A Guide to ADA Compliance for Restaurants

Summary: Restaurants must adhere to ADA regulations to ensure access for all patrons and employees. They can do so with a range of accessibility solutions from National Ramp, including stairs and ramps.

Clear walkways and stairs are convenient for pedestrians — they ensure safe and comfortable access. All customers and employees have the right to suitable access to public spaces. As such, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) enabled regulations that offer guidelines to help restaurants and other establishments accommodate disabled patrons and staff. Restaurant ADA compliance guidelines are a resource for business owners, landlords and architects who aim to make accessibility a priority in their construction, buildings and properties.

National Ramp provides various access solutions, such as ADA-compliant stairs, ramps, platforms and walkways — all made from aluminum. These solutions make access easier for everyone, including emergency services. Our expert team is ready to guide you through the process, from initial consultation to final setup, making the experience hassle-free. 

Why Aluminum Is Better

Aluminum is our number one choice when choosing materials for our platforms, outside ramps and stairs because of its durability and versatility. It provides a high strength-to-weight ratio, supporting substantial loads while being much lighter than other materials, such as steel. This characteristic makes aluminum structures easier to handle, transport and install. 

Aluminum structures also require little maintenance, allowing them to maintain their appearance for years. All our aluminum wheelchair ramps are affordable and feature high traction and a no-slip surface, enhancing customer safety — particularly in areas exposed to rain or other elements. 

What Is ADA Compliance, and Why Is It Essential for Restaurants?

ADA compliance means meeting all the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design. These guidelines define and explain the regulations public buildings, properties and restaurants must adhere to. Newly designed, built, renovated and existing public buildings and properties should comply to ensure disabled patrons and employees can access any public place they want to enter. 

The ADA checklist for existing facilities is a resource business owners and landlords can use to ensure their restaurants are ADA-compliant. Newly built structures use this to ascertain they meet all the requirements and standards for accessible design.

By following the regulations, restaurant owners ensure the best possible service to their customers. For example, if your business does not have accessible ramps and walkways, potential diners may turn elsewhere. Through ADA compliance, you give employees and customers peace of mind by removing barriers and providing a pleasant experience with excellent service. 

Who Is Responsible for ADA Compliance?

The landlord and tenant are responsible for ADA compliance. There may be an agreement on who will be responsible for planning and making the changes to comply with the regulations. Regardless of who implements the changes, the property owner and business manager are liable if they do not meet ADA-compliant standards.

The consequences of noncompliance with the laws and regulations include fines of between $55,000 and $75,000 for the first offense. The fine will increase to $150,000 for future violations. Disabled people also have the right to file lawsuits against individuals who violate ADA regulations. 

ADA Requirements for Customer Accessibility

Along with the ADA compliance checklist that restaurants can use, Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines will help you create an accessible space for disabled employees and customers. These include requirements for the parking lot, stairs, building entrance, doors, seating and restrooms.

Parking

The restaurant’s exterior must comply with ADA standards, including the parking lot. Modified vehicles and wheelchairs must be able to access the property without obstructions and barriers. The following exterior standards apply:

• Designated parking spaces must be near the entrance of the restaurant.
• At least one of every eight van-accessible spaces must be eight feet wide. 
• One out of every 25 parking spaces must be handicap-accessible parking.
• There must be at least eight feet of space beside the handicapped parking to allow wheelchairs to enter and exit the van.
• The surface of the parking area must be flat with no more than a 2% slope.
• Add signs to alert other customers and employees to avoid parking in that space. 

Building Entrance 

The restaurant’s entrance and exit, including the ramps, railing and walkways leading up to the front door of the building, need to meet these requirements:

• Install one curb cut to access and exit the parking lot and another up to the ramp.
• The ramp must be at least 36 inches wide to provide restaurant wheelchair accessibility. It must be flush with the ground with no more than 2% slope.
• Ramps longer than six feet must have secure handrails.
• The railing must be between 30 and 38 inches high. 
• Use a nonslip surface material for the ramp.
• Landing must extend at least 18 inches beyond the door and 60 inches from the door.
• Provide an alternative solution, like a lift, if customers and employees cannot access the ramp.

Doors

Doors refer to all your restaurant’s entry, exit and restroom points and must meet the following requirements:

• Clear or remove obstructions like potted plants to help customers and employees enter without issues.
• Remove or secure mats to the surface. 
• Replace round doorknobs with loop or lever handles.
• The entrance must be at least 36 inches wide.
• Use power-assisted or automatic doors if possible.
• Install swinging doors with hinges.
• Provide an alternative entry and exit if your restaurant has a turnstile or revolving door. 

Stairs

ADA compliance for stairs, which applies to interior and exterior stairs, should accommodate all visitors in the following ways:

• All steps must have uniform riser heights within the 4-7 inches range.
• There must be handrails on both sides.
• Handrails can have circular or non-circular cross sections, but either way, the edges must be rounded.
• Handrail extensions must be in the same direction as the stair flight.
• Clearances and surface requirements should facilitate a power grip on the handrails.
• Handrails at the top of stairs must extend at least 12 inches. 
• Handrails at the bottom must extend past the last step.

We understand accessibility extends beyond ramps, so our commercial stairs are more than just a solution — they’re a commitment to safety. Our high-quality stairs provide safe, reliable access to restaurants and other facilities. Safety is our top priority, which is why our stairs feature slip-resistant surfaces and sturdy handrails, providing extra stability for users. 

We offer a range of sizes and customization options to fit your restaurant’s specific needs, ensuring every installation meets your unique requirements. 

Seating and Tables

ADA seating requirements for restaurants include the following guidelines:

• At least 5% of tables must be ADA-compliant. If a restaurant has fewer than 20 tables, one should be handicap-accessible. 
• The chairs and tables must be movable to accommodate wheelchairs.
• The table must be a maximum of 34 inches high and at least 28 inches low. 
• The seating area must have a clear floor area of 30 by 48 inches. 
• Provide a 36-inch-wide route in the restaurant — meaning there must be 36 inches of clear space between tables and pathways for easy navigation.
• There must be a 27-inch knee clearance from the floor to the bottom of the table. It should also have a 19-inch knee clearance under the table. 

Restrooms

ADA compliance for restrooms should accommodate customers and employees in the following ways:

• Install signage to help customers identify which restrooms to use. 
• Lower the loop or lever door handles.
• Remove or rearrange obstructions that prevent disabled people from accessing the restroom.
• There must be enough space in the restroom and stalls for a wheelchair user to move around unobstructed. 
• Install handrails in the toilet stall to prevent falling and provide assistance.
• Sinks must be 34 inches high with 27 inches of knee clearance underneath.
• If possible, install paddle-handled faucets, but standard faucets should be operable with one hand and not require tight gripping or twisting. 
• Add a raised seat if the toilet seat is too low.
• Lower mirrors for accessibility.

Considerations for Employees

ADA compliance standards must include equal accessibility for everyone. That means removing all barriers to help employees move around freely and access restaurant facilities with no obstructions.

The regulations cover those who are already employed and disabled people seeking employment. To avoid discrimination, give disabled people equal opportunities to learn skills, further their careers and become self-sufficient. Employers should make reasonable accommodations instead of discrediting an employee for their disability.

Get ADA-Compliant Access From National Ramp

By partnering with National Ramp, you ensure compliance with ADA regulations and demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. You can improve the dining experience for all customers and increase your customer base while avoiding legal issues, fines and damage to your business’s reputation associated with noncompliance. 

We provide quality ramps, stairs, platforms and walkways using durable material to help you meet ADA standards and become accessible to your customers and employees — for every need and every restaurant. To get a quote and CAD drawing in two hours, call us today at 845-610-0717 or complete our online contact form. With National Ramp, you can have ADA-compliant entryways in no time — installed within 48 hours.