R320 Handrails — 2025 California Residential Code

Handrails shall comply with Section R320.

Handrail height, measured vertically from the sloped plane adjoining the tread nosing, or finish surface of ramp slope, shall be not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm). Handrail height on alternating tread devices and ship’s ladders shall be uniform and not less than 30 inches (762 mm) and not more than 34 inches (864 mm).

Exceptions:

1. The use of a volute, turnout or starting easing shall be allowed over the lowest tread.
2. Where handrail fittings or bendings are used to provide continuous transition between flights, transitions at winder treads, the transition from handrail to guard, or used at the start of a flight, the handrail height at the fittings or bendings shall be permitted to exceed 38 inches (965 mm).

Handrails shall not project more than 4 1/2 inches (114 mm) on either side of the stairway or ramp.

Exception: Where nosings of landings, floors or passing flights project into the stairway reducing the clearance at passing handrails, handrails shall project not more than 6 1/2 inches (165 mm) into the stairway, provided that the stair width and handrail clearance are not reduced to less than that required.

Handrails adjacent to a wall shall have a space of not less than 1 1/2 inches (38 mm) between the wall and the handrails.

Handrails shall be continuous for the full length of the flight, from a point directly above the nosing of the landing at the top of the flight to a point directly above the lowest nosing of the flight. Handrails where required for ramps shall be continuous for the full length of the ramp. A handrail end shall be returned continuous to itself or toward a wall, guard or walking surface. Handrail returns shall not form a gap more than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) from the adjacent wall.

Exceptions:

1. Handrail continuity shall be permitted to be interrupted by a newel post at a turn in a flight with winders, at a landing, or over the lowest tread.

2. A volute, turnout or starting easing shall be allowed to terminate over the lowest tread.

Required handrails shall be of one of the following types or provide equivalent graspability.

1. Type I. Handrails with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of not less than 1 1/4 inches (32 mm) and not greater than 2 inches (51 mm). If the handrail is not circular, it shall have a perimeter of not less than 4 inches (102 mm) and not greater than 6 1/4 inches (160 mm) and a cross section of not more than 2 1/4 inches (57 mm). Edges shall have a radius of not less than 0.01 inch (0.25 mm).
2. Type II. Handrails with a perimeter greater than 6 1/4 inches (160 mm) shall have a graspable finger recess area on both sides of the profile. The finger recess shall begin within 3/4 inch (19 mm) measured vertically from the tallest portion of the profile and have a depth of not less than 5/16 inch (8 mm) within 7/8 inch (22 mm) below the widest portion of the profile. This required depth shall continue for not less than 3/8 inch (10 mm) to a level that is not less than 1 3/4 inches (45 mm) below the tallest portion of the profile. The width of the handrail above the recess shall be not less than 1 1/4 inches (32 mm) and not more than 2 3/4 inches (70 mm). Edges shall have a radius of not less than 0.01 inch (0.25 mm).

Plastic composite exterior handrails shall also comply with the requirements of Section R507.2.2.