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Earlier editions: 20222019

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

11B-405 Ramps — 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.

What dimensions and slopes does a wheelchair ramp need?

Max slope 1:12; cross slope 1:48. Clear width 48 inches minimum (36 inches between handrails for residential with occupant load 50 or less); each run rises 30 inches max; landings 60 inches long; top landings 60 inches wide; bottom landings extend 72 inches.

Cite as: 2025 California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) § 11B-405 · Effective January 1, 2026 · Official source: Building Standards Commission

11B- 405.1 General. Ramps on accessible routes shall comply with Section 11B- 405 .

Exception: In assembly areas, aisle ramps adjacent to seating and not serving elements required to be on an accessible route shall not be required to comply with Section 11B- 405 .

11B- 405.2 Slope. Ramp runs shall have a running slope not steeper than 1:12.

Exception: Reserved.

11B- 405.3 Cross slope. Cross slope of ramp runs shall not be steeper than 1:48.

11B- 405.4 Floor or ground surfaces. Floor or ground surfaces of ramp runs shall comply with Section 11B- 302. Changes in level other than the running slope and cross slope are not permitted on ramp runs.

11B- 405.5 Clear width. The clear width of a ramp run shall be 48 inches (1219 mm) minimum .

Exceptions:

1. Within employee work areas, the required clear width of ramps that are a part of common use circulation paths shall be permitted to be decreased by work area equipment provided that the decrease is essential to the function of the work being performed. 2. 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.

3. The clear width of ramps in residential uses serving an occupant load of fifty or less shall be 36 inches (914 mm) minimum between handrails.

11B- 405.6 Rise. The rise for any ramp run shall be 30 inches ( 762 mm) maximum.

11B- 405.7 Landings. Ramps shall have landings at the top and the bottom of each ramp run. Landings shall comply with Section 11B- 405.7.

11B- 405.7.1 Slope. Landings shall comply with Section 11B- 302. Changes in level, slopes exceeding 1:48, and detectable warnings shall not be permitted.

Exception: Reserved.

11B- 405.7.2 Width. The landing clear width shall be at least as wide as the widest ramp run leading to the landing.

11B-405.7.2.1: Top landings shall be 60 inches (1524 mm) wide minimum.

11B- 405.7.3 Length. The landing clear length shall be 60 inches (1524 mm) long minimum.

11B-405.7.3.1: Bottom landings shall extend 72 inches (1829 mm) minimum in the direction of ramp run.

11B- 405.7.4 Change in direction. Ramps that change direction between runs at landings shall have a clear landing 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum by 72 inches (1829 mm) minimum in the direction of downward travel from the upper ramp run.

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

11B- 405.7.5 Doorways. Where doorways are located adjacent to a ramp landing, maneuvering clearances required by Sections 11B- 404.2.4 and 11B- 404.3.2 shall be permitted to overlap the required landing area. Doors, when fully open, shall not reduce the required ramp landing width by more than 3 inches (76 mm). Doors, in any position, shall not reduce the minimum dimension of the ramp landing to less than 42 inches (1067 mm).

11B- 405.8 Handrails. Ramp runs shall have handrails complying with Section 11B- 505 .

Exceptions:

1. Reserved.

2. Reserved.

3. Curb ramps do not require handrails. 4. At door landings, handrails are not required on ramp runs less than 6 inches (152 mm) in rise or 72 inches (1829 mm) in length.

11B- 405.9 Edge protection. Edge protection complying with Section 11B- 405.9.2 shall be provided on each side of ramp runs and at each side of ramp landings.

Exceptions:

  1. Edge protection shall not be required on ramps that are not required to have handrails and have sides complying with Section 11B- 406.2.2.

  2. Edge protection shall not be required on the sides of ramp landings serving an adjoining ramp run or stairway.

  3. Edge protection shall not be required on the sides of ramp landings having a vertical drop-off of 1/2 inch ( 12.7 mm) maximum within 10 inches ( 254 mm) horizontally of the minimum landing area specified in Section 11B- 405.7.

11B- 405.9.1 Reserved.

11B- 405.9.2 Curb or barrier. A curb or barrier shall be provided that prevents the passage of a 4-inch ( 102 mm) diameter sphere, where any portion of the sphere is within 4 inches ( 102 mm) of the finish floor or ground surface. To prevent wheel entrapment, the curb or barrier shall provide a continuous and uninterrupted barrier along the length of the ramp.

FIGURE 11B -405.9.2—CURB OR BARRIER EDGE PROTECTION

11B- 405.10 Wet conditions. Landings subject to wet conditions shall be designed to prevent the accumulation of water.

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▸Contents — California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2)
California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2)

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