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36 CFR Part 1191 ABA Accessibility Guidelines, Outdoor Developed Areas

Click here to view 36 CFR Part 1191 in its entirety on eCFR.gov.

ABA CHAPTER 2: SCOPING REQUIREMENTS

F201.4 Requirements Apply to Facilities Constructed or Altered by or on Behalf of Federal Agencies.

The requirements in F216.13, F244 through F248, and 1011 through 1019 shall apply only to facilities constructed or altered by federal agencies or by non-federal entities on federal land on behalf of federal agencies pursuant to a concession contract, partnership agreement, or similar arrangement.

F201.4.1 Documentation and Notification When Exceptions Used for Trails and Beach Access Routes.

Federal agencies shall document the basis for not fully complying with a specific provision in 1017 or 1018 on a portion of a trail or beach access route based on Exception 1 in 1017 or Exception 1 in 1018, and shall maintain the documentation with the records for the trail or beach project. Federal agencies shall notify the Access Board if an entire trail is exempted from complying with 1017 based on Exception 2 in 1017.1, and if a beach access route is not provided based on Exception 2 in 1018.1.

Advisory F201.4.1 Documentation and Notification When Exceptions Used for Trails and Beach Access Routes. Forms for notifying the Access Board if an entire trail is exempted from complying with 1017 based on Exception 2 in 1017.1, and if a beach access route is not provided based on Exception 2 in 1018.1 are available at: www.access-board.gov.

F202.3 Alterations.

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EXCEPTIONS: * * * * *

4. Where elements or spaces are altered in camping facilities, picnic facilities, viewing areas, or trailheads and the circulation path to the altered element or space is not altered, the circulation path shall not be required to comply with 1016.

F202.4 Alterations Affecting Primary Function Areas.

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EXCEPTIONS: * * * * *

2. Camping facilities, picnic facilities, viewing areas, trailheads, trails, and beach access routes shall not be required to comply with F202.4.

F206.1 General.

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EXCEPTIONS: 1. Accessible routes shall not be required where outdoor recreation access routes are provided at camping facilities in accordance with F244.5, picnic facilities in accordance with F245.4, viewing areas in accordance with F246.3, or trailheads in accordance with F247.3.2.

2. Accessible routes shall not be required where camping facilities, picnic facilities, viewing areas, or outdoor constructed features are provided on trails.

3. Accessible routes shall not be required where beach access routes are provided in accordance with F248.

F212.3 Sinks.

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EXCEPTIONS: * * * * *

2. In camping facilities and picnic facilities, sinks shall not be required to comply with F212.3 where a cooktop or conventional range is not provided.

F213.1 General.

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EXCEPTION: Pit toilets provided on trails and in camping facilities shall not be required to comply with F213.

Advisory F213.1 General. A pit toilet is a primitive outhouse consisting of a toilet riser over a hole dug into the ground or receptacle to receive and naturally decompose human waste.

F216.13 Trailhead Signs.

Where new trail information signs are provided at trailheads on newly constructed or altered trails designed for use by hikers or pedestrians, the signs shall comply with 1017.11.

Advisory F216.13 Trailhead Signs. New trail information signs are required to comply with 1017.11 regardless of whether the newly constructed or altered trails comply with 1017. If trail information signs designate the name of the trail, only the name of the trail is required to comply with 703.5. See F216.2. Tactile characters are not required on exterior signs. Trail information signs are not required to display the International Symbol of Accessibility.

ETA Editor's Note

Section 1017.11 is referenced in the text and advisory above, but does not exist in the final rule. Technical requirements for trailhead signs are found in section 1017.10

F244.1 General.

Camping facilities, other than camping facilities on trails, shall comply with F244.

Advisory F244.1 General. Camping facilities on trails are addressed in F247.4.1.

F244.2 Camping Units with Mobility Features.

Camping facilities shall provide camping units with mobility features complying with F244.2 in accordance with Table F244.2. Where a camping facility provides different types of camping units, Table F244.2 shall apply to each type of camping unit provided.

Table F244.2 Camping Units with Mobility Features
Total Number of Camping Units Provided in Camping Facility Minimum Number of Camping Units with Mobility Features Required
1 1
2 to 25 2
26 to 50 3
51 to 75 4
76 to 100 5
101 to 150 7
151 to 200 8
201 and over 8, plus 2 percent of the number over 200

Advisory F244.2 Camping Units with Mobility Features. Camping units for recreational vehicles only, camping units for tent camping only, and camping units with camp shelters are different types of camping units.

Camping units with mobility features are not required to be identified by signs. Entities should provide information on the location of camping units with mobility features on websites, in brochures, and at bulletin boards or information kiosks at the camping facility. Where entities operate reservation systems for camping units or assign camping units upon arrival, entities should establish policies to ensure that camping units with mobility features are available for individuals with disabilities until all the camping units are occupied.

F244.2.1 Alterations and Additions.

Where camping units are altered or added, the requirements of F244.2 shall apply only to the camping units that are altered or added until the number of camping units with mobility features complies with the minimum number required in Table 244.2.

EXCEPTION: Where an entity is implementing a transition plan for program accessibility developed pursuant to regulations issued under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act that designates specific camping units to provide mobility features complying with F244.2, the entity shall not be required to comply with F244.2 when altering individual elements within camping units that are not designated to provide mobility features complying with F244.2.

Advisory F244.2.1 Alterations and Additions Exception. When all the elements within a camping unit are altered, the altered camping unit is required to comply with F244.2 unless the minimum number of camping units with mobility features required in Table 244.2 is provided.

F244.2.2 Dispersion.

Camping units required to provide mobility features complying with F244.2 shall provide choices of camping units comparable to, and integrated with, those available to others.

F244.2.3 Elements Within Camping Units with Mobility Features.

Elements within camping units required to provide mobility features shall comply with F244.2.3.

F244.2.3.1 Outdoor Constructed Features.

Where provided, at least one of each type of outdoor constructed features shall comply with 1011. Where more than one of the same type of outdoor constructed features is provided, at least two of the same type of outdoor constructed features shall comply with 1011.

F244.2.3.2 Parking Spaces.

Where provided, parking spaces shall comply with F244.2.3.2.

F244.2.3.2.1 Recreational Vehicles.

Where parking spaces are provided for recreational vehicles, at least one parking space shall comply with 1012.2, 1012.4, and 1012.5. Where more than one parking space is provided for recreational vehicles, at least two parking spaces shall comply with 1012.2, 1012.4, and 1012.5.

F244.2.3.2.2 Vehicles Other Than Recreational Vehicles.

Where parking spaces are provided for vehicles other than recreational vehicles, at least one parking space shall comply with 1012.3, 1012.4, and 1012.5. Where more than one parking space is provided for a vehicle other than a recreational vehicle, at least two parking spaces shall comply with 1012.3, 1012.4, and 1012.5.

F244.2.3.3 Tent Pads and Tent Platforms.

Where provided, at least one tent pad and tent platform shall comply with 1013. Where more than one tent pad and tent platform is provided, at least two tent pads and tent platforms shall comply with 1013.

F244.2.3.4 Camp Shelters.

Where provided, at least one camp shelter shall comply with 1014. Where more than one camp shelter is provided, at least two camp shelters shall comply with 1014.

F244.3 Outdoor Constructed Features in Common Use and Public Use Areas.

Where provided in common use and public use areas that serve camping units with mobility features, at least 20 percent, but not less than one, of each type of outdoor constructed feature provided at each location shall comply with 1011.

F244.4 Pull-up Spaces for Recreational Vehicles at Dump Stations.

Where provided, pull-up spaces for recreational vehicles at dump stations shall comply with 1012.2, 1012.4, and 1012.5.

F244.5 Outdoor Recreation Access Routes.

Camping facilities shall provide outdoor recreation access routes complying with 1016 in accordance with F244.5.

Advisory F244.5 Outdoor Recreation Access Routes. In alterations to existing camping facilities, there are exceptions in 1016.1 that can be used where conditions specified in 1019 apply.

F244.5.1 Routes Within Camping Units with Mobility Features.

At least one outdoor recreation access route shall connect accessible elements, spaces, and facilities provided within camping units with mobility features.

F244.5.2 Routes to and Within Common Use and Public Use Areas.

Common use and public use areas serving camping units with mobility features shall provide outdoor recreation access routes in accordance with F244.5.2.

EXCEPTION: Outdoor recreation access routes shall not be required to connect camping units with mobility features and recreational vehicle dump stations where a pull-up space complying with 1012.2, 1012.4, and 1012.5 is provided at the dump station for recreational vehicles.

F244.5.2.1 Routes to Common Use and Public Use Areas.

At least one outdoor recreation access route shall connect each camping unit with mobility features with common use and public use areas serving the unit.

F244.5.2.2 Routes Within Common Use and Public Use Areas.

At least one outdoor recreation access route shall connect accessible elements, spaces, and facilities provided within common use and public use areas serving camping units with mobility features.

F244.5.3 Routes to Adjacent Recreation Facilities.

Where a circulation path connects camping facilities and adjacent recreation facilities, at least one outdoor recreation access route shall connect camping units with mobility features to an accessible route serving the adjacent recreation facilities.

Advisory F244.5.3 Routes to Adjacent Recreation Facilities. F244.5.3 does not modify the accessible route requirements in F206 that apply to recreation facilities.

F244.5.4 Location.

Outdoor recreation access routes required by F244.5.2 and F244.5.3 shall coincide with or be located in the same area as general circulation paths.

Advisory F244.5.4 Location. Where a vehicular way serves as the general circulation path for pedestrians at a camping facility, the outdoor recreation access route can be provided within the vehicular way.

F245.1 General.

Picnic facilities, other than picnic facilities on trails, shall comply with F245.

Advisory F245.1 General. Picnic facilities on trails are addressed in F247.4.2.

F245.2 Picnic Units with Mobility Features.

Picnic facilities shall provide picnic units with mobility features in accordance with F245.2.

Advisory F245.2 Picnic Units with Mobility Features. Picnic units with mobility features are not required to be identified by signs. Entities should provide information on the location of picnic units with mobility features on websites, in brochures, and at bulletin boards or information kiosks at the picnic facility.

F245.2.1 Picnic Facilities with Two or Fewer Picnic Units.

Where picnic facilities contain two or fewer picnic units, each picnic unit shall provide mobility features complying with F245.2.

F245.2.2 Picnic Facilities with More Than Two Picnic Units.

Where picnic facilities contain more than two picnic units, at least 20 percent, but not less than two, of the picnic units shall provide mobility features complying with F245.2.

F245.2.3 Alterations and Additions.

Where picnic units are altered or added, the requirements of F245.2 shall apply only to the picnic units that are altered or added until the number of picnic units with mobility features complies with the minimum number required in F245.2.1 or F245.2.2.

EXCEPTION: Where an entity is implementing a transition plan for program accessibility developed pursuant to regulations issued under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act that designates specific picnic units to provide mobility features complying with F245.2, the entity shall not be required to comply with F245.2 when altering individual elements within picnic units that are not designated to provide mobility features complying with F245.2.

Advisory F245.2.3 Alterations and Additions Exception. When all the elements within a picnic unit are altered, the altered picnic unit is required to comply with F245.2 unless the minimum number of picnic units with mobility features required in F245.2.1 or F245.2.2 is provided.

F245.2.4 Dispersion.

Picnic units required to provide mobility features complying with F245.2 shall provide choices of picnic units comparable to, and integrated with, those available to others.

F245.2.5 Elements Within Picnic Units with Mobility Features.

Elements within picnic units required to provide mobility features shall comply with F245.2.5.

F245.2.5.1 Outdoor Constructed Features.

Where provided, at least one of each type of outdoor constructed feature shall comply with 1011. Where more than one of the same type of outdoor constructed feature is provided, at least two of the same type of outdoor constructed features shall comply with 1011.

F245.2.5.2 Parking Spaces.

Where provided, at least one parking space shall comply with 1012.3, 1012.4, and 1012.5. Where more than one parking space is provided, at least two parking spaces shall comply with 1012.3, 1012.4, and 1012.5.

F245.3 Outdoor Constructed Features in Common Use and Public Use Areas.

Where provided in common use and public use areas that serve picnic units with mobility features, at least 20 percent, but not less than one, of each type of outdoor constructed feature provided at each location shall comply with 1011.

F245.4 Outdoor Recreation Access Routes.

Picnic facilities shall provide outdoor recreation access routes complying with 1016 in accordance with F245.4.

Advisory F245.4. Outdoor Recreation Access Routes. In alterations to existing picnic facilities, there are exceptions in 1016.1 that can be used where conditions specified in 1019 apply.

F245.4.1 Routes Within Picnic Units with Mobility Features.

At least one outdoor recreation access route shall connect accessible elements, spaces, and facilities provided within picnic units with mobility features.

F245.4.2 Routes to and Within Common Use and Public Use Areas.

Common use and public use areas serving picnic units with mobility features shall provide outdoor recreation access routes in accordance with F245.4.2.

F245.4.2.1 Routes to Common Use and Public Use Areas.

At least one outdoor recreation access route shall connect each picnic unit with mobility features with common use and public use areas serving that unit.

F245.4.2.2 Routes Within Common Use and Public Use Areas.

At least one outdoor recreation access route shall connect accessible elements, spaces, and facilities provided within common use and public use areas serving picnic units with mobility features.

F245.4.3 Routes to Adjacent Recreation Facilities.

Where a circulation path connects picnic facilities and adjacent recreation facilities, at least one outdoor recreation access route shall connect picnic units with mobility features to an accessible route serving the adjacent recreation facilities.

Advisory F245.4.3 Adjacent Recreation Facilities. F245.4.3 does not modify the accessible route requirements in F206 that apply to adjacent recreation facilities.

F245.4.4 Location.

Outdoor recreation access routes required by F245.4.2 and F245.4.3 shall coincide with or be located in the same area as general circulation paths.

Advisory F245.4.4 Location. Where a vehicular way serves as the general circulation path for pedestrians at a picnic facility, the outdoor recreation access route can be provided within the vehicular way.

F246.1 General.

Viewing areas, other than viewing areas on trails, shall comply with F246.1.

Advisory F246.1 General. Viewing areas on trails are addressed in F247.4.3.

F246.2 Distinct Viewing Locations.

Each distinct viewing location within a viewing area shall comply with 1015.

Advisory F246.2 Distinct Viewing Locations. Viewing areas can provide more than one distinct viewing location. For example, a viewing area can provide a distinct viewing location for observing a mountain range, and another distinct viewing location for observing a river. Distinct viewing locations within a viewing area can be designated by signs or other markers.

F246.3 Outdoor Constructed Features.

Where provided within viewing areas, at least 20 percent, but not less than one, of each type of outdoor constructed feature shall comply with 1011.

F246.4 Outdoor Recreation Access Routes.

At least one outdoor recreation access route complying with 1016 shall connect accessible parking spaces or other arrival points serving the viewing area with accessible elements, spaces, and facilities provided within the viewing area.

Advisory F246.4. Outdoor Recreation Access Routes. There are exceptions in 1016.1 that can be used where conditions specified in 1019 apply.

F247.1 General.

Where a trail is designed for use by hikers or pedestrians and directly connects to a trailhead or another trail that substantially meets the requirements in 1017, the trail shall comply with 1017.

Advisory F247.1 General. The Federal Trail Data Standards classify trails by their designed use and managed use. A trail has only one designed use that determines the design, construction, and maintenance parameters for the trail. A trail can have more than one managed use based on a management decision to allow other uses on the trail. Trails that have a designed use for hikers or pedestrians are required to comply with 1017. Trails that have a designed use for other than hikers or pedestrians are not required to comply with 1017.

A trail system may include a series of connecting trails. Only trails that directly connect to a trailhead or another trail that substantially meets the requirements in 1017 are required to comply with 1017.

F247.2 Existing Trails.

Where the original design, function, or purpose of an existing trail is changed and the altered portion of the trail directly connects to a trailhead or another trail that substantially meets the requirements in 1017, the altered portion of the trail shall comply with 1017.

Advisory F247.2 Existing Trails. Routine or periodic maintenance activities that are performed to return an existing trail to the condition to which the trail was originally designed are not required to comply with 1017.

F247.3 Trailheads.

Trailheads shall comply with F247.3.

Advisory F247.3 Trailheads. Trailhead information signs are addressed in F216.13.

F247.3.1 Outdoor Constructed Features.

Where provided within trailheads, at least 20 percent, but not less than one, of each type of outdoor constructed feature shall comply with 1011.

F247.3.2 Outdoor Recreation Access Routes.

At least one outdoor recreation access route complying with 1016 shall connect the following:

1. Accessible parking spaces or other arrival points serving the trailhead;

2. Starting point of the trail; and

3. Accessible elements, spaces, and facilities provided within the trailhead.

Advisory F247.3.2 Outdoor Recreation Access Routes. In alterations to existing trailheads, there are exceptions in 1016.1 that can be used where conditions specified in 1019 apply.

F247.4 Trail Facilities.

Where provided on trails, facilities shall comply with F247.4.

Advisory F247.4 Trail Facilities. Facilities are required to comply with F247.4 regardless of whether the trail complies with 1017. Outdoor recreation access routes are not required at camping facilities, picnic facilities, or viewing areas provided on trails.

F247.4.1 Camping Facilities.

Camping facilities provided on trails shall comply with F244.2 and F244.3.

F247.4.2 Picnic Facilities.

Picnic facilities provided on trails shall comply with F245.2 and F245.3.

F247.4.3 Viewing Areas.

Viewing areas provided on trails shall comply with F246.2 and F246.3.

F247.4.4 Routes.

Routes that connect trails complying with 1017 to camping facilities, picnic facilities, viewing areas, pit toilets, and accessible elements provided within the facilities shall comply with 1017.

Advisory F247.4.4. Routes. Routes that connect trails that do not comply with 1017 to camping facilities, picnic facilities, viewing areas, pit toilets, and accessible elements provided within the facilities are not required to comply with 1017. An exception to F213.1 exempts pit toilets from the requirements for accessible toilet facilities.

F247.5 Outdoor Constructed Features.

Where outdoor constructed features are provided on trails, other than within facilities specified in F247.4, at least 20 percent, but not less than one, of each type of outdoor constructed feature at each location shall comply with 1011.

F248.1 General.

Beach access routes complying with 1018 shall be provided in accordance with F248.1. Beach access routes shall be permanent or removable.

EXCEPTION: Beach access routes shall not be required where pedestrian access to the beach is not permitted.

Advisory F248.1 General. There are exceptions in 1018.1 that can be used where conditions specified in 1019 apply. Removable beach access routes can be moved to a protected storage area during storms and other periods when the routes are subject to damage or loss.

F248.1.1 Facilities Serving Beaches.

Beach access routes shall be provided in a number complying with F248.2 where the entity that administers or manages a beach constructs or alters any of the following facilities to serve the beach:

1. Circulation paths;

2. Parking facilities;

3. Toilet facilities; or

4. Bathing facilities.

EXCEPTION: The entity shall not be required to expend more than 20 percent of the costs of constructing or altering the facilities to provide beach access routes.

F248.1.2 Beach Nourishment.

Beach access routes shall be provided in a number complying with F248.2 where the entity that administers or manages a beach undertakes a beach nourishment project.

EXCEPTION: The entity shall not be required to expend more than 20 percent of the costs of a beach nourishment project to provide beach access routes.

F248.2 Minimum Number.

Where beach access routes are required by F248.1, at least one beach access route shall be provided for each 1/2 mile (0.8 km) of beach shoreline administered or managed by the entity.

EXCEPTION: The number of beach access routes shall not be required to exceed the number of pedestrian access points provided by the entity to a beach.

Advisory F248.2 Minimum Number Exception. Pedestrian access points to a beach include parking facilities that serve beaches, dune crossings, and stairways or ramps leading from boardwalks to the beach.

F248.3 Location.

Beach access routes shall coincide with or be located in the same area as pedestrian access points to the beach.

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