11B-303 Changes in Level — 2025 California Building Code

11B- 303.1 General. Where changes in level are permitted in floor or ground surfaces, they shall comply with Section 11B- 303 .

Exceptions:

1. Animal containment areas shall not be required to comply with Section 11B- 303.

2. Areas of sport activity shall not be required to comply with Section 11B- 303 .

11B- 303.2 Vertical. Changes in level of 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) high maximum shall be permitted to be vertical and without edge treatment.

FIGURE 11B- 303.2—VERTICAL CHANGE IN LEVEL

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

11B- 303.3 Beveled. Changes in level between 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) high minimum and 1/2 inch ( 12.7 mm) high maximum shall be beveled with a slope not steeper than 1:2.

FIGURE 11B- 303.3—BEVELED CHANGE IN LEVEL

11B- 303.4 Ramps. Changes in level greater than 1/2 inch ( 12.7 mm) high shall be ramped, and shall comply with Section 11B- 405 or 11B- 406 .

11B-303.5 Warning curbs. Abrupt changes in level exceeding 4 inches (102 mm) in a vertical dimension between walks, sidewalks or other pedestrian ways and adjacent surfaces or features shall be identified by warning curbs at least 6 inches (152 mm) in height above the walk or sidewalk surface.

Exceptions:

1. A warning curb is not required between a walk or sidewalk and an adjacent street or driveway. 2. A warning curb is not required when a guard or handrail is provided with a guide rail centered 2 inches (51 mm) minimum and 4 inches (102 mm) maximum above the surface of the walk or sidewalk.