Skip to content

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

Section 11B-608 — SHOWER COMPARTMENTS

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- 608.1 General. Shower compartments shall comply with Section 11B- 608 .

11B- 608.2 Size and clearances for shower compartments. Shower compartments shall have sizes and clearances complying with Section 11B- 608.2.

11B- 608.2.1 Transfer type shower compartments. Transfer type shower compartments shall be 36 inches (914 mm) by 36 inches (914 mm) clear inside dimensions measured at the center points of opposing sides and shall have a 36-inch (914 mm) wide minimum entry on the face of the shower compartment. Clearance of 36 inches (914 mm) wide minimum by 48 inches (1219 mm) long minimum measured from the control wall shall be provided. Transfer type shower compartments shall be permitted in tran- sient lodging guest rooms, multibedroom housing units in undergraduate student housing and residential dwelling units; and shall not be permitted at other locations to meet the requirements of Section 11B-213.3.6.

FIGURE 11B -608.2.1—TRANSFER TYPE SHOWER COMPARTMENT SIZE AND CLEARANCE

11B-92 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

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

11B- 608.2.2 Standard roll-in type shower compartments. Standard roll-in type shower compartments shall be 30 inches ( 762 mm) wide minimum by 60 inches ( 1524 mm) deep minimum clear inside dimensions measured at center points of opposing sides with a full opening width on the long side.

FIGURE 11B -608.2.2—STANDARD ROLL-IN TYPE SHOWER COMPARTMENT SIZE AND CLEARANCE

11B- 608.2.2.1 Clearance. A 36 inch (914 mm) wide minimum by 60 inch (1524 mm) long minimum clearance shall be provided adjacent to the open face of the shower compartment.

Exception: Reserved.

11B- 608.2.3 Alternate roll-in type shower compartments. Alternate roll-in type shower compartments shall be 36 inches ( 914 mm) wide and 60 inches ( 1524 mm) deep minimum clear inside dimensions measured at center points of opposing sides. A 36 inch ( 914 mm) wide minimum entry shall be provided at one end of the long side of the compartment.

FIGURE 11B- 608.2.3—ALTERNATE ROLL-IN TYPE SHOWER COMPARTMENT SIZE AND CLEARANCE

11B- 608.3 Grab bars. Grab bars shall comply with Section 11B- 609 and shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B- 608.3. Where multiple grab bars are used, required horizontal grab bars shall be installed at the same height above the finish floor. Where separate grab bars are required on adjacent walls at a common mounting height, an L-shaped or U-shaped grab bar meeting the dimensional requirements of Section 11B-608.3.2 or 11B-608.3.3 shall be permitted.

Exceptions:

  1. Reserved.

  2. In residential dwelling units, grab bars shall not be required to be installed in showers located in bathing facilities provided that reinforcement has been installed in walls and located so as to permit the installation of grab bars complying with Section 11B- 608.3.

11B- 608.3.1 Transfer type shower compartments. In transfer type compartments, grab bars shall be provided across the control wall and back wall to a point 18 inches ( 457 mm) from the control wall.

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

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

FIGURE 11B-608.3.1—GRAB BARS FOR TRANSFER TYPE SHOWERS

11B- 608.3.2 Standard roll-in type shower compartments. Grab bars shall be provided on the back wall and the side wall opposite the seat. Grab bars shall not be provided above the seat. Grab bars shall be installed 6 inches ( 152 mm) maximum from adjacent walls.

FIGURE 11B- 608.3.2—GRAB BARS FOR STANDARD ROLL-IN TYPE SHOWER

11B- 608.3.3 Alternate roll-in type shower compartments. In alternate roll-in type shower compartments, grab bars shall be provided on the back wall and the side wall farthest from the compartment entry. Grab bars shall not be provided above the seat. Grab bars shall be installed 6 inches ( 152 mm) maximum from adjacent walls.

FIGURE 11B- 608.3.3—GRAB BARS FOR ALTERNATE ROLL-IN TYPE SHOWERS

11B- 608.4 Seats. A folding seat shall be provided in roll-in type showers and transfer type shower compartments. Seats shall comply with Section 11B- 610.

Exception: In residential dwelling units, seats shall not be required in shower compartments provided that reinforcement has been installed in walls so as to permit the installation of seats complying with Section 11B- 608.4.

11B- 608.5 Controls. Controls, faucets and shower spray units shall comply with Section 11B-309.4. Controls and faucets shall allow the user to close and open the water supply.

11B- 608.5.1 Transfer type shower compartments. In transfer type shower compartments, the controls, faucets and shower spray unit shall be installed on the side wall opposite the seat 38 inches (965 mm) minimum and 48 inches ( 1219 mm) maximum above the shower floor and shall be located on the control wall 15 inches (380 mm) maximum from the centerline of the seat toward the shower opening.

11B-94 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

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

FIGURE 11B -608.5.1—TRANSFER TYPE SHOWER COMPARTMENT CONTROL LOCATION

11B- 608.5.2 Standard roll-in type shower compartments. In standard roll-in type shower compartments, the controls, faucets and the shower spray unit shall be located on the back wall of the compartment adjacent to the seat wall 16 inches (406 mm) mini- mum and 27 inches (686 mm) maximum from the seat wall; and shall be located above the grab bar, but no higher than 48 inches (1219 mm) above the shower floor.

FIGURE 11B- 608.5.2—STANDARD ROLL-IN TYPE SHOWER COMPARTMENT CONTROL LOCATION

11B- 608.5.3 Alternate roll-in type shower compartments. In alternate roll-in type shower compartments, the controls, faucets and shower spray unit shall be located on the side wall of the compartment adjacent to the seat wall 16 inches (406 mm) minimum and 27 inches (686 mm) maximum from the seat wall or shall be located on the back wall opposite the seat 15 inches (381 mm) maxi- mum, left or right of the centerline of the seat. The controls, faucets and shower spray units shall be located above the grab bar, but no higher than 48 inches (1219 mm) above the shower floor.

FIGURE 11B -608.5.3—ALTERNATE ROLL-IN TYPE SHOWER COMPARTMENT CONTROL LOCATION

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

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

11B- 608.6 Shower spray unit and water. A shower spray unit with a hose 59 inches ( 1499 mm) long minimum that can be used both as a fixed-position shower head and as a hand-held shower shall be provided. The shower spray unit shall have an on/off control with a non-positive shut-off. If an adjustable-height shower head on a vertical bar is used, the bar shall be installed so as not to obstruct the use of grab bars. Shower spray units shall deliver water that is 120°F (49°C) maximum.

Exception: Where subject to excessive vandalism, two fixed shower heads shall be permitted instead of a hand-held spray unit in facili- ties that are not medical care facilities, long-term care facilities, transient lodging guest rooms or residential dwelling units. Each shower head shall be installed so it can be operated independently of the other and shall have swivel angle adjustments, both vertically and horizontally. One shower head shall be located at a height of 48 inches (1219 mm) maximum above the shower finish floor. 11B- 608.7 Thresholds. Thresholds in roll-in type shower compartments shall be [1] / 2 inch ( 12.7 mm) high maximum in accordance with Section 11B- 303. In transfer type shower compartments, thresholds [1] / 2 inch ( 12.7 mm) high maximum shall be beveled, rounded or vertical. Exception: A threshold 2 inches ( 51 mm) high maximum shall be permitted in transfer type shower compartments in existing facilities where provision of a [1] / 2 inch ( 12.7 mm) high threshold would disturb the structural reinforcement of the floor slab. 11B- 608.8 Shower enclosures. Enclosures for shower compartments shall not obstruct controls, faucets and shower spray units or obstruct transfer from wheelchairs onto shower seats.

11B-608.9 Shower floor or ground surface. Floor or ground surfaces of showers shall comply with Section 11B-302.1 and shall be sloped 1:48 maximum in any direction. Where drains are provided, grate openings shall be [1] / 4 inch (6.4 mm) maximum and flush with the floor surface. 11B-608.10 Soap dish. Where a soap dish is provided, it shall be located on the control wall at 40 inches (1016 mm) maximum above the shower floor, and within the reach limits from the seat.

Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.

Ask AI about this code
▸ 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

GoCodebook provides public access, search, citation, multilingual explanation, and practical interpretation of legally adopted building regulations. It is not a substitute for the official ICC or California code publications.