1. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of Public Safety Docket Number
Architectural Access Board
____________
One Ashburton Place, Room 1310 (Office Use Only)
Boston Massachusetts 02108-1618
Phone: 617-727-0660
Fax: 617-727-0665
www.mass.gov/dps
GENERAL BUILDING COMPLAINT FORM
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS FORM IS A MATTER OF PUBLIC RECORD AND WILL
BE DISCLOSED UPON REQUEST.
1. What is the name and address of the building believed to be in violation of the Rules and
Regulations of this Board?Somerville East Branch Library, 115 Broadway, Somerville, MA
02145
2. What is the use of the building (please check one or more)?
____Retail Establishment ____Transient Lodging Facility ____Multiple
Dwelling ____Commercial Building ____Educational Facility ____Medical
Care Facility ____Place of Assembly ____Detention Facility ____House of
Worship
____Restaurant ____Transportation Terminal
____Recreational Facility
x Municipal Facility/Library
3. Does it appear that the building was recently constructed or renovated? Ramp constructed
within last 5 years
4. What date were you most recently at the building? 11/30/10
5. How many floors? 1
6. Please check the appropriate section(s) of the Board's regulations that you believe is being
violated, then describe each section, as specifically as possible, in the space below. Please
note that section numbers are from the 2006 Regulations. The section numbers are listed for
your reference. (Please use additional sheets if necessary):
Sections
_x 24 Ramps ___ 28 Elevators ___ 32 Kitchens ___ 36 Fountains
___ 25 Entrances ___ 29 Floors ___ 33 Dressing ___ 38 ATM's
___ 26 Doors ___ 30 Toilets ___ 34 Storage ___ 39 Controls
___ 27 Stairs ___ 31 Bathing ___ 35 Tables ___ 40 Alarms
___ 41 Signage
Page 1 of 4 Rev, 01/10

2. 24.6 CROSS SLOPE The cross slope of ramp surfaces shall be no greater than 1:50 (2%) Foot of ramp
landing has a cross slope of 3.7% (photo below)
24.2.1 The least possible slope should be used for any ramp. The maximum slope of a ramp shall be
1:12 (8.3%). 1st run: slope at bottom is 9.3% and at top is 10.5% (photo below)
2nd run: slope is between 8.8- 9.3% at top (photo below)
24.5.2 Heights: Handrails shall be provided in pairs, one at a height between 34 inches and 38 inches
, and a lower one at a height between 18 and 20 inches, measured vertically from the surface of the ramp to top
of handrail. We did not measure the heights of the handrails; however, the 7/22/09 MOD/SOS survey
said, “Handrails vary in height along ramp starting at 17 inches. “ (Photo on next page shows stair
handrails as well as ramp)
Page 2 of 4 Rev, 01/10

3. in case the following accessible route complaints are not considered applicable to
“elements outside of,” and within the boundary of, the Library Facility,
the following complaints below
are also submitted today on a MA AAB Sidewalk Complaint form:
20.1 GENERAL An accessible route shall provide a continuous unobstructed path connecting accessible
spaces and elements inside and outside a facility.
20.9 SLOPE AND CROSS SLOPE An accessible route with a running slope steeper than 1:20 (5%) is a
ramp and shall comply with 521 CMR 24.00: RAMPS. Nowhere shall the cross slope of an
accessible route exceed 1:50 (2%). (Refer to 521 CMR 2.4.4d)
Within the boundary of the Somerville East Branch Library site is an outdoor park.
a. Cross slope is 4.6% in front of that park gate (cross slope measurement was taken at crack in
sidewalk on right edge of gate, see below 2 photos)
b. Within 4 feet of Entrance ramp, Cross slope of route (between Library park gate and foot of Library Entrance
ramp) is also 4.6% (see below photo).
Page 3 of 4 Rev, 01/10

4. OPTIONAL INFORMATION
The following information is optional, and your complaint will be processed regardless of
whether or not the information is provided. However, you should be aware that the less
information that is provided, the longer it will take this office to process your complaint.
a. Name and address of the building owner or manager:_Mayor Joseph Curtatone
City of Somerville, 93 Highland Avenue, Somerville MA 02143
b. The Board only considers complaints with respect to buildings which are:
1.) constructed by the state, city or town, and construction, reconstruction, alteration or
remodeling occurred after December of 1968; or
2.) privately financed buildings that are open to or used by the public and construction,
reconstruction, alteration or remodeling occurred after June 10, 1975.
The following information may be obtained by contacting the Local Building Department
DATE BUILDING PERMIT(S) WAS ISSUED: __________________________________
ESTIMATE COST(S) OF CONSTRUCTION: __________________________________
c. The assessed value of the building will determine the extent that a building must comply.
You may obtain the assessed value of the building by contacting the Local Assessor's
Office.
ASSESSED VALUE OF THE BUILDING AT TIME PERMIT WAS ISSUED:
______________________________________________________________________
7. Name and address of person/organization filing this complaint (if organization is filing, please
provide the Board with the name of a contact person) (required):
Community Access Project of Somerville
E-mail:___CAPSom@verizon.net
8. Individual Signature (required): Please see attached scan
Date: 11/30/10
Page 4 of 4 Rev, 01/10