36 CFR Part 1191 ABA Accessibility Guidelines, Outdoor Developed Areas - Preamble

1015 Viewing Areas

1015.1 General

This section contains the technical requirements for viewing areas. The technical requirements address the clear ground space (1015.2) and viewing space (1015.3) at distinct viewing locations; the turning space within viewing areas (1015.4); and the surface (1015.5) and slope (1015.6) of the clear ground space and turning space. In alterations, when an entity determines that a condition in 1019 does not permit full compliance with a specific provision in 1015, the viewing area is permitted to comply with the provision to the extent practicable.

1015.2 Clear Ground Space

This section requires a clear ground space 36 inches minimum by 48 inches minimum positioned for either a forward or parallel approach to be provided at each distinct viewing location, and one full unobstructed side of the clear ground space to adjoin or overlap an outdoor recreation access route or trail, as applicable, or another clear ground space.

1015.3 Viewing Space

This section requires each distinct viewing location to provide a viewing space adjacent to the clear ground space required by 1015.2 through which the point of interest is viewable. The viewing space is required to be 32 inches maximum and 51 inches minimum high above the ground and extend the full width of the clear ground space. Guards or similar safety barriers are permitted to obstruct the viewing space to the extent the obstruction is necessary for the guard or safety barrier to serve its intended purpose.

1015.4 Turning Space

This section requires a turning space complying with 304.3 of the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines to be provided within the viewing area.

1015.5 Surface

This section requires the surface of the clear ground space and turning space to be firm and stable.

1015.6 Slope

This section requires the slope of the surface of the clear ground space and turning space to not be steeper than 1:48 in any direction. Where the surface is other than asphalt, concrete, or boards, slopes not steeper than 1:20 are permitted when necessary for drainage.