1018 Beach Access Routes

1018.1 General.

Beach access routes shall comply with 1018.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. 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, the portion of the beach access route shall comply with the provision to the extent practicable.

2. After applying Exception 1, when an entity determines that it is impracticable to provide a beach access route complying with 1018, a beach access route shall not be required.

3. Removable beach access routes shall not be required to comply with 1018.7, 1018.8, and 1018.10.

Advisory 1018.1 General Exception 2. An entity must apply Exception 1 before using Exception 2. 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 to determine whether it would be impracticable to provide a beach access route complying with 1018. The determination is made on a case-by-case basis. Federal agencies must document the basis for their determination when using Exceptions 1 or 2, and must notify the Access Board when using Exception 2. See F201.4.1.

1018.2 Connections.

Beach access routes shall connect an entry point to the beach to the:

1. High tide level at tidal beaches;

2. Mean high water level at river beaches; or

3. Normal recreation water level at lake, pond, and reservoir beaches.

1018.3 Surface.

The surface of beach access routes and resting intervals shall be firm and stable.

1018.4 Clear Width.

The clear width of beach access routes shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum.

EXCEPTION: At dune crossings, the clear width of beach access routes that are not removable shall be permitted to be reduced to 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum.

1018.5 Obstacles.

Obstacles on beach access routes and resting intervals shall not exceed 1/2 inch (13 mm) in height measured vertically to the highest point.

EXCEPTION: Where the surface is other than asphalt, concrete, or boards, obstacles shall be permitted to not exceed 1 inch (25 mm) in height measured vertically to the highest point.

Advisory 1018.5 Obstacles. The vertical alignment of boards on a beach access route or removable sections of a beach access route can be obstacles.

1018.6 Openings.

Openings in the surface of beach access routes and resting intervals shall not allow the passage of a sphere more than 1/2 inch (13 mm) in diameter.

Advisory 1018.6 Openings. 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.

1018.7 Slopes.

The slopes of beach access routes shall comply with 1018.7.

1018.7.1 Maximum Running Slope and Segment Length.

The running slope of any segment of a beach access route shall not be steeper than 1:10 (10%). Where the running slope of a segment of a beach access route is steeper than 1:20 (5%), the maximum length of the segment shall be in accordance with Table 1018.7.1, and a resting interval complying with 1018.8 shall be provided at the top and bottom of each segment.

Table 1018.7.1
Maximum Running Slope and Segment Length

Running Slope of Beach Access Route Segment		Maximum Length of Segment
Steeper than	But not Steeper than
1:20 (5%)	1:12 (8.33%)	50 feet (15 m)
1:12 (8.33%)	1:10 (10%)	30 feet (9 m)

Advisory 1018.7.1 Maximum Running Slope and Segment Length. Gradual running slopes on beach access routes are more useable by individuals with disabilities. Where the terrain results in steeper running slopes, resting intervals are required more frequently. When running slopes are less severe, resting intervals are permitted to be further apart.

1018.7.2 Cross Slope.

The cross slope shall not be steeper than 1:48.

EXCEPTION: Where the surface is other than concrete, asphalt, or boards, cross slopes not steeper than 1:20 shall be permitted when necessary for drainage.

1018.8 Resting Intervals.

Resting intervals shall comply with 1018.8.

1018.8.1 Size.

Resting intervals shall be 60 inches minimum (1525 mm) by 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum.

1018.8.2 Slope.

Resting intervals shall have a slope not steeper than 1:48 in any direction.

EXCEPTION: Where the surface is other than concrete, asphalt, or boards, cross slopes not steeper than 1:20 shall be permitted when necessary for drainage.

1018.9 Protruding Objects.

Constructed elements on beach access routes and resting intervals shall comply with 307.

Advisory 1018.9 Protruding Objects. Protruding objects on beach access routes and resting intervals 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.

Where the slope of a beach access route at a dune crossing is steeper than 1:20 (5%), handrails complying with 505 and curbs or barriers shall be provided. The curbs or barriers shall prevent the passage of a 2 inch (50 mm) diameter sphere, where any portion of the sphere is within 2 inches (50 mm) of the crossing surface.

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