B. Passenger Drop-Off Areas
Typical Issues
Some voters with disabilities will be driven to the polling place and dropped off near an entrance in a passenger drop-off area. If the polling place is served by passenger drop-off areas, then at least one drop-off area must be accessible. An accessible drop-off area, also known as an accessible passenger loading zone, must have a level access aisle, adjacent and parallel to the vehicle space. Where a curb separates the vehicle space from the access aisle or the access aisle from an accessible route, a curb ramp must be provided so people with disabilities can get to the accessible route leading to the accessible entrance.
Accessible Passenger Drop-off and Loading Area
Notes:
1. Access aisle depth is at least 5 feet.
2. Access aisle length is at least 20 feet.
3. Curb ramp connects access aisle to the accessible route to the accessible entrance of the polling place.
The access aisle may be at the street level or at sidewalk level. If it is at the sidewalk level, a curb ramp is provided between the street and the sidewalk. If the access aisle is at the street level, the curb ramp is provided between the access aisle and the sidewalk (as shown).
Passenger Drop-Off Areas Checklist
If a passenger loading area is provided, you should answer the following questions.
B1. Is a relatively level (1:50 or 2% maximum slope in all directions) access aisle provided adjacent and parallel to the side of the vehicle pull-up area? [ADA Stds 4.6.6]
Yes _____ No _____
If No, look for another relatively level location that is on an accessible route.
B2. Is the vehicle space relatively level (2% maximum slope in all directions)?
Yes _____ No _____
B3. Is the area for the access aisle at least 5-feet wide and 20-feet long? [ADA Stds 4.6.6] Note: Unlike an accessible parking space, the surface for the access aisle does not have to be marked or striped.
Yes _____ No _____
B4. Is the vertical height for the vehicle route to the loading zone, the drop off area, and the exit at least 114 inches (9 feet 6 inches) in height? [ADA Stds 4.6.5]
Yes _____ No _____
B5. Is a curb ramp provided between the vehicle pull up area and the access aisle (see figure above) or the access aisle and the accessible route (see figure on page 9) to the accessible entrance? [ADA Stds 4.6.6]
Yes _____ No _____
If No, is there another area with a curb ramp connected to an accessible route that could serve as the drop-off area?
Yes _____ No _____
B6. If a curb ramp is provided, is the slope of the ramp surface (not counting the side flares) no more than 1:12?
[ADA Stds 4.7.2]
Yes _____ No _____
B7. Is the width of the curb ramp surface at least 36 inches?
[ADA Stds 4.7.3]
Yes _____ No _____
B8. Does an accessible route connect the curb ramp to the accessible entrance?
[ADA Stds 4.1.2(1)]
Temporary Solutions for Election Day
Passenger Drop-Off Areas
Problem:
A passenger drop-off and loading zone is provided but there is no curb ramp between the vehicle area and the sidewalk leading to the accessible polling place entrance.
Suggestion: Provide a portable ramp with edge protection in an area where the vehicle area and the sidewalk are relatively level. The curb ramp must connect to an accessible route to the accessible polling place entrance.
If the drop-off and loading zone is not relatively level, consider relocating the accessible drop-off area and using one parking space next to the area where accessible parking is located to provide an accessible drop-off and loading zone. Cones or another temporary barrier may be needed to keep the parking space clear.
A portable ramp with edge protection is used to provide an accessible route from the drop-off and loading area to the accessible polling place entrance.
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