Chapter 2: Scoping Requirements
R201 General
R201.1 Scope
All newly constructed pedestrian facilities and altered portions of existing pedestrian facilities for pedestrian circulation and use located in the public right-of-way shall comply with these guidelines.
EXCEPTION: Pedestrian facilities within vaults, tunnels, and other spaces used only by service personnel for maintenance, repair, or monitoring of equipment are not required to comply with these guidelines.
R201.2 Temporary and Permanent Pedestrian Facilities
The requirements in these guidelines shall apply to temporary and permanent pedestrian facilities and elements in the public right-of-way. Where a pedestrian circulation path or transit stop is temporarily closed by construction, maintenance operations, or similar conditions, an alternate pedestrian access route or transit stop shall be provided in accordance withR204.
R201.3 Buildings, Structures, and Elements
Buildings, structures, and elements in the public right-of-way that are not covered by the requirements in these guidelines shall comply with the applicable requirements in 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines). Examples include, but are not limited to, buildings, structures, and elements at safety rest areas or park and ride lots, temporary performance stages and reviewing stands.
R202 Alterations
R202.1 General
Alterations to pedestrian facilities shall comply with R202.
R202.2 Connection to Pedestrian Circulation Path
Where pedestrian facilities are altered, they shall be connected by a pedestrian access route complying with R302 to an existing pedestrian circulation path. A transitional segment may be used in the connection.
R202.3 Existing Physical Constraints
In alterations, where existing physical constraints make compliance with applicable requirements technically infeasible, compliance with these requirements is required to the maximum extent feasible. Existing physical constraints include, but are not limited to, underlying terrain, underground structures, adjacent developed facilities, drainage, or the presence of a significant natural or historic feature.
R202.4 Reduction in Access Prohibited
An alteration to pedestrian facilities or elements shall not decrease the accessibility of an existing pedestrian facility or element or an accessible connection to an adjacent building or site below the requirements in these guidelines.
R202.5 Alterations to Qualified Historic Facilities
Where the State Historic Preservation Officer or Advisory Council on Historic Preservation determines that compliance with an applicable requirement of these guidelines would threaten or destroy the historic significance of a qualified historic building or facility, compliance with that requirement is required to the maximum extent feasible without threatening or destroying the historic significance of the qualified historic building or facility.
R203 Pedestrian Access Routes
R203.1 General
Where provided, the pedestrian facilities addressed in R203 shall contain or connect a pedestrian access route, and shall comply with these guidelines.
R203.2 Connection to Accessible Facilities
Pedestrian access routes shall connect accessible elements, spaces, and pedestrian facilities in accordance with R203.2.
R203.2.1 Connection to Accessible Facilities subject to the ADA
Pedestrian access routes subject to the ADA shall connect accessible elements, spaces, and pedestrian facilities required to be accessible and connect to accessible routes required by section 206.2.1 of appendix B to 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines) that connect building and facility entrances to public streets and sidewalks.
EXCEPTION: Where elements are altered, on or adjacent to an existing pedestrian circulation path, the existing pedestrian circulation path need not be altered to provide a pedestrian access route complying with R202.2.
R203.2.2 Connection to Accessible Facilities subject to the ABA
Pedestrian access routes subject to the ABA shall connect accessible elements, spaces, and pedestrian facilities required to be accessible and connect to accessible routes required by section F206.2.1 of appendix C to 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines) that connect building and facility entrances to public streets and sidewalks.
EXCEPTION: Where elements are altered, on or adjacent to an existing pedestrian circulation path, the existing pedestrian circulation path need not be altered to provide a pedestrian access route complying with R202.2.
R203.3 Pedestrian Circulation Paths
Pedestrian access routes complying with R302 shall be provided within pedestrian circulation paths, including sidewalks and shared use paths. Transitional segments may be used to connect new or altered pedestrian access routes to existing pedestrian circulation paths, and the differences between adjacent surface characteristics shall be minimized to provide a smooth transition.
R203.4 Crosswalks
A pedestrian access route complying with R302 shall be provided within and for the full length of a crosswalk, including medians and pedestrian refuge islands. Crosswalks shall comply with R306.
R203.5 Pedestrian At-Grade Rail Crossing
Where a pedestrian circulation path crosses at-grade rail tracks, a pedestrian access route complying with R302 shall be included within the pedestrian at-grade rail crossing. Pedestrian at-grade rail crossings shall comply with R306.
R203.6 Curb Ramps and Blended Transitions
A curb ramp, blended transition, or a combination of curb ramps and blended transitions shall be provided in accordance with R203.6 and shall comply with R304.
R203.6.1 Placement
Placement of curb ramps and blended transitions shall comply with R203.6.1.
R203.6.1.1 Crosswalks at an Intersection
At an intersection corner, one curb ramp or blended transition shall be provided for each crosswalk, or a single blended transition that spans all crosswalks at the intersection corner may be provided. Where pedestrian crossing is prohibited, curb ramps or blended transitions shall not be provided, and the pedestrian circulation path shall be either (a) separated from the roadway with landscaping or other non-prepared surface or (b) separated from the roadway by a detectable vertical edge treatment with a bottom edge 15 inches maximum above the pedestrian circulation path.
EXCEPTION: In alterations, where existing physical constraints make compliance with R203.6.1.1 technically infeasible, a single curb ramp complying with R304 shall be permitted at the apex of the intersection corner.
R203.6.1.2 Mid-Block and Roundabout Crosswalks
At a mid-block or roundabout crosswalk, curb ramps or blended transitions shall be provided on both ends of the crosswalk. Where pedestrian crossing is not intended, curb ramps or blended transitions shall not be provided, and the pedestrian circulation path shall be either (a) separated from the roadway with landscaping or other non-prepared surface or (b) separated from the roadway by a detectable vertical edge treatment with a bottom edge 15 inches maximum above the pedestrian circulation path.
R203.6.1.3 Parallel On-Street Parking
At parallel on-street parking spaces complying with the dimensions specified in R310.2.1, a curb ramp or blended transition shall be provided at either end of the parking space if needed to connect the parking space to a pedestrian access route.
R203.6.1.4 Perpendicular and Angled On-Street Parking and Passenger Loading Zones
At perpendicular and angled on-street parking spaces, and at passenger loading zones, a curb ramp or blended transition shall be provided if needed to connect the access aisle to a pedestrian access route.
R203.6.2 Alterations to Crosswalks
When alterations are made to crosswalks, curb ramps or blended transitions shall be provided on both ends of the crosswalk where the pedestrian access route crosses a curb.
R203.7 Pedestrian Overpasses and Underpasses
Pedestrian overpasses and underpasses shall contain a pedestrian access route complying with R302. Where an overpass, underpass, bridge, or similar structure is designed for pedestrian use only, or pedestrian and bicycle use only, and the approach slope to the structure exceeds 1:20 (5.0%), a ramp complying with R407, or an elevator or limited use/limited application elevator complying with sections 407 or 408 of Appendix D to 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines), shall be provided. Elevators and limited use/limited application elevators shall be unlocked and independently usable during the operating hours of the pedestrian facility served.
EXCEPTION: In alterations, where existing physical constraints make compliance with R203.7 technically infeasible, a platform lift complying with section 410 of Appendix D to 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines) shall be permitted.
R203.8 Ramps
Where provided, ramps shall comply with R407.
R203.9. Elevators and Limited Use/Limited Application Elevators
Where provided, elevators and limited use/limited application elevators shall comply with sections 407 or 408 of Appendix D to 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines).
R203.10 Platform Lifts
In alterations, where the use of elevators or limited use elevators is not technically feasible, platform lifts may be used and shall comply with section 410 of Appendix D to 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines).
R203.11 Doors, Doorways, and Gates
Doors, doorways, and gates that are part of a pedestrian access route shall comply with section 404 of Appendix D to 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines).
R204 Alternate Pedestrian Access Routes, Transit Stops, and Passenger Loading Zones
R204.1 Alternate Pedestrian Access Route
When a pedestrian circulation path is temporarily not accessible due to construction, maintenance operations, closure, or other similar conditions, an alternate pedestrian access route must be provided and comply with R303 and R402.
EXCEPTION: If establishing or maintaining an alternate pedestrian access route is technically infeasible due to site conditions or existing physical constraints, an alternate means of providing access for pedestrians with disabilities shall be permitted.
R204.2 Alternate Transit Stops
Where accessible transit stops are temporarily not accessible due to construction, maintenance operations, or other similar conditions, alternate transit stops complying with R309 shall be provided.
R204.3 Alternate Passenger Loading Zones
Where a permanently designated passenger loading zone is temporarily not accessible due to construction, maintenance operations, or other similar conditions, and a temporary passenger loading zone is provided, it must comply with R311.
R205 Detectable Warning Surfaces
R205.1 General
Detectable warning surfaces shall be provided in accordance with R205.
R205.2 Curb Ramps and Blended Transitions
Curb ramps shall have detectable warning surfaces complying with R205.2.1. Blended transitions shall have detectable warning surfaces complying with R205.2.2.
EXCEPTION: Detectable warning surfaces are not required on curb ramps and blended transitions used exclusively to connect passenger loading zones, accessible parallel on-street parking spaces, and access aisles for perpendicular and angled parking spaces to pedestrian access routes.
R205.2.1 Curb Ramps
Curb ramps located at crosswalks shall have detectable warning surfaces complying with R305.1 and either R305.2.1 or R305.2.2.
R205.2.2 Blended Transitions
Blended transitions located at crosswalks shall have detectable warning surfaces complying with R305.1 and R305.2.3.
R205.3 Pedestrian Refuge Islands
Cut-through pedestrian refuge islands shall have detectable warning surfaces complying with R305.1 and R305.2.4.
R205.4 Pedestrian At-Grade Rail Crossings
Pedestrian at-grade rail crossings not located within a street shall have detectable warning surfaces complying with R305.1 and R305.2.5. Pedestrian at-grade rail crossings located within a street at a crosswalk shall not have detectable warning surfaces adjacent to the railway.
R205.5 Boarding Platforms
Boarding platforms at transit stops that are not protected by screens or guards along the sides of the boarding and alighting areas facing the transit vehicles shall have detectable warning surfaces complying with R305.1 and R305.2.6.
R205.6 Sidewalk and Street-Level Rail Boarding and Alighting Areas
Boarding and alighting areas at sidewalk or street-level transit stops for rail vehicles that are not protected by screens or guards along the side of the boarding and alighting areas facing the rail vehicles shall have detectable warning surfaces complying with R305.1 and R305.2.7.
R205.7 Driveways
Pedestrian circulation paths at driveways controlled with yield or stop control devices or traffic signals shall have detectable warning surfaces complying with R305.2.8.
R206 Pedestrian Signal Heads and Pedestrian Activated Warning Devices
R206.1 General
Where provided, pedestrian signal heads and pedestrian activated warning devices shall comply with R206. The accessible features required by these guidelines shall be available at all times.
R206.2 Traffic Control Signals and Hybrid Beacons with Pedestrian Signal Heads
Where pedestrian signal heads are provided at crosswalks, the walk indication shall comply with R308. Pedestrian signal heads must have a pedestrian push button complying with R307, except for R307.7, or passive detection or pretimed operation that activates audible and vibrotactile indications complying with R308.
R206.3 Pedestrian Activated Warning Devices
Pedestrian activated warning devices shall have pedestrian push buttons complying with R307, except for R307.2 and R307.6, or passive detection that operates audible indications complying with R307.7.
R207 Protruding Objects and Vertical Clearance
R207.1 General
Protruding objects and vertical clearance along any portion of a pedestrian circulation path shall comply with R402.
R208 Pedestrian Signs
R208.1 General
Where provided, signs intended solely for pedestrians, including transit signs, and all signs serving shared use paths, shall comply with R410.
EXCEPTIONS: 1. Transit schedules, timetables, and maps are not required to comply with R410.
2. Signs mounted immediately above or incorporated into a push button detector unit are not required to comply with R410.
R209 Street Furniture
R209.1 General
Where provided, street furniture shall comply with the applicable requirements in R209.
R209.2 Drinking Fountains
Drinking fountains shall comply with sections 602.1 through 602.6 of Appendix D to 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines).
R209.3 Public Street Toilets
Public street toilets shall be provided in accordance with R209.3.
R209.3.1 Permanent Public Street Toilets
Permanent public street toilets shall comply with sections 603 through 610 of Appendix D to 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines).
R209.3.2 Portable Toilet Units
Portable toilet units shall comply with section 603 of Appendix D to 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines). Where multiple single user portable toilet units are clustered at a single location, at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one of each type of the toilet units at each cluster shall be required to comply with 603 Appendix D to 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines). Portable toilet units complying with section 603 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with R411.
R209.4 Tables
At least 5 percent of tables at each group of adjacent tables, but no fewer than one, shall comply with section 902 of Appendix D to 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines).
R209.5 Sales or Service Counters
Sales or service counters shall comply with section 904.4 of Appendix D to 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines).
EXCEPTION 1: Sales or service counters that are located in a building subject to the ADA that is not itself in the public right-of-way but that directly serve the public right-of-way, such as at a service window accessed from the sidewalk, may comply with section 227.3 of Appendix B to 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines).
EXCEPTION 2: Sales or service counters that are located in a building subject to the ABA that is not itself in the public right-of-way but that directly serve the public right-of-way, such as at a service window accessed from the sidewalk, may comply with section F227.3 of Appendix C to 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines).
R209.6 Benches
Benches, other than those that are part of tables complying with R209.4, shall comply with R209.6.
R209.6.1 Benches at Transit Stops and Shelters
Benches provided at transit stops shall have clear space complying with R404 next to either end of the bench, or if the bench has no end, such as a circular bench, the clear space shall either be integral to the bench or no more than 18 inches (455 mm) from the front of the bench. Benches provided within transit shelters shall have clear space complying with R309.2.2.
R209.6.2 Benches Not at Transit Stops and Shelters
At least 50 percent, but no less than one, of benches at each group of adjacent benches shall provide clear space complying with R404. The clear space shall be located next to either end of the bench, or if the bench has no end, such as a circular bench, the clear space shall either be integral to the bench or no more than 18 inches (455 mm) from the front of the bench.
R209.7 Operable Parts of Other Fixed Elements
Operable parts of other fixed elements to be used by pedestrians shall comply with R403.
R210 Transit Stops and Transit Shelters
R210.1 General
Where provided, transit stops and transit shelters shall comply with R309.
R210.2 Fare Vending Machines
Where provided at transit stops and transit shelters, fare vending machines shall comply with R403 and section 707 of Appendix D to 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines), except for 707.2 and 707.3.
R210.3. Operable Parts of Other Fixed Elements
Operable parts of other fixed elements at transit stops and shelters intended to be used by pedestrians shall comply with R403.
R211 On-Street Parking Spaces
R211.1 General
Where on-street parking is provided and is metered or designated by signs or pavement markings, accessible parking spaces complying with R310 shall be provided in accordance with R211 and Table R211.
EXCEPTIONS: 1. On-street parking spaces designated exclusively as residential parking shall not be required to comply with R211 and shall not be counted for purposes of Table R211.
2. On-street parking spaces designated exclusively for commercial or law enforcement vehicles shall not be required to comply with R211 and shall not be counted for purposes of Table R211.
3. Where on-street parking spaces are altered, the requirements of R211 shall apply only to the affected parking spaces until the minimum number of accessible on-street parking spaces as specified in Table R211 are provided.
R211.2 Parking on Block Perimeter
Where parking spaces are provided on a block perimeter and are metered or designated by signs or pavement markings, accessible parking spaces complying with R310 shall be provided in accordance with Table R211. Where parking is metered or designated by signs or pavement markings, but individual spaces are not marked, each 20 feet (6.1 m) of block perimeter where parking is designated shall be counted as one parking space.
R211.3 Parking not on Block Perimeter
Where parking spaces are provided on a section of a street that is not part of a block perimeter, accessible parking spaces complying with R310 shall be provided in accordance with Table R211. Where parking is metered or designated by signs or pavement markings, but individual spaces are not marked, each 20 feet (6.1 m) of street where parking is designated shall be counted as one parking space.
Table R211 On-Street Parking Spaces
Table R211 On-Street Parking Spaces
| Total Number of Metered or Designated Parking Spaces | Minimum Required Number of Accessible Parking Spaces |
|---|---|
| 1 to 25 | 1 |
| 26 to 50 | 2 |
| 51 to 75 | 3 |
| 76 to 100 | 4 |
| 101 to 150 | 5 |
| 151 to 200 | 6 |
| 201 and over | 4 percent of total |
R212 Passenger Loading Zones
R212.1 General
Where permanently designated passenger loading zones other than transit stops are provided, at least one accessible passenger loading zone complying with R311 shall be provided in every continuous 100 feet (30 m) of loading zone space, or fraction thereof.
R213 Stairs and Escalators
R213.1 General
Where provided on pedestrian circulation paths, stairs shall comply with R408 and escalators shall comply with section 810.9 of Appendix D to 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines). Stairs and escalators shall not be part of pedestrian access routes.
R214 Handrails
R214.1 General
Where provided on pedestrian circulation paths, handrails shall comply with R409.
