Chapter 11A — HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY
1139A Accessible Drinking Fountains — 2025 California Building Code
California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-09-25 · California
CBSC: official editions, supplements and errata
Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.
Cite as: 2025 California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) § 1139A · Effective January 1, 2026 · Official source: Building Standards Commission
1139A.1 General.¶
Drinking fountains and water coolers in common use areas and/or sites shall comply with this section. A side approach drinking fountain is not acceptable. (See Figure 11A-11A.)
1139A.2 Accessible route.¶
Drinking fountains and water coolers shall be on an accessible route.
1139A.3 Depth.¶
Drinking fountains shall be a minimum of 18 inches (457 mm) and a maximum of 19 inches (483 mm) in depth.
1139A.4 Clear floor space.¶
Drinking fountains shall be provided with 30 inches by 48 inches (762 mm by 1219 mm) clear floor space, centered on the unit. The clear floor space shall be positioned for a forward approach.
1139A.4.1 Knee and toe space. Drinking fountains shall be provided with a clear and unobstructed knee and toe space. Knee and toe space shall comply with Section 1138A.2.
1139A.5 Spout location.¶
The spout shall be located 15 inches (381 mm) minimum from the vertical support and 5 inches (127 mm) maxi- mum from the front edge of the drinking fountain, including bumpers. Spout outlets shall be 36 inches (914 mm) maximum above the finish floor.
1139A.6 Water flow.¶
The spout shall provide a flow of water at least 4 inches (101.6 mm) high to allow the insertion of a cup or glass under the flow of water. The angle of the water stream shall be measured horizontally relative to the front face of the unit. When spouts are located less than 3 inches (76 mm) from the front of the unit, the angle of the water stream shall be 30 degrees maximum. When spouts are located between 3 inches (76 mm) and 5 inches (127 mm) maximum from the front of the unit, the angle of the water stream shall be 15 degrees maximum.
1139A.7 Controls and operating mechanisms.¶
The flow of water shall be activated by manually or electronically operated controls. The manually operated controls shall be front mounted or side mounted, located within 6 inches (152 mm) of the front edge of the foun- tain. The force required to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 pounds (22.2 N).
1139A.8 Location.¶
Drinking fountains shall be located completely within alcoves, between wing walls or otherwise positioned so as not to encroach into pedestrian ways. The alcove or otherwise protected area in which the drinking fountain is located shall not be less than 32 inches (813 mm) in width and 18 inches (457 mm) in depth. When the depth of the protected area where the drinking fountain is located exceeds 24 inches (610 mm), additional maneuvering clearance shall be provided in accordance with Section 1138A.1.4.2 and Figure 11A-1H.
11A-40 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY
When provided, wing walls shall project out from the supporting wall at least as far as the drinking fountain to within 6 inches (152.4 mm) vertically from the finish floor.
Protruding objects located in alcoves or otherwise positioned so as to limit encroachment into pedestrian ways are permitted to proj- ect 4 inches (101.6 mm) into walks, halls, corridors, passageways or aisles. (See Figure 11A-11A.)
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