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Chapter 11B — ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

Section 11B-106 — DEFINITIONS

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.

11B- 106.1 General. For the purpose of this chapter, the terms listed in Section 11B- 106.5 and defined in Chapter 2 have the indicated meaning.

11B- 106.2 Terms defined in referenced standards. Terms not listed in Section 11B- 106.5 and not defined in Chapter 2, Section 202, but specifically defined in a referenced standard, shall have the specified meaning from the referenced standard unless otherwise stated.

11B- 106.3 Undefined terms. The meaning of terms not specifically listed in Section 11B- 106.5, and not defined in Chapter 2, Section 202, or in referenced standards shall be as defined by collegiate dictionaries in the sense that the context implies.

11B- 106.4 Interchangeability . See Chapter 2, Section 201.2.

11B- 106.5 Defined terms . The following terms are defined in Chapter 2, Section 202.

ACCESS AISLE

ACCESSIBILITY

ACCESSIBILITY FUNCTION BUTTON

ACCESSIBLE

ACCESSIBLE ELEMENT

ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS

ACCESSIBLE ROUTE

ACCESSIBLE SPACE

ADAPTABLE

ADDITION

ADJUSTED CONSTRUCTION COST

ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY

ADULT CHANGING FACILITY

AISLE

ALTERATION

AMUSEMENT ATTRACTION

AMUSEMENT RIDE

AMUSEMENT RIDE SEAT

ANSI

APPROVED

APPROVED TESTING AGENCY

AREA OF REFUGE

AREA OF SPORT ACTIVITY

ASSEMBLY AREA

ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEM (ALS)

AUTOMATIC DOOR

AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINE (ATM)

BATHROOM

BLENDED TRANSITION

BOARDING PIER

BOAT LAUNCH RAMP

BOAT SLIP

BOTTLE FILLING STATION

BUILDING

BUILDING OFFICIAL

CATCH POOL

CCR

CHARACTERS

CHILDREN’S USE

CIRCULATION PATH

CLEAR

11B-4 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

CLEAR FLOOR SPACE

CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEPHONE

COMMERCIAL FACILITIES

COMMERCIAL PLACE OF PUBLIC AMUSEMENT

COMMON USE

COMPLY WITH

CROSS SLOPE

CURB CUT

CURB RAMP

DESIGNATED PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

DESIGNATED-ORIENTED ELEVATOR

DETECTABLE WARNING

DIRECTIONAL SIGN

DISABILITY

DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATIONS

DORMITORY

DRIVE AISLE

DRIVE-UP ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION

DRIVEWAY

ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV)

ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGER

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING SPACE (EV SPACE)

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION (EVCS)

ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CONNECTOR

ELEMENT

ELEVATED PLAY COMPONENT

ELEVATOR, PASSENGER

EMPLOYEE WORK AREA

ENFORCING AGENCY

ENTRANCE

EQUIVALENT FACILITATION

EXISTING BUILDING OR FACILITY

EXIT

FACILITY

FUNCTIONAL AREA

GANGWAY

GOLF CAR PASSAGE

GRAB BAR

GRADE (ADJACENT GROUND ELEVATION)

GRADE BREAK

GROUND FLOOR

GROUND LEVEL PLAY COMPONENT

GUARD

HALL CALL CONSOLE

HANDRAIL

HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

HISTORIC BUILDINGS

HOUSING AT A PLACE OF EDUCATION

IF, IF . . . THEN

INTERNATIONAL SYMBOL OF ACCESSIBILITY

KEY STATION

KICK PLATE

KITCHEN OR KITCHENETTE

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

ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

LAVATORY

MAIL BOXES

MARKED CROSSING

MAY

MEZZANINE

MULTI-BEDROOM HOUSING UNIT

NFPA

NOSING

OCCUPANT LOAD

OCCUPIABLE SPACE

OPEN RISER

OPERABLE PART

PASSENGER ELEVATOR

PATH OF TRAVEL

PEDESTRIAN

PEDESTRIAN WAY

PERMANENT

PERMIT

PICTOGRAM

PLACE OF PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION

PLATFORM

PLATFORM (WHEELCHAIR) LIFT

PLAY AREA

PLAY COMPONENT

POINT-OF-SALE DEVICE

POWDER ROOM

POWER-ASSISTED DOOR

PRIVATE BUILDING OR FACILITY

PROFESSIONAL OFFICE OF A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

PUBLIC BUILDING OR FACILITY

PUBLIC ENTITY

PUBLIC ENTRANCE

PUBLIC HOUSING

PUBLIC USE

PUBLIC-USE AREAS

PUBLIC WAY

QUALIFIED HISTORIC BUILDING OR FACILITY

RAMP

REASONABLE PORTION

RECOMMEND

REMODELING

REPAIR

RESIDENTIAL DWELLING UNIT

RESTRICTED ENTRANCE

RISER

RUNNING SLOPE

SELF-SERVICE STORAGE

SERVICE ENTRANCE

SHALL

SHOPPING CENTER (OR SHOPPING MALL)

SHOULD

SIDEWALK

SIGN

11B-6 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

SINK

SITE

SLEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS

SOFT CONTAINED PLAY STRUCTURE

SPACE

SPECIFIED PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

STAGE

STAIR

STAIRWAY

STORY

STRUCTURAL FRAME

STRUCTURE

TACTILE

TACTILE SIGN

TECHNICALLY INFEASIBLE

TEEING GROUND

TEMPORARY

TEXT TELEPHONE

TRANSFER DEVICE

TRANSIENT LODGING

TRANSIT BOARDING PLATFORM

TRANSITION PLATE

TTY

UNREASONABLE HARDSHIP

USE ZONE

VALUATION THRESHOLD

VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGN (VMS)

VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGN (VMS) CHARACTERS

VEHICULAR WAY

WALK

WET BAR

WHEELCHAIR

WHEELCHAIR SPACE

WORKSTATION

WORK AREA EQUIPMENT

11B-107 Special conditions appeals action. See Chapter 1, Section 1.9.1.5.

11B-108 Maintenance of accessible features. Features, facilities and equipment required by Chapter 11B to be accessible to and useable by persons with disabilities shall be maintained in operable working condition. Isolated or temporary interruptions in service or accessibility due to maintenance or repairs shall be permitted.

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

ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

DIVISION 2: SCOPING REQUIREMENTS

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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
  14. ▸ Chapter 11B — ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMM…
    Overview
    1. Section 11B-101 — PURPOSE
    2. Section 11B-104 — CONVENTIONS
    3. Section 11B-105 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
    4. Section 11B-106 — DEFINITIONS
    5. Section 11B-201 — APPLICATION
    6. Section 11B-202 — EXISTING BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
    7. Section 11B-203 — GENERAL EXCEPTIONS
    8. Section 11B-204 — PROTRUDING OBJECTS
    9. Section 11B-205 — OPERABLE PARTS
    10. Section 11B-206 — ACCESSIBLE ROUTES
    11. Section 11B-207 — ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS
    12. Section 11B-208 — PARKING SPACES
    13. Section 11B-209 — PASSENGER DROP-OFF AND LOADING ZONES AND BUS…
    14. Section 11B-210 — STAIRWAYS
    15. Section 11B-211 — DRINKING FOUNTAINS AND BOTTLE-FILLING STATIONS
    16. Section 11B-212 — KITCHENS, KITCHENETTES, WET BARS AND SINKS
    17. Section 11B-213 — TOILET FACILITIES AND BATHING FACILITIES
    18. Section 11B-214 — WASHING MACHINES AND CLOTHES DRYERS
    19. Section 11B-215 — FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM…
    20. Section 11B-216 — SIGNS
    21. Section 11B-217 — TELEPHONES
    22. Section 11B-218 — TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES
    23. Section 11B-219 — ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEMS
    24. Section 11B-220 — AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINES, FARE MACHINES AND…
    25. Section 11B-221 — ASSEMBLY AREAS
    26. Section 11B-222 — DRESSING, FITTING AND LOCKER ROOMS
    27. Section 11B-223 — MEDICAL CARE AND LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES
    28. Section 11B-224 — TRANSIENT LODGING GUEST ROOMS, HOUSING
    29. Section 11B-225 — STORAGE
    30. Section 11B-226 — DINING SURFACES AND WORK SURFACES
    31. Section 11B-227 — SALES AND SERVICE
    32. Section 11B-228 — DEPOSITORIES, VENDING MACHINES, CHANGE MACHI…
    33. Section 11B-229 — WINDOWS
    34. Section 11B-230 — TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
    35. Section 11B-231 — JUDICIAL FACILITIES
    36. Section 11B-232 — DETENTION FACILITIES AND CORRECTIONAL FACILI…
    37. Section 11B-233 — PUBLIC HOUSING FACILITIES
    38. Section 11B-234 — AMUSEMENT RIDES
    39. Section 11B-235 — RECREATIONAL BOATING FACILITIES
    40. Section 11B-236 — EXERCISE MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT
    41. Section 11B-237 — FISHING PIERS AND PLATFORMS
    42. Section 11B-238 — GOLF FACILITIES
    43. Section 11B-239 — MINIATURE GOLF FACILITIES
    44. Section 11B-240 — PLAY AREAS
    45. Section 11B-241 — SAUNAS AND STEAM ROOMS
    46. Section 11B-242 — SWIMMING POOLS, WADING POOLS AND SPAS
    47. Section 11B-243 — SHOOTING FACILITIES WITH FIRING POSITIONS
    48. Section 11B-244 — RELIGIOUS FACILITIES
    49. Section 11B-245 — PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS LOCATED IN PRIVATE RES…
    50. Section 11B-246 — OUTDOOR DEVELOPED AREAS
    51. Section 11B-247 — DETECTABLE WARNINGS AND DETECTABLE DIRECTION…
    52. Section 11B-248 — COMMON USE AREAS AND EMPLOYEE WORK AREAS
    53. Section 11B-249 — ADULT CHANGING FACILITIES
    54. Section 11B-250 — CIRCULATION PATHS
    55. Section 11B-301 — GENERAL
    56. Section 11B-302 — FLOOR OR GROUND SURFACES
    57. Section 11B-303 — CHANGES IN LEVEL
    58. Section 11B-304 — TURNING SPACE
    59. Section 11B-305 — CLEAR FLOOR OR GROUND SPACE
    60. Section 11B-306 — KNEE AND TOE CLEARANCE
    61. Section 11B-307 — PROTRUDING OBJECTS
    62. Section 11B-308 — REACH RANGES
    63. Section 11B-309 — OPERABLE PARTS
    64. Section 11B-401 — GENERAL
    65. Section 11B-402 — ACCESSIBLE ROUTES
    66. Section 11B-403 — W ALKING SURFACES
    67. Section 11B-404 — DOORS, DOORWAYS AND GATES
    68. Section 11B-405 — RAMPS
    69. Section 11B-406 — CURB RAMPS, BLENDED TRANSITIONS AND ISLANDS
    70. Section 11B-407 — ELEVATORS
    71. Section 11B-408 — LIMITED-USE/LIMITED-APPLICATION ELEVATORS
    72. Section 11B-409 — PRIVATE RESIDENCE ELEVATORS
    73. Section 11B-410 — PLATFORM LIFTS
    74. Section 11B-411 — DESTINATION-ORIENTED ELEVATORS
    75. Section 11B-501 — GENERAL
    76. Section 11B-502 — PARKING SPACES
    77. Section 11B-503 — PASSENGER DROP-OFF AND LOADING ZONES
    78. Section 11B-504 — STAIRWAYS
    79. Section 11B-505 — HANDRAILS
    80. Section 11B-601 — GENERAL
    81. Section 11B-602 — DRINKING FOUNTAINS AND BOTTLE-FILLING STATIONS
    82. Section 11B-603 — TOILET AND BATHING ROOMS
    83. Section 11B-604 — WATER CLOSETS AND TOILET COMPARTMENTS
    84. Section 11B-605 — URINALS
    85. Section 11B-606 — LAVATORIES AND SINKS
    86. Section 11B-607 — BATHTUBS
    87. Section 11B-608 — SHOWER COMPARTMENTS
    88. Section 11B-609 — GRAB BARS
    89. Section 11B-610 — SEATS
    90. Section 11B-611 — WASHING MACHINES AND CLOTHES DRYERS
    91. Section 11B-612 — SAUNAS AND STEAM ROOMS
    92. Section 11B-701 — GENERAL
    93. Section 11B-702 — FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
    94. Section 11B-703 — SIGNS
    95. Section 11B-704 — TELEPHONES
    96. Section 11B-705 — DETECTABLE WARNINGS AND DETECTABLE DIRECTION…
    97. Section 11B-706 — ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEMS
    98. Section 11B-707 — AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINES, FARE MACHINES AND…
    99. Section 11B-708 — TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
    100. Section 11B-801 — GENERAL
    101. Section 11B-802 — WHEELCHAIR SPACES, COMPANION SEATS AND DESIG…
    102. Section 11B-803 — DRESSING, FITTING AND LOCKER ROOMS
    103. Section 11B-804 — KITCHENS, KITCHENETTES AND WET BARS
    104. Section 11B-805 — MEDICAL CARE AND LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES
    105. Section 11B-806 — TRANSIENT LODGING GUEST ROOMS
    106. Section 11B-807 — HOLDING CELLS AND HOUSING CELLS
    107. Section 11B-808 — COURTROOMS
    108. Section 11B-809 — RESIDENTIAL DWELLING UNITS
    109. Section 11B-810 — TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES
    110. Section 11B-811 — STORAGE
    111. Section 11B-812 — ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
    112. Section 11B-813 — ADULT CHANGING FACILITIES
    113. Section 11B-901 — GENERAL
    114. Section 11B-902 — DINING SURFACES AND WORK SURFACES
    115. Section 11B-903 — BENCHES
    116. Section 11B-904 — CHECK-OUT AISLES AND SALES AND SERVICE COUNT…
    117. Section 11B-1001 — GENERAL
    118. Section 11B-1002 — AMUSEMENT RIDES
    119. Section 11B-1003 — RECREATIONAL BOATING FACILITIES
    120. Section 11B-1004 — EXERCISE MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT
    121. Section 11B-1005 — FISHING PIERS AND PLATFORMS
    122. Section 11B-1006 — GOLF FACILITIES
    123. Section 11B-1007 — MINIATURE GOLF FACILITIES
    124. Section 11B-1008 — PLAY AREAS
    125. Section 11B-1009 — SWIMMING POOLS, WADING POOLS AND SPAS
    126. Section 11B-1010 — SHOOTING FACILITIES WITH FIRING POSITIONS
  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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