Site Accessibility Evaluation

Americans with Disabilities Act
Title II (Public Services: State and Local Government)
Evaluation PU18-0034 Cover Photo
Fire Station 9
622 Garden of the Gods Rd
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Accessibility Evaluation
Inspection Date: 03/13/2017
Inspectors: Robert Hernandez
Prepared By
City of Colorado Springs Logo
City of Colorado Springs
(719) 385 - 5175
https://coloradosprings.gov/
Report Date: 01/16/2025

FOR RECORD:

FROM: Robert L. Hernandez, Title II ADA/Section 504 – Manager

DATE: 01/16/2025

SUBJECT: Fire Station 9 Self-Evaluation

1. On 03/13/2017, Title II ADA / Section 504 Coordinator(s) from the Office of Accessibility performed a Title II - Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Self-Evaluation. This evaluation was performed in accordance with 1991/2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

2. Priorities for removing barriers are assigned in accordance with the ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities, promulgated by the ADA National Network. The checklist follows the four priorities listed in the Department of Justice ADA Title III regulations. These priorities are equally applicable to state and local government facilities:

Priority 1 - Accessible approach and entrance
Priority 2 - Access to goods and services
Priority 3 - Access to public toilet rooms
Priority 4 - Access to other items such as water fountains and public telephones

3. Corrective actions to findings were / will be submitted to the City maintenance work request system and will be managed in accordance with the City Transition Plan. Note: Recommended corrections may be modified where appropriate. Corrections are developed in consideration of the “Program Access” provisions of Title II, where applicable.

4. A copy of this report will be maintained by the Office of Accessibility. Updates to the findings included in this report will be available at the following link: https://access6.bluedag.com/access/barriers/GfhHF91nlvMItTaD4rVzj85XBKNZxywJ. Alternatively, this link is available from the Office of Accessibility’s webpage on the City of Colorado Springs website.


City of Colorado Springs Title II ADA/Section 504 – Manager
30 S. Nevada Ave, Suite 301
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
ADACompliance@coloradosprings.gov


Atch 1. City of Colorado Springs, ADA Self-Evaluation Report

Sincerely,


Robert Hernandez

Findings

Exterior - Parking

BFID: 184773

There are no accessible parking stalls.

Each lot where parking is provided for the public as clients, guests or employees, shall provide accessible parking and shall be located on the shortest accessible route of travel from adjacent parking to an accessible entrance.

There are less than 25 parking stalls in the parking lot that could be reasonably associated with this facility. There should be a minimum of 1 accessible stall with a minimum of 1 being designed as van accessible.
Citation:
2010 ADAS Section 208.2
Parking spaces complying with 502 shall be provided in accordance with Table 208.2 except as required by 208.2.1, 208.2.2, and 208.2.3. Where more than one parking facility is provided on a site, the number of accessible spaces provided on the site shall be calculated according to the number of spaces required for each parking facility.

Recommendation:
Explore adding one or two accessible parking stalls on the southwest side of the station just off the entrance drive where there is currently grass. This will also allow for an achievable accessible route to the front door of the building.
Barrier Priority:
High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)
Department:
CSFD
Finding 184773 Main Photo
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Additional Finding Photos
Finding 184773 Additional Photo
Finding 184773 Additional Photo

Exterior - Accessible Routes

BFID: 185839

The building entrance is not located on an accessible route. The route will be a non-comporting vehicular way.

When a building, or portion of a building, is required to be accessible, an accessible route of travel shall be provided to all portions of the building, to accessible building entrances and between the building and the public way.

All walks, halls, corridors, aisles, skywalks, tunnels, and other spaces that are part of an accessible route must comply. An accessible route of travel must not pass through kitchens, storage rooms, restrooms, closets or other spaces used for similar purposes. At least one accessible route within the boundary of the site must be provided from public transportation stops, accessible parking and accessible passenger loading zones and public streets or sidewalks to the accessible building entrance they serve.

The accessible route shall, to the maximum extent feasible, coincide with the route for the general public. At least one accessible route shall connect accessible buildings, facilities, elements and spaces that are on the same site. At least one accessible route shall connect accessible building or facility entrances with all accessible spaces and elements.
Citation:
2010 ADAS Section 206.2.1
At least one accessible route shall be provided within the site from accessible parking spaces and accessible passenger loading zones; public streets and sidewalks; and public transportation stops to the accessible building or facility entrance they serve.

Recommendation:
Explore adding one or two accessible parking stalls on the southwest side of the station just off the entrance drive where there is currently grass. This will also allow for an achievable accessible route to the front door of the building. The work and costs associated are documented in a previous finding addressing parking.
Barrier Priority:
High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)
Department:
CSFD
Finding 185839 Main Photo
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Additional Finding Photos
Finding 185839 Additional Photo

BFID: 184774

The accessible path of travel contains cross slopes greater than 2%. This sidewalk is near the driveway to the fire station parking lot.

Surface cross slopes shall not exceed one unit vertical in 48 units horizontal (2-percent slope). When the slope in the direction of travel of any walk exceeds 1 unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-percent slope), it must be constructed as ramp.
Citation:
2010 ADAS Section 403.3
The running slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:20. The cross slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:48.

Recommendation:
Remove and replace the sidewalk as needed.
Barrier Priority:
High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)
Department:
CSFD
Finding 184774 Main Photo
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Additional Finding Photos
Finding 184774 Additional Photo

BFID: 184775

The walkway contains abrupt vertical edges and/or variations over a 1/4 inch. This section of sidewalk is adjacent to the driveway entrance to the fire station parking lot.

1/4 inch is the maximum vertical rise. Changes in level between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch must be beveled at 1:2 or less.

Changes in level greater than 1/2 inch must be by way of a ramp.
Citation:
2010 ADAS Section 303.3
Changes in level between 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) high minimum and 1/2 inch (13 mm) high maximum shall be beveled with a slope not steeper than 1:2.

2010 ADAS Section 303.2
Changes in level of 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) high maximum shall be permitted to be vertical.

Recommendation:
Remove and replace concrete panels as needed.
Barrier Priority:
High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)
Department:
CSFD
Corrected Condition:
Concrete was replaced.
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Finding 184775 Corrected Photo

BFID: 184777

The walkway contains abrupt vertical edges and/or variations over a 1/4 inch. This is a trip hazard as well as an accessibility issue.

1/4 inch is the maximum vertical rise. Changes in level between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch must be beveled at 1:2 or less.

Changes in level greater than 1/2 inch must be by way of a ramp.
Citation:
2010 ADAS Section 303.3
Changes in level between 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) high minimum and 1/2 inch (13 mm) high maximum shall be beveled with a slope not steeper than 1:2.

2010 ADAS Section 303.2
Changes in level of 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) high maximum shall be permitted to be vertical.

Recommendation:
Remove and replace concrete to compliance
Barrier Priority:
High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)
Department:
CSFD
Finding 184777 Main Photo
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Additional Finding Photos
Finding 184777 Additional Photo
Finding 184777 Additional Photo
Finding 184777 Additional Photo

BFID: 184779

The walkway contains abrupt vertical edges and/or variations over a 1/4 inch. This is the approach to the fire station entrance. The largest section of spalling is 2" deep by 17" wide by 36" long.

1/4 inch is the maximum vertical rise. Changes in level between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch must be beveled at 1:2 or less.

Changes in level greater than 1/2 inch must be by way of a ramp.
Citation:
2010 ADAS Section 303.3
Changes in level between 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) high minimum and 1/2 inch (13 mm) high maximum shall be beveled with a slope not steeper than 1:2.

2010 ADAS Section 303.2
Changes in level of 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) high maximum shall be permitted to be vertical.

Recommendation:
Remove and replace concrete panels as needed.
Barrier Priority:
High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)
Department:
CSFD
Finding 184779 Main Photo
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Additional Finding Photos
Finding 184779 Additional Photo
Finding 184779 Additional Photo
Finding 184779 Additional Photo

BFID: 184780

The accessible route on the site contains running slopes greater than 5% and has not been constructed as a ramp (i.e. handrails, wheel guides, etc.).

When the slope in the direction of travel of any walk exceeds 1 unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-percent slope), it must be constructed as ramp. Surface cross slopes must not exceed one unit vertical in 48 units. Horizontal (2-percent slope).
Citation:
2010 ADAS Section 403.3
The running slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:20. The cross slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:48.

Recommendation:
In lieu of making the front entrance accessible from Garden of the Gods, install a 4-foot wide sidewalk from the entrance to the proposed accessible parking in the grassy area at the southwest of the building (see recommendation under parking).
Barrier Priority:
High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)
Department:
CSFD
Finding 184780 Main Photo
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Additional Finding Photos
Finding 184780 Additional Photo
Finding 184780 Additional Photo
Finding 184780 Additional Photo

BFID: 184783

The walkway contains abrupt vertical edges and/or variations over a 1/4 inch.

1/4 inch is the maximum vertical rise. Changes in level between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch must be beveled at 1:2 or less.

Changes in level greater than 1/2 inch must be by way of a ramp.
Citation:
2010 ADAS Section 303.3
Changes in level between 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) high minimum and 1/2 inch (13 mm) high maximum shall be beveled with a slope not steeper than 1:2.

2010 ADAS Section 303.2
Changes in level of 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) high maximum shall be permitted to be vertical.

Recommendation:
Fill the hole.
Barrier Priority:
High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)
Department:
CSFD
Finding 184783 Main Photo
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Additional Finding Photos
Finding 184783 Additional Photo

BFID: 184785

The flared sides of the curb ramp are not within the markings. The narrow entry area of this radial almost makes it a directional.
The Ramp also is missing detectable warnings.

Diagonal Curb Ramps with flared sides shall have a segment of curb 24 inches long minimum located on each side of the Curb Ramp and within the marked crossing.
Citation:
2010 ADAS Section 406.6
Diagonal or corner type curb ramps with returned curbs or other well-defined edges shall have the edges parallel to the direction of pedestrian flow. The bottom of diagonal curb ramps shall have a clear space 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum outside active traffic lanes of the roadway. Diagonal curb ramps provided at marked crossings shall provide the 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum clear space within the markings. Diagonal curb ramps with flared sides shall have a segment of curb 24 inches (610 mm) long minimum located on each side of the curb ramp and within the marked crossing.

Recommendation:
Replace this ramp if not feasible to skew the striping.
Barrier Priority:
High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)
Department:
CSFD
Corrected Condition:
Radial ramp was replaced with two directional ramps to compliance.
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Finding 184785 Corrected Photo
Additional Finding Photos
Finding 184785 Corrected Photo
Finding 184785 Corrected Photo

Exterior - Entrance

BFID: 184781

The T-shaped or circular turning space has excessive slopes.

Surface slopes greater than 1:48 (2.08%) are not permitted.
Citation:
2010 ADAS Section 304.2
Floor or ground surfaces of a turning space shall comply with 302. Changes in level are not permitted.

2010 ADAS Section 304.2 Exception
Slopes not steeper than 1:48 shall be permitted.

Recommendation:
N/A - Refer to Finding
Barrier Priority:
High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)
Department:
CSFD
Finding 184781 Main Photo
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Additional Finding Photos
Finding 184781 Additional Photo
Finding 184781 Additional Photo
Finding 184781 Additional Photo

BFID: 184782

The walkway contains abrupt vertical edges and/or variations over a 1/4 inch.

1/4 inch is the maximum vertical rise. Changes in level between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch must be beveled at 1:2 or less.

Changes in level greater than 1/2 inch must be by way of a ramp.
Citation:
2010 ADAS Section 303.3
Changes in level between 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) high minimum and 1/2 inch (13 mm) high maximum shall be beveled with a slope not steeper than 1:2.

2010 ADAS Section 303.2
Changes in level of 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) high maximum shall be permitted to be vertical.

Recommendation:
Grind the displacement to less than 1/2".
Barrier Priority:
High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)
Department:
CSFD
Corrected Condition:
N/A
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Image that depicts the citation requirements of the code or standard

BFID: 184786

The door bell is positioned too high for either a side or front approach.

Where a clear floor or ground space allows a parallel approach to an element and the side reach is unobstructed, the high side reach shall be 48 inches maximum and the low side reach shall be 15 inches minimum above the finish floor or ground.

Where a forward reach is unobstructed, the high forward reach shall be 48 inches maximum and the low forward reach shall be 15 inches minimum above the finish floor or ground.
Citation:
2010 ADAS Section 308.1
Reach ranges shall comply with 308.

Recommendation:
Lower the door bell to 48" maximum.
Barrier Priority:
High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)
Department:
CSFD
Corrected Condition:
Door bell was lowered to compliance.
Finding 184786 Main Photo
Finding 184786 Corrected Photo

BFID: 184787

The door bell is positioned too high for either a side or front approach.

Where a clear floor or ground space allows a parallel approach to an element and the side reach is unobstructed, the high side reach shall be 48 inches maximum and the low side reach shall be 15 inches minimum above the finish floor or ground.

Where a forward reach is unobstructed, the high forward reach shall be 48 inches maximum and the low forward reach shall be 15 inches minimum above the finish floor or ground.
Citation:
2010 ADAS Section 308.1
Reach ranges shall comply with 308.

Recommendation:
Do nothing. This area is not open to the public. The public entrance, in front, has a compliant door bell.
Barrier Priority:
High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)
Department:
CSFD
Finding 184787 Main Photo
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Additional Finding Photos
Finding 184787 Additional Photo
Finding 184787 Additional Photo

BFID: 184788

Gratings are spaced greater than a 1/2 inches in the direction of traffic flow.

Openings in floor or ground surfaces shall not allow passage of a sphere more than 1/2 inch diameter. Elongated openings shall be placed so that the long dimension is perpendicular to the dominant direction of travel.
Citation:
2010 ADAS Section 302.3
Openings in floor or ground surfaces shall not allow passage of a sphere more than 1/2 inch (13 mm) diameter except as allowed in 407.4.3, 409.4.3, 410.4, 810.5.3 and 810.10. Elongated openings shall be placed so that the long dimension is perpendicular to the dominant direction of travel.

Recommendation:
Replace with a mat having openings less than 1/2" in the direction of travel.
Barrier Priority:
High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)
Department:
CSFD
Finding 184788 Main Photo
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Additional Finding Photos
Finding 184788 Additional Photo

BFID: 194717

The ash can at the front entrance projects more than 4 inches into the circulation path.

Wall-mounted objects that have leading edges between 27 inches and 80 inches from the floor must not project more than 4 inches into the circulation path. Protruding objects that extend to the floor or within 27 inches of the floor are cane detectable and are therefore not hazardous. Where it is necessary or desirable to have objects protrude from the wall, a manner of cane detection must be provided.
Citation:
2010 ADAS Section 307.2
Objects with leading edges more than 27 inches (685 mm) and not more than 80 inches (2030 mm) above the finish floor or ground shall protrude 4 inches (100 mm) maximum horizontally into the circulation path.

Recommendation:
Remove the ash can.
Barrier Priority:
High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)
Department:
CSFD
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Interior - Restrooms

BFID: 184789

The restroom facilities serving the facility are not on an accessible route and are not accessible. There are multiple deficiencies, but these restrooms are not intended for public use.

Bathing and toilet facilities that serve buildings, facilities or portions of buildings or facilities that are required by these standards to be accessible to persons with disabilities, shall be on an accessible route.
Citation:
2010 ADAS Section 213.1
Where toilet facilities and bathing facilities are provided, they shall comply with 213. Where toilet facilities and bathing facilities are provided in facilities permitted by 206.2.3 Exceptions 1 and 2 not to connect stories by an accessible route, toilet facilities and bathing facilities shall be provided on a story connected by an accessible route to an accessible entrance.

Recommendation:
Add signage indicating there are no public restrooms.
Barrier Priority:
Moderate (3): Should be completed as soon as possible, but there may be other items that will provide greater access to persons with disabilities. (Includes findings that have a high financial impact on the entity in relationship to the degree of access provided)
Department:
CSFD
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Additional Finding Photos
Finding 184789 Additional Photo
Finding 184789 Additional Photo
Finding 184789 Additional Photo