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

1018 Beach Access Routes

1018.1 General

This section contains the technical requirements for beach access routes. The technical requirements address connections (1018.2); surface (1018.3); clear width (1018.4); obstacles (1018.5); openings (1018.6); slopes, including running slope (1018.7.1) and cross slope (1018.7.2); resting intervals (1018.8); protruding objects (1018.9); and dune crossings (1018.10).

Three exceptions are provided. When an entity determines that a condition in 1019 does not permit full compliance with a specific provision in 1018 on a portion of a beach access route, Exception 1 permits the portion of route to comply with the provision to the extent practicable. When an entity determines that it is impracticable to provide a beach access route complying with the technical requirements in 1018, Exception 2 does not require a beach access route. This determination is made after the entity applies Exception 1 to portions of the route. The entity should consider the portions of the beach access route that can and cannot fully comply with the specific provisions in 1018 and the extent of compliance where full compliance cannot be achieved when determining whether it would be impracticable to provide a beach access route complying with the technical requirements in 1018. Exception 3 exempts removable beach access routes from complying with the technical requirements for running slope (1018.7.1) and cross slope (1018.7.2); resting intervals (1018.8); and dune crossings (1018.10). As discussed under F201.4.1, federal agencies are required to document the basis for their determination when using Exceptions 1 or 2, and are required to notify us when using Exception 2.

1018.2 Connections

This section requires beach access routes to connect an entry point to the beach to the high tide level at tidal beaches; mean high water level at river beaches; and normal recreation water level at lake, pond, and reservoir beaches.

1018.3 Surface

This section requires the surface of beach access routes and resting intervals to be firm and stable.

1018.4 Clear Width

This section requires the clear width of beach access routes to be 60 inches minimum to enable individuals who use wheeled mobility devices to pass beach visitors traveling in the opposite direction. An exception permits the clear width of beach access routes that are not removable to be reduced to 48 inches minimum at dune crossings.

Where gates or barriers are installed to control access to beaches, the gates or barriers should permit the passage of beach wheelchairs. Beach wheelchairs have large, wide wheels that can roll across sand without sinking. Gates or barriers that have clear openings at least 48 inches wide will accommodate most beach wheelchairs.

1018.5 Obstacles

This section contains technical requirements for obstacles on beach access routes and resting intervals. The vertical alignment of boards on a beach access route or removable sections of a beach access route can be obstacles. This section requires obstacles to not exceed 1/2 inch in height measured vertically to the highest point. Where the surface is other than concrete, asphalt, or boards, obstacles are permitted to not exceed 1 inch in height measured vertically to the highest point.

1018.6 Openings

This section requires openings in the surface of beach access routes and resting intervals such as spaces between boards to not allow passage of a sphere more than 1/2 inch in diameter. Elongated openings should be placed so that the long dimension is perpendicular, or as close to perpendicular as possible, to the dominant direction of travel.

This section contains technical requirements for the maximum running slope and segment length (1018.7.1) and cross slope (1018.7.2) of beach access routes.

1018.7.1 Maximum Running Slope and Segment Length

This section requires that the running slope of any segment of a beach access route not be steeper than 1:10 (10%). Where the running slope of a segment a beach access route is steeper than 1:20 (5%), the maximum length of the segment is specified in Table 1018.7.1, and a resting interval is required at the top and bottom of each segment. Gradual running slopes are more useable by individuals with disabilities. Where the terrain results in steeper running slopes, resting intervals are required more frequently. Where running slopes are less severe, resting intervals are permitted to be further apart.

1018.7.2 Cross Slope

This section requires the cross slope of beach access routes to not be steeper than 1:48. Where the surface is other than asphalt, concrete, or boards, cross slopes not steeper than 1:20 are permitted when necessary for drainage.

1018.8 Resting Intervals

This section contains the technical requirements for the size (1018.8.1) and slope (1017.8.2) of resting intervals.

1018.8.1 Size

This section requires resting intervals to be 60 inches minimum by 60 inches minimum.

1018.8.2 Slope

This section requires the slope of resting intervals 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.

1018.9 Protruding Objects

This section requires constructed elements on beach access routes and resting intervals to comply with the technical requirements for protruding objects in 307 of the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines. Protruding objects can be hazardous for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Signs and other post mounted objects are examples of constructed elements that can be protruding objects.

1018.10 Dune Crossings

This section requires handrails complying with 505 of the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines and curbs or barriers to be provided where the slope of a beach access route at a dune crossing is steeper than 1:20 (5%). The curbs or barriers are required to prevent the passage of a 2 inch diameter sphere, where any portion of the sphere is within 2 inches of the crossing surface.