// CODE SNIPPET
904 Check-Out Aisles and Sales and Service Counters
JUMP TO FULL CODE CHAPTER
Check-out aisles and sales and service counters shall comply with the applicable requirements of 904.
All portions of counters required to comply with 904 shall be located adjacent to a walking surface complying with 403.
Advisory 904.2 Approach. If a cash register is provided at the sales or service counter, locate the accessible counter close to the cash register so that a person using a wheelchair is visible to sales or service personnel and to minimize the reach for a person with a disability.
Check-out aisles shall comply with 904.3.
Aisles shall comply with 403.
The counter surface height shall be 38 inches (965 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground. The top of the counter edge protection shall be 2 inches (51 mm) maximum above the top of the counter surface on the aisle side of the check-out counter.
![]() |
Where provided, check writing surfaces shall comply with 902.3.
Sales counters and service counters shall comply with 904.4.1 or 904.4.2. The accessible portion of the counter top shall extend the same depth as the sales or service counter top.
EXCEPTION: In alterations, when the provision of a counter complying with 904.4 would result in a reduction of the number of existing counters at work stations or a reduction of the number of existing mail boxes, the counter shall be permitted to have a portion which is 24 inches (610 mm) long minimum complying with 904.4.1 provided that the required clear floor or ground space is centered on the accessible length of the counter.
![]() |
A portion of the counter surface that is 36 inches (915 mm) long minimum and 36 inches (915 mm) high maximum above the finish floor shall be provided. A clear floor or ground space complying with 305 shall be positioned for a parallel approach adjacent to the 36 inch (915 mm) minimum length of counter.
EXCEPTION: Where the provided counter surface is less than 36 inches (915 mm) long, the entire counter surface shall be 36 inches (915 mm) high maximum above the finish floor.
A portion of the counter surface that is 30 inches (760 mm) long minimum and 36 inches (915 mm) high maximum shall be provided. Knee and toe space complying with 306 shall be provided under the counter. A clear floor or ground space complying with 305 shall be positioned for a forward approach to the counter.
Counters in food service lines shall comply with 904.5.
Self-service shelves and dispensing devices for tableware, dishware, condiments, food and beverages shall comply with 308.
The tops of tray slides shall be 28 inches (710 mm) minimum and 34 inches (865 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground.
Where counters or teller windows have security glazing to separate personnel from the public, a method to facilitate voice communication shall be provided. Telephone handset devices, if provided, shall comply with 704.3.
Advisory 904.6 Security Glazing. Assistive listening devices complying with 706 can facilitate voice communication at counters or teller windows where there is security glazing which promotes distortion in audible information. Where assistive listening devices are installed, place signs complying with 703.7.2.4 to identify those facilities which are so equipped. Other voice communication methods include, but are not limited to, grilles, slats, talk-through baffles, intercoms, or telephone handset devices.
Related Code Sections
904 Built-In Elements, Check-Out Aisles and Sales and Service Counters
Check-out aisles and sales and service counters shall comply with the applicable requirements of 904 ...
904.2 Built-In Elements, Approach
If a cash register is provided at the sales or service counter, locate the accessible counter close to the cash register so that a person using ...
2010 ADA Standards > 9 Built-In Elements > 904 Check-Out Aisles and Sales and Service Counters > 904.2 Approach
904.1 Built-In Elements, General
Check-out aisles and sales and service counters shall comply with the applicable requirements of 904 ...
2010 ADA Standards > 9 Built-In Elements > 904 Check-Out Aisles and Sales and Service Counters > 904.1 General
904.5 Built-In Elements, Food Service Lines
Counters in food service lines shall comply with 904.5 ...
2010 ADA Standards > 9 Built-In Elements > 904 Check-Out Aisles and Sales and Service Counters > 904.5 Food Service Lines
904.6 Built-In Elements, Security Glazing
Where counters or teller windows have security glazing to separate personnel from the public, a method to facilitate voice communication shall ...
2010 ADA Standards > 9 Built-In Elements > 904 Check-Out Aisles and Sales and Service Counters > 904.6 Security Glazing