Where Required: Site Arrival Points [§206.2.1]

This guide explains scoping and technical requirements for accessible routes in the ADA Standards.

At least one accessible route must be provided within the site to accessible facility entrances from these site arrival points, where provided:

accessible parking and accessible passenger loading zones
public streets and sidewalks
each public transportation stop.

Accessible Routes from Site Arrival Points [§206.2.1]

Figure of site with accessible routes shown leading from public sidewalk, parking, and bus stop top facility entrance. Notes: Site arrival points include accessible parking spaces and accessible passenger loading zones, public transit stops located on sites, and pubic streets and sidewalks. An accessible route must connect site arrival points to each accessible entrance they serve. Accessible routes must coincide with, or be in the same vicinity as, general circulation paths (§206.3). If no pedestrian route onto a site is provided and site entry is by vehicle only, an accessible route from the site boundary is not required (§206.2.1, Ex. 2). Where a vehicular way does provide pedestrian access, such as a shopping center parking lot, an accessible route is required.

Details of facility on a site show accessible route connection to public sidewalk within boundary of site bounded by public right-of-way, accessible parking, and bust stop. Notes: Public Streets and Sidewalks - Requirements for accessible routes apply within site boundaries (i.e., property lines or designated portions of public rights-of-ways). Connecting accessible routes to public streets and sidewalks may require coordination with local jurisdictions. Parking and Passenger Loading Zones - Accessible routes must connect to access aisles serving accessible parking spaces and accessible passenger loading zones. It is advisable, though not required, to locate accessible routes in front of parking spaces instead of behind them. Accessible routes that cross or overlap vehicular ways are not required to be marked as a crossing (but access aisles at accessible parking spaces and passenger loading zones must be marked). Public Transportation Stops - Accessible routes serving public transportation stops must connect to boarding and alighting areas and, if bus shelters are provided, to the clear floor space required within shelters.

Accessible Routes within a Site [§206.2.2]

At least one accessible route within the boundary of the site originating from site arrival points must connect all accessible buildings, facilities, elements, and spaces on a site.

Accessible Routes (Exterior) within a Site

Exterior accessible routes at a site with multiple buildings. Notes: An accessible route must connect site arrival points such as accessible parking spaces, passenger loading zones, and transportation stops to each accessible facility they serve. An accessible route within the boundary of the site must connect each facility on a site (except those connected only by a vehicular way that does not provide pedestrian access). An accessible route from public streets and sidewalks must connect directly or indirectly to all accessible facilities and elements on a site. An accessible route must serve all accessible spaces and elements on a site, including those that are exterior, such as courtyards and drinking fountains. An accessible route is not required where the only means of access between buildings, facilities, or elements is a vehicular way not providing pedestrian access (§206.2.2, Ex.). Accessible routes must coincide with, or be in the same area as, circulation paths. This promotes equivalency and precludes accessible routes that are obscure, hard to find, or that diverge from circulation paths more than is necessary (§206.3).

Accessible Routes within a Building or Facility

At least one accessible route must connect all accessible spaces and elements. If a circulation path is interior, the accessible route also must be interior. Accessible vertical interior circulation must be in the same area as stairs and escalators, not isolated in the back of the facility.

Accessible route extending from ramp and connecting to maneuvering clearance at door and clear floor space at a drinking fountain and an elevator call button. Notes: An accessible route from facility entrances is required to each accessible room, space, and element. Vertical access between stories is required in most multi-story facilities, but exceptions are permitted for some non-governmental facilities under a certain size or number of stories. Accessible routes must serve each level on a floor required to be accessible. Vertical access can be achieved by ramps, curb ramps, elevators or, where permitted, platform lifts. Accessible routes must connect to an unobstructed side of the clear floor space required at accessible elements.

In alterations and additions, an accessible route is required where circulation paths are altered or built (§202.3). Also, alterations or additions to areas containing a primary function (a major activity for which a facility is intended) require an accessible path of travel that extends to site arrival points to the extent that the additional cost does not exceed 20% (§202.4). Otherwise, if a space or element is altered, but the circulation path to it is not, an accessible route is not required.

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