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Chapter 11A — HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY

Section 1133A — KITCHENS

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.

1133A.1 General.

Kitchens shall be on an accessible route and shall comply with this section. (See Figure 11A-10A.)

1133A.2 Clear floor space. Clear floor space at kitchens shall comply with the following:

1. A clear floor space at least 30 inches (762 mm) by 48 inches (1219 mm) that allows a parallel approach by a person in a wheel- chair shall be provided at the range or cooktop. 2. A clear floor space at least 30 inches (762 mm) by 48 inches (1219 mm) that allows either a parallel or forward approach shall be provided at the kitchen sink and all other fixtures or appliances including the oven, dishwasher, refrigerator/freezer and trash compactor.

3. A clear floor space at least 30 inches (762 mm) by 48 inches (1219 mm) that allows either a parallel or a forward approach shall be provided at the work surface required by Section 1133A.4.

4. The centerline of the 30-inch (762 mm) by 48-inch (1219 mm) clear floor space provided for parallel or forward approach shall be aligned with the centerline of the work surface, appliance or fixture.

1133A.2.1 Clear width. Kitchens shall have a minimum clear width measured between any cabinet, countertop or the face of any appliance (excluding handles and controls) that projects into the kitchen and the opposing cabinet, countertop, appliance or wall as follows:

1. U-shaped kitchens, designed with parallel approach at a range or cooktop located at the base of the U, shall have a mini- mum clear width of at least 60 inches (1524 mm). (See Figure 11A-10A.) 2. U-shaped kitchens, designed with a cooktop or sink located at the base of the U, which provides a knee and toe space in accordance with Section 1133A.7 to allow for a forward approach, shall have a clear width of at least 48 inches (1219 mm). (See Figure 11A-10A.) 3. All other kitchen designs shall provide a minimum clear width of at least 48 inches (1219 mm). (See Figure 11A-10A.)

1133A.3 Removable base cabinets.

Sinks and work surfaces required by Section 1133A.4 (see Item 1 and Item 2) shall be provided with knee and toe space complying with Section 1133A.7. Base cabinets (including toeboard and shelving) directly under kitchen sinks and work surfaces shall be removable without the use of specialized tools or specialized knowledge in order to provide knee and toe space. The finish floor beneath kitchen sinks and work surfaces shall be extended to the wall.

1133A.4 Countertops.

Kitchen countertops shall comply with this section and shall be provided with the following: 1. A minimum linear length of 30 inches (762 mm) of countertop shall be provided for the kitchen sink installation. 2. A minimum linear length of 30 inches (762 mm) of countertop shall be provided for a work surface. 3. Sinks and work surfaces may be a single integral unit a minimum of 60 inches (1524 mm) in length, or be separate components. Exception: Two 15-inch (381 mm) wide minimum breadboards may be provided in lieu of the required 30 inches (762 mm) of countertop work surface.

1133A.4.1 Repositionable countertops. Repositionable countertops shall be provided in a minimum of 5 percent of the covered multifamily dwelling units. Repositionable countertops shall comply with the following: 1. Sinks and work surfaces required by Section 1133A.4 shall be designed to enable repositioning to a minimum height of 28 inches (711 mm).

2. Base cabinets directly under sinks and work surfaces shall be removable as required in Section 1133A.3.

3. The sides of adjacent cabinets and the back wall, which may become exposed to moisture or food handling when a counter- top is lowered, shall be constructed of durable, nonabsorbent materials appropriate for such uses.

4. Finished flooring shall be extended to the wall beneath the sink and work surface.

Exceptions:

1. Stone, cultured stone and tiled countertops may be used without meeting the repositioning requirements. 2. Two 15-inch (381 mm) wide minimum breadboards may be provided in lieu of the required 30 inches (762 mm) of countertop work surface, and used without meeting the repositioning requirements.

1133A.5 Lower shelving.

Lower shelving and/or drawer space shall be provided in the kitchen at a height of no more than 48 inches (1219 mm) above the floor.

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

HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY

1133A.6 Kitchen sink faucet controls.

Faucet controls and operating mechanisms shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist.

The force required to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 pounds (22.2 N). Lever-operated, push-type and electronically controlled mechanisms are examples of acceptable designs. Self-closing valves are allowed if the faucet remains open for at least 10 seconds.

1133A.7 Knee and toe space.

Knee and toe space, when required by Section 1133A, shall comply with Section 1138A.2 and the following:

1. The knee and toe space shall be clear and unobstructed, or removable base cabinets in compliance with Section 1133A.3 shall be provided.

2. The knee and toe space shall be 30 inches (762 mm) wide minimum, centered on the sink, countertop or appliance.

3. A clear floor space shall not extend into the knee and toe space more than 19 inches (483 mm).

1133A.7.1 Plumbing protection. Water supply and drain pipes under kitchen sinks shall be insulated or otherwise covered to protect against contact. There shall be no sharp or abrasive surfaces under kitchen sinks.

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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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