Some of these can be removed or mitigated, while others cannot. Nevertheless, a community must identify these barriers early in the planning process, and determine which can be rectified and how. Common physical barriers include bridges, tunnels, highways, and railroad tracks across waterways and along urban shores, utility structures and waste treatment facilities. A lack of parking spaces and an inadequate transportation network also can complicate access. Institutional barriers exist in the form of military installations, government research facilities, and other land uses which, for various reasons, prohibit or restrict physical access.
Psychological barriers exist when people think the shoreline is unsafe or inaccessible.
These can only be removed by improving the image of the waterfront. While the demand for public access to the waterfront continues to escalate, the opportunities to satisfy this demand are diminishing due to costs, environmental concerns, and private land ownership. Thus, communities should begin to plan for public access improvements as early as possible, before these factors become irresolvable. Several common techniques are listed here for communities to consider as planning and regulatory methods to increase public access to the waterfront. Fee-simple is the most complete form of acquisition, but limited public funds, land costs, and the reluctance of the land owner to sell often make this method difficult or impossible.