ADA Compliance

Businesses that provide goods or services to the public are called "public accommodations" in the ADA. The ADA establishes requirements for 12 categories of public accommodations, which include stores, restaurants, bars, service establishments, theaters, hotels, recreational facilities, private museums and schools, doctors' and dentists' offices, shopping malls, and other businesses. Nearly all types of businesses that serve the public are included in the 12 categories, regardless of the size of the business or the age of their buildings. Businesses covered by the ADA are required to modify their business policies and procedures when necessary to serve customers with disabilities and take steps to communicate effectively with customers with disabilities. The ADA also requires businesses to remove architectural barriers in existing buildings and make sure that newly built or altered facilities are constructed to be accessible to individuals with disabilities.

ADA CONCRETE REQUIREMENTS

Sidewalks and curb ramps need to comply with ADA standards. When concrete cracks or settles, it’s important to repair it right away. Here’s how to determine if your sidewalk is up to code.

SIDEWALK WIDTH

Sidewalk width requirements are especially important for wheelchair-bound individuals. For ADA compliance, the minimum sidewalk width is 36 inches.

If sidewalks are less than 60 inches (5 feet) wide, passing spaces must be constructed every 200 feet. These passing spaces (which could be a driveway or wider section of concrete) need to be at least 60 inches on all sides.

SIDEWALK SURFACE TEXTURE

The texture of your sidewalk is important to ensure that persons with mobility issues can safely walk on the sidewalk. The texture must be stable, and slip-resistant. Uneven concrete slabs would qualify as unstable. Make sure your concrete finishing meets these requirements to reduce any trip hazards.

TRIP HAZARDS

The most common ADA trip hazards occur at broken or lifted sidewalks and driveways, usually at joints or cracks. The ADA defines a trip hazard as any vertical change over 1/4 inch or more at any joint or crack. Sidewalk trip hazards are huge legal liabilities, so it’s best to repair sidewalk cracks immediately.

SIDEWALK SLOPE

Slope requirements for sidewalks help ensure safe and easy passage for pedestrians. Sidewalk slopes need to be less than one inch for every 20 inches otherwise, it’s considered a ramp, which must meet specific ADA guidelines.

CURB RAMPS

Wherever a sidewalk crosses a curb like at street intersections, a curb ramp is required. These are particularly important for the blind when interacting with traffic. Curb ramps must have a slope of less than one inch for every 12 inches and be at least 36 inches wide. Additionally, ramps need to have a detectable warning device with a raised dome surface and contrasting color.

IS YOUR CONCRETE ADA COMPLIANT?

PCL can help you with your concrete lifting and leveling to be sure your business is Fully compliant with ADA standards. Keep in mind that floors inside businesses must meet the same standards.