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Chapter 11A — HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY

Section 1122A

California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) · 2022 edition · updated 2026-09-12 · California

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

INTERIOR RAMPS AND LANDINGS

ON ACCESSIBLE ROUTES

1122A.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 1122A.5.2.4 for handrail projections.

1122A.2 Slope.

The maximum slope of ramps on an accessi- ble route shall be no greater than 1 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (8.33-percent slope).

1122A.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).

1122A.3 Landings.

Ramp landings shall be level and comply with this section. (See Figure 11A-6C.)

1122A.3.1 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

HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY

direction. Landings are not considered in determining the maximum horizontal distance of each ramp.

Note: Examples of ramp dimensions are:

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

1122A.3.2 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. (See Figure 11A-6C.)

1122A.3.3 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).

1122A.3.4 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.)

1122A.3.5 Strike edge extension . The width of the landing shall comply with Section 1126A.3 for maneuvering clear- ance 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.

1122A.3.6 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.)

1122A.4 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 a guard as required by Section 1013. Guardrails shall be continuous from the top of the ramp to the bottom of the ramp.

1122A.5 Ramp handrails.

1122A.5.1 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.

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HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY

1122A.5.2 Handrail configuration.

1122A.5.2.1 Handrail heights. The top of handrails shall be 34 to 38 inches (864 to 965 mm) above the ramp surface.

1122A.5.2.2 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.

1122A.5.2.3 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.)

1122A.5.2.4 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.)

1122A.5.2.5 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.

1122A.5.2.6 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.

1122A.5.2.7 Fittings. Handrails shall not rotate within their fittings.

1122A.6 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 providing access to, or egress from, buildings or facilities where accessibility is required.

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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. Appendix N — REPLICABLE
  6. Appendix O — PERFORMANCE-BASED
  7. Chapter 1 — SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
  8. Chapter 3 — OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
  9. Chapter 4 — SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY A…
  10. Chapter 5 — GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
  11. Chapter 6 — TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
  12. Chapter 7 — FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
  13. Chapter 7A — MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION
  14. Chapter 8 — INTERIOR FINISHES
  15. Chapter 9 — FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
  16. Chapter 10 — MEANS OF EGRESS
  17. Chapter 11A — HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY
  18. Chapter 11B — ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMM…
  19. Chapter 12 — INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT
  20. Chapter 14 — EXTERIOR WALLS
  21. Chapter 15 — ROOF ASSEMBLIES AND ROOFTOP STRUCTURES
  22. Chapter 16 — STRUCTURAL DESIGN
  23. Chapter 16A — STRUCTURAL DESIGN
  24. Chapter 17 — SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
  25. Chapter 18 — SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
  26. Chapter 19 — CONCRETE
  27. Chapter 20 — ALUMINUM
  28. Chapter 21 — MASONRY
  29. Chapter 22 — STEEL
  30. Chapter 23 — WOOD
  31. Chapter 24 — GLASS AND GLAZING
  32. Chapter 25 — GYPSUM BOARD, GYPSUM PANEL PRODUCTS AND PLASTER
  33. Chapter 26 — PLASTIC
  34. Chapter 27 — ELECTRICAL
  35. Chapter 28 — MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
  36. Chapter 30 — ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS
  37. Chapter 31 — SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION
  38. Chapter 31B — PUBLIC POOLS
  39. Chapter 31C — RADIATION
  40. Chapter 31D — FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
  41. Chapter 31F — MARINE OIL TERMINALS
  42. Chapter 32 — ENCROACHMENTS INTO THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
  43. Chapter 33 — SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION
  44. Chapter 35 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
  45. Appendix A — EMPLOYEE QUALIFICATIONS
  46. Appendix B — BOARD OF APPEALS
  47. Appendix C — GROUP U – AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS
  48. Appendix D — FIRE DISTRICTS
  49. Appendix F — RODENTPROOFING
  50. Appendix H — SIGNS
  51. Appendix I — PATIO COVERS
  52. Appendix J — GRADING
  53. Appendix K — GROUP R-3 AND GROUP R-3.1 OCCUPANCIES
  54. Appendix P — EMERGENCY HOUSING

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