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Chapter 11A — HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY

Section 1114A — EXTERIOR RAMPS AND LANDINGS ON ACCESSIBLE ROUTES

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.

1114A.1 Width.

The clear width of ramps shall be consistent with the requirements in Chapter 10 of this code, but in no case shall be less than 48 inches (1219 mm)

Handrails may project into the required clear width of the ramp at each side 3 [ 1] / 2 inches (89 mm) maximum at the handrail height. Curbs, wheel guides and/or appurtenances shall not project into the required clear width of ramps.

Exception: The clear width of ramps serving accessible entrances to covered multifamily dwellings with an occupant load of 10 or less may be 36 inches (914 mm) minimum between handrails.

Note: See Section 1114A.6.2.4 for handrail projections.

1114A.2 Slope.

The maximum slope of ramps on an accessible route shall be no greater than 1 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (8.33- percent slope). Transitions from ramps to walks, gutters or streets shall be flush and free of abrupt changes.

Exception: Ramps serving decks, patios or balconies as specified in Section 1132A.4.

1114A.2.1 Cross slope. The cross slope of ramp surfaces shall be no greater than 1 unit vertical in 48 units horizontal (2.083-percent slope).

1114A.3 Outdoor ramps.

Outdoor ramps, ramp landings and their approaches shall be designed so that water will not accumulate on the walking surface.

1114A.4 Landings. Ramp landings shall be level and comply with this section.

1114A.4.1 Location of landings. Landings shall be provided at the top and bottom of each ramp. Intermediate landings shall be provided at intervals not exceeding 30 inches (762 mm) of vertical rise and at each change of direction. Landings are not considered in determining the maximum horizontal distance of each ramp.

Note: Examples of ramp dimensions are:

SLOPE
(Grading %)		 MAXIMUM RISE
(Inches)		 MAXIMUM HORIZONTAL PROJECTION
(Feet)
SLOPE
(Grading %)		 (x 25.4 for mm) (x 304.8 for mm)
1:12 (8.33%) 30 30
1:15 (6.67%) 30 37.5
1:16 (6.25%) 30 40
1:20 (5.00%) 30 50

1114A.4.2 Size of top landings. Top landings shall not be less than 60 inches (1524 mm) wide. Top landings shall have a minimum length of not less than 60 inches (1524 mm) in the direction of the ramp run. See Section 1126A.3 for maneuvering clearances at doors.

1114A.4.3 Size of bottom and intermediate landings. The minimum width of bottom and intermediate landings shall not be less than the width of the ramp.

Intermediate landings shall have a length in the direction of ramp run of not less than 60 inches (1524 mm). Bottom landings shall have a length in the direction of ramp run of not less than 72 inches (1829 mm).

11A-10 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY

1114A.4.4 Encroachment of doors. Doors in any position shall not reduce the minimum dimension of the landing to less than 42 inches (1067 mm) and shall not reduce the required width by more than 3 inches (76.2 mm) when fully open. (See Figure 11A-6D).

1114A.4.5 Strike edge extension. The width of the landing shall comply with Section 1126A.3 for strike edge extension and maneu- vering clearance at doors.

Where doorways are located adjacent to a ramp landing, maneuvering clearance required by Section 1126A.3 shall be permitted to overlap the required landing area.

1114A.4.6 Change of direction. Intermediate landings at a change of direction shall be sized to provide 60 inches turning space complying with Section 1138A.1.3. Intermediate landings at a change of direction in excess of 30 degrees shall have a length in the direction of ramp run of not less than 72 inches (1829 mm). (See Figures 11A-6C and 11A-6D.)

1114A.5 Ramp height.

Ramps more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the adjacent floor or ground and open on one or both sides shall be provided with guardrails as required by Section 1013. Guardrails shall be continuous from the top of the ramp to the bottom of the ramp.

1114A.6 Ramp handrails.

1114A.6.1 Where required. Handrails shall be provided at each side of ramps when the slope exceeds 1 unit vertical in 20 units hori- zontal (5-percent slope).

Exceptions:

1. Curb ramps.

2. Ramps that serve an individual dwelling unit may have one handrail, except that ramps open on one or both sides shall have handrails provided on the open side or sides.

3. Ramps at exterior door landings with less than 6 inches (152 mm) rise or less than 72 inches (1829 mm) in length.

1114A.6.2 Handrail configuration.

1114A.6.2.1 Handrail heights. The top of handrails shall be 34 to 38 inches (864 to 965 mm) above the ramp surface.

1114A.6.2.2 Handrail continuity. Handrails on all ramps shall be continuous within the full length of each ramp run. Inside hand- rails on switchback or dogleg ramps shall be continuous between ramp runs.

1114A.6.2.3 Handrail extensions. Handrails shall extend a minimum of 12 inches (305 mm) horizontally above landings, beyond the top and bottom of the ramp runs. Extensions shall return to a wall, guard or the walking surface, or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent ramp run. Handrail extensions shall be in the same direction as the ramp runs. (See Figure 11A-5A.)

1114A.6.2.4 Handrail projections. Handrails projecting from a wall shall have a space of 1 [1] / 2 inches (38.1 mm) minimum between the wall and the handrail.

Handrails may be located in a recess if the recess is a maximum of 3 inches (76.2 mm) deep and extends at least 18 inches (457 mm) above the top of the rail. Any wall or other surface adjacent to the handrail shall be free of sharp or abrasive elements. (See Figure 11A-6B.)

1114A.6.2.5 Handrail gripping surfaces. Handrail gripping surfaces shall be continuous along their length, and shall not be obstructed along their tops or sides. The bottoms of handrail gripping surfaces shall not be obstructed for more than 20 percent of their length. When provided, horizontal projections shall occur 1 [1] / 2 inches (38 mm) minimum below the bottom of the handrail gripping surface. The distance between horizontal projections and the bottom of the gripping surface shall be permitted to be reduced by [1] / 8 inch (3.2 mm) for each [1] / 2 inch (12.7 mm) of additional handrail perimeter dimension that exceeds 4 inches (102 mm).

Handrail gripping surfaces and any surfaces adjacent to them shall be free of sharp or abrasive elements, and shall have rounded edges.

Exception: Where handrails are provided along walking surfaces with slopes not steeper than 1 unit vertical in 20 units horizon- tal, the bottoms of handrail gripping surfaces shall be permitted to be obstructed along their entire length where they are integral to crash rails or bumper guards.

1114A.6.2.6 Cross section. Handrail gripping surfaces shall comply with this section, or the shape shall provide equivalent grip- ping surface.

1. Circular cross section. The handrail gripping surfaces with a circular cross section shall not be less than 1 [1] / 4 inches (31.75 mm) nor more than 2 inches (50.8 mm) in cross-sectional dimension.

2. Noncircular cross section. Handrail gripping surfaces with a noncircular cross section shall have a perimeter dimension of 4 inches (102 mm) minimum and 6 [1] / 4 inches (159 mm) maximum, and a cross-section dimension of 2 [1] / 4 inches (57 mm) maximum.

1114A.6.2.7 Fittings. Handrails shall not rotate within their fittings.

1114A.7 Edge protection.

Ramps and ramp landings shall be provided with a continuous and uninterrupted barrier on each side along the entire length in compliance with ramp provisions located in Chapter 10. (See Figure 11A-5A.)

Note: Extended floors or ground surfaces, as permitted in Chapter 10, are not allowed for ramps and ramp landings part of an acces- sible route.

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

HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY

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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
  12. Chapter 11 — RESERVED
  13. ▸ Chapter 11A — HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY
    Overview
    1. Section 1101A — APPLICATION
    2. Section 1102A — BUILDING ACCESSIBILITY
    3. Section 1103A — DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
    4. Section 1104A — COVERED MULTIFAMILY DWELLINGS
    5. Section 1105A — GARAGES, CARPORTS AND PARKING FACILITIES
    6. Section 1106A — SITE AND BUILDING CHARACTERISTICS
    7. Section 1107A — DEFINITIONS
    8. Section 1108A — GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESSIBLE PARKING AN…
    9. Section 1109A — PARKING FACILITIES
    10. Section 1110A — EXTERIOR ACCESSIBLE ROUTES
    11. Section 1111A — CHANGES IN LEVEL ON ACCESSIBLE ROUTES
    12. Section 1112A — CURB RAMPS ON ACCESSIBLE ROUTES
    13. Section 1113A — WALKS AND SIDEWALKS ON ACCESSIBLE ROUTES
    14. Section 1114A — EXTERIOR RAMPS AND LANDINGS ON ACCESSIBLE ROUTES
    15. Section 1115A — EXTERIOR STAIRWAYS
    16. Section 1116A — HAZARDS ON ACCESSIBLE ROUTES
    17. Section 1117A — GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCES,…
    18. Section 1118A — EGRESS AND AREAS OF REFUGE
    19. Section 1119A — INTERIOR ACCESSIBLE ROUTES
    20. Section 1120A — RESERVED
    21. Section 1121A — CHANGES IN LEVEL ON ACCESSIBLE ROUTES
    22. Section 1122A — INTERIOR RAMPS AND LANDINGS ON ACCESSIBLE ROUTES
    23. Section 1123A — INTERIOR STAIRWAYS
    24. Section 1124A — ELEVATORS AND PLATFORM (WHEELCHAIR) LIFTS
    25. Section 1125A — HAZARDS ON ACCESSIBLE ROUTES
    26. Section 1126A — DOORS, GATES AND WINDOWS
    27. Section 1127A — COMMON USE FACILITIES
    28. Section 1128A — COVERED DWELLING UNITS
    29. Section 1129A — RESERVED
    30. Section 1130A — ACCESSIBLE ROUTE WITHIN COVERED MULTIFAMILY DW…
    31. Section 1131A — CHANGES IN LEVEL ON ACCESSIBLE ROUTES
    32. Section 1132A — DOORS
    33. Section 1133A — KITCHENS
    34. Section 1134A — BATHING AND TOILET FACILITIES
    35. Section 1135A — LAUNDRY ROOMS
    36. Section 1136A — ELECTRICAL RECEPTACLE, SWITCH AND CONTROL HEIG…
    37. Section 1137A — OTHER FEATURES AND FACILITIES
    38. Section 1138A — SPACE ALLOWANCES AND REACH RANGES
    39. Section 1139A — ACCESSIBLE DRINKING FOUNTAINS
    40. Section 1140A — ACCESSIBLE TELEPHONES
    41. Section 1141A — ACCESSIBLE SWIMMING POOLS
    42. Section 1142A — ELECTRICAL RECEPTACLE, SWITCH AND CONTROL HEIG…
    43. Section 1143A — SIGNAGE
    44. Section 1144A — RESERVED
    45. Section 1145A — RESERVED
    46. Section 1146A — RESERVED
    47. Section 1147A — RESERVED
    48. Section 1148A — RESERVED
    49. Section 1149A — RESERVED
    50. Section 1150A — SITE IMPRACTICALITY TESTS
  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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