CMC ADA Compliance & Barrier Removal 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under ADA Standards, what is the minimum clear floor space required at an accessible fixture for a side-approach wheelchair transfer?
- 30 × 48 inches (Correct answer)
- 36 × 48 inches
- 36 × 60 inches
- 60 × 60 inches
Correct answer: 30 × 48 inches
A 30-by-48-inch clear floor space is the standard minimum for a single wheelchair position, whether for forward or side approach.
Question 2: Which ADA Standard governs accessible routes within residential dwelling units covered under Fair Housing?
- ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010)
- Fair Housing Act Accessibility Guidelines (FHAG) (Correct answer)
- International Building Code Chapter 11
- ANSI A117.1-2017
Correct answer: Fair Housing Act Accessibility Guidelines (FHAG)
The Fair Housing Act Accessibility Guidelines apply to covered multifamily dwellings, separate from ADA Standards for public accommodations.
Question 3: A threshold at an accessible entrance may not exceed what height without a beveled edge?
- ¼ inch (Correct answer)
- ½ inch
- ¾ inch
- 1 inch
Correct answer: ¼ inch
Thresholds up to ¼ inch may be vertical; those between ¼ and ½ inch must be beveled, and anything over ½ inch is not compliant.
Question 4: When performing a CMC home assessment, you find a 3-inch level change at a back-door threshold. The most compliant solution is to:
- Install a portable threshold ramp at a 1:12 slope (Correct answer)
- Add a raised interior platform to match the exterior grade
- Recommend the client use a different entrance
- File a variance with the local building department
Correct answer: Install a portable threshold ramp at a 1:12 slope
A threshold ramp at 1:12 slope converts the abrupt level change into a compliant ramped transition for wheelchair access.
Question 5: Under the ADA, 'readily achievable' barrier removal is defined as:
- Barrier removal that costs less than $1,000
- Barrier removal that can be accomplished without much difficulty or expense (Correct answer)
- Any modification required regardless of cost
- Modifications approved by a licensed architect
Correct answer: Barrier removal that can be accomplished without much difficulty or expense
The ADA defines 'readily achievable' as easily accomplishable without much difficulty or expense, considering the business's overall financial resources.
Question 6: What is the required minimum width of an accessible route within a building under 2010 ADA Standards?
- 32 inches
- 36 inches (Correct answer)
- 42 inches
- 44 inches
Correct answer: 36 inches
The 2010 ADA Standards require accessible routes to be at least 36 inches wide, with 60-inch passing spaces where routes are less than 60 inches wide.
Question 7: A client's shower has a 4-inch curb. To make it roll-in accessible, the CMC should recommend:
- Replacing the curb with a sloped threshold no higher than ½ inch (Correct answer)
- Installing a portable shower chair to work around the curb
- Adding grab bars to stabilize entry over the curb
- Applying a non-slip coating to the existing curb
Correct answer: Replacing the curb with a sloped threshold no higher than ½ inch
A roll-in shower requires either a zero-threshold entry or a sloped transition no higher than ½ inch for wheelchair access.
CMC ADA Compliance & Barrier Removal 3
Under ADA Standards, what is the minimum clear floor space required at an accessible fixture for a side-approach wheelchair transfer?