11B-609 Grab Bars — 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.
Cite as: 2025 California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) § 11B-609 · Effective January 1, 2026 · Official source: Building Standards Commission
11B- 609.1 General. Grab bars in toilet facilities and bathing facilities shall comply with Section 11B- 609 .
11B- 609.2 Cross section. Grab bars shall have a cross section complying with Section 11B- 609.2.1 or 11B- 609.2.2. 11B- 609.2.1 Circular cross section. Grab bars with circular cross sections shall have an outside diameter of 1 1/4 inches (32 mm) minimum and 2 inches (51 mm) maximum.
11B- 609.2.2 Non-circular cross section. Grab bars with non-circular cross sections shall have a cross-section dimension of 2 inches (51 mm) maximum and a perimeter dimension of 4 inches ( 102 mm) minimum and 4.8 inches ( 122 mm) maximum.
FIGURE 11B- 609.2.2—GRAB BAR NON-CIRCULAR CROSS SECTION
11B- 609.3 Spacing. The space between the wall and the grab bar shall be 1 1/2 inches (38 mm). The space between the grab bar and
[1]
projecting objects below and at the ends shall be 1 1/2 inches (38 mm) minimum. The space between the grab bar and projecting objects above shall be 12 inches (305 mm) minimum.
Exceptions:
- The space between the grab bars and shower controls, shower fittings, and other grab bars above shall be permitted to be 1 1/2 inches (38 mm) minimum. 2. For L-shaped or U-shaped grab bars complying with Section 11B-609.9 the space between the walls and the grab bar shall be 1 1/2 inches (38 mm) minimum for a distance of 6 inches on either side of the inside corner between two adjacent wall surfaces.
FIGURE 11B -609.3—SPACING OF GRAB BARS
11B-96 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING
11B- 609.4 Position of grab bars. Grab bars shall be installed in a horizontal position, 33 inches ( 838 mm) minimum and 36 inches ( 914 mm) maximum above the finish floor measured to the top of the gripping surface, except that at water closets for children's use complying with Section 11B- 604.9, grab bars shall be installed in a horizontal position 18 inches ( 457 mm) minimum and 27 inches ( 686 mm) maximum above the finish floor measured to the top of the gripping surface. The height of the lower grab bar on the back wall of a bathtub shall comply with Section 11B- 607.4.1.1 or 11B- 607.4.2.1.
11B- 609.5 Surface hazards. Grab bars and any wall or other surfaces adjacent to grab bars shall be free of sharp or abrasive elements and shall have rounded edges.
11B- 609.6 Fittings. Grab bars shall not rotate within their fittings.
11B- 609.7 Installation. Grab bars shall be installed in any manner that provides a gripping surface at the specified locations and that does not obstruct the required clear floor space.
11B- 609.8 Structural strength. Allowable stresses shall not be exceeded for materials used when a vertical or horizontal force of 250 pounds (1112 N) is applied at any point on the grab bar, fastener, mounting device or supporting structure.
11B-609.9 Alternate configuration. L-shaped or U-shaped grab bars shall be permitted.
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