Chapter 11A — HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY
Section 1133A
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.
1133A.1 General.¶
Kitchens shall be on an accessible route and shall comply with this section. (See Figure 11A-10A.)
1133A.2 Clear floor space.¶
Clear floor space at kitchens shall comply with the following:
1. A clear floor space at least 30 inches (762 mm) by 48 inches (1219 mm) that allows a parallel approach by a
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.
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HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY
person in a wheelchair shall be provided at the range or cooktop.
2. A clear floor space at least 30 inches (762 mm) by 48 inches (1219 mm) that allows either a parallel or for- ward approach shall be provided at the kitchen sink and all other fixtures or appliances including the oven, dishwasher, refrigerator/freezer and trash compactor.
3. A clear floor space at least 30 inches (762 mm) by 48 inches (1219 mm) that allows either a parallel or a for- ward approach shall be provided at the work surface required by Section 1133A.4.
4. The centerline of the 30-inch (762 mm) by 48-inch (1219 mm) clear floor space provided for parallel or forward approach shall be aligned with the centerline of the work space, appliance or fixture.
1133A.2.1 Clear width. Kitchens shall have a minimum clear width measured between any cabinet, countertop or the face of any appliance (excluding handles and controls) that projects into the kitchen and the opposing cabinet, countertop, appliance or wall as follows:
1. U-shaped kitchens, designed with parallel approach at a range or cooktop located at the base of the U, shall have a minimum clear width of at least 60 inches (1524 mm). (See Figure 11A-10A.)
2. U-shaped kitchens, designed with a cooktop or sink located at the base of the U, which provides a knee and toe space in accordance with Section 1133A.7 to allow for a forward approach, shall have a clear width of at least 48 inches (1219 mm). (See Figure 11A-10A.)
3. All other kitchen designs shall provide a minimum clear width of at least 48 inches (1219 mm). (See Figure 11A-10A.)
1133A.3 Removable base cabinets.¶
Sinks and work surfaces required by Section 1133A.4 (see Item 1 and Item 2) shall be provided with knee and toe space complying with Section 1133A.7. Base cabinets (including toeboard and shelving) directly under kitchen sinks and work surfaces shall be removable without the use of specialized tools or specialized knowledge in order to provide knee and toe space. The finish floor beneath kitchen sinks and work surfaces shall be extended to the wall.
1133A.4 Countertops.¶
Kitchen countertops shall comply with this section and shall be provided with the following:
1. A minimum linear length of 30 inches (762 mm) of countertop shall be provided for the kitchen sink instal- lation.
2. A minimum linear length of 30 inches (762 mm) of countertop shall be provided for a work surface.
3. Sinks and work surfaces may be a single integral unit a minimum of 60 inches (1524 mm) in length, or be sepa- rate components.
Exception: Two 15-inch (381 mm) wide minimum breadboards may be provided in lieu of the required 30 inches (762 mm) of countertop work surface.
1133A.4.1 Repositionable countertops. Repositionable countertops shall be provided in a minimum of 5 percent of the covered multifamily dwelling units. Repositionable countertops shall comply with the following:
1. Sinks and work surfaces required by Section 1133A.4 shall be designed to enable repositioning to a minimum height of 28 inches (711 mm).
2. Base cabinets directly under sinks and work surfaces shall be removable as required in Section 1133A.3.
3. The sides of adjacent cabinets and the back wall, which may become exposed to moisture or food han- dling when a countertop is lowered, shall be con- structed of durable, nonabsorbent materials appropriate for such uses.
4. Finished flooring shall be extended to the wall beneath the sink and work surface.
Exceptions:
1. Stone, cultured stone and tiled countertops may be used without meeting the reposi- tioning requirements.
2. Two 15-inch (381 mm) wide minimum breadboards may be provided in lieu of the required 30 inches (762 mm) of countertop work surface, and used without meeting the repositioning requirements.
1133A.5 Lower shelving.¶
Lower shelving and/or drawer space shall be provided in the kitchen at a height of no more than 48 inches (1219 mm) above the floor.
1133A.6 Kitchen sink faucet controls.¶
Faucet controls and operating mechanisms shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist.
The force required to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 pounds (22.2N). Lever-operated, push-type and elec- tronically controlled mechanisms are examples of acceptable designs. Self-closing valves are allowed if the faucet remains open for at least 10 seconds.
1133A.7 Knee and toe space.¶
Knee and toe space, when required by Section 1133A, shall comply with Section 1138A.2 and the following:
1. The knee and toe space shall be clear and unob- structed, or removable base cabinets in compliance with Section 1133A.3 shall be provided.
2. The knee and toe space shall be 30 inches (762 mm) wide minimum, centered on the sink, countertop or appliance.
3. A clear floor space shall not extend into the knee and toe space more than 19 inches (483 mm).
1133A.7.1 Plumbing protection. Water supply and drain pipes under kitchen sinks shall be insulated or otherwise cov- ered to protect against contact. There shall be no sharp or abrasive surfaces under kitchen sinks.
456 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.
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Ask AI about this code▸Contents — California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2)
- Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
- Appendix G — FLOOD-RESISTANT
- Appendix L — EARTHQUAKE RECORDING
- Appendix M — TSUNAMI-GENERATED
- Chapter 1 — SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 3 — OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
- Chapter 4 — SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED
- Chapter 5 — GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
- Chapter 6 — TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 7 — FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
- Chapter 7A — MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 8 — INTERIOR FINISHES
- Chapter 9 — FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
- Chapter 10 — MEANS OF EGRESS
▸Chapter 11A — HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY
Overview- Section 1101A
- Section 1102A
- Section 1103A
- Section 1104A
- Section 1105A
- Section 1106A
- Section 1107A
- Section 1108A
- Section 1109A
- Section 1110A
- Section 1111A
- Section 1112A
- Section 1113A
- Section 1114A
- Section 1115A
- Section 1116A
- Section 1117A
- Section 1118A
- Section 1119A
- Section 1120A
- Section 1121A
- Section 1122A
- Section 1123A
- Section 1124A
- Section 1125A
- Section 1126A
- Section 1127A
- Section 1128A
- Section 1129A
- Section 1130A
- Section 1131A
- Section 1132A
- Section 1133A
- Section 1134A
- Section 1135A
- Section 1136A
- Section 1137A
- Section 1138A
- Section 1139A
- Section 1140A
- Section 1141A
- Section 1142A
- Section 1143A
- Section 1144A
- Section 1145A
- Section 1146A
- Section 1147A
- Section 1148A
- Section 1149A
- Section 1150A
- Chapter 11B — ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMM…
- Chapter 12 — INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT
- 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 18 — SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
- Chapter 19 — CONCRETE
- Chapter 20 — ALUMINUM
- Chapter 21 — MASONRY
- Chapter 22 — STEEL
- Chapter 23 — WOOD
- Chapter 24 — GLASS AND GLAZING
- Chapter 25 — GYPSUM BOARD, GYPSUM PANEL PRODUCTS AND PLASTER
- Chapter 26 — PLASTIC
- Chapter 27 — ELECTRICAL
- Chapter 28 — MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
- Chapter 30 — ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS
- Chapter 31 — SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION
- 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 35 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
- Appendix A — EMPLOYEE QUALIFICATIONS
- Appendix B — BOARD OF APPEALS
- Appendix C — GROUP U – AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS
- Appendix D — FIRE DISTRICTS
- Appendix F — RODENTPROOFING
- Appendix H — SIGNS
- Appendix I — PATIO COVERS
- Appendix J — GRADING
- Appendix K — GROUP R-3 AND GROUP R-3.1 OCCUPANCIES
- Appendix N — REPLICABLE BUILDINGS
- Appendix O — EMERGENCY HOUSING