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ADA Requirements for Restaurants & Commercial Kitchens

The International Building Code (IBC) incorporates provisions to ensure accessibility in restaurants, aligning with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Here are the key ADA requirements as they relate to restaurants based on IBC standards:
Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to adhere to ADA standards can result in:

  1. Fines: Up to $75,000 for the first violation and $150,000 for subsequent violations.
  2. Lawsuits: Patrons or advocacy groups may file lawsuits, leading to costly settlements or mandatory renovations.
Accessible Entrance
1. Accessible Entrance

At least 60% of public entrances must be accessible.

Entrances must have:
  • A level landing at least 36 inches wide.
  • Door hardware operable with one hand and no tight grasping (e.g., lever handles).
  • Automatic or power-assisted doors are not required but are strongly recommended for ease of use.
  • A maximum threshold height of 0.5 inches (with beveled edges).
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Accessible Routs
2. Pathways and Circulation

  • Clear Width: Accessible routes (paths for customers and employees) must be at least 36 inches wide.
  • Turning Spaces: Spaces like dining rooms and restrooms must allow a 60-inch diameter turning circle or a T-shaped turning space for wheelchairs.
  • Protruding Objects: Items such as signage or wall fixtures must not project more than 4 inches into paths below 27 inches in height.

  • Waiting Areas
Seating in waiting areas must include accessible spaces. Any stanchions or barriers must allow a clear width of 36 inches through the line.
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ADA Dining Areas
3. Dining Areas

  • Table Accessibility: At least 5% of seating or a minimum of one accessible table must be provided, whichever is greater.
  • Accessible tables must have a height of 28-34 inches and allow wheelchair clearance of 30 inches wide, 19 inches deep, and 27 inches high underneath.
  • Route to Seating: Paths to accessible seating must meet the width and slope requirements of an accessible route.
  • Bar Seating: Bars and counters must offer an accessible space at the same 36-inch height or a separate 28-34-inch-high counter for wheelchair users. A clear knee space of 30 x 48 inches is required.
Variety of Seating:
  • Accessible seating must be integrated throughout the space rather than isolated in specific areas. This allows patrons to enjoy the same experience as others.
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ADA Service Counters
4. Service Counters

  • Accessible Height: Service counters (e.g., ordering, payment, buffet) must be no higher than 36 inches from the finished floor.

  • If the counter exceeds this height, an accessible counter segment (at least 36 inches wide) must be provided.
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ADA Restroom
5. ADA Restrooms

  • Clear Floor Space: Restrooms must allow at least 30 x 48 inches of clear floor space in front of sinks, fixtures, and other key elements.
Grab Bars:
  • Installed at 33-36 inches above the floor near toilets.
  • Horizontal grab bars must extend 42 inches along sidewalls and 36 inches behind the toilet.
  • The bottom edge of the mirror must be no more than 40 inches above the floor.
  • The toilet must be positioned 16-18 inches from the side wall with at least 60 inches of clearance from the rear wall.
Sink Requirements:
  • Counter height must be no more than 34 inches.
  • A knee clearance of 27 inches and a depth of at least 8 inches underneath must be provided.
  • Doors: Must swing outward or provide a minimum clear space of 5 feet in diameter inside.
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ADA Parking Spaces
6. Parking Spaces

Minimum Accessible Spaces:

  • 1-25 total spaces = 1 accessible space.
  • Larger lots require proportional increases.
  • Van-Accessible Spaces: At least one van space for every six accessible spaces, with a width of 8 feet and an 8-foot access aisle.
  • Location: Spaces must be located nearest to the accessible entrance.
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ADA Ramps
7. Ramps

  • Maximum Slope: 1:12 (1 inch rise for every 12 inches in length).
  • Width: Minimum of 36 inches.
  • Landings: Required at the top and bottom, with a length of 60 inches.
  • Handrails:
  • Required for ramps with a rise greater than 6 inches.
  • Mounted between 34-38 inches from the ramp surface.
ADA Signage
8. Signage

  • Braille and Raised Text: Signs identifying permanent rooms (e.g., restrooms) must include Braille and raised letters.

  • Mounting Height: Signs must be mounted between 48-60 inches from the finished floor.
For high-traffic areas (like kitchens and dining spaces), prioritize durability and slip resistance. For aesthetic spaces (like lounges or private rooms), focus on the look and feel but plan for maintenance. Always check local health and safety codes to ensure compliance.
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