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Elevator requirement for single or two-family houses in California

For single- and two-family dwellings in California, elevators are not required by code, but where installed, there are specific compliance requirements.

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Elevator requirement for single or two-family houses in California

Compliance Requirements

For single- and two-family dwellings in California (Group R-3), elevators are not required by code, but where installed, there are specific compliance requirements:

  • Elevators installed within a residential dwelling unit, or serving just one such unit, must comply with the California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Elevator Safety Orders. This governs design, construction, installation, and safety features such as hoistway enclosures and door protections.
  • Private residence elevators must comply with Section 11B-409 of the California Building Code and ASME A17.1 safety standards. Operation must be automatic, and elevator cars must provide a clear floor space of at least 36 inches by 48 inches, meeting additional accessibility and safety criteria for car doors, gates, call buttons, and floor surfaces.
  • For new elevators, emergency operation with Phase I recall and Phase II emergency in-car function are required.
  • Standby power is generally not required for single-family applications unless furnished, but if provided, certain transfer requirements apply.
  • If an elevator is provided as part of a multistory unit in a building with more than two units, additional adaptability and accessibility requirements may apply, including ensuring adaptable design and that elevator service is to all floors with dwelling units.
  • Where elements of an existing elevator are altered, upgrades must extend to all linked elevators.

What the code says

3009.1 General. The design, construction and installation of elevators installed within a residential dwelling unit or installed to provide access to one individual residential dwelling unit shall conform to California Code of Regulations, Title 8… Elevator Safety Orders.

11B-409.1 General. Private residence elevators that are provided within a residential dwelling unit… shall comply with Section 11B-409 and with ASME A17.1. They shall be passenger elevators as classified by ASME A17.1. Elevator operation shall be automatic.

11B-409.4.1 Inside dimensions of elevator cars. Elevator cars shall provide a clear floor space of 36 inches (914 mm) minimum by 48 inches (1219 mm) minimum and shall comply with Section 11B-305.

604.1 General. Where elevators and conveying systems are installed, they shall comply with Chapter 30 of the California Building Code and Sections 604.2 through 604.7 of this code.

11B-206.6 Elevators. Elevators provided for passengers shall comply with Section 11B-407. Where multiple elevators are provided, each elevator shall comply with Section 11B-407.

11B-233.3.1.2.1 Elevator buildings. A residential building with one or more elevators shall have an elevator serve all floors with a residential dwelling unit primary entrance and all floors with common use areas. Elevators shall comply with Section 11B-407...

Code references

  • 3009.1, 3009.2, 3009.3, 11B-409, 11B-407, 11B-206.6, 11B-233.3.1.2.1 – 2025 CBC Building Code
  • 604.1, 604.2 – 2025 CFC Fire Code

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Frequently asked questions

Are elevators required in single-family homes in San Francisco?

No, elevators are not required by code in single-family homes in San Francisco. However, if an elevator is installed, it must comply with specific safety and accessibility requirements set by the California Code of Regulations and the California Building Code.

What safety standards apply to residential elevators in San Francisco?

Residential elevators in San Francisco must comply with the California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Elevator Safety Orders, as well as Section 11B-409 of the California Building Code and ASME A17.1 safety standards. These cover design, installation, and features like hoistway enclosures and door protections.

Do two-family houses in San Francisco need elevators by law?

No, two-family houses in San Francisco are not required by law to have elevators. If an elevator is installed, it must meet specific design, safety, and accessibility standards outlined in state regulations and building codes.

What are the accessibility requirements for private residence elevators in San Francisco?

Private residence elevators must provide a clear floor space of at least 36 inches by 48 inches and meet additional accessibility and safety criteria for car doors, gates, call buttons, and floor surfaces. Operation must be automatic, and emergency functions are required for new elevators.

Are standby power systems required for home elevators in San Francisco?

Standby power systems are generally not required for elevators in single-family homes in San Francisco unless they are provided. If standby power is installed, certain transfer requirements must be met according to the building code.

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