11B-802 Wheelchair Spaces, Companion Seats and Designated Aisle Seats And… — 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 are required for wheelchair spaces in seating areas?
At least 36 inches wide for a single space; if two are adjacent, each at least 33 inches wide. At least 48 inches deep with front/rear entry, or 60 inches deep with side entry.
Cite as: 2025 California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) § 11B-802 · Effective January 1, 2026 · Official source: Building Standards Commission
11B- 802.1 Wheelchair spaces. Wheelchair spaces shall comply with Section 11B- 802.1.
11B- 802.1.1 Floor or ground surface. The floor or ground surface of wheelchair spaces shall comply with Section 11B- 302. Changes in level, slopes exceeding 1:48, and detectable warnings shall not be permitted.
Exception: Reserved.
11B- 802.1.2 Width. A single wheelchair space shall be 36 inches ( 914 mm) wide minimum. Where two adjacent wheelchair spaces are provided, each wheelchair space shall be 33 inches ( 838 mm) wide minimum.
FIGURE 11B- 802.1.2—WIDTH OF WHEELCHAIR SPACES
11B- 802.1.3 Depth. Where a wheelchair space can be entered from the front or rear, the wheelchair space shall be 48 inches ( 1219 mm) deep minimum. Where a wheelchair space can be entered only from the side, the wheelchair space shall be 60 inches ( 1524 mm) deep minimum.
FIGURE 11B- 802.1.3—DEPTH OF WHEELCHAIR SPACES
11B- 802.1.4 Approach. Wheelchair spaces shall adjoin accessible routes. Accessible routes shall not overlap wheelchair spaces.
11B- 802.1.5 Overlap. Wheelchair spaces shall not overlap circulation paths.
11B- 802.2 Lines of sight. Lines of sight to the screen, performance area or playing field for spectators in wheelchair spaces shall comply with Section 11B- 802.2.
11B- 802.2.1 Lines of sight over seated spectators. Where spectators are expected to remain seated during events, spectators in wheelchair spaces shall be afforded lines of sight complying with Section 11B- 802.2.1.
11B- 802.2.1.1 Lines of sight over heads. Where spectators are provided lines of sight over the heads of spectators seated in the first row in front of their seats, spectators seated in wheelchair spaces shall be afforded lines of sight over the heads of seated spectators in the first row in front of wheelchair spaces.
11B-114 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING
FIGURE 11B-802.2.1.1—LINES OF SIGHT OVER THE HEADS OF SEATED SPECTATORS
11B- 802.2.1.2 Lines of sight between heads. Where spectators are provided lines of sight over the shoulders and between the heads of spectators seated in the first row in front of their seats, spectators seated in wheelchair spaces shall be afforded lines of sight over the shoulders and between the heads of seated spectators in the first row in front of wheelchair spaces.
FIGURE 11B- 802.2.1.2—LINES OF SIGHT BETWEEN THE HEADS OF SEATED SPECTATORS
11B- 802.2.2 Lines of sight over standing spectators. Where spectators are expected to stand during events, spectators in wheelchair spaces shall be afforded lines of sight complying with Section 11B- 802.2.2.
11B- 802.2.2.1 Lines of sight over heads. Where standing spectators are provided lines of sight over the heads of spectators standing in the first row in front of their seats, spectators seated in wheelchair spaces shall be afforded lines of sight over the heads of standing spectators in the first row in front of wheelchair spaces.
FIGURE 11B- 802.2.2.1—LINES OF SIGHT OVER THE HEADS OF STANDING SPECTATORS
11B- 802.2.2.2 Lines of sight between heads. Where standing spectators are provided lines of sight over the shoulders and between the heads of spectators standing in the first row in front of their seats, spectators seated in wheelchair spaces shall be afforded lines of sight over the shoulders and between the heads of standing spectators in the first row in front of wheelchair
spaces.
ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING
FIGURE 11B-802.2.2.2—LINES OF SIGHT BETWEEN THE HEADS OF STANDING SPECTATORS
11B- 802.3 Companion seats. Companion seats shall comply with Section 11B- 802.3.
11B- 802.3.1 Alignment. In row seating, companion seats shall be located to provide shoulder alignment with adjacent wheelchair spaces. The shoulder alignment point of the wheelchair space shall be measured 36 inches ( 914 mm) from the front of the wheelchair space. The floor surface of the companion seat shall be at the same elevation as the floor surface of the wheelchair
space.
11B- 802.3.2 Type. Companion seats shall be equivalent in size, quality, comfort and amenities to the seating in the immediate area. Companion seats shall be permitted to be movable.
11B- 802.4 Designated aisle seats. Designated aisle seats shall comply with Section 11B- 802.4.
11B- 802.4.1 Armrests. Where armrests are provided on the seating in the immediate area, folding or retractable armrests shall be provided on the aisle side of the seat.
11B- 802.4.2 Identification. Each designated aisle seat shall be identified by a sign or marker with the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1. Signs complying with Section 11B-703.5, notifying patrons of the availability of such seats shall be posted at the ticket office.
11B-802.5 Semi-ambulant seats. Semi-ambulant seats shall provide at least 24 inches (610 mm) clear leg space between the front of the seat to the nearest obstruction or to the back of the seat immediately in front.
Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.
Ask AI about this code