R328 Aging-in-Place Design and Fall Prevention — 2025 California Residential Code

Newly constructed dwellings subject to the requirements of this code shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Sections R328.1.1 through R328.1.4.

Exceptions: 1. Covered multifamily dwellings designed and constructed in accordance with Chapter 11A of the California Building Code. 2. Public housing and places of public accommodation required to comply with Chapter 11B of the California Building Code.

BUILDING PLANNING

R328.1.1 Reinforcement for grab bars. At least one bathroom on the entry level shall be provided with reinforcement installed in accordance with this section. Where there is no bathroom on the entry level, at least one bathroom on the second or third floor of the dwelling shall comply with this section. 1. Reinforcement shall be solid lumber or other construction materials approved by the enforcing agency. 2. Reinforcement shall not be less than 2 by 8 inch (51 mm by 203 mm) nominal lumber. [1 1/2 inch by 7 1/4 inch (38 mm by 184 mm) actual dimension] or other construction material providing equal height and load capacity. Reinforcement shall be located between 32 inches (812.8 mm) and 39 1/4 inches (997 mm) above the finished floor flush with the wall framing. 3. Water closet reinforcement shall be installed on both side walls of the fixture, or one side wall and the back wall.

4. Shower reinforcement shall be continuous where wall framing is provided. 5. Bathtub and combination bathtub/shower reinforcement shall be continuous on each end of the bathtub and the back wall. Additionally, back wall reinforcement for a lower grab bar shall be provided with the bottom edge located no more than 6 inches (152.4 mm) above the bathtub rim.

Exceptions: 1. Where the water closet is not placed adjacent to a side wall capable of accommodating a grab bar, the bathroom shall have provisions for installation of floor-mounted, foldaway or similar alternate grab bar reinforcements approved by the enforcing agency. 2. Reinforcement shall not be required in wall framing for pre-fabricated shower enclosures and bathtub wall panels with integral factory-installed grab bars or when factory-installed reinforcement for grab bars is provided. 3. Shower enclosures that do not permit installation of reinforcement and/or grab bars shall be permitted, provided rein- forcement for installation of floor-mounted grab bars or an alternate method is approved by the enforcing agency. 4. Bathtubs with no surrounding walls, or where wall panels do not permit the installation of reinforcement shall be permit- ted, provided reinforcement for installation of floor-mounted grab bars adjacent to the bathtub or an alternate method is approved by the enforcing agency. 5. Reinforcement of floors shall not be required for bathtubs and water closets installed on concrete slab floors.

R328.1.1.1 Documentation for grab bar reinforcement. Information and/or drawings identifying the location of grab bar rein- forcement shall be placed in the operation and maintenance manual in accordance with the California Green Building Standards Code, Chapter 4, Division 4.4.

R328.1.2 Electrical receptacle outlet, switch and control heights. Electrical receptacle outlets, switches and controls (including controls for heating, ventilation and air conditioning) intended to be used by occupants shall be located no more than 48 inches (1219.2 mm) measured from the top of the outlet box and not less than 15 inches (381 mm) measured from the bottom of the outlet box above the finish floor.

Exceptions: 1. Dedicated receptacle outlets; floor receptacle outlets; controls mounted on ceiling fans and ceiling lights; and controls located on appliances. 2. Receptacle outlets required by the California Electrical Code on a wall space where the distance between the finished floor and a built-in feature above the finish floor, such as a window, is less than 15 inches (381 mm).

R328.1.3 Interior doors. Effective July 1, 2024, at least one bathroom and one bedroom on the entry level shall provide a doorway with a net clear opening of not less than 32 inches (812.8 mm), measured with the door positioned at an angle of 90 degrees from the closed position; or, in the case of a two- or three-story single family dwelling, on the second or third floor of the dwelling if a bathroom or bedroom is not located on the entry level.

R328.1.4 Doorbell buttons. Doorbell buttons or controls, when installed, shall not exceed 48 inches (1219.2 mm) above exterior floor or landing, measured from the top of the doorbell button assembly. Where doorbell buttons integrated with other features are required to be installed above 48 inches (1219.2 mm) measured from the exterior floor or landing, a standard doorbell button or control shall also be provided at a height not exceeding 48 inches (1219.2 mm) above exterior floor or landing, measured from the top of the doorbell button or control.