In retail stores with cash registers and sales counters, at least one of each type to have a
portion of the counter 36” in length and 34” 
above the finish floor, located on an accessible route.
CBC 1122B.5
Counters where cash registers are provided to be 36” long and 36” above finish floor.
2010 ADA 904.4.1
Exception: Knee clearance not required at checkout counter or service counters.
CBC 1122B.3 2010 ADA 902.3
Thank you for posting illustrations showing the difference between Sales & Service Counters and Checkstands. Are these defined in the code somewhere? I could not find them.
I’ve been looking for depth requirements for a check-writing surface, but cannot find anything. I’m aware of forward reach limits, heights and widths, but I need to know minimums and maximums regarding the depth of the writing surface itself. This is for counters at airports where the customer would fill out a bag tag or sign a paper. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Your diagram has a typo in it. The 34″ is a MAXIMUM height- not MIN. height
Updated… thank you.
Are we required to keep accessible service counters free from use by customers without a disability?
I’m not sure what you are asking. Accessible service counters should be available for use by anyone, at any time. Essentially the service counters should be fully accessible and available for anyone to use.
I’ve been looking for depth requirements for a check-writing surface, but cannot find anything. We need to know minimums and maximums regarding the depth of the writing surface itself.
I don’t believe there are any specific requirements for the depth of check writing surfaces – in either the CBC or the ADA.
I’m looking for ADA compliant regulations for counters in reception areas and lobbies of medical facilities.
If you’re thinking about a California location – the requirements are slightly different from Federal ADA regulations. My digital book – ADA4CA ($4.99) on iTunes, Amazon and Barnes and Nobel has the requirements for Sales and Service Counters in California.
Are department stores suppose to provide personal shopping assistants? . I could not accommodate her request due to lack of Associates I currently had in the store. She wanted one to go with her everywhere and put anything and everything in the cart upon request.
There’s no requirement, that I’m aware of in the ADA for stores to provide personal shopping assistants. There is a requirement, and a reasonable expectation that a store would provide whatever assistance is required for a disabled customer. This has to be balanced with the number of employees and the number of customers and the intention to avoid discriminating against any individual. I strongly recommend that the store have a written policy regarding addressing the needs of disabled customers.
At the 34″ maximum height, does the counter need to be flush with the front panel or can there be a drop front the front panel to the counter height?