Section 1116A Hazards on Accessible Routes

Abrupt changes in level exceeding 4 inches (101.6 mm) in vertical dimension, such as changes in level at planters or fountains located in or adjacent to walks, sidewalks or other pedestrian ways shall be identified by curbs or other approved barriers projecting at least 6 inches (152.4 mm) in height above the walk or sidewalk surface to warn the blind of a potential drop-off.

Exceptions:

1. Between a walk or sidewalk and an adjacent street or driveway.
2. When a guardrail or handrail is provided with edge protection in accordance with Section 1010.10.1.

Walks, pedestrian ways, and other circulation spaces, which are part of the required egress system, shall have a minimum clear headroom as required in Section 1003.2. Other walks, pedestrian ways, and circulation spaces shall have a minimum clear headroom of 80 inches (2032 mm). If the vertical clearance of an area adjoining an accessible route is reduced to less than 80 inches (2032 mm), a guardrail or other barrier having its leading edge at or below 27 inches (686 mm) above the finished floor shall be provided.

Exception: Doorways and archways less than 24 inches (610 mm) in depth may have a minimum clear headroom of 80 inches (2032 mm). (See Section 1126A for door requirements.)

Any obstruction that overhangs a pedestrian way shall be a minimum of 80 inches (2032 mm) above the walking surface as measured from the bottom of the obstruction. (See Figure 11A-1B.) Where a guy support is used parallel to a path of travel, including, but not limited to, sidewalks, a guy brace, sidewalk guy or similar device shall be used to prevent an overhanging obstruction. (See Section 1116A.2 for required headroom clearance.)

Exception: Door closers and door stops shall be permitted to be 78 inches (1981 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground.

Wherever signs mounted on posts or pylons protrude from the post or pylons and the bottom edge of the sign is less than 80 inches (2032 mm) above the finished floor or ground level, the edges of such signs shall be rounded or eased and the corners shall have a minimum radius of 0.125 inches (see Section 1116A.2 for required headroom clearance).

When a walk crosses or adjoins a vehicular way, the walking surface shall be separated from the vehicular area by curbs, railings or other elements, or the boundary between the pedestrian areas and the vehicular areas shall be defined by a continuous detectable warning 36 inches (914 mm) wide minimum, complying with Chapter 11B, Section 11B-705.