ADA Regulation and Your Fuel Dispenser

An informal summary of the recent changes to the ADA guidelines.
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/// Guest post by contributor Chad JohnsonGilbarco Veeder-Root

We’ve had a number of questions about the recent changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, so here’s an informal summary.

In early 2011, the Department of Justice published final regulations which require changes to current ADA accessibility guidelines. These changes went into effect on 3/15/2012.

Overview of New Regulation

  • Any new construction in which the last building permit is issued or certified (depending upon the jurisdiction) after March 15, 2012, or any alterations commenced after March 15, 2012 will have to comply with the 2010 Standards.
  • New construction or alterations commenced after the effective date of the Rule, but before the effective date of the 2010 Standards, can either be done in conformance with the old or the 2010 Standards.
  • Importantly, elements that were in compliance with the 1991 ADA Guidelines as of the effective date of the 2010 Standards do not have to be brought up to compliance with the 2010 Standards unless they are subsequently altered.

1991 ADA Regulation: Fuel Dispensers

  • 1991 Standards require all controls be within 54” of the surface where a wheelchair user would sit sideways to operate the controls.
  • Ten percent of fueling positions must comply with the 1991 standards.

2010 ADA Regulation:  Fuel Dispensers

  • 2010 regulation limits the same reach maximum to 48” above the drive surface. There is an exception to this standard for fuel dispensers located on existing curbs.  For fuel dispensers located on existing curbs, the maximum reach height remains 54″ from the drive surface.
  • 2010 regulation clarifies that one of each type of fuel dispenser at a location must be ADA-compliant.
  • All new construction after 3/15/2012 must follow the 2010 standard
  • If the site is in compliance of the 1991 standard, the site will not have to be brought to compliance with the 2010 standard unless the curbs or dispenser mounting pads are altered

Editor’s note: NATSO's ADA Compliance Toolkit is available online here.

{Guest Post} Guest post reposted and modified with permission from C-store Advisor, the blog of NATSO Chairman's Circle member, Gilbarco Veeder-Root, and may not be further reprinted, modified or otherwise used without the express written permission of Gilbarco Veeder-Root. Gilbarco Veeder-Root, the worldwide technology leader for retail and commercial fueling operations, offers the broadest range of integrated solutions from the forecourt to the convenience store and head office. Gilbarco earns the trust of its customers by providing long-term partnership, uncompromising support and proven reliability. Read the C-store Advisor here.

The opinions and advice given by guest post contributors are not necessarily those of NATSO or Gilbarco Veeder-Root, and are not intended to be legal advice. Please seek the advice of a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances.

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