2013 Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG)

3.4 Viewing Areas

3.4.1 General.

Where viewing areas are provided, each shall comply with section 3.4.

Exception 1. Where multiple viewing areas at overlooks are provided, at least one of each viewing opportunity for distinct points of interest shall be accessible.

Exception 2. When a new viewing area is constructed, or an existing viewing area is altered or reconstructed, if a condition for exception in section 1.1 prohibits full compliance with a specific requirement in 3.4, the viewing area shall comply with the specific requirement to the extent practicable.

3.4.2 ORARs in Viewing Areas.

Connections shall be provided between site furnishings and constructed features in viewing areas as well as between accessible viewing areas, parking areas, and accessible common use features in compliance with section 2.0.

Exception. Where a condition for an exception in section 1.1 prohibits full compliance with a specific technical requirement on a portion of an ORAR for a viewing area, that portion of the ORAR shall comply with the specific requirement to the extent practicable.

3.4.3 Unrestricted Viewing Opportunities.

Each viewing area that is required to be accessible by section 3.4.1 shall provide at least one unrestricted viewing opportunity that accommodates eye levels between 32 inches (815 mm) minimum and 51 inches (1295 mm) maximum above the ground or floor. Where there is a drop-off of more than 30 inches (762 mm) a guard railing or barrier that complies with the height and opening requirements of the International Building Code sections 1013.2 and 1013.3 (2006 edition) shall be provided.

3.4.4 Clear Ground Space and Turning Space.

Each viewing area that is required to be accessible by section 3.4.1 shall have a clear ground or floor space 36 inches (915 mm) minimum by 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum positioned for either forward or parallel approach to the viewing location and at least one turning space that complies with section 304.3 of the ABAAS. 

3.4.5 Grade.

The clear ground space and turning space required by section 3.4.3 shall have a slope of no more than 1:48 (2 percent) in any direction.

Exception. When the surface is not paved or is not elevated above the natural ground, slopes not steeper than 1:33 (3 percent) shall be permitted where necessary for drainage. 

3.4.6 Surface.

The surface of each viewing area shall be firm and stable. The type of surface should be appropriate to the setting and level of development. 

3.4.7 Openings.

Openings in the clear ground space and turning space surface shall not allow passage of a sphere more than 1/2 inch (13 mm) diameter. Where possible, elongated openings should be placed perpendicular, or as close to perpendicular as possible, to the dominant direction of travel.

3.4.8 Viewing Areas Accessed by Vehicular Ways.

Where a viewing area is accessed by a vehicular way and parking spaces are provided adjacent to the viewing area, the accessible parking spaces shall be connected to the viewing areas by an outdoor recreation access route complying with 2.0. The outdoor recreation access route shall connect the distinct viewing locations, accessible outdoor constructed elements, and other accessible elements, accessible spaces, and accessible facilities in the viewing area.