* For exterior routes of travel in residential
apartments,
see section
1117A
1127B EXTERIOR ROUTES
OF TRAVEL 
1127B.1 General. Site development and grading shall be designed to provide access to
- All entrances and exterior ground-floor exits, and
- Access to normal paths of travel, and where necessary to provide access,
shall incorporate pedestrian ramps, curb ramps, etc.
- When more than one building or facility is located on a site, accessible
routes of travel shall be provided between buildings and accessible site facilities.
- The accessible route of travel shall be the most practical direct route between accessible building entrances, accessible site facilities and the accessible entrance to the site.
EXCEPTIONS: 1. Where the enforcing agency determines that compliance with these regulations would create an unreasonable hardship because of topography, natural barriers, etc., an exception may be granted when equivalent facilitation is provided through the use of other methods and materials.
2. In existing buildings, this section shall not apply in those conditions where, due to legal or physical constraints, the site of the project would not allow compliance with these regulations or equivalent facilitation without creating an unreasonable hardship.
< See also section 1114B.1.2- Accessible Route of Travel >
<Walks crossing or adjoining vehicular way>
NOTE: See Section 101.17.11, Item 4.
1127B.2 Design and Construction. When accessibility is
required by this section, it shall be designed and constructed in accordance with this
Building Code. See Section 1114B.1 for a list of applicable sections.
1127B.3 Signs. At every primary public entrance and at every major junction along or leading to an accessible route of travel, there shall be a sign displaying the international symbol of accessibility. Signs shall indicate the direction to accessible building entrances and facilities and shall comply with the requirements found in Sections 1117B.5 through 1117B.5.10.
1127B.4 Outside Stairways. Where stairways occur outside a building, refer to Sections 1006.17 of the 1995 California Building Code, 1120A.4.3 and 1133B.4.4.
1127B.5 Curb Ramps.
[Curb
Ramps(4.7)]
Built-up |
Curb Ramp  |
In sidewalk |
At corners |
Returned/ flared |
1. General. Curb ramps shall be constructed at each corner of street intersections and where a pedestrian way crosses a curb.
The preferred and recommended location for curb ramps is in the center of the crosswalk of each street corner. Where it is necessary to locate a curb ramp in the center of the curb return and the street surfaces are marked to identify pedestrian crosswalks, the lower end of the curb ramp shall terminate within such crosswalk areas.
See Figure 11B-20C, Case E.
2. Width of curb ramps. Curb ramps shall be a minimum of 4 feet (1219 mm) in width and shall lie, generally, in a single sloped plane, with a minimum of surface warping and cross slope.
3. Slope of curb ramps.
- The slope of curb ramps shall not exceed 1 unit vertical to 12 units horizontal (8.33%
slope).
- Transitions from ramps to walks, gutters, or streets shall be flush and free of abrupt
changes, except that curb ramps shall comply with Item 5 below. Maximum slopes of
adjoining gutters, road surface immediately adjacent to the curb ramp, or accessible route
shall not exceed 1 unit vertical to 20 units horizontal (5% slope) within 4 feet (1219 mm)
of the top and bottom of the curb ramp.
- The slope of the fanned or flared sides of curb ramps shall not exceed 1 unit vertical to 10 units horizontal (10% slope).
4. Level landing. A
level landing 4 feet (1219 mm) deep shall be provided at the upper end
of each curb ramp over its full width to permit
safe egress from the ramp surface, or the slope of the fanned or flared sides
of the curb ramp shall not exceed 1 unit vertical to 12 units horizontal
(8.33% slope).
5. Beveled lip. The lower end of each curb ramp shall have a 1/2 inch (13 mm) lip beveled at 45 degrees as a detectable way- finding edge for persons with visual impairment.
6. Finish. The surface of each curb ramp and its flared sides shall be stable, firm and slip-resistant and shall be of contrasting finish from that of the adjacent sidewalk.
7. Border. All curb ramps shall have a grooved border 12 inches (305 mm) wide at the level surface of the sidewalk along the top and each side approximately 3/4 inch (19 mm) on center. All curb ramps constructed between the face of the curb and the street shall have a grooved border at the level surface of the sidewalk.
See Figures 11B-19A and 11B-19B.
8. Detectable warnings.
- A curb ramp shall have a detectable warning that extends the full width and depth of the
curb ramp inside the grooved border when the ramp slope is less than 1 unit vertical to 15
units horizontal (6.7% slope).
- Detectable warnings shall consist of raised truncated domes with a diameter of nominal
0.9 inch (22.9 mm) at the base tapering to 0.45 inch (11.4 mm) at the top, a height of
nominal 0.2 inch (5.1 mm) and a center-to-center spacing of nominal 2.35 inches (59.7 mm)
in compliance with Figure 11B-23A. "Nominal" here
shall be in accordance with Section 12-31-102, State Referenced Standards
Code.
- The detectable warning shall contrast visually with adjoining surfaces, either light-on-dark or dark-on-light. The material used to provide contrast shall be an integral part of the walking surface. The domes may be constructed in a variety of methods, including cast in place or stamped, or may be part of a prefabricated surface treatment.
9. Obstructions. Curb ramps shall be located or protected to prevent their obstruction by parked cars.
10. Diagonal curb ramps.
- If diagonal (or corner-type) curb ramps have returned curbs or other
well-defined edges, such edges shall be parallel to the direction of pedestrian flow. The
bottom of diagonal curb ramps shall have 48 inches (1219 mm) minimum clear space as shown
in Figure 11B-22 (c) and (d).
- If diagonal curb ramps are provided at marked crossings, the 48-inch
(1219 mm) clear space shall be within the markings (see Figure 11B-20B, Cases C and D).
- If diagonal curb ramps have flared sides, they shall also have at least a
24-inch-long (610 mm) segment of straight curb located on each side of the curb ramp and
within the marked crossing [see Figure
11B-22 (c)].
NOTES:
1. For additional curb details, see Figures 11B-19A and 11B-19B.
2. If distance from curb to back of sidewalk is too short to accommodate ramp and a 4-foot (1219 mm) platform as in Figure 11B-20A, Case A, the sidewalk may be depressed longitudinally as in Figure 11B-20A, Case B, or Figure 11B-20B, Case C, or may be widened as in Figure 11B-20B, Case D.
3. If sidewalk is less than 5 feet (1524 mm) wide, the full width of the sidewalk shall be depressed as shown in Figure 11B-20B, Case C.
4. As an alternate to Figure 11B-20A, Case A, one ramp may be placed in the center of the curb return as in Figure 11B-20C, Case E.
5. When ramp is located in center of curb return, crosswalk configuration must be similar to that shown on the plan to accommodate wheelchairs. (See Figure 11B-22.)
6. If planting area width is equal to or greater than ramp length, ramp side slope distance equals 3 feet (914 mm). (See Figure 11B-20D, Case G.)
7. For Figure 11B-20C, Case F and Figure 11B-20D, Case G, the longitudinal portion of the sidewalk may need to be depressed as shown in Figure 11B-20A, Case B.
8. If located on a curve, the sides of the ramp need not be parallel, but the minimum width of the ramp shall be 4 feet (1219 mm).
9. The ramp shall have a 12 inch-wide (305 mm) border with 1/4 inch (6 mm) grooves approximately 3/4 inch (19 mm) on center. See grooving detail, Figure 11B-20D, Case H.
SECTION 1128B - PEDESTRIAN
GRADE SEPARATIONS (OVERPASSES AND UNDERPASSES)
Pedestrian ramps on pedestrian grade separations shall comply with the requirements of Section 1133B.5 for ramps.
Cross slopes of walking surfaces shall be the minimum possible and shall not exceed 1/4 inch (6 mm) per foot (2.083% gradient).
The slope of any appreciably warped walking surface shall not exceed 1 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (8.33% slope) in any direction. Where pedestrian grade separations cross streets or other vehicular traffic ways, and where a street level crossing can reasonably and safely be used by persons with physical disabilities, there shall be provided conforming curb ramps and a usable pathway.
EXCEPTIONS: 1. When the grade differential of the walking surface of a pedestrian grade separation exceeds 14 feet (4267 mm) due to required height clearance and grade conditions, and the enforcing agency finds that because of right-of-way restrictions, topography or natural barriers, wheelchair accessibility or equivalent facilitation would create an unreasonable hardship, such accessibility need not be provided. However, the requirements in these regulations relating to other types of mobility shall be complied with.
2. For existing facilities, this section shall not apply where, due to legal or physical constraints, the site of the project will not allow compliance with these regulations or equivalent facilitation without creating an unreasonable hardship.
NOTE: See Section 101.17.11, Item 4.
SECTION 1129B - ACCESSIBLE PARKING REQUIRED
1129B.1 General.
- Each lot or parking structure where parking is provided for the public as clients,
guests or employees, shall provide accessible parking as required by this section.
- Accessible parking spaces serving a particular building shall be located on the shortest
accessible route of travel from adjacent parking to an accessible entrance.
- In parking facilities that do not serve a particular building, accessible parking shall
be located on the shortest accessible route of travel to an accessible pedestrian entrance
of the parking facility.
- In buildings with multiple accessible entrances with adjacent parking, accessible parking spaces shall be dispersed and located closest to the accessible entrances. Table 11B-6 establishes the number of accessible parking spaces required.
EXCEPTION: This subsection shall not apply to existing facilities where compliance with local ordinances precludes satisfying the above requirements or of providing equivalent facilitation unless a change of occupancy occurs.
1129B.2 Less Than Five Spaces. When less than five parking spaces are provided at buildings and facilities subject to these regulations, one shall be 14 feet (4267 mm) wide and lined to provide a 9-foot (2743 mm) parking area and a 5-foot (1524 mm) loading and unloading area. However, there is no requirement that the space be reserved exclusively or identified for use by persons with disabilities only.
1129B.3 Medical Care Outpatient Facilities. At facilities providing medical care and other services for persons with mobility impairments, parking spaces complying with this section shall be provided in accordance with Table 11B-6 except as follows:
1. Outpatient units and facilities. Ten percent of the total number of parking spaces provided serve each such outpatient unit or facility.
2. Units and facilities that specialize in treatment or services for persons with mobility impairments. Twenty percent of the total number of parking spaces provided serve each such unit or facility.
129B.4 Parking Space Size. Accessible parking spaces shall be located as near as practical to a primary entrance and shall be sized as follows:
1. Dimensions. Where single spaces are provided, they shall be 14 feet (4267 mm) wide and outlined to provide a 9-foot (2743 mm) parking area and a 5-foot (1524 mm) loading and unloading access aisle on the passenger side of the vehicle. When more than one space is provided in lieu of providing a 14-foot-wide (4267 mm) space for each parking space, two spaces can be provided within a 23-foot-wide (7010 mm) area lined to provide a 9-foot
(2743 mm) parking area on each side of a 5-foot (1524 mm) loading and unloading access aisle in the center. The minimum length of each parking space shall be 18 feet (5486 mm). See Figure 11B-18A.
2. Van space(s). One in every eight accessible spaces, but not less than one, shall be served by an access aisle 96 inches (2438 mm) wide minimum and shall be designated van accessible as required by Section 1129B.5. All such spaces may be grouped on one level of a parking structure
3. Arrangement of parking space. In each parking area, a bumper or curb shall be provided and located to prevent encroachment of cars over the required width of walkways. Also, the space shall be so located that persons with disabilities are not compelled to wheel or walk behind parked cars other than their own. Pedestrian ways which are accessible to persons with disabilities shall be provided from each such parking space to related facilities, including curb cuts or ramps as needed. Ramps shall not encroach into any parking space.
EXCEPTIONS: 1. Ramps located at the front of accessible parking spaces may encroach into the length of such spaces when such encroachment does not limit the capability of a person with a disability to leave or enter a vehicle, thus providing equivalent facilitation. See Figures 11B-18A through 11B-18C. Note! ADA 4.7.8 does not allow ramps to encroach on the parking space or loading aisles.
2. Where the enforcing agency determines that compliance with any regulation of this section would create an unreasonable hardship, a variance or waiver may be granted when equivalent facilitation is provided.
3. Parking spaces may be provided which would require a person with a disability to wheel or walk behind other than accessible parking spaces when the enforcing agency determines that compliance with these regulations or providing equivalent facilitation would create an unreasonable hardship.
NOTE: See Section 101.17.11, Item 4.
4. Slope of parking space. Surface slopes of accessible parking spaces shall be the minimum possible and shall not exceed 1 unit vertical to 50 units horizontal (2% slope) in any direction.
1129B.5 Identification of Parking Spaces for Off-Street Parking Facilities.
- Each
parking space reserved for persons with disabilities shall be identified
by a reflectorized sign permanently posted immediately
adjacent to and visible from each stall
or space, consisting of a profile view of a wheelchair with occupant
in white on dark blue background. The sign shall not be smaller than 70
square inches (4516 mm2) in area and,
when in a path of travel, shall be posted at a minimum height of 80 inches
(2032 mm) from the bottom of the sign to the parking space finished grade.
Signs may also be centered on
the wall at the interior end of the parking space at a minimum height
of 36 inches (914 mm) from the parking space finished grade, ground or
sidewalk.
- Spaces complying
with Section 1129B.4, Item 2 shall have an additional sign stating "Van-Accessible" mounted below the symbol of accessibility.
An additional sign shall also be posted in a conspicuous place at each entrance to off-street parking facilities, or immediately adjacent to and visible from each stall or space. The sign shall not be less than 17 inches by 22 inches (432 mm by 559 mm) in size with lettering not less than 1 inch (25 mm) in height, which clearly and conspicuously states the following:
"Unauthorized vehicles parked in designated accessible spaces not displaying distinguishing placards or license plates issued for persons with disabilities may be towed away at owner's expense. Towed vehicles may be reclaimed at _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ or by telephoning _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ."
Blank spaces are to be filled in with appropriate information as a permanent part of the sign.
In addition to the above requirements, the surface of each accessible parking space or stall shall have a surface identification duplicating either of the following schemes:
1. By outlining or painting the stall or space in blue and outlining on the ground in the stall or space in white or suitable contrasting color a profile view depicting a wheelchair with occupant; or
2. By outlining a profile view of a wheelchair with occupant in white on blue background. The profile view shall be located so that it is visible to a traffic enforcement officer when a vehicle is properly parked in the space and shall be 36 inches high by 36 inches wide (914 mm by 914 mm). See Figures 11B-18A through 11B-18C.
SECTION 1130B - PARKING STRUCTURES
All entrances to and vertical clearances within parking
structures shall have a minimum vertical clearance of 8 feet 2 inches (2489
mm) where required for accessibility to accessible parking spaces. 
EXCEPTIONS: 1. Where the enforcing agency determines that compliance with Section 1130B would create an unreasonable hardship, an exception may be granted when equivalent facilitation is provided.
2. This section shall not apply to existing buildings where the enforcing
SECTION 1131B - PASSENGER
DROP-OFF AND LOADING ZONES
1131B.1 Location. When provided, passenger drop-off and loading
zones shall be located on accessible route of travel.
1131B.2 Passenger Loading Zones.
1. General. Where provided, one passenger drop-off and loading zone shall provide an access aisle at least 60 inches (1524 mm) wide and 20 feet (6096 mm) long adjacent and parallel to the vehicle pull-up space. Such zones shall be located on a surface with a slope not exceeding 1 unit vertical in 50 units horizontal (2% slope). If there are curbs between the access aisle and the vehicle pull-up space, a curb ramp shall be provided.
2. Vertical Clearance. Provide minimum vertical clearance of 114 inches (2896 mm) at accessible passenger loading zones and along at least one vehicle access route to such areas from site entrances and exits.
1131B.3 Valet Parking. Valet parking facilities shall provide a passenger loading zone complying with Section 1131B.2 above and shall be located on an accessible route to the entrance of the facility. The parking space requirements of Sections 1129B through 1130B apply to facilities with valet parking.
1131B.4 Bus Stop Pads and Shelters. Where provided, provide bus stop pads 96 inches (2438 mm) long (measured parallel to curb or road edge) to the maximum extent allowed by legal or site constraints. Bus stop pads shall connect to an accessible route.
Newly constructed bus stop pads must provide a square curb surface between the pad and road or other detectable warning.
Bus stop pads shall be at same slope as roadway in the direction parallel to roadway, and maximum 2 percent slope perpendicular to roadway.
Where provided, provide bus stop shelters installed so as to permit a wheelchair user to enter the shelter and access a clear floor area of 30 by 48 inches (762 mm by 1219 mm), completely within the shelter. Bus stop shelters shall connect to an accessible route and to bus stop pads.
SECTION 1132B - OUTDOOR OCCUPANCIES
1132B.1 General. Outdoor occupancies shall be accessible as
required in this chapter. See also the general requirements listed in Section
1114B.1.1.
1132B.2 Parks and Recreational Areas. The following parks and recreational areas shall comply with these regulations.
EXCEPTIONS: 1. In existing buildings, when the enforcing agency determines that compliance would create an unreasonable hardship, a variance shall be granted when equivalent facilitation is provided.
2. Where the enforcing agency finds that, in specific areas, the natural environment would be materially damaged by compliance with these regulations, such areas shall be subject to these regulations only to the extent that such material damage would not occur.
3. Automobile access shall not be provided or paths of travel shall not be made accessible when the enforcing agency determines that compliance with these regulations would create an unreasonable hardship.
1. Campsites. Campsites, a minimum of two and no fewer than three for each 100 campsites provided, shall be accessible by level path or ramp and shall have travel routes with slopes not exceeding 1 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (8.33% slope) to sanitary facilities. Permanent sanitary facilities serving campgrounds shall be accessible to wheelchair occupants.
2. Beaches, picnic areas. Beaches, picnic areas, day-use areas, vista points and similar areas shall be accessible.
3. Sanitary facilities. Sanitary facilities, to the extent that such facilities are provided, each public use area that is accessible to wheelchair occupants by automobile, walks or other paths of travel.
4. Boat docks. Boat docks, fishing piers, etc., shall be accessible.
5. Parking lots. Parking lots shall be provided with accessible parking spaces and with curb cuts leading to all adjacent walks, paths or trails.
6. Trails and paths. Trails, paths and nature walk areas, or portions of these, shall be constructed with gradients which will permit at least partial use by wheelchair occupants. Hard surface paths or walks shall be provided to serve buildings and other functional areas.
7. Nature trails. Nature trails and similar educational and informational areas shall be accessible to the blind by the provision of rope guidelines, raised Arabic numerals and symbols for identification, information signs, and related guide and assistance devices.
NOTE: For museums, orientation buildings, visitor centers, office buildings, retail stores, restaurants, etc., and sanitary facilities serving these uses, see Sections 1104B through 1111B and sections listed in Section 1114B.1.1.
1132B.3 Highway Rest Areas. The
specific standards of accessibility for highway rest areas and similar facilities shall be
as follows in Section 1132B.3.1, subject to other provisions in these regulations.
1132B.3.1 Permanent facilities.
At least one kind of permanent functional area or facility, as
applicable, shall be accessible to persons with disabilities, including:
1. A sanitary facility for each sex.
2. At least one picnic table and one additional table for each 20 tables, or fraction thereof provided.
3. Information and display areas.
4. Drinking fountains.
5. At least one parking space.
6. Curb ramps conforming to Section 1127B.5 shall be provided at pedestrian ways where appropriate.