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Chapter 10 — MEANS OF EGRESS

Section 1015 — GUARDS

2025 California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-07-29 · California

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

1015.1 General.

Guards shall comply with the provisions of Sections 1015.2 through 1015.7. Operable windows with sills located more than 72 inches (1829 mm) above finished grade or other surface below shall comply with Section 1015.8.

1015.2 Where required.

Guards shall be located along open-sided walking surfaces, such as mezzanines, equipment platforms, aisles, stairs, ramps and landings, that are located more than 30 inches (762 mm) measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point within 36 inches (914 mm) horizontally to the edge of the open side and at the perimeter of occupiable roofs. Guards shall be adequate in strength and attachment in accordance with Section 1607.9.

Exceptions: Guards are not required for the following locations:

  1. On the loading side of loading docks or piers.
  2. On the audience side of stages and raised platforms, including stairs leading up to the stage and raised platforms.
  3. On raised stage and platform floor areas, such as runways, ramps and side stages used for entertainment or presentations.
  4. At vertical openings in the performance area of stages and platforms.
  5. At elevated walking surfaces appurtenant to stages and platforms for access to and utilization of special lighting or equipment.
  6. Along vehicle service pits not accessible to the public.
  7. In assembly seating areas at cross aisles in accordance with Section 1030.17.2.
  8. On the loading side of station platforms on fixed guideway transit or passenger rail systems.

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

MEANS OF EGRESS

  1. Portions of an occupiable roof located less than 30 inches (762 mm) measured vertically to adjacent unoccupiable roof areas where approved guards are present at the perimeter of the roof.
  2. At portions of an occupiable roof where an approved barrier is provided. 11. Elevated facility observation station access hatches at detention facilities.

1015.2.1 Glazing. Where glass is used to provide a guard or as a portion of the guard system, the guard shall comply with Section 2407. Where the glazing provided does not meet the strength and attachment requirements of Section 1607.9, complying guards shall be located along glazed sides of open-sided walking surfaces.

1015.3 Height.

Required guards shall be not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) high, measured vertically as follows:

  1. From the adjacent walking surfaces.
  2. On stairways and stepped aisles, from the line connecting the nosings.
  3. On ramps and ramped aisles, from the ramp surface at the guard.

Exceptions:

1 . For occupancies in Group R-3, and within individual dwelling units in occupancies in Group R-2, guards on the open sides of stairs shall have a height not less than 34 inches (864 mm) measured vertically from a line connecting the nosings. 2 . For occupancies in Group R-3, and within individual dwelling units in occupancies in Group R-2, where the top of the guard serves as a handrail on the open sides of stairs, the top of the guard shall be not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm) measured vertically from a line connecting the nosings. 3 . The guard height in assembly seating areas shall comply with Section 1030.17 as applicable. 4 . Along alternating tread devices and ships ladders, guards where the top rail serves as a handrail shall have height not less than 30 inches (762 mm) and not more than 34 inches (864 mm), measured vertically from a line connecting the leading edge of the treads. 5 . In Group F occupancies where exit access stairways serve fewer than three stories and such stairways are not open to the public, and where the top of the guard also serves as a handrail, the top of the guard shall be not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm) measured vertically from a line connecting the nosings.

1015.4 Opening limitations.

Required guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter from the walking surface to the required guard height.

Exceptions:

  1. From a height of 36 inches (914 mm) to 42 inches (1067 mm), guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 [3] / 8 inches (111 mm) in diameter.
  2. The triangular openings at the open sides of a stair, formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail shall not allow passage of a sphere 6 inches (152 mm) in diameter.
  3. At elevated walking surfaces for access to and use of electrical, mechanical or plumbing systems or equipment, guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 21 inches (533 mm) in diameter.
  4. In areas that are not open to the public within occupancies in Group I-3, F, H or S, and for alternating tread devices and ships ladders, guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 21 inches (533 mm) in diameter.
  5. In assembly seating areas, guards required at the end of aisles in accordance with Section 1030.17.4 shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter up to a height of 26 inches (660 mm). From a height of 26 inches (660 mm) to 42 inches (1067 mm) above the adjacent walking surfaces, guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 8 inches (203 mm) in diameter.
  6. Within individual dwelling units and sleeping units in Group R-2 and R-3 occupancies, guards on the open sides of stairs shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 [3] / 8 (111 mm) inches in diameter. 7. In lifeguard towers not open to the public, guards shall not have openings which allow passage of a sphere 21 inches (533 mm) in diameter.

1015.5 Screen porches.

Porches and decks that are enclosed with insect screening shall be provided with guards where the walking surface is located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below.

1015.6 Mechanical equipment, systems and devices.

Guards shall be provided where various components that require service are located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of a roof edge or open side of a walking surface and such edge or open side is located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor, roof or grade below. The guard shall extend not less than 30 inches (762 mm) beyond each end of such components. The guard shall be constructed so as to prevent the passage of a sphere 21 inches (533 mm) in diameter.

Exception: Guards are not required where personal fall arrest anchorage connector devices that comply with ANSI/ASSE Z 359.1 are installed.

1015.7 Roof access.

Guards shall be provided where the roof hatch opening is located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of a roof edge or open side of a walking surface and such edge or open side is located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor, roof or grade below. The guard shall extend not less than 30 inches (762 mm) beyond each end of the hatch parallel to the roof edge. The guard shall be constructed so as to prevent the passage of a sphere 21 inches (533 mm) in diameter.

Exception: Guards are not required where personal fall arrest anchorage connector devices that comply with ANSI/ASSE Z 359.1 are installed.

10-38 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

MEANS OF EGRESS

1015.8 Window openings.

Windows in Group R-1 , R-2 and R-3 buildings including dwelling units, where the bottom of the clear

1015.8 Window openings. Windows in Group R-1, R-2 and R-3 buildings including dwelling units, where the bottom of the clear opening of an operable window is located less than 36 inches (914 mm) above the finished floor and more than 72 inches (1829 mm) above the finished grade or other surface below on the exterior of the building, shall comply with one of the following:

  1. Where the bottom of the clear opening of the window is located more than 72 inches (1829 mm) and less than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the finished grade or other surface below on the exterior of the building, the window shall comply with one of the following: 1.1. Operable windows where the openings will not allow a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere to pass through the opening when the window is in its largest opened position, provided that the opening is not required for emer gency escape or rescue. 1.2. Operable windows where the openings are provided with window fall prevention devices that comply with ASTM F2090.

1.3. Operable windows where the openings are provided with window opening control devices that comply with ASTM F2090. The window opening control device, after operation to release the control device allowing the window to fully open, shall not reduce the minimum net clear opening area of the window unit to less than the area required by Section 1031.3.1 for emergency escape and rescue openings. 2. Where the bottom of the clear opening of the window is located 75 feet (22,860 mm) or more above the finished grade or other surface below on the exterior of the building, the window shall comply with one of the following: 2.1. Operable windows where the openings are provided with window fall prevention devices that comply with ASTM F2090.

2.2. Operable windows where the openings will not allow a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere to pass through the opening when the window is in its largest opened position. 2.3. Window fall prevention devices that comply with ASTM F2006.

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▸ Contents — 2025 California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2)
2025 California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2)
  1. Chapter 1 — ADMINISTRATION
  2. Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS
  3. Chapter 3 — OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
  4. Chapter 4 — SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY A…
  5. Chapter 5 — GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
  6. Chapter 6 — TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
  7. Chapter 7 — FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
  8. Chapter 7A — MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION METHODS FOR EXTERIOR W…
  9. Chapter 8 — INTERIOR FINISHES
  10. Chapter 9 — FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
  11. ▸ Chapter 10 — MEANS OF EGRESS
    Overview
    1. Section 1001 — ADMINISTRATION
    2. Section 1002 — MAINTENANCE AND PLANS
    3. Section 1003 — GENERAL MEANS OF EGRESS
    4. Section 1004 — OCCUPANT LOAD
    5. Section 1005 — MEANS OF EGRESS SIZING
    6. Section 1006 — NUMBER OF EXITS AND EXIT ACCESS DOORWAYS
    7. Section 1007 — EXIT AND EXIT ACCESS DOORWAY CONFIGURATION
    8. Section 1008 — MEANS OF EGRESS ILLUMINATION
    9. Section 1009 — ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS
    10. Section 1010 — DOORS, GATES AND TURNSTILES
    11. Section 1011 — STAIRWAYS
    12. Section 1012 — RAMPS
    13. Section 1013 — EXIT SIGNS
    14. Section 1014 — HANDRAILS
    15. Section 1015 — GUARDS
    16. Section 1016 — EXIT ACCESS
    17. Section 1017 — EXIT ACCESS TRAVEL DISTANCE
    18. Section 1018 — AISLES
    19. Section 1019 — EXIT ACCESS STAIRWAYS AND RAMPS
    20. Section 1020 — CORRIDORS
    21. Section 1021 — EGRESS BALCONIES
    22. Section 1022 — EXITS
    23. Section 1023 — INTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAYS AND RAMPS
    24. Section 1024 — EXIT PASSAGEWAYS
    25. Section 1025 — LUMINOUS EGRESS PATH MARKINGS
    26. Section 1026 — HORIZONTAL EXITS
    27. Section 1027 — EXTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAYS AND RAMPS
    28. Section 1028 — EXIT DISCHARGE
    29. Section 1029 — EGRESS COURTS
    30. Section 1030 — ASSEMBLY
    31. Section 1031 — EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE
  12. Chapter 11 — RESERVED
  13. Chapter 11A — HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY
  14. Chapter 11B — ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMM…
  15. Chapter 12 — INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT
  16. Chapter 13 — ENERGY EFFICIENCY
  17. Chapter 14 — EXTERIOR WALLS
  18. Chapter 15 — ROOF ASSEMBLIES AND ROOFTOP STRUCTURES
  19. Chapter 16 — STRUCTURAL DESIGN
  20. Chapter 16A — STRUCTURAL DESIGN
  21. Chapter 17 — SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
  22. Chapter 17A — SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
  23. Chapter 18 — SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
  24. Chapter 18A — SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
  25. Chapter 19 — CONCRETE
  26. Chapter 19A — CONCRETE
  27. Chapter 20 — ALUMINUM
  28. Chapter 21 — MASONRY
  29. Chapter 21A — MASONRY
  30. Chapter 22 — STEEL
  31. Chapter 22A — STEEL
  32. Chapter 23 — WOOD
  33. Chapter 24 — GLASS AND GLAZING
  34. Chapter 25 — GYPSUM PANEL PRODUCTS AND PLASTER
  35. Chapter 26 — PLASTIC
  36. Chapter 27 — ELECTRICAL
  37. Chapter 28 — MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
  38. Chapter 29 — PLUMBING SYSTEMS
  39. Chapter 30 — ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS
  40. Chapter 31 — SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION
  41. Chapter 31A — SYSTEMS FOR WINDOW CLEANING OR EXTERIOR BUILDING…
  42. Chapter 31B — PUBLIC POOLS
  43. Chapter 31C — RADIATION
  44. Chapter 31D — FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
  45. Chapter 31F — MARINE OIL TERMINALS
  46. Chapter 32 — ENCROACHMENTS INTO THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
  47. Chapter 33 — SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION
  48. Chapter 34 — RESERVED
  49. Chapter 35 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
  50. Appendix A — EMPLOYEE QUALIFICATIONS
  51. Appendix B — BOARD OF APPEALS
  52. Appendix C — GROUP U—AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS
  53. Appendix D — FIRE DISTRICTS
  54. Appendix E — RESERVED
  55. Appendix F — RODENTPROOFING
  56. Appendix G — FLOOD-RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION
  57. Appendix H — SIGNS
  58. Appendix I — PATIO COVERS
  59. Appendix J — GRADING
  60. Appendix K — GROUP R-3 AND GROUP R-3.1 OCCUPANCIES PROTECTED B…
  61. Appendix L — EARTHQUAKE RECORDING INSTRUMENTATION
  62. Appendix M — TSUNAMI-GENERATED FLOOD HAZARDS
  63. Appendix N — REPLICABLE BUILDINGS
  64. Appendix O — PERFORMANCE-BASED APPLICATION
  65. Appendix P — SLEEPING LOFTS
  66. Appendix Q — EMERGENCY HOUSING

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