Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 3, March 20, 2024
A. To be accessible to the elderly
and individuals with disabilities, the polling place must have at
least one circulation route that encompasses an exterior circulation
route, ramps, entrances, doors, doorways, an interior circulation
route, and may include elevators which meet the following criteria.
1. Exterior Circulation Routes.
There shall be at least one path of travel at least 36 inches wide
within the boundary of the site that shall have no steps, abrupt
changes or slopes greater than 1:12 from the public transportation
stops, accessible parking areas, accessible passenger loading zones,
and public streets and sidewalks to an accessible entrance of the
polling place building or facility. The accessible route shall, to
the maximum extent feasible, coincide with the route for the general
public.
Click Here To
View Image
Notes for this illustration of an accessible
entrance to a polling place with accessible parking and an accessible
drop-off area:
1. Accessible route.
2. Accessible drop-off area.
3. Accessible parking with van accessible parking
space.
4. Accessible entrance to polling places.
Click Here To
View Image
Notes for this illustration of an accessible
entrance for individuals who are visually impaired or blind:
1. The bottom of the handrail extensions turn down
so a person who is visually impaired or blind can detect the hazard
before running into it.
2. Signs or other objects in the pedestrian route
can be a hazard if the bottom is more than 27 inches but less than 80
inches above the route.
3. Objects that overhang the pedestrian route must
be at least 80 inches above the route.
a. Accessible Parking
i. If parking areas are provided as
part of the premises used as a polling place by voters, the polling
place shall have accessible parking spaces specifically designated
for individuals with disabilities located as close as possible to an
accessible entrance, as described below, an access aisle located
parallel and adjacent to the accessible parking space, and an
accessible path of travel to the polling place building or facility.
An accessible parking space must be signed with the International
Symbol for Accessibility that is clearly visible over the hood of a
vehicle.
|
Total Spaces for Polling Place
|
Required Minimum Number of
Accessible Spaces
|
|
1 - 25
|
One van or universal accessible space
w/access aisle
|
|
26 - 50
|
One van or universal accessible space
w/access aisle + one car, van, or universal accessible space w/access
aisle
|
|
51 - 75
|
One van or universal accessible space
w/access aisle + two car, van, or universal accessible spaces
w/access aisles
|
|
76 - 100
|
One van or universal accessible space
w/access aisle + three car, van, or universal accessible spaces
w/access aisles
|
|
101 - 150
|
One van or universal accessible space
w/access aisle + four car, van, or universal accessible spaces
w/access aisles
|
|
151 - 200
|
One van or universal accessible space
w/access aisle + five car, van, or universal accessible spaces
w/access aisles
|
|
201 - 300
|
One van or universal accessible space
w/access aisle + six car, van, or universal accessible spaces
w/access aisles
|
|
301 - 400
|
One van or universal accessible space
w/access aisle + seven car, van, or universal accessible spaces
w/access aisles
|
|
401 - 500
|
Two van or universal accessible spaces
w/access aisle + seven car, van, or universal accessible spaces
w/access aisle
|
|
501 - 1000
|
2 percent of total shall be accessible
spaces, with 1 van or universal accessible space for every 8
accessible parking spaces
|
All three examples illustrated below show two
accessible spaces with an accessible aisle and route.
Click Here To
View Image
ii. The accessible parking and
access aisle should be relatively level with no more than a 1:50
slope.
iii. At least one
van accessible or universal parking space with an adjacent access
aisle must be provided. The access aisle should connect directly to
an accessible route that leads to an accessible entrance. The
accessible aisle must be relatively level, clear of gravel or mud,
and the surface must be in good condition without wide cracks or
broken pavement. If an accessible route crosses a curb, a curb ramp
must be provided.
iv. If
the total number of parking spaces for a polling place requires only
one accessible parking space, it must be either a van-accessible
parking space or a universal parking space.
v. A van-accessible space shall be
at least 96 inches wide with an adjacent access aisle that shall also
be at least 96 inches wide.
vi. A universal parking space shall
be at least 132 inches wide with an adjacent access aisle that shall
be at least 60 inches wide.
vii. The vertical clearance for the
vehicle route to the van-accessible or universal parking space, the
parking space, access aisle and exit route shall be at least 98
inches in height.
viii.
If the total number of parking spaces for a polling place require
more than one accessible parking space, then one parking space must
be a van-accessible or universal parking space and the other may be a
van-accessible, universal, or car accessible parking space. A car
accessible parking space shall be at least 96 inches wide with an
adjacent access aisle that shall also be at least 60 inches wide.
Accessible parking spaces may share an adjacent access aisle provided
that the access aisle is at least 60 inches wide.
ix. If general parking is provided
on the premises, but no spaces are designated as accessible parking,
then a temporary accessible parking space must be created by
combining existing adjoining parking spaces to make an accessible
parking space and access aisle subject to the provisions set forth
above in Clauses i-viii. The temporary accessible parking shall be
marked off with cones or other temporary elements.
Click Here To
View Image
Three standard parking spaces are converted into an
accessible parking space with an access aisle. Cones mark the access
aisle and a temporary curb ramp with edge protection connects to an
accessible route to the polling place.
x. Polling places that only provide
street parking must clearly mark and sign an accessible parking space
located as close as possible to an accessible route and polling place
entrance. Either a curb-cut or ramp which connects directly to an
accessible route must be provided.
xi. An accessible parking area
which uses a portion of the general parking area as part of the
exterior circulation accessible route that connects the accessible
aisle to the accessible entrance must clearly delineate the access
route which traverses the parking lot as a crosswalk.
xii. Accessible polling places can
sometimes only be reached by traveling on gravel or other surfaces
that are inhospitable to wheelchairs, walkers, and cane users. In
these situations, an access aisle must be made accessible through the
use of securely placed non-slip plywood, decking, or matting of
sufficient thickness, which smoothes out the surface of the access
aisle.
xiii. If general
parking is not provided, every effort shall be made to set aside
and/or reserve a temporary parking area for voters with disabilities.
Notes for this illustration: Van-accessible parking
spaces serve both cars and vans. A 96" access aisle is needed so a
wheelchair lift may be lowered from the van onto the level
surface.
b. Accessible Passenger Loading
Zones
i. A passenger loading zone
is not required, but if one is provided, it must be an accessible
loading zone that is located parallel and adjacent to an access
aisle. The loading zone may be located at street level or on the
sidewalk. The loading zone accessible aisle must be relatively level,
clear of gravel or mud, and the surface must be in good condition
without wide cracks or broken pavement. The loading zone access aisle
shall connect directly to an accessible route either by a curb ramp
or temporary curb ramp.
Click Here To
View Image
Accessible Passenger Drop-off and Loading
Area
1. Access aisle depth
at least 5 feet.
2. Access
aisle length is at least 20 feet.
3. Curb ramp connects access aisle
to the accessible entrance to the polling place.
ii. An accessible passenger loading
zone which uses a portion of the general parking area as part of the
exterior circulation accessible route that connects the accessible
aisle to the accessible entrance must clearly delineate the access
route which traverses the parking lot as a crosswalk.
iii. The accessible parking and
access aisle should be relatively level with no more than a 1:50
slope.
iv. A loading zone
access aisle must be at least 60 inches deep and 20 feet in
length.
v. Accessible
polling places can sometimes only be reached by traveling on gravel
or other surfaces that are inhospitable to wheelchairs, walkers, and
cane users. An access aisle may be made accessible through the use of
securely placed non-slip plywood, decking, or matting of sufficient
thickness, which smoothes out the surface of the access aisle.
Click Here To
View Image
vi. The vertical clearance for the
vehicle route to the loading zone area, the drop off area, access
aisle, and exit route shall be at least 114 inches in height.
c. Walkways
and Sidewalks
i. The minimum clear
width of walkways and sidewalks shall be at least 36 inches and may
narrow briefly to 32 inches wide for up to 2 feet in length where
utility poles, post-mounted signs, furniture, and doorways are
located along an accessible route.
ii. Walkways and sidewalks shall be
of a continuing common surface, not interrupted by changes in level
of more than 1/4 inch, unless the changes are beveled; but not more
than 1/2 inch, even if beveled and shall be beveled with a slope no
greater than 1:12. All surfaces shall be firm and stable.
iii. Walkways with gradients
steeper than 1:20 shall be considered as a ramp and must conform to
the requirements of LAC 31:I.105(A)(2). Ramps on walkways shall not
be steeper than 1:12.
iv.
Walkways with sustained gradients of no greater than 1:20 shall have
level areas of at least 60 inches long at 50 foot intervals for the
purpose of rest.
v. All
walkways, sidewalks, and accessible routes from a polling place
drop-off place or parking area must be cleared of any object which
protrudes more than 4 inches from the side and which is greater than
27 inches but less than 80 inches off of the ground. If an object
cannot be moved, then a cane detectable barrier must be placed below
the object within the detectable range of 27 inches or
less.
vi. The undersides
of exterior stairs must be enclosed or protected with a temporary or
permanent cane-detectable barrier.
vii. Wherever walkways and
sidewalks intersect with other walkways and sidewalks, parking lots,
driveways, or streets, the surfaces shall blend to a common
level.
viii. Accessible
polling places can sometimes only be reached by traveling on gravel
or other surfaces that are inhospitable to wheelchairs, walkers, and
cane users. In these situations, walkways and sidewalks must be made
accessible through the use of securely placed non-slip plywood,
decking, or matting of sufficient thickness, which smoothes out the
surface of the walkways or sidewalks.
2. Accessible Ramps and Temporary
Accessible Ramps
a. All ramps
constructed or temporarily installed in a polling place building or
facility shall meet the requirements of this standard. If possible,
alternative design solutions to ramps should be provided because of
the substantial energy demands required to negotiate them by those in
wheelchairs, plus the difficulties encountered by amputees and others
with gout problems on ascent and descent ramps shall allow
unrestricted traffic flow and be free of hazards.
b. Any part of a circulation path
shall be considered a ramp if it has a slope that is greater than
1:20 and the rise for any run shall not exceed 30 inches long
regardless of the slope. The following table gives allowable slopes
and maximum lengths.
|
Allowable Slope
|
Maximum Rise in a Single Ramp
|
Maximum Length of a Single Ramp
Segment
|
|
1:12
|
2' - 6"
|
30' - 0"
|
|
1:16
|
2' - 6"
|
40' - 0"
|
|
1:20
|
2' - 6"
|
50' - 0"
|
c. A level landing area that is at
least 60 inches by 60 inches must be provided where a ramp changes
directions.
d. All
portions of a ramp way shall have identical slopes except for the
level landing areas.
e.
No ramp shall exceed a slope of 1:12. However, for ramps to be
constructed on existing interior or exterior areas or buildings or
facilities where space limitations prohibit the use of a 1:12 slope,
the slope may be 1:10 for a 6 inch rise or 1:8 for a 3 inch
rise.
f. If there is a
vertical drop off, an edge protection will be required to stop
wheelchairs from falling off the side.
g. All ramps with a rise greater
than 6 inches shall have handrails mounted between 34 and 38 inches
above the ramp surface on both sides. Handrails shall be continuous
along the ramp segment. If the ramp has a second lower rail
sufficient to prevent an individual from slipping off the ramp, no
edge protection is needed for the ramp.
h. Ramps shall have a minimum clear
width measured between the handrails of 36 inches.
i. Ramps shall have level platforms
at the bottom and the top of each run that are at least 60 inches
long and at least as wide as the ramp. Intermediate platforms between
each ramp segment shall be at least 60 inches in length. See above
Table (LAC 31:105.A.2.b) for the maximum allowable lengths of ramp
segments.
j. Intermediate
turning platforms shall be a minimum of 60 inches in length and 60
inches wide to allow wheelchair maneuvering through 180
degrees.
k. If doors open
out onto the ramp platform, a level area at least 5 feet deep and 5
feet wide shall be provided.
l. The ramp surface shall be slip
resistant.
m. No objects
shall be hung from above or the sides of a ramp way that
project lower than 90 inches
from the surface of the ramp or landing. Below this height, no object
shall project into a ramp way other than the handrails.
n. A portable temporary ramp may be
used if steps are higher than 1/2 inch and are not accessible to
wheelchair users.
Click Here To
View Image
Notes for this illustration of a ramp:
1. At least 36 inches between
handrails.
2. Top landing
part of walk.
3. Bottom
landing part of walk.
4.
Handrail height 34 to 38 inches.
5. Edge
protection.
3. Entrances, Doors, and Doorways
a. At least one entrance and exit
to the polling place building and its interior rooms shall be
accessible, and shall be located on an accessible route as described
above. The accessible entrance to the polling place should be
identified and marked using the International Symbol for
Accessibility. Accessible entrance signs are included in the precinct
supply packages on election day for the election to be posted at the
accessible entrance on election day. Inaccessible entrances shall be
marked with the same signs indicating the direction to the nearest
accessible entrance.
b.
The floor on the inside and outside of each doorway shall preferably
be level, but may slope no more than 1:50.
c. Entrances shall have a minimum
clear width of 32 inches. This dimension shall be measured from the
face of the door to the face of the door stop. Where double doors are
used, at least one leaf shall allow a 32 inches clear
opening.
d. The minimum
space between two hinged doors in a series shall be the width of the
door swinging into the space plus 48 inches. Door swings of doors in
series shall open in the same direction. Single doors hung in series
shall be hinged at the same side.
e. At vestibules where doors are at
right angles to each other, the dimension between the wall with the
in swinging door and the facing wall shall be 78 inches. The minimum
dimension in the other direction shall be 60 inches.
f. If the above specification
cannot be satisfied, then one of the two doors shall be securely
fastened in an open position during the hours when the polling place
is open.
g. If there are
security reasons why the accessible entrance door must remain closed
or locked, a wireless doorbell system can be used notifying the poll
worker to open the door for the elderly or individual with
disabilities. If a wireless doorbell system is used, a sign should be
posted instructing the voter to ring for immediate assistance and
access.
h. The maximum
height of thresholds at exterior and interior doors shall not be more
than 1/4 inch, unless beveled. Thresholds which are greater than 1/4
inch but not more than 1/2 inch high must be beveled or replaced with
a new beveled threshold that is not more than 1/2 inch
high.
i. Doors should be
operable without movements requiring a tight grasp, complex hand
movements, or the exertion of great force. In addition, for doors
that have hardware that cannot be manipulated by a closed fist,
retrofit kits may be used to render the door accessible.
j. To be accessible, the width of a
door should be at least 32 inches. If the width of a doorway is
affected by its hinges, door widening hinges can be used to widen a
door up to 2 inches.
4. Interior Circulation Routes
a. There shall be an accessible,
convenient, and clear path of travel from an accessible entrance to
the voting area within the polling place.
b. The voting area in the polling
place building or facility shall be served from an accessible
entrance by at least one path of travel that does not have stairs or
escalators.
c. The
minimum clear width of halls, corridors, passageways, and aisles
shall be 36 inches wide and may narrow briefly to 32 inches wide
where the route passes through doors or next to furniture and
building elements.
d. No
rigid or hard objects shall project into the space above the path of
travel unless the dimension from the bottom edge of the object to the
walk surface is at least 80 inches above the floor.
Click Here To
View Image
Notes for accessible interior circulation at the
polling place from the accessible entrance to the voting area.
1. Accessible entrance.
2. Accessible route connects the
accessible entrance with the voting area.
3. Accessible door to the voting
area.
5. Elevators. If elevators are
necessary to access the voting area, the elevators shall be on an
accessible route and shall comply with the American National Standard
Safety Code for Elevators, Dumb-Waiters, Escalators and Moving Walks,
ANSI A117.1 1980.
AUTHORITY
NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with
R.S.
18:533,
R.S.
36:742, 42 U.S.C. §1973 ee et
seq., Public Law
107-252, 28 CFR Part 36 (4.1.2), 28 CFR
Part 34 (4.6), and 28 CFR Part 34
(A.4.6).
