11B-307 Protruding objects

11B-307.1 General.

Protruding objects shall comply with Section 11B-307.

Objects with leading edges more than 27 inches (686 mm) and not more than 80 inches (2032 mm) above the finish floor or ground shall protrude 4 inches (102 mm) maximum horizontally into the circulation path.

Exception: Handrails shall be permitted to protrude 4½ inches (114 mm) maximum.

Advisory 11B-307.2 Protrusion limits. When a cane is used and the element is in the detectable range, it gives a person sufficient time to detect the element with the cane before there is body contact. Elements located on circulation paths, including operable elements, must comply with requirements for protruding objects. For example, awnings and their supporting structures cannot reduce the minimum required vertical clearance. Similarly, casement windows, when open, cannot encroach more than 4 inches (100 mm) into circulation paths above 27 inches (685 mm). ◼

A frontal view shows a person using a cane walking along a wall. A wall-mounted object more than 27 inches from the floor protrudes no more than 4 inches from the wall surface. An object overhead provides vertical clearance that is greater than 80 inches.

FIGURE 11B-307.2 LIMITS OF PROTRUDING OBJECTS

11B-307.3 Post-mounted objects.

Free-standing objects mounted on posts or pylons shall overhang circulation paths 12 inches (305 mm) maximum when located 27 inches (686 mm) minimum and 80 inches (2032 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground. Where a sign or other obstruction is mounted between posts or pylons and the clear distance between the posts or pylons is greater than 12 inches (305 mm), the lowest edge of such sign or obstruction shall be 27 inches (686 mm) maximum or 80 inches (2032 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground.

Exception: The sloping portions of handrails serving stairs and ramps shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-307.3.

11B-307.3.1 Edges and corners.

Where signs or other objects are mounted on posts or pylons, and their bottom edges are less than 80 inches (2032 mm) above the floor or ground surface, the edges of such signs and objects shall be rounded or eased and the corners shall have a minimum radius of 1/8 inch (3.2 mm).

Elevation drawing (a) shows an object mounted more than 27 inches high on a post. The object protrudes 12 inches maximum from the post on both sides. Elevation (b) shows signs or other obstructions mounted between posts or pylons. One object has its lowest edge mounted 27 inches high maximum between posts that are more than 12 inches apart. Another object is mounted with its lowest edge 80 inches high minimum between posts that are more than 12 inches apart.

(a)

(b)

FIGURE 11B-307.3 POST-MOUNTED PROTRUDING OBJECTS

11B-307.4 Vertical clearance.

Vertical clearance shall be 80 inches (2032 mm) high minimum. Guardrails or other barriers shall be provided where the vertical clearance is less than 80 inches (2032 mm) high. The leading edge of such guardrail or barrier shall be located 27 inches (686 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground.

Exception: Door closers and door stops shall be permitted to be 78 inches (1981 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground.

A person using a long cane is shown approaching the sloped underside of a staircase. A portion of the area below the stairs in front of the person has a vertical clearance less than 80 inches. A railing 27 inches high maximum separates this space from the areas where a vertical clearance at or above 80 inches is maintained.

FIGURE 11B-307.4 VERTICAL CLEARANCE

11B-307.4.1 Guy braces.

Where a guy support is used within either the width of a circulation path or 24 inches maximum outside of a circulation path, a vertical guy brace, sidewalk guy or similar device shall be used to prevent a hazard or an overhead obstruction.

A person using a long cane is shown approaching a guy brace shown at 80" minimum above the floor.

FIGURE 11B-307.4.1 GUY BRACES

11B-307.5 Required clear width.

Protruding objects shall not reduce the clear width required for accessible routes.

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