Section 1014 — HANDRAILS
2025 California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) · 2025 edition · ingested 2026-07-07 · California
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[DSA-AC] In addition to the requirements of this section, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, buildings or facilities where accessibility is required for applications listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance, shall also comply with Chapter 11A or Chapter 11B, Section 11B-505, as applicable.
1014.1 Where required. ¶
1014.1 Where required. Handrails serving flights of stairways, ramps, stepped aisles and ramped aisles shall be adequate in strength and attachment in accordance with Section 1607.9. Handrails required for flights of stairways by Section 1011.11 shall comply with Sections 1014.2 through 1014.10. Handrails required for ramps by Section 1012.8 shall comply with Sections 1014.2 through 1014.9. Handrails for stepped aisles and ramped aisles required by Section 1030.16 shall comply with Sections 1014.2 through 1014.9.
1014.2 Height. ¶
1014.2 Height. Handrail height, measured from a line connecting the nosings of flights of stairs or finish surface of ramp slope, shall be uniform, not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm). Handrail height of alternating tread devices and ship’s ladders, measured from a line connecting the nosings, shall be uniform, not less than 30 inches (762 mm) and not more than 34 inches (864 mm). Exceptions: 1. Where handrail fittings or bendings are used to provide continuous transition between flights, the fittings or bendings shall be permitted to exceed the maximum…
1014.3 Lateral location. ¶
1014.3 Lateral location. Handrails located outward from the edge of the walking surface of flights of stairways, ramps, stepped aisles and ramped aisles shall be located 6 inches (152.4 mm) or less measured horizontally from the edge of the walking surface. Handrails projecting into the width of the walking surface shall comply with Section 1014.9.
1014.4 Handrail graspability. ¶
1014.4 Handrail graspability. Required handrails shall comply with Section 1014.4.1 or shall provide equivalent graspability. Exception: In Group R-3 occupancies; within dwelling units in Group R-2 occupancies; and in Group U occupancies that are accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy or accessory to individual dwelling units in Group R-2 occupancies; handrails shall be Type I in accordance with Section 1014.4.1, Type II in accordance with Section 1014.4.2 or shall provide equivalent graspability. 1014.4.1 Type I. Handrails with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of not less…
1014.5 Continuity. ¶
1014.5 Continuity. Handrail gripping surfaces shall be continuous, without interruption by newel posts or other obstructions. Exceptions: 1. Within a dwelling unit that is not an Accessible unit, the continuity of handrail gripping surfaces is allowed to be interrupted by a newel post at a turn or landing. 2. Within a dwelling unit, the use of a volute, turnout, starting easing or starting newel is allowed over the lowest tread. 3. Handrail brackets or balusters attached to the bottom surface of the handrail that do not project horizontally beyond the sides of the handrail within 1 [1] / 2…
1014.6 Fittings. Handrails shall not rotate within their fittings. ¶
1014.6 Fittings. Handrails shall not rotate within their fittings.
1014.7 Handrail extensions. ¶
1014.7 Handrail extensions. Handrails shall return to a wall, guard or the walking surface or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent flight of stairs or ramp run. Where handrails are not continuous between flights, the handrails shall extend horizontally not less than 12 inches (305 mm) beyond the top landing nosing and continue to slope for the depth of one tread beyond the bottom tread nosing. At ramps where handrails are not continuous between runs, the handrails shall extend horizontally above the landing 12 inches (305 mm) minimum beyond the top and bottom of ramp runs. The…
1014.8 Clearance. ¶
1014.8 Clearance. Clear space between a handrail and a wall or other surface shall be not less than 1 [1] / 2 inches (38 mm). A handrail and a wall or other surface adjacent to the handrail shall be free of any sharp or abrasive elements. Exceptions: 1. A decrease in the clearance due to the curvature or angle of handrail returns shall be allowed. 2. Mounting flanges not more than [1] / 2 -inch (12.7 mm) in thickness at the returned ends of handrails shall be allowed.
1014.9 Projections. ¶
1014.9 Projections. On ramps and on ramped aisles that are part of an accessible route, the clear width between handrails shall be 36 inches (914 mm) minimum. Projections into the required width of aisles, stairways and ramps at each side shall not exceed 4 [1] / 2 inches (114 mm) at or below the handrail height. Projections into the required width shall not be limited above the minimum headroom height required in Section 1011.3. Projections due to intermediate handrails shall not constitute a reduction in the egress width. Where a pair of intermediate handrails are provided within the…
1014.10 Intermediate handrails. ¶
1014.10 Intermediate handrails. Stairways shall have intermediate handrails located in such a manner that all portions of the stairway minimum width or required capacity are within 30 inches (762 mm) of a handrail. On monumental stairs, handrails shall be located along the most direct path of egress travel.