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Chapter 11A — HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY

Section 1114A

California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) · 2019 edition · updated 2026-09-12 · California

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

EXTERIOR RAMPS AND LANDINGS

ON ACCESSIBLE ROUTES

1114A.1 Width.

The clear width of ramps shall be consistent with the requirements in Chapter 10 of this code, but in no case shall be less than 48 inches (1219 mm)

Handrails may project into the required clear width of the ramp at each side 3 1 /2 inches (89 mm) maximum at the hand- rail height. Curbs, wheel guides and/or appurtenances shall not project into the required clear width of ramps.

Exception: The clear width of ramps serving accessible entrances to covered multifamily dwellings with an occu- pant load of 10 or less may be 36 inches (914 mm) mini- mum between handrails.

Note: See Section 1114A.6.2.4 for handrail projections.

1114A.2 Slope.

The maximum slope of ramps on an accessible route shall be no greater than 1 unit vertical in 12 units hori- zontal (8.33-percent slope). Transitions from ramps to walks, gutters or streets shall be flush and free of abrupt changes.

Exception: Ramps serving decks, patios or balconies as specified in Section 1132A.4.

1114A.2.1 Cross slope. The cross slope of ramp surfaces shall be no greater than 1 unit vertical in 48 units horizon- tal (2.083-percent slope).

1114A.3 Outdoor ramps.

Outdoor ramps, ramp landings and their approaches shall be designed so that water will not accumulate on the walking surface.

1114A.4 Landings.

Ramp landings shall be level and comply with this section.

1114A.4.1 Location of landings. Landings shall be pro- vided at the top and bottom of each ramp. Intermediate landings shall be provided at intervals not exceeding 30 inches (762 mm) of vertical rise and at each change of direction. Landings are not considered in determining the maximum horizontal distance of each ramp.

Note: Examples of ramp dimensions are:

1114A.4.2 Size of top landings. Top landings shall not be less than 60 inches (1524 mm) wide. Top landings shall have a minimum length of not less than 60 inches (1524 mm) in the direction of the ramp run. See Section 1126A.3 for maneuvering clearances at doors.

1114A.4.3 Size of bottom and intermediate landings. The minimum width of bottom and intermediate landings shall not be less than the width of the ramp.

Intermediate landings shall have a length in the direc- tion of ramp run of not less than 60 inches (1524 mm). Bottom landings shall have a length in the direction of ramp run of not less than 72 inches (1829 mm).

1114A.4.4 Encroachment of doors. Doors in any position shall not reduce the minimum dimension of the landing to less than 42 inches (1067 mm) and shall not reduce the required width by more than 3 inches (76.2 mm) when fully open. (See Figure 11A-6D).

1114A.4.5 Strike edge extension. The width of the landing shall comply with Section 1126A.3 for strike edge exten- sion and maneuvering clearance at doors.

Where doorways are located adjacent to a ramp land- ing, maneuvering clearance required by Section 1126A.3 shall be permitted to overlap the required landing area.

1114A.4.6 Change of direction. Intermediate landings at a change of direction shall be sized to provide 60 inches turning space complying with Section 1138A.1.3. Interme- diate landings at a change of direction in excess of 30 degrees shall have a length in the direction of ramp run of not less than 72 inches (1829 mm). (See Figures 11A-6C and 11A-6D.)

1114A.5 Ramp height.

Ramps more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the adjacent floor or ground and open on one or both sides shall be provided with guardrails as required by Sec- tion 1013. Guardrails shall be continuous from the top of the ramp to the bottom of the ramp.

1114A.6 Ramp handrails.

1114A.6.1 Where required. Handrails shall be provided at each side of ramps when the slope exceeds 1 unit verti- cal in 20 units horizontal (5-percent slope).

Exceptions:

1. Curb ramps.

2. Ramps that serve an individual dwelling unit may have one handrail, except that ramps open on one or both sides shall have handrails provided on the open side or sides.

3. Ramps at exterior door landings with less than 6 inches (152 mm) rise or less than 72 inches (1829 mm) in length.

1114A.6.2 Handrail configuration.

1114A.6.2.1 Handrail heights. The top of handrails shall be 34 to 38 inches (864 to 965 mm) above the ramp surface.

1114A.6.2.2 Handrail continuity. Handrails on all ramps shall be continuous within the full length of each ramp run. Inside handrails on switchback or dogleg ramps shall be continuous between ramp runs.

SLOPE
(Grading %)		 MAXIMUM RISE
(Inches)		 MAXIMUM HORIZONTAL
PROJECTION (Feet)
SLOPE
(Grading %)		 (x 25.4 for mm) (x 304.8) for mm)
1:12 (8.33%)
1:15 (6.67%)
1:16 (6.25%)
1:20 (5.00%)		 30
30
30
30		 30
37.5
40
50

436 2019 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

Copyright © 2019 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Day (kevin.day@dgs.ca.gov), (California Building Standards Commission) Order Number #100735044 on Jul 24, 2019 03:54 PM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No further reproduction or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.

100735044

1114A.6.2.3 Handrail extensions. Handrails shall extend a minimum of 12 inches (305 mm) horizontally above landings, beyond the top and bottom of the ramp runs. Extensions shall return to a wall, guard, or the walking surface, or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adja- cent ramp run. Handrail extensions shall be in the same direction as the ramp runs. (See Figure 11A-5A.)

1114A.6.2.4 Handrail projections. Handrails project- ing from a wall shall have a space of 1 1 /2 inches (38.1 mm) minimum between the wall and the handrail.

Handrails may be located in a recess if the recess is a maximum of 3 inches (76.2 mm) deep and extends at least 18 inches (457 mm) above the top of the rail. Any wall or other surface adjacent to the handrail shall be free of sharp or abrasive elements. (See Figure 11A-6B.)

1114A.6.2.5 Handrail gripping surfaces. Handrail gripping surfaces shall be continuous along their length, and shall not be obstructed along their tops or sides. The bottoms of handrail gripping surfaces shall not be obstructed for more than 20 percent of their length. When provided, horizontal projections shall occur 1 1 /2 inches (38 mm) minimum below the bottom of the handrail gripping surface. The distance between horizontal projections and the bottom of the gripping surface shall be permitted to be reduced by 1 /8 inch (3.2 mm) for each 1 /2 inch (12.7 mm) of additional handrail perimeter dimension that exceeds 4 inches (102 mm).

Handrail gripping surfaces and any surfaces adja- cent to them shall be free of sharp or abrasive ele- ments, and shall have rounded edges.

Exception: Where handrails are provided along walking surfaces with slopes not steeper than 1 unit vertical in 20 units horizontal, the bottoms of hand- rail gripping surfaces shall be permitted to be obstructed along their entire length where they are integral to crash rails or bumper guards.

1114A.6.2.6 Cross section. Handrail gripping surfaces shall comply with this section, or the shape shall pro- vide equivalent gripping surface.

1. Circular cross section. The handrail gripping surfaces with a circular cross section shall not be less than 1 1 /4 inches (31.75 mm) nor more than 2 inches (50.8 mm) in cross-sectional dimension.

2. Noncircular cross section. Handrail gripping surfaces with a noncircular cross section shall have a perimeter dimension of 4 inches (102 mm) minimum and 6 1 /4 inches (159 mm) maximum, and a cross-section dimension of 2 1 /4 inches (57 mm) maximum.

1114A.6.2.7 Fittings. Handrails shall not rotate within their fittings.

1114A.7 Edge protection.

Ramps and ramp landings shall be provided with a continuous and uninterrupted barrier on each side along the entire length in compliance with Sections 1010.10 and 1010.10.1. (See Figure 11A-5A.)

Note: Extended floors or ground surfaces, as permitted in Section 1010.10.2, are not allowed for ramps and ramp landings part of an accessible route.

HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY

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▸Contents — California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2)
California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2)
  1. Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
  2. Appendix G — FLOOD-RESISTANT
  3. Appendix L — EARTHQUAKE RECORDING
  4. Appendix M — TSUNAMI-GENERATED
  5. Chapter 1 — SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
  6. Chapter 3 — OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
  7. Chapter 4 — SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED
  8. Chapter 5 — GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
  9. Chapter 6 — TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
  10. Chapter 7 — FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
  11. Chapter 7A — MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION
  12. Chapter 8 — INTERIOR FINISHES
  13. Chapter 9 — FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
  14. Chapter 10 — MEANS OF EGRESS
  15. ▸Chapter 11A — HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY
    Overview
    1. Section 1101A
    2. Section 1102A
    3. Section 1103A
    4. Section 1104A
    5. Section 1105A
    6. Section 1106A
    7. Section 1107A
    8. Section 1108A
    9. Section 1109A
    10. Section 1110A
    11. Section 1111A
    12. Section 1112A
    13. Section 1113A
    14. Section 1114A
    15. Section 1115A
    16. Section 1116A
    17. Section 1117A
    18. Section 1118A
    19. Section 1119A
    20. Section 1120A
    21. Section 1121A
    22. Section 1122A
    23. Section 1123A
    24. Section 1124A
    25. Section 1125A
    26. Section 1126A
    27. Section 1127A
    28. Section 1128A
    29. Section 1129A
    30. Section 1130A
    31. Section 1131A
    32. Section 1132A
    33. Section 1133A
    34. Section 1134A
    35. Section 1135A
    36. Section 1136A
    37. Section 1137A
    38. Section 1138A
    39. Section 1139A
    40. Section 1140A
    41. Section 1141A
    42. Section 1142A
    43. Section 1143A
    44. Section 1144A
    45. Section 1145A
    46. Section 1146A
    47. Section 1147A
    48. Section 1148A
    49. Section 1149A
    50. Section 1150A
  16. Chapter 11B — ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMM…
  17. Chapter 12 — INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT
  18. Chapter 14 — EXTERIOR WALLS
  19. Chapter 15 — ROOF ASSEMBLIES AND ROOFTOP STRUCTURES
  20. Chapter 16 — STRUCTURAL DESIGN
  21. Chapter 16A — STRUCTURAL DESIGN
  22. Chapter 17 — SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
  23. Chapter 18 — SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
  24. Chapter 19 — CONCRETE
  25. Chapter 20 — ALUMINUM
  26. Chapter 21 — MASONRY
  27. Chapter 22 — STEEL
  28. Chapter 23 — WOOD
  29. Chapter 24 — GLASS AND GLAZING
  30. Chapter 25 — GYPSUM BOARD, GYPSUM PANEL PRODUCTS AND PLASTER
  31. Chapter 26 — PLASTIC
  32. Chapter 27 — ELECTRICAL
  33. Chapter 28 — MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
  34. Chapter 30 — ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS
  35. Chapter 31 — SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION
  36. Chapter 31B — PUBLIC POOLS
  37. Chapter 31C — RADIATION
  38. Chapter 31D — FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
  39. Chapter 31F — MARINE OIL TERMINALS
  40. Chapter 32 — ENCROACHMENTS INTO THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
  41. Chapter 33 — SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION
  42. Chapter 35 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
  43. Appendix A — EMPLOYEE QUALIFICATIONS
  44. Appendix B — BOARD OF APPEALS
  45. Appendix C — GROUP U – AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS
  46. Appendix D — FIRE DISTRICTS
  47. Appendix F — RODENTPROOFING
  48. Appendix H — SIGNS
  49. Appendix I — PATIO COVERS
  50. Appendix J — GRADING
  51. Appendix K — GROUP R-3 AND GROUP R-3.1 OCCUPANCIES
  52. Appendix N — REPLICABLE BUILDINGS
  53. Appendix O — EMERGENCY HOUSING

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