I’m responding to all, because the following information applies to most or all situations.  I can only provide information about what the law requires to non-clients, rather than case-specific advice on what a particular individual should do.

 

Any lawyer will tell you, “It depends.”  Some older buildings are exempted from ADA requirements.  Otherwise, it depends on whether a door is equipped with a door closer (either a device that allows a door to immediately start closing but slows the rate at which it closes or a device that automatically opens the door in response to a sensor being triggered or a button pushed and closes it after some interval of time).  There is no requirement that doors have door closers installed, although it’s recommended on commercial buildings.  If a door has a door closer, it must take at least 5 seconds to close the door from the time it is fully open (90 degrees), per the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.  Doors that only have spring hinges only have to allow 1.5 seconds to close from 70 degrees open. 

 

If a particular tenant needs more time than the minimum requirement to safely pass through a door, they can request a “reasonable modification.”  A modification is a physical change to a building or dwelling, as opposed to a change to rules or policies (an accommodation).  Landlords who receive federal housing dollars must bear the cost of modifications deemed reasonable.  Otherwise, the tenant is responsible for the cost.  If the only modification needed is adjusting the delay on an existing door closer, the cost should be fairly small, though.

 

Jennifer Ammons

Staff Attorney

Northwest Justice Project

715 Tacoma Ave S

Tacoma, WA 98408

(253) 272-7879, ext. 0937

fax: (206) 299-3061 or (253) 272-8226

 

This email may contain information that is protected by attorney-client, work product or other privileges. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that dissemination, use or reliance upon its contents is strictly prohibited. If you received this email in error, please contact me by reply email and then delete this email.

 

 

From: countrygirl at ultraemail.us (via fullcoalition list) <fullcoalition@list.pchomeless.org>
Sent: Thursday, December 5, 2024 3:56 AM
To: fullcoalition@list.pchomeless.org
Subject: Homeless Coalition - Accessibility Issue

 

Caution: This is an external email. Please take care when clicking links or opening attachments.

 

Hi. My front door, to my building, does not stay open, long enough. The mount, for my visual aid broke, and we’ve got it put back on, with Zip Ties, and Velcro. My managers do not understand how pricy, this device is. Not to mention that the door, closes too fast. This was a bure accident, and I did all that I could, to stay out of the way, of the closing door.

Any help, would be appreciated. I don’t want to give management a bad time. However, the Braze Sensor Blindspot System is over $3000. God knows, that I don’t have the money, to replace it.

Any suggestions, would be appreciated. Unfortunately even an attorney suggestion, would be appreciated, so that this system isn’t permanently damaged. If I could just get that door to stay open, for a few more seconds, I’d be thankful. The Pierce Transit Shuttle drivers watch out, for anyone listed on the “DO NOT ENTER!!!” list. They can see the posters, so that’s not a problem.

Thank you for any suggestions!

Sarah Howe

This listserv is part of the Tacoma/Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness.