and an accessible entrance should be provided for
everyone.
Institute for Human Centered Design ADA National Network
www.HumanCenteredDesign.org Questions on the ADA 800-949-4232 voice/tty
2014 www.ADAchecklist.org
ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities
Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance

This checklist was produced by the New England ADA Center, a project of the Institute for Human Centered Design and a
member of the ADA National Network. This checklist was developed under a grant from the Department of Education,
NIDRR grant number H133A060092-09A. However the contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department
of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

Questions or comments on the checklist contact the New England ADA Center at 617-695-0085 voice/tty or
[email protected]

For the full set of checklists, including the checklists for recreation facilities visit www.ADAchecklist.org.

Institute for Human Centered Design www.ADAchecklist.org Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
2014 Page 2
ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities
Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance

Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance Comments Possible Solutions

1.1 Is there at least one route from Yes No       • Add a ramp
site arrival points (parking, • Regrade to 1:20
passenger loading zones, public If yes, location maximum slope
sidewalks and public of route:      • Add a lift if site
transportation stops) that does constraints prevent other
not require the use of stairs? solutions
[See 2010 ADA Standards for
Accessible Design – 206.2.1] Photo #:      

Parking Accessible parking spaces should be identified by size, access aisle and signage.
1.2 If parking is provided for the Accessible       • Reconfigure by repainting
Yes No Total Spaces
public, are an adequate number Spaces lines
of accessible spaces provided? 1 - 25 1 •      
Total #:     
[208.2] Accessible #: 26 - 50 2 •      
      51 - 75 3
76 - 100 4
100+ see 2010 Standards 208.2 Photo #:      
1.3 Of the accessible spaces, is at Yes No *For every 6 or fraction of 6 parking       * If constructed before
least one a van accessible spaces required by the table above, 3/15/2012, parking is
space?* at least 1 should be a van accessible compliant if at least 1 in
[208.2.4] space. every 8 accessible spaces
is van accessible

• Reconfigure by repainting
Photo #:       lines

Institute for Human Centered Design www.ADAchecklist.org Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
2014 Page 3
ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities
Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
1.4 Are accessible spaces at least 8 Yes No       • Reconfigure by repainting
feet wide with an access aisle at lines
least 5 feet wide? Measurement: •      
[502.2, 502.3]       •      

Note: Two spaces may share an

access aisle. Check state/local
requirements; some specify
that each space have its own
aisle. Photo #:      
1.5 Is the van accessible space:       • Reconfigure to provide
van-accessible space(s)
At least 11 feet wide with an Yes No •      
access aisle at least 5 feet •      
wide? Measurement:
Or      
At least 8 feet wide with an Yes No
access aisle at least 8 feet
wide? Measurement:
[502.2]       Photo #:      
1.6 Is at least 98 inches of vertical Yes No       • Reconfigure to provide
clearance provided for the van van-accessible space(s)
accessible space? Measurement: •      
[502.5]       •      

Photo #:      

Institute for Human Centered Design www.ADAchecklist.org Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
2014 Page 4
ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities
Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
1.7 Are the access aisles marked so Yes No       • Mark access aisles
as to discourage parking in •      
them? •      
[502.3.3]

Note: The marking method and

color may be addressed by
state/local requirements. Photo #:      
1.8 Is the slope of the accessible Yes No       • Regrade surface
parking spaces and access aisles •      
no steeper than 1:48 in all Measurement: •      
directions?      
[502.4] Photo #:      

1.9 Do the access aisles adjoin an Yes No       • Create accessible route
accessible route? • Relocate accessible space
[502.3] •      

Photo #:      

1.10 Are accessible spaces identified Yes No       • Install signs

with a sign that includes the •      
International Symbol of •      
Accessibility?

Is the bottom of the sign at Yes No

least 60 inches above the
ground? Measurement:
[502.6]      

Note: The International Symbol

of Accessibility is not required
on the ground. Photo #:      

Institute for Human Centered Design www.ADAchecklist.org Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
2014 Page 5
ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities
Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
1.11 Are there signs reading “van Yes No       • Install signs
accessible” at van accessible •      
spaces? •      
[502.6]

Photo #:      
1.12 Of the total parking spaces, are Yes No       • Reconfigure spaces
the accessible spaces located •      
on the closest accessible route •      
to the accessible entrance(s)?
[208.3.1]

Note: If parking serves multiple

entrances, accessible parking
should be dispersed. Photo #:      

Exterior Accessible Route

1.13 Is the route stable, firm and Yes No       • Repair uneven paving
slip-resistant? • Fill small bumps and
[302.1] breaks with patches
• Replace gravel with
Photo #:       asphalt or other surface
1.14 Is the route at least 36 inches Yes No       • Change or move
wide? landscaping, furnishings
[403.5.1] Measurement: or other items
      • Widen route
•      

Institute for Human Centered Design www.ADAchecklist.org Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
2014 Page 6
ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities
Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance

Note: The accessible route can

narrow to 32 inches min. for a
max. of 24 inches. These
narrower portions of the route
must be at least 48 inches from
each other.
Photo #:      
1.15 If the route is greater than 200 Yes No       • Widen route for passing
feet in length and less than 60 space
inches wide, is there a passing Measurement: •      
space no less than 60 x 60       •      
inches?
[403.5.3]

Photo #:      
1.16 If there are grates or openings Yes No       • Replace or move grate
on the route, are the openings •      
no larger than ½ inches? Measurement: •      
     
Is the long dimension
perpendicular to the dominant
direction of travel? Yes No
[302.3]
Photo #:      
1.17 Is the running slope no steeper Yes No       • Regrade to 1:20 max.
than 1:20, i.e. for every inch of •      
height change there are at least Measurement: •      
20 inches of route run?      
[403.3]

Note: If the running slope is

steeper than 1:20, treat as a
ramp and add features such as

Institute for Human Centered Design www.ADAchecklist.org Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
2014 Page 7
ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities
Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
edge protection and handrails. Photo #:      
1.18 Is the cross slope no steeper Yes No       • Regrade to 1:48 max.
than 1:48? •      
[403.3] Measurement: •      
     

Photo #:      

Curb Ramps
1.19 If the accessible route crosses a Yes No       • Install curb ramp
curb, is there a curb ramp? •      
[402.2] •      

Photo #:      
1.20 Is the running slope of the curb Yes No       • Regrade curb ramp
ramp no steeper than 1:12, i.e. •      
for every inch of height change Measurement: •      
there are at least 12 inches of      
curb ramp run?
[406.1, 405.2]

Photo #:      

Institute for Human Centered Design www.ADAchecklist.org Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
2014 Page 8
ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities
Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
1.21 Is the cross slope of the curb Yes No       • Regrade curb ramp
ramp, excluding flares, no •      
steeper than 1:48? Measurement: •      
[406.1, 405.3]      

Photo #:      
1.22 Is the curb ramp, excluding Yes No       • Widen curb ramp
flares, at least 36 inches wide? •      
[406.1, 405.5] Measurement: •      
     

Photo #:      
1.23 At the top of the curb ramp is Yes No       • Reconfigure
there a level landing (slope no • Add ramp flares
steeper than 1:48 in all Measurement: •      
directions) that is at least 36      
inches long and at least as wide
as the curb ramp?
[406.4]
Yes No
If there are curb ramp flares,
are the slopes of the flares no
Measurement:
steeper than 1:10, i.e. for every
     
inch of height change there are
at least 10 inches of flare run?
[406.3] Photo #:      

Institute for Human Centered Design www.ADAchecklist.org Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
2014 Page 9
ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities
Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
1.24 If the landing at the top is less Yes No       • Add ramp flares
than 36 inches long, are there • Regrade flares
curb ramp flares? •      

Are the slopes of the flares no Yes No

greater than 1:12, i.e. for every
inch of height change there are Measurement:
at least 12 inches of flare run?      
[406.4] Photo #:      

Ramps If any portion of the accessible route is steeper than 1:20, it should be treated as a ramp.
1.25 If there is a ramp is it at least 36 Yes No       • Alter ramp
inches wide? •      
[405.5] Measurement: •      
     
Note: If there are handrails,
measure between the
handrails.
Photo #:      
1.26 Is the surface stable, firm and Yes No       • Resurface ramp
slip resistant? •      
[405.4] •      

Photo #:      

Institute for Human Centered Design www.ADAchecklist.org Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
2014 Page 10
ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities
Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
1.27 For each section of the ramp, is Yes No       • Relocate ramp
the running slope no greater • Lengthen ramp to
than 1:12, i.e. for every inch of Measurement: decrease slope
height change there are at least       •      
12 inches of ramp run?
[405.2]

Note: Rises no greater than 3

inches with a slope no steeper
than 1:8 and rises no greater
than 6 inches with a slope no
steeper than 1:10 are permitted
when such slopes are necessary
due to space limitations.
Photo #:      
1.28 Is there a level landing that is at       • Alter ramp
least 60 inches long and at least • Relocate ramp
as wide as the ramp: •      

At the top of the ramp? Yes No

Measurement:
     
Yes No
At the bottom of the ramp?
[405.7.2, 405.7.3]
Measurement:
     
Photo #:      

Institute for Human Centered Design www.ADAchecklist.org Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
2014 Page 11
ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities
Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
1.29 Is there a level landing where Yes No       • Alter ramp
the ramp changes direction that • Increase landing size
is at least 60 x 60 inches? Measurement: •      
[405.7.4]      

Photo #:      
1.30 If the ramp has a rise higher Yes No       • Add handrails
than 6 inches, are there •      
handrails on both sides? Measurement: •      
[405.8]      

Note: Curb ramps are not

required to have handrails.
Photo #:      
1.31 Is the top of the handrail Yes No       • Reconfigure or replace
gripping surface no less than 34 handrails
inches and no greater than 38 Measurement: • Adjust handrail height
inches above the ramp surface?       •      
[505.4]

Photo #:      
1.32 Is the handrail gripping surface Yes No       • Reconfigure or replace
continuous and not obstructed handrails
along the top or sides? •      
[505.3] •      

If there are obstructions, is the Yes No

bottom of the gripping surface
Measurement:
obstructed no greater than      
20%?
[505.6] Photo #:      

Institute for Human Centered Design www.ADAchecklist.org Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
2014 Page 12
ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities
Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
1.33 If the handrail gripping surface Yes No       • Replace handrails
is circular, is it no less than 1 ¼ •      
inches and no greater than 2 Measurement: •      
inches in diameter?      
[505.7.1]

Photo #:      
1.34 If the handrail gripping surface Yes No       • Replace handrails
is non-circular: •      
Measurement: •      
     
Is the perimeter no less than 4
inches and no greater than 6¼
inches?

Is the cross section no greater

than 2¼ inches?
[505.7.2] Photo #:      
1.35 Does the handrail:       • Alter handrails
•      
Extend at least 12 inches Yes No •      
horizontally beyond the top and
bottom of the ramp? Measurement:
     

Return to a wall, guard, or Yes No

landing surface?
[505.10.1]

Note: If a 12 inch extension

would be a hazard (in
circulation path) it is not
required. Photo #:      

Institute for Human Centered Design www.ADAchecklist.org Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
2014 Page 13
ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities
Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
1.36 To prevent wheelchair casters       • Add curb
and crutch tips from falling off: • Add barrier
• Extend ramp width
Does the surface of the ramp Yes No •      
extend at least 12 inches
beyond the inside face of the Measurement:
handrail?      
Or
Is there a curb or barrier that Yes No
prevents the passage of a 4-
inch diameter sphere? Measurement:
[405.9.1, 405.9.2]       Photo #:      

Entrance
1.37 Is the main entrance Yes No       • Redesign to make it
accessible? accessible
•      
•      
Photo #:      
1.38 If the main entrance is not Yes No       • Designate an entrance
accessible, is there an and make it accessible
alternative accessible entrance? • Ensure that accessible
entrance can be used
Can the alternative accessible Yes No independently and during
entrance be used the same hours as the
independently and during the main entrance
same hours as the main •      
entrance? Photo #:      

Institute for Human Centered Design www.ADAchecklist.org Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
2014 Page 14
ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities
Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
1.39 Do all inaccessible entrances Yes No       • Install signs
have signs indicating the • Install signs on route
location of the nearest before people get to
accessible entrance? inaccessible entrances so
[216.6] that people do not have
to turn around and
retrace route
Photo #:       •      
1.40 If not all entrances are Yes No       • Install sign
accessible, is there a sign at the •      
accessible entrance with the •      
International Symbol of
Accessibility?
[216.6]

Photo #:      
1.41 Is the clear opening width of Yes No       • Alter door
the accessible entrance door at • Install offset hinges
least 32 inches, between the Measurement: •      
face of the door and the stop,      
when the door is open 90
degrees?
[404.2.3]
Photo #:      
1.42 If there is a front approach to Yes No       • Remove obstructions
the pull side of the door, is • Reconfigure walls
there at least 18 inches of Measurement: • Add automatic door
maneuvering clearance beyond       opener
the latch side plus at least 60
inches clear depth?

Note: See 2010 Standards

404.2.4 for maneuvering
clearance requirements on

Institute for Human Centered Design www.ADAchecklist.org Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
2014 Page 15
ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities
Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
the push side of the door
and side approaches to the
pull side of the door
Yes No
On both sides of the door, is the
ground or floor surface of the Measurement:
maneuvering clearance level      
(no steeper than 1:48)?
[404.2.4] Photo #:      
1.43 If the threshold is vertical is it Yes No       • Remove or replace
no more than ¼ inch high? threshold
Measurement: •      
Or       •      

No more than ½ inch high with Yes No

the top ¼ inch beveled no
steeper than 1:2, if the Measurement:
threshold was installed on or      
after the 1991 ADA Standards
went into effect (1/26/93)?

Or

No more than ¾ inch high with Yes No

the top ½ inch beveled no
Measurement:
steeper than 1:2, if the
     
threshold was installed before
the 1991 ADA Standards went
into effect (1/26/93)?
[404.2.5, 303.2]

Note: The first ¼ inch of the ½

or ¾ inch threshold may be
vertical; the rest must be
beveled. Photo #:      

Institute for Human Centered Design www.ADAchecklist.org Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
2014 Page 16
ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities
Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
1.44 Is the door equipped with Yes No       • Replace inaccessible
hardware that is operable with knob with lever, loop or
one hand and does not require push hardware
tight grasping, pinching or • Add automatic door
twisting of the wrist? opener
•      
Door handle?

Lock (if provided)?

[404.2.7] Photo #:      
1.45 Are the operable parts of the Yes No       • Change hardware height
door hardware no less than 34 •      
inches and no greater than 48 Measurement: •      
inches above the floor or      
ground surface?
[404.2.7]

Photo #:      
1.46 If the door has a closer, does it Yes No       • Adjust closer
take at least 5 seconds to close •      
from an open position of 90 Measurement: •      
degrees to a position of 12      
degrees from the latch?
[404.2.8]

Photo #:      

Institute for Human Centered Design www.ADAchecklist.org Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
2014 Page 17
ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities
Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
1.47 If there are two doors in a Yes No       • Remove inner door
series, e.g. vestibule, is the • Change door swing
distance between the doors at Measurement: •      
least 48 inches plus the width      
of the doors when swinging
into the space?
[404.2.6]

Photo #:      
1.48 If provided at the building Yes No       • Replace or remove mats
entrance, are carpets or mats •      
no higher than ½ inch thick? Measurement: •      
[302.2]      

Photo #:      

Institute for Human Centered Design www.ADAchecklist.org Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
2014 Page 18
ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities
Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
1.49 Are edges of carpets or mats Yes No       • Secure carpeting or mats
securely attached to minimize at edges
tripping hazards? •      
[302.2] •      
Photo #:      

Yes No       •      

•      
•      

Photo #:      

Yes No       •      

•      
•      

Photo #:      

Institute for Human Centered Design www.ADAchecklist.org Priority 1 – Approach & Entrance
2014 Page 19