2022 California Standards for Accessible Design Guide (effective January 1, 2023)

11B-246 Outdoor developed areas

11B-246.1 General.

Outdoor developed areas shall comply with Section 11B-246.

Exceptions:

1. Where the enforcing agency finds that, in specific areas, the natural environment would be materially damaged by compliance with these regulations, such areas shall be subject to these regulations only to the extent that such material damage would not occur.
2. Automobile access or accessible routes are not required when the enforcing agency determines compliance with this chapter would create an unreasonable hardship as defined in Chapter 2, Section 202.

Advisory 11B-246.1 General.  Additional information regarding accessibility best practices for outdoor occupancies can be found in the California State Parks Accessibility Guidelines available on the California State Parks website and the Draft Final Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas on the U.S. Access Board website. ​​​​​ ◼

11B-246.2 Camping facilities.

In camping facilities where campsites are provided, at least two campsites and one additional campsite for each 100 campsites or fraction thereof, shall be accessed by and connected to sanitary facilities by travel routes with a maximum slope of 1:12. Permanent toilet and bathing facilities serving campsites shall comply with Section 11B-603.

11B-246.3 Beaches.

Beaches shall be accessible.

11B-246.4 Day use areas and vista points.

Day use areas, vista points, and similar areas shall be accessible.

11B-246.5 Picnic areas.

Where picnic tables are provided, at least one picnic table, and one additional table for each 20 tables or fraction thereof, shall be accessible and comply with Section 11B-902.

11B-246.6 Parking lots.

Parking lots shall comply with Sections 11B-208 and 11B-502 and shall be provided with curb cuts leading to adjacent walks, paths or trails.

11B-246.7 Trails and paths.

Trails, paths and nature walk areas, or portions of them, shall be constructed with gradients permitting at least partial use by wheelchair occupants. Buildings and other functional areas shall be served by paths or walks with firm and stable surfaces.

11B-246.8 Nature trails.

Nature trails and similar educational and informational areas shall be accessible to individuals with vision impairments by the provision of rope guidelines, raised Arabic numerals and symbols, or other similar guide and assistance devices.