Section 11B-705 — DETECTABLE WARNINGS AND DETECTABLE DIRECTIONAL TEXTURE
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-705.1 Detectable warnings
11B-705.1.1 General. Detectable warnings shall consist of a surface of truncated domes and shall comply with Section 11B- 705 .
11B-705.1.1.1 Dome size. Truncated domes in a detectable warning surface shall have a base diameter of 0.9 inch (22.9 mm) minimum and 0.92 inch (23.4 mm) maximum, a top diameter of 0.45 inch (11.4 mm) minimum and 0.47 inch (11.9 mm) maximum, and a height of 0.2 inch (5.1 mm).
11B-705.1.1.2 Dome spacing. Truncated domes in a detectable warning surface shall have a center-to-center spacing of 2.3 inches (58 mm) minimum and 2.4 inches (61 mm) maximum, and a base-to-base spacing of 0.65 inch ( 16.5 mm) minimum, measured between the most adjacent domes on a square grid.
Exception: Where installed in a radial pattern, truncated domes shall have a center-to-center spacing of 1.6 inches (41 mm) minimum to 2.4 inches (61 mm) maximum.
FIGURE 11B- 705.1—SIZE AND SPACING OF TRUNCATED DOMES
11B-705.1.1.3 Color and contrast . Detectable warning surfaces shall comply with Section 11B-705.1.1.3.1. The material used to comply with this section shall be an integral part of the detectable warning surface.
Exceptions:
1. Replacement of less than 20 percent of existing detectable warnings at a single contiguous location shall be permit- ted to be in-kind at existing curb ramps, islands or cut-through medians with detectable warnings in compliance with the code requirements in effect at the time of installation.
2. Existing installed detectable warnings at curb ramps, islands or cut-through medians may comply with Section 11B- 705.1.1.3.2 in lieu of Section 11B-705.1.1.3.1.
11B-705.1.1.3.1 Detectable warning surfaces shall be yellow and approximate 33538 of SAE AMS-STD-595A.
11B-705.1.1.3.2 Detectable warning surfaces shall provide a 70 percent minimum visual contrast with adjacent walking surfaces. Contrast in percent shall be determined by:
Contrast percent = [(B1-B2)/B1] × 100 where
B1 = light reflectance value (LRV) of the lighter area and
B2 = light reflectance value (LRV) of the darker area.
Exception: Where the detectable warning surface does not provide a 70 percent minimum contrast with adjacent walking surfaces, a 1-inch (25 mm) wide minimum visually contrasting surface shall separate the detectable warning from adjacent walking surfaces. The visually contrasting surface shall contrast with both the detectable warning and adjacent walking surfaces, either light-on-dark or dark-on-light.
11B-705.1.1.4 Resiliency. Detectable warning surfaces shall differ from adjoining surfaces in resiliency or sound-on-cane contact.
Exception: Detectable warning surfaces at curb ramps, islands or cut-through medians shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-705.1.1.4.
11B-108 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-705.1.2 Locations. Detectable warnings at the following locations shall comply with Section 11B-705.1.
11B-705.1.2.1 Platform edges. Detectable warning surfaces at platform boarding edges shall be 24 inches (610 mm) wide and shall extend the full length of the public use areas of the platform.
11B-705.1.2.2 Curb ramps. Detectable warnings at curb ramps shall comply with Section 11B-705.1.2.2.
11B-705.1.2.2.1 Perpendicular curb ramps. Detectable warnings at curb ramps shall extend 36 inches (914 mm) in the direc- tion of travel. Detectable warnings shall extend the full width of the ramp run less 2 inches (51 mm) maximum on each side, excluding any flared sides. Detectable warnings shall be located so the edge nearest the curb is 6 inches (152 mm) minimum and 8 inches (203 mm) maximum from the demarcation line at the face of the curb between the curb and the gutter, street or highway.
11B-705.1.2.2.2 Parallel curb ramps. Detectable warnings at parallel curb ramps shall be located so the edge nearest the curb is 6 inches (152 mm) minimum and 8 inches (203 mm) maximum from the demarcation line at the face of the curb between the curb and the gutter, street or highway. Detectable warnings shall extend the full width of the turning space at the demarcation between the street and the sidewalk less 2 inches (51 mm) maximum on each side.
FIGURE 11B-705.1.2.2.2—PARALLEL CURB RAMPS
11B-705.1.2.2.2.1 One entrance/exit point. Where the turning space has one entrance/exit point other than the sloped ramp segments, detectable warnings shall be 36 inches (914 mm) deep, as measured perpendicular to the curb, and the turning space shall provide a minimum 36 inches (914 mm) wide portion without detectable warnings to allow pedestrian travel in the direction of the sidewalk without travelling over the detectable warnings.
Exceptions:
1. Where it is technically infeasible to provide a minimum 72 inches (1828 mm) wide turning space, as measured perpendicular to the curb, the depth of detectable warnings may be reduced to 24 inches (610 mm) minimum.
2. Existing parallel curb ramps with detectable warnings in compliance with the code requirements in effect at the time of installation shall not be required to provide a minimum 36 inches (914 mm) wide portion of the turning space without detectable warnings.
11B-705.1.2.2.2.2 Two entrance/exit points. Where the turning space has two entrance/exit points other than the sloped ramp segments, detectable warnings shall be 36 inches (914 mm) deep at both entrance/exit points, as measured perpen- dicular to the curb, and the turning space shall provide a minimum 36 inches (914 mm) wide portion without detectable warnings to allow pedestrian travel in the direction of the sidewalk without travelling over the detectable warnings.
Exceptions:
1. Where it is technically infeasible to provide a minimum 108 inches (2743 mm) wide turning space, as measured perpendicular to the curb, the depth of detectable warnings may be reduced to 24 inches (610 mm) minimum.
2. Existing parallel curb ramps with detectable warnings in compliance with the code requirements in effect at the time of installation shall not be required to provide a minimum 36 inches (914 mm) wide portion of the turning space without detectable warnings.
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING
11B-705.1.2.3 Islands or cut-through medians. Detectable warnings at pedestrian islands or cut-through medians shall be 36 inches (914 mm) minimum in depth extending the full width of the pedestrian path or cut-through less 2 inches (51 mm) maximum on each side, placed at the edges of the pedestrian island or cut-through median, and shall be separated by 24 inches (610 mm) minimum of walking surface without detectable warnings.
Exception: Detectable warnings shall be 24 inches (610 mm) minimum in depth at pedestrian islands or cut-through medians that are less than 96 inches (2438 mm) in length in the direction of pedestrian travel.
11B-705.1.2.4 Bus stops. When detectable warnings are provided at bus stop boarding and alighting areas, the detectable warn- ings shall extend the full width of the boarding/alighting area and shall be 36 inches (914 mm) minimum in depth.
11B-705.1.2.5 Blended transitions. Detectable warnings at blended transitions shall be 36 inches (914 mm) in depth and extend the entirety of the transition separating the walk or sidewalk from the vehicular way.
11B-705.1.2.6 Reflecting pools. When detectable warnings are provided at reflecting pools, it shall be 24 inches (610 mm) mini- mum and 36 inches (914 mm) maximum in width.
11B-705.1.2.7 Track crossings. Detectable warnings at track crossings shall be 36 inches (914 mm) in the direction of pedestrian travel and extend the full width of the circulation path.
11B-705.2 Detectable directional texture. Detectable directional texture at transit boarding platforms shall comply with Figure 11B-705.2 and shall be 0.1 inch (2.5 mm) in height that tapers off to 0.04 inch (1.0 mm), with bars raised 0.2 inch (5.1 mm) from the surface. The raised bars shall be 1.3 inches (33 mm) wide and 3 inches (76 mm) from center-to-center of each bar. This surface shall differ from adjoining walking surfaces in resiliency or sound-on-cane contact. The color shall be yellow and approximate FS 33538 of Federal Standard 595C. This surface will be placed directly behind the yellow detectable warning texture specified in Section 11B- 705.1.2.1, aligning with all doors of the transit vehicles where passengers will embark. The width of the directional texture shall be equal to the width of the transit vehicle’s door opening. The depth of the texture shall not be less than 36 inches (914 mm).
FIGURE 11B-705.2 — DETECTABLE DIRECTIONAL TEXTURE
11B-705.3 Product approval. Only approved DSA-AC detectable warning products and directional surfaces shall be installed as provided in the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 24, Part 1, Chapter 5, Articles 2, 3 and 4. Refer to CCR Title 24, Part 12, Chapter 11B, Section 12-11B.205 for building and facility access specifications for product approval for detectable warning products and direc- tional surfaces.
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)
- Chapter 1 — ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 3 — OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
- Chapter 4 — SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY A…
- Chapter 5 — GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
- Chapter 6 — TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 7 — FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
- Chapter 7A — MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION METHODS FOR EXTERIOR W…
- Chapter 8 — INTERIOR FINISHES
- Chapter 9 — FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
- Chapter 10 — MEANS OF EGRESS
- Chapter 11 — RESERVED
- Chapter 11A — HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY
-
▸ Chapter 11B — ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMM…
Overview- Section 11B-101 — PURPOSE
- Section 11B-104 — CONVENTIONS
- Section 11B-105 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
- Section 11B-106 — DEFINITIONS
- Section 11B-201 — APPLICATION
- Section 11B-202 — EXISTING BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
- Section 11B-203 — GENERAL EXCEPTIONS
- Section 11B-204 — PROTRUDING OBJECTS
- Section 11B-205 — OPERABLE PARTS
- Section 11B-206 — ACCESSIBLE ROUTES
- Section 11B-207 — ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS
- Section 11B-208 — PARKING SPACES
- Section 11B-209 — PASSENGER DROP-OFF AND LOADING ZONES AND BUS…
- Section 11B-210 — STAIRWAYS
- Section 11B-211 — DRINKING FOUNTAINS AND BOTTLE-FILLING STATIONS
- Section 11B-212 — KITCHENS, KITCHENETTES, WET BARS AND SINKS
- Section 11B-213 — TOILET FACILITIES AND BATHING FACILITIES
- Section 11B-214 — WASHING MACHINES AND CLOTHES DRYERS
- Section 11B-215 — FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM…
- Section 11B-216 — SIGNS
- Section 11B-217 — TELEPHONES
- Section 11B-218 — TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES
- Section 11B-219 — ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEMS
- Section 11B-220 — AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINES, FARE MACHINES AND…
- Section 11B-221 — ASSEMBLY AREAS
- Section 11B-222 — DRESSING, FITTING AND LOCKER ROOMS
- Section 11B-223 — MEDICAL CARE AND LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES
- Section 11B-224 — TRANSIENT LODGING GUEST ROOMS, HOUSING
- Section 11B-225 — STORAGE
- Section 11B-226 — DINING SURFACES AND WORK SURFACES
- Section 11B-227 — SALES AND SERVICE
- Section 11B-228 — DEPOSITORIES, VENDING MACHINES, CHANGE MACHI…
- Section 11B-229 — WINDOWS
- Section 11B-230 — TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
- Section 11B-231 — JUDICIAL FACILITIES
- Section 11B-232 — DETENTION FACILITIES AND CORRECTIONAL FACILI…
- Section 11B-233 — PUBLIC HOUSING FACILITIES
- Section 11B-234 — AMUSEMENT RIDES
- Section 11B-235 — RECREATIONAL BOATING FACILITIES
- Section 11B-236 — EXERCISE MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT
- Section 11B-237 — FISHING PIERS AND PLATFORMS
- Section 11B-238 — GOLF FACILITIES
- Section 11B-239 — MINIATURE GOLF FACILITIES
- Section 11B-240 — PLAY AREAS
- Section 11B-241 — SAUNAS AND STEAM ROOMS
- Section 11B-242 — SWIMMING POOLS, WADING POOLS AND SPAS
- Section 11B-243 — SHOOTING FACILITIES WITH FIRING POSITIONS
- Section 11B-244 — RELIGIOUS FACILITIES
- Section 11B-245 — PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS LOCATED IN PRIVATE RES…
- Section 11B-246 — OUTDOOR DEVELOPED AREAS
- Section 11B-247 — DETECTABLE WARNINGS AND DETECTABLE DIRECTION…
- Section 11B-248 — COMMON USE AREAS AND EMPLOYEE WORK AREAS
- Section 11B-249 — ADULT CHANGING FACILITIES
- Section 11B-250 — CIRCULATION PATHS
- Section 11B-301 — GENERAL
- Section 11B-302 — FLOOR OR GROUND SURFACES
- Section 11B-303 — CHANGES IN LEVEL
- Section 11B-304 — TURNING SPACE
- Section 11B-305 — CLEAR FLOOR OR GROUND SPACE
- Section 11B-306 — KNEE AND TOE CLEARANCE
- Section 11B-307 — PROTRUDING OBJECTS
- Section 11B-308 — REACH RANGES
- Section 11B-309 — OPERABLE PARTS
- Section 11B-401 — GENERAL
- Section 11B-402 — ACCESSIBLE ROUTES
- Section 11B-403 — W ALKING SURFACES
- Section 11B-404 — DOORS, DOORWAYS AND GATES
- Section 11B-405 — RAMPS
- Section 11B-406 — CURB RAMPS, BLENDED TRANSITIONS AND ISLANDS
- Section 11B-407 — ELEVATORS
- Section 11B-408 — LIMITED-USE/LIMITED-APPLICATION ELEVATORS
- Section 11B-409 — PRIVATE RESIDENCE ELEVATORS
- Section 11B-410 — PLATFORM LIFTS
- Section 11B-411 — DESTINATION-ORIENTED ELEVATORS
- Section 11B-501 — GENERAL
- Section 11B-502 — PARKING SPACES
- Section 11B-503 — PASSENGER DROP-OFF AND LOADING ZONES
- Section 11B-504 — STAIRWAYS
- Section 11B-505 — HANDRAILS
- Section 11B-601 — GENERAL
- Section 11B-602 — DRINKING FOUNTAINS AND BOTTLE-FILLING STATIONS
- Section 11B-603 — TOILET AND BATHING ROOMS
- Section 11B-604 — WATER CLOSETS AND TOILET COMPARTMENTS
- Section 11B-605 — URINALS
- Section 11B-606 — LAVATORIES AND SINKS
- Section 11B-607 — BATHTUBS
- Section 11B-608 — SHOWER COMPARTMENTS
- Section 11B-609 — GRAB BARS
- Section 11B-610 — SEATS
- Section 11B-611 — WASHING MACHINES AND CLOTHES DRYERS
- Section 11B-612 — SAUNAS AND STEAM ROOMS
- Section 11B-701 — GENERAL
- Section 11B-702 — FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
- Section 11B-703 — SIGNS
- Section 11B-704 — TELEPHONES
- Section 11B-705 — DETECTABLE WARNINGS AND DETECTABLE DIRECTION…
- Section 11B-706 — ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEMS
- Section 11B-707 — AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINES, FARE MACHINES AND…
- Section 11B-708 — TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
- Section 11B-801 — GENERAL
- Section 11B-802 — WHEELCHAIR SPACES, COMPANION SEATS AND DESIG…
- Section 11B-803 — DRESSING, FITTING AND LOCKER ROOMS
- Section 11B-804 — KITCHENS, KITCHENETTES AND WET BARS
- Section 11B-805 — MEDICAL CARE AND LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES
- Section 11B-806 — TRANSIENT LODGING GUEST ROOMS
- Section 11B-807 — HOLDING CELLS AND HOUSING CELLS
- Section 11B-808 — COURTROOMS
- Section 11B-809 — RESIDENTIAL DWELLING UNITS
- Section 11B-810 — TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES
- Section 11B-811 — STORAGE
- Section 11B-812 — ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
- Section 11B-813 — ADULT CHANGING FACILITIES
- Section 11B-901 — GENERAL
- Section 11B-902 — DINING SURFACES AND WORK SURFACES
- Section 11B-903 — BENCHES
- Section 11B-904 — CHECK-OUT AISLES AND SALES AND SERVICE COUNT…
- Section 11B-1001 — GENERAL
- Section 11B-1002 — AMUSEMENT RIDES
- Section 11B-1003 — RECREATIONAL BOATING FACILITIES
- Section 11B-1004 — EXERCISE MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT
- Section 11B-1005 — FISHING PIERS AND PLATFORMS
- Section 11B-1006 — GOLF FACILITIES
- Section 11B-1007 — MINIATURE GOLF FACILITIES
- Section 11B-1008 — PLAY AREAS
- Section 11B-1009 — SWIMMING POOLS, WADING POOLS AND SPAS
- Section 11B-1010 — SHOOTING FACILITIES WITH FIRING POSITIONS
- Chapter 12 — INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT
- Chapter 13 — ENERGY EFFICIENCY
- Chapter 14 — EXTERIOR WALLS
- Chapter 15 — ROOF ASSEMBLIES AND ROOFTOP STRUCTURES
- Chapter 16 — STRUCTURAL DESIGN
- Chapter 16A — STRUCTURAL DESIGN
- Chapter 17 — SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
- Chapter 17A — SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
- Chapter 18 — SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
- Chapter 18A — SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
- Chapter 19 — CONCRETE
- Chapter 19A — CONCRETE
- Chapter 20 — ALUMINUM
- Chapter 21 — MASONRY
- Chapter 21A — MASONRY
- Chapter 22 — STEEL
- Chapter 22A — STEEL
- Chapter 23 — WOOD
- Chapter 24 — GLASS AND GLAZING
- Chapter 25 — GYPSUM PANEL PRODUCTS AND PLASTER
- Chapter 26 — PLASTIC
- Chapter 27 — ELECTRICAL
- Chapter 28 — MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
- Chapter 29 — PLUMBING SYSTEMS
- Chapter 30 — ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS
- Chapter 31 — SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 31A — SYSTEMS FOR WINDOW CLEANING OR EXTERIOR BUILDING…
- Chapter 31B — PUBLIC POOLS
- Chapter 31C — RADIATION
- Chapter 31D — FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 31F — MARINE OIL TERMINALS
- Chapter 32 — ENCROACHMENTS INTO THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
- Chapter 33 — SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 34 — RESERVED
- Chapter 35 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
- Appendix A — EMPLOYEE QUALIFICATIONS
- Appendix B — BOARD OF APPEALS
- Appendix C — GROUP U—AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS
- Appendix D — FIRE DISTRICTS
- Appendix E — RESERVED
- Appendix F — RODENTPROOFING
- Appendix G — FLOOD-RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION
- Appendix H — SIGNS
- Appendix I — PATIO COVERS
- Appendix J — GRADING
- Appendix K — GROUP R-3 AND GROUP R-3.1 OCCUPANCIES PROTECTED B…
- Appendix L — EARTHQUAKE RECORDING INSTRUMENTATION
- Appendix M — TSUNAMI-GENERATED FLOOD HAZARDS
- Appendix N — REPLICABLE BUILDINGS
- Appendix O — PERFORMANCE-BASED APPLICATION
- Appendix P — SLEEPING LOFTS
- Appendix Q — EMERGENCY HOUSING