Outdoor Developed Areas: A Summary of Accessibility Standards for Federal Outdoor Developed Areas
Common Technical Requirements
The technical requirements for outdoor constructed features apply only to those outdoor constructed features that are required to comply with the technical requirements by the scoping requirements. For instance, if five benches are provided at a viewing area, at least 20 percent (or one) of the benches must comply with the technical requirements for benches.
Clear Ground Space [1011.2]
A clear ground space must be provided at each outdoor constructed feature. The technical requirements include specific provisions for the size, location, surface, slope, and openings in the clear ground space.
Exceptions [1011.2, Exceptions 1 and 2]—When individual outdoor constructed features are altered and the ground surface is not changed, the clear ground space is not required to comply with the specific provisions for surface and slope.
In alterations, when a condition for exception does not permit full compliance with a specific provision in the technical requirements for the clear ground space, the clear ground space must comply with the specific provision to the extent practicable. Additional information on the conditions for exceptions is provided in the section of this guide on the conditions for exceptions.
Size [1011.2.1]—The size of the clear ground space is based on the dimensions for maneuvering clearance in section 305.7 of the ABA Standards for clear ground spaces that are confined on all or part of three sides. Providing clear ground spaces that are larger than the minimum required sizes can make the outdoor constructed feature more independently usable by people with varied abilities.
Table 4 shows the minimum requirements for clear ground space sizes for each outdoor constructed feature. The location and orientation of the clear ground space is discussed under the applicable outdoor constructed feature.
| Outdoor Constructed Feature | Minimum Size and Location |
|---|---|
| Picnic tables | 36 inches on all usable sides of the picnic table measured from the back edge of the seats or benches. |
| Fire rings, grills, fireplaces, and woodstoves |
48 by 48 inches on all usable sides of a fire ring, grill, fireplace, and woodstove. Center the space on each usable side of the grill, fireplace, and woodstove. |
| Trash and recycling receptacles | 36 by 48 inches positioned for a forward approach to the receptacle opening or 30 by 60 inches positioned for a parallel approach to the receptacle opening. |
| Water hydrants |
72 by 48 inches with the long side of the space adjoining or overlapping an ORAR or trail, as applicable, or another clear ground space. Locate the clear space so that the water spout is a minimum of 11 inches and a maximum of 12 inches from the rear center of the long side of the space. |
| Utility and sewage hookups |
30 by 60 inches with the long side of the space adjoining or overlapping an accessible parking space or pull-up space for recreational vehicles. Locate the space so that the hookups are at the rear center of the space. Bollards or other barriers may not obstruct the clear ground space in front of the hookups or restrict their use. |
| Outdoor rinsing showers |
60 by 60 inches centered on the shower heads. Locate the space so that the shower pedestal or wall supporting the shower head is at the rear of the space. |
| Benches |
36 by 48 inches positioned near the bench with one side of the space adjoining an ORAR or trail, as applicable. The clear ground space may not overlap the ORAR or trail or another clear ground space. |
| Viewing scopes |
36 by 48 inches positioned for a forward approach to the viewing scope. Provide knee and toe clearance under the viewing scope that complies with section 306. Locate the space so that the eyepiece is centered on the space. |
Surface, Slope, and Openings [1011.2.2, 1011.2.3, and 1011.2.4]
The surface of the clear ground space must be firm and stable. Additional information on firm and stable surfaces is provided in the trails section of this guide.
When the surface of the clear ground space is constructed of concrete, asphalt, or boards, the slope of the clear ground space must be no steeper than 1:48 (2 percent) in any direction. When the surface of the clear ground space is constructed of materials other than concrete, asphalt, or boards, slopes no steeper than1:20 (5 percent) are allowed when necessary for drainage.
Openings in the surface of the clear ground space must be small enough so that a sphere more than one-half inch in diameter cannot pass through. Where possible, drainage grates should be located outside the clear ground space and elongated openings should be placed perpendicular, or as close to perpendicular as possible, to the dominant direction of travel.
Operable Parts [1011.3]
The operable parts of outdoor constructed features, such as handles, levers, and latches, must comply with the technical requirements of sections 309.3 and 309.4 of the ABA Standards, unless an exception applies. The technical requirements for operable parts and exceptions to the technical requirements are discussed under the applicable outdoor constructed feature.
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