11B-608 Shower Compartments — 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 size does a transfer shower need to be?
36 inches by 36 inches clear inside with a 36-inch-wide entry; provide a 36-inch by 48-inch clearance measured from the control wall.
Cite as: 2025 California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) § 11B-608 · Effective January 1, 2026 · Official source: Building Standards Commission
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
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:
Reserved.
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.
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
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
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.
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