CBC · California Building Code

Which entrances must be accessible and what are the exceptions?

Most building entrances listed in § 11B-206.4 must be accessible: all building entrances required to comply (including those from parking structures, tunnels, tenant spaces, restricted and service entrances when they are the only entrance, and specified transportation and residential situations) must meet the entrance/door technical requirements in § 11B-404 and must be on an accessible route per § 11B-402; exceptions for certain existing stations, storage facilities, or service entrances are spelled out in the subsections cited.

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

Under the CBC, entrances that serve buildings and tenant spaces must be accessible and must comply with the doors/thresholds requirements in § 11B-404 and be located on an accessible route complying with § 11B-402. The scope and special cases are listed in § 11B-206.4 (for example: “all entrances,” entrances from parking structures, tunnels/elevated walkways, tenant spaces, residential primary entrances, restricted entrances, service entrances that are the only entrance, and certain transportation-related entrances) . Where the code provides an exception, that exception is stated in the specific § 11B-206.4 subsection cited below .

Requirements in detail

Rule summary (plain)

  • All building and facility entrances required to comply with § 11B-206.4 must comply with the technical entrance/door requirements in § 11B-404 and be on an accessible route per § 11B-402 .
  • § 11B-206.4 then lists specific types of entrances and any targeted exceptions (parking structure direct accesses, tunnels/elevated walkways, tenant spaces, residential primary entrance, restricted/service/inmate entrances, transportation facility rules, etc.) .

Decision table — which entrances and the controlling code citation

Entrance / condition What the code requires (decision‑relevant) Code Reference
All entrances to buildings/facilities required to comply Must comply with door/threshold requirements in § 11B-404 and be on an accessible route per § 11B-402 § 11B-206.4; § 11B-404; § 11B-402
Entrances from parking structures (direct pedestrian access) Each direct access to the building/facility entrance must comply with § 11B-404 § 11B-206.4.2; § 11B-404
Entrances from tunnels or elevated walkways (direct access) All entrances from each tunnel/walkway must comply with § 11B-404 § 11B-206.4.3; § 11B-404
Transportation facilities serving different fixed routes Entrances serving each fixed route or group of fixed routes shall comply with § 11B-404 (special key-station/intercity-rail exceptions described) § 11B-206.4.4 and § 11B-206.4.4.1
Tenant spaces / individual tenancies All entrances to each tenancy shall comply with § 11B-404 § 11B-206.4.5; § 11B-404
Residential dwelling units (primary entrance) At least one primary entrance to the dwelling unit shall comply with § 11B-404 (primary entrance cannot be to a bedroom) § 11B-206.4.6; § 11B-404
Restricted entrances (security/restricted access) All restricted entrances to the building/facility shall comply with § 11B-404 § 11B-206.4.7; § 11B-404
Service entrance when it is the only entrance If a service entrance is the only entrance to a building or tenancy, that entrance must comply with § 11B-404; in existing buildings a service entrance shall not be the sole accessible entrance unless it is the only entrance to the building/facility § 11B-206.4.8; § 11B-404
Entrances used only by inmates/detainees and security personnel At least one such entrance shall comply with § 11B-404 (judicial/detention/correctional facilities) § 11B-206.4.9; § 11B-404
Medical care / long‑term care facilities Minimum of one accessible entrance must have weather protection (canopy/overhang) and include the passenger drop‑off/loading zone and accessible route from it § 11B-206.4.10; § 11B-209.3; § 11B-404

Notes:

  • The directive “shall comply with § 11B-404” points you to the technical requirements for entrance doors, thresholds, maneuvering clearances and related hardware; “shall be on an accessible route complying with § 11B-402” points you to the accessible-route criteria that connect site arrival points (parking, drop‑off, sidewalks, transit) to the entrance. Those cross‑references are explicitly required in § 11B-206.4 .
  • If you need the numeric dimensional values (clear widths, threshold heights, maneuvering clearances, slope/width of the route, turning space sizes), those specific technical details reside in § 11B-404 (entrance/door rules) and § 11B-402 (accessible route rules). The search results returned the cross‑references to those sections but did not include the full text of §§ 11B-404 and 11B-402 in the retrieved snippets; consult those sections directly in the CBC for the exact numbers and diagrams (§ 11B-404 and § 11B-402) .

Exceptions & special cases

  • Transportation key stations and some existing intercity rail stations have limited exceptions described in § 11B-206.4.4.1 and § 11B-206.4.4.2; the code identifies when existing retrofits or direct connections are not required to meet § 11B-404 in certain contexts .
  • Tenant-space exception: self‑service storage facilities that are not required to comply with § 11B-225.3 are not required to be on an accessible route (so their entrances may be excepted) — see § 11B-206.4.5 exception .
  • Existing buildings: where not all entrances comply, the CBC requires identification and directional signage to the nearest accessible entrance (see § 11B-216.6) — i.e., non‑complying entrances must be signed and the accessible entrance identified .
  • Service entrances: existing buildings are treated specially — a service entrance shall not be the sole accessible entrance unless it is the only entrance to the building/facility (§ 11B-206.4.8) .
  • Platform lifts and other alternative vertical access are permitted in the limited circumstances listed in § 11B-206.7 (e.g., where site constraints make ramps or elevators infeasible) — that affects how an entrance may be connected to interior accessible routes (§ 11B-402) .
  • Medical/long‑term care facilities have an added weather-protection requirement at at least one accessible entrance where length of stay may exceed 24 hours (§ 11B-206.4.10) .

If you need to determine whether a specific entrance qualifies for an exception (e.g., “key station” status, retrofit under federal transit rules, or existing intercity rail station conditions), consult the specific subsection text in § 11B-206.4 and the referenced federal provisions called out in that subsection .

Common mistakes

  • Assuming only “main” entrances must be accessible. The CBC often requires multiple specific entrances to be accessible (tenant entrances, entrances from parking structures, tunnel/elevated walkway entrances, restricted entrances, etc.) — see § 11B-206.4 subsections .
  • Forgetting the accessible-route requirement. Even if a door meets § 11B-404 door requirements, the entrance must also be located on an accessible route complying with § 11B-402 (connecting parking, drop‑offs, sidewalks, transit stops) .
  • Relying on a service entrance without checking the “only entrance” rule. In existing buildings a service entrance cannot be the sole accessible entrance unless it truly is the only building entrance (§ 11B-206.4.8) .
  • Overlooking signage obligations in existing buildings. If some entrances are not accessible, the code requires directional signage to the nearest accessible entrance (§ 11B-216.6) .
  • Applying “one-size-fits-all”: special building types (transportation, detention, medical/long‑term care, tenant spaces, dwelling units) have tailored requirements and exceptions in § 11B-206.4 subsections — read the applicable subsection for your building type .

Worked example — shopping center with parking structure and tenant spaces

Scenario: A 4‑tenant retail building with a parking structure that provides direct pedestrian access to the building. The owner proposes three street-level tenant entrances and one common mall entrance from the parking structure.

Applying the CBC:

  1. Entrances from the parking structure: each direct pedestrian access from the parking structure to the building entrance must comply with § 11B-404 (doors) and be on an accessible route per § 11B-402 — so the parking-structure-to-building path(s) must be accessible, and the building entrance(s) that serve those paths must meet § 11B-404 clearances and hardware requirements (cited in § 11B-206.4.2) .
  2. Tenant entrances: § 11B-206.4.5 requires that all entrances to each tenancy shall comply with § 11B-404. That means each of the three street‑level tenant entrances must meet the entrance/door criteria in § 11B-404 (e.g., required clear width, maneuvering clearances, thresholds, hardware — see § 11B-404 for specific numeric values) .
  3. Accessible route from accessible parking: accessible parking spaces serving the building must be located on the shortest accessible route to an accessible entrance (§ 11B-208.3.1) and the accessible route must comply with § 11B-402. If there are multiple entrances, parking should be dispersed to shortest routes to accessible entrances (see § 11B-208.3.1 in conjunction with § 11B-206.2.1 and § 11B-206.4) . Practical consequence: Unless the building meets a limited exception, you must make at least the entrances from the parking structure and each tenancy entrance accessible; if one tenancy entrance cannot be made accessible (rare), the owner must verify whether any applicable exception applies (e.g., self‑service storage exception) and provide signed directions to the nearest accessible entrance if some entrances remain non‑compliant (§ 11B-216.6) .

Related provisions (quick list)

  • § 11B-206.2.1 — Accessible route from site arrival points (parking, drop‑off, sidewalks) to accessible building entrance(s)
  • § 11B-206.5.1 — Entrances required to comply with § 11B-404 (doors/doorways)
  • § 11B-402 — Accessible routes (entry connection; see cross‑reference in § 11B-206.4) — consult § 11B-402 for route criteria; the retrieval included cross‑references but not the full text in the snippets
  • § 11B-404 — Entrance doors, thresholds, maneuvering clearances and related technical requirements (see § 11B-206.4 cross‑references) — consult § 11B-404 for numeric values and diagrams; the retrieval included the cross‑references but not all technical text in the snippets
  • § 11B-206.7 — Platform lifts allowed where site constraints make ramp/elevator infeasible (affects how entrances connect to accessible routes)
  • § 11B-209.3 — Passenger drop‑off/loading zone details referenced in the medical/long‑term care entrance provision § 11B-206.4.10
  • § 11B-216.6 — Signage requirements for existing buildings where some entrances are not accessible

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

  • CBC § 206.4.9 High relevance — show source text

    11B- 206.4.9 Entrances for inmates or detainees. Where entrances used only by inmates or detainees and security personnel are provided at judicial facilities, detention facilities or correctional facilities, at least one such entrance shall comply with Section 11B- 404 .

    11B-206.4.10 Medical care and long-term care facilities. Weather protection by a canopy or roof overhang shall be provided at a minimum of one accessible entrance to licensed medical care and licensed long-term care facilities where the period of stay may exceed twenty-four hours. The area of weather protection shall include the passenger drop-off and loading zone complying with Section 11B-209.3 and the accessible route from the passenger loading zone to the accessible entrance it serves.

    11B- 206.5 Doors, doorways and gates. Doors, doorways and gates providing user passage shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B -206.5.

    11B- 206.5.1 Entrances. Each entrance to a building or facility required to comply with Section 11B- 206.4 shall comply with Section 11B- 404 .

    11B- 206.5.2 Rooms and spaces. Within a building or facility, every door, doorway or gate serving rooms and spaces complying with this chapter shall comply with Section 11B- 404 .

    11B- 206.5.3 Transient lodging facilities. In transient lodging facilities, entrances, doors and doorways providing user passage into and within guest rooms that are not required to provide mobility features complying with Section 11B- 806.2 shall comply with Section 11B- 404.2.3.

    Exception: Shower and sauna doors in guest rooms that are not required to provide mobility features complying with Section 11B- 806.2 shall not be required to comply with Section 11B- 404.2.3.

    11B- 206.5.4 Residential dwelling units. In residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features complying with Sections 11B- 809.2 through 11B- 809.4, all doors and doorways providing user passage shall comply with Section 11B- 404 .

    11B- 206.6 Elevators. Elevators provided for passengers shall comply with Section 11B- 407. Where multiple elevators are provided, each elevator shall comply with Section 11B- 407 .

    Exceptions:

    1. In a building or facility permitted to use the exceptions to Section 11B- 206.2.3 or permitted by Section 11B- 206.7 to use a platform lift, elevators complying with Section 11B- 408 shall be permitted.

    2. Elevators complying with Section 11B- 408 or 11B- 409 shall be permitted in multistory residential dwelling units. Elevators provided as a means of access within a private residence shall be installed so that they are not accessible to the general public or to other occupants of the building.

    3. Destination-oriented elevators complying with Section 11B-411 shall be permitted.

  • CBC § 206.4.3 High relevance — show source text

    11B- 206.4.3 Entrances from tunnels or elevated walkways. Where direct access is provided for pedestrians from a pedestrian tunnel or elevated walkway to a building or facility, all entrances to the building or facility from each tunnel or walkway shall comply with Section 11B- 404 .

    11B- 206.4.4 Transportation facilities. In addition to the requirements of Sections 11B- 206.4.2, 11B- 206.4.3 and 11B- 206.4.5 through 11B- 206.4.9, transportation facilities shall provide entrances in accordance with Section 11B- 206.4.4.

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    11B- 206.4.4.1 Location. In transportation facilities, where different entrances serve different transportation fixed routes or groups of fixed routes, entrances serving each fixed route or group of fixed routes shall comply with Section 11B- 404 .

    Exception: Entrances to key stations and existing intercity rail stations retrofitted in accordance with 49 CFR 37.49 or 49 CFR 37.51 shall not be required to comply with Section 11B- 206.4.4.1.

    11B- 206.4.4.2 Direct connections. Direct connections to other facilities shall provide an accessible route complying with Section 11B- 404 from the point of connection to boarding platforms and all transportation system elements required to be accessible. Any elements provided to facilitate future direct connections shall be on an accessible route connecting boarding platforms and all transportation system elements required to be accessible.

    Exception: In key stations and existing intercity rail stations, existing direct connections shall not be required to comply with Section 11B- 404 .

    11B- 206.4.4.3 Key stations and intercity rail stations. Key stations and existing intercity rail stations required by Subpart C of 49 CFR part 37 to be altered, shall have entrances complying with Section 11B- 404 .

    11B- 206.4.5 Tenant spaces. All entrances to each tenancy in a facility shall comply with Section 11B- 404 .

    Exception: Self-service storage facilities not required to comply with Section 11B- 225.3 shall not be required to be on an accessible route.

    11B- 206.4.6 Residential dwelling unit primary entrance. In residential dwelling units, at least one primary entrance shall comply with Section 11B- 404. The primary entrance to a residential dwelling unit shall not be to a bedroom.

    11B- 206.4.7 Restricted entrances. Where restricted entrances are provided to a building or facility, all restricted entrances to the building or facility shall comply with Section 11B- 404 .

  • CBC § 11B-206.2.18 High relevance — show source text

    11B-206.2.18 Area of sport activity. An accessible route shall be provided to the boundary of each area of sport activity.

    11B-206.2.19 Pedestrian street crossings. Where walks or sidewalks are provided, a curb ramp, blended transition or a combina- tion of curb ramps and blended transitions complying with Section 11B-406 shall connect the walks or sidewalks at each pedestrian street crossing. The curb ramp (excluding any flared sides) or blended transition shall be contained wholly within the width of the pedestrian street crossing served.

    Exception: Compliance with Section 11B-206.2.19 shall not be required where pedestrian crossing is prohibited by the appropriate administrative authority.

    11B- 206.3 Location. Accessible routes shall coincide with or be located in the same area as general circulation paths. Where circulation paths are interior, required accessible routes shall also be interior. An accessible route shall not pass through kitchens, storage rooms, restrooms, closets or other spaces used for similar purposes, except as permitted by Chapter 10.

    11B- 206.4 Entrances. Entrances shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B- 206.4. Entrance doors, doorways and gates shall comply with Section 11B- 404 and shall be on an accessible route complying with Section 11B- 402 .

    Exceptions:

    1. Reserved.

    2. Reserved.

    11B- 206.4.1 Entrances. All entrances shall comply with Section 11B- 404 .

    11B- 206.4.2 Parking structure entrances. Where direct access is provided for pedestrians from a parking structure to a building or facility entrance, each direct access to the building or facility entrance shall comply with Section 11B- 404 .

    11B- 206.4.3 Entrances from tunnels or elevated walkways. Where direct access is provided for pedestrians from a pedestrian tunnel or elevated walkway to a building or facility, all entrances to the building or facility from each tunnel or walkway shall comply with Section 11B- 404 .

    11B- 206.4.4 Transportation facilities. In addition to the requirements of Sections 11B- 206.4.2, 11B- 206.4.3 and 11B- 206.4.5 through 11B- 206.4.9, transportation facilities shall provide entrances in accordance with Section 11B- 206.4.4.

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    11B- 206.4.4.1 Location. In transportation facilities, where different entrances serve different transportation fixed routes or groups of fixed routes, entrances serving each fixed route or group of fixed routes shall comply with Section 11B- 404 .

    Exception: Entrances to key stations and existing intercity rail stations retrofitted in accordance with 49 CFR 37.49 or 49 CFR 37.51 shall not be required to comply with Section 11B- 206.4.4.1.

  • CBC § 11B-11 High relevance — show source text

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    FIGURE 11B-205.1 Ex. 9—ELECTRICAL RECEPTACLES AT CORNER WORKSURFACES

    SECTION 11B- 206—ACCESSIBLE ROUTES

    11B- 206.1 General. Accessible routes shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B- 206 and shall comply with Division 4 .

    11B- 206.2 Where required. Accessible routes shall be provided where required by Section 11B- 206.2.

    11B- 206.2.1 Site arrival points. At least one accessible route shall be provided within the site from accessible parking spaces and accessible passenger drop-off and loading zones; public streets and sidewalks; and public transportation stops to the accessible building or facility entrance they serve. Where more than one route is provided, all routes must be accessible.

    Exceptions:

    1. Reserved.

    2. An accessible route shall not be required between site arrival points and the building or facility entrance if the only means of access between them is a vehicular way not providing pedestrian access.

    3. General circulation paths shall be permitted when located in close proximity to an accessible route.

    11B- 206.2.2 Within a site. At least one accessible route shall connect accessible buildings, accessible facilities, accessible elements and accessible spaces that are on the same site.

    Exception: An accessible route shall not be required between accessible buildings, accessible facilities, accessible elements and accessible spaces if the only means of access between them is a vehicular way not providing pedestrian access.

    11B- 206.2.3 Multistory buildings and facilities. At least one accessible route shall connect each story and mezzanine in multistory buildings and facilities.

    Exceptions:

    1. The following types of privately funded multi-story buildings do not require a ramp or elevator above and below the first floor:

    1.1. Multistoried office buildings (other than the professional office of a health care provider) and passenger vehicle service stations less than three stories high or less than 3,000 square feet (279 m [2] ) per story. 1.2. Any other privately funded multistoried building that is not a shopping center, shopping mall or the profes- sional office of a health care provider or a terminal, depot or other station used for specified public transportation or an airport passenger terminal and that is less than three stories high or less than 3,000 square feet (279 m [2] ) per story if a reasonable portion of all facilities and accommodations normally sought and used by the public in such a building are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities.

    2. Reserved.

    1. In detention and correctional facilities, an accessible route shall not be required to connect stories where cells with mobility features required to comply with Section 11B- 807.2, all common use areas serving cells with mobility features required to comply with Section 11B- 807.2, and all public use areas are on an accessible route.
  • CBC § 208.3.1 High relevance — show source text

    11B- 208.3.1 General. Parking spaces complying with Section 11B- 502 that serve a particular building or facility shall be located on the shortest accessible route from parking to an entrance complying with Section 11B- 206.4. Where parking serves more than one accessible entrance, parking spaces complying with Section 11B- 502 shall be dispersed and located on the shortest accessible route to the accessible entrances. In parking facilities that do not serve a particular building or facility, parking spaces complying with Section 11B- 502 shall be located on the shortest accessible route to an accessible pedestrian entrance of the parking facility.

    Exceptions:

    1. All van parking spaces shall be permitted to be grouped on one level within a multistory parking facility.

    2. Parking spaces shall be permitted to be located in different parking facilities if substantially equivalent or greater accessibility is provided in terms of distance from an accessible entrance or entrances, parking fee and user convenience.

    11B- 208.3.2 Residential facilities. In residential facilities containing residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features complying with Sections 11B- 809.2 through 11B- 809.4, and adaptable features complying with Sections 11B-809.6 through 11B-809.12, parking spaces provided in accordance with Section 11B- 208.2.3.1 shall be located on the shortest accessible route to

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    the residential dwelling unit entrance they serve. Spaces provided in accordance with Section 11B- 208.2.3.2 shall be dispersed throughout all types of parking provided for the residential dwelling units.

    Exception: Parking spaces provided in accordance with Section 11B- 208.2.3.2 shall not be required to be dispersed throughout all types of parking if substantially equivalent or greater accessibility is provided in terms of distance from an accessible entrance, parking fee and user convenience.

    11B-208.3.3 Private garages accessory to residential dwelling units. Private garages accessory to residential dwelling units shall comply with Section 11B-208.3. Private garages include individual garages and multiple individual garages grouped together.

    11B-208.3.3.1 Detached private garages accessory to residential dwelling units shall be accessible as required by Section 11B- 208.3.

    11B-208.3.3.2 Attached private garages directly serving a single residential dwelling unit shall provide at least one of the follow- ing options:

    1. A door leading directly from the residential dwelling unit which immediately enters the garage.

    2. An accessible route from the residential dwelling unit to an exterior door entering the garage.

    3. An accessible route from the residential dwelling unit's primary entry door to the vehicular entrance at the garage.

    SECTION 11B- 209—PASSENGER DROP-OFF AND LOADING ZONES AND BUS STOPS

    11B- 209.1 General. Passenger drop-off and loading zones shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B- 209 .

  • CBC § 1008.3.2 High relevance — show source text

    1008.3.2 Illumination level under emergency power. Emergency lighting facilities shall be arranged to provide initial illumination that is not less than an average of 1 footcandle (11 lux) and a minimum at any point of 0.1 footcandle (1 lux) measured along the path of egress at floor level. Illumination levels shall be permitted to decline to 0.6 footcandle (6 lux) average and a minimum at any point of 0.06 footcandle (0.6 lux) at the end of the emergency lighting time duration. A maximum-to-minimum illumination uniformity ratio of 40 to 1 shall not be exceeded. In Group I-2 occupancies, failure of a single lamp in a luminaire shall not reduce the illumination level to less than 0.2 footcandle (2.2 lux).

    SECTION 1009—ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS

    1009.1 Accessible means of egress required. Accessible means of egress shall comply with this section. Accessible spaces shall be provided with not less than one accessible means of egress. Where more than one means of egress is required by Section 1006.2 or 1006.3 from any accessible space, each accessible portion of the space shall be served by not less than two accessible means of egress in at least the same number as required by Sections 1006.2 or 1006.3. In addition to the requirements of this chapter, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, buildings for persons with disabilities, shall also comply with the requirements of Chap- ter 11A or 11B as applicable.

    Exceptions:

    1. One accessible means of egress is required from an accessible mezzanine level in accordance with Section 1009.3, 1009.4 or 1009.5, and Chapter 11A or 11B, as applicable.
    2. In assembly areas with ramped aisles or stepped aisles, one accessible means of egress is permitted where the common path of egress travel is accessible and meets the requirements in Section 1030.8 and Chapter 11A or 11B, as applicable.

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    MEANS OF EGRESS

    1009.2 Continuity and components. Each required accessible means of egress shall be continuous to a public way and shall consist of one or more of the following components:

    1. Accessible routes complying with Chapter 11A, Sections 1110A.1 and 1119A, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-206 and 11B-402, as applicable.
    2. Interior exit stairways complying with Sections 1009.3 and 1023, and Chapter 11A, Section 1123A, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-210 and 11B-504, as applicable.
    3. Exit access stairways complying with Sections 1009.3 and 1019.3 or 1019.4, and Chapter 11A, Section 1123A, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-210 and 11B-504, as applicable.
  • CBC § 206.7.5 High relevance — show source text

    11B- 206.7.5 Existing site constraints. Platform lifts shall be permitted where existing exterior site constraints make use of a ramp or elevator infeasible.

    11B- 206.7.6 Guest rooms and residential dwelling units. Platform lifts shall be permitted to connect levels within transient lodging guest rooms required to provide mobility features complying with Section 11B- 806.2 or residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features complying with Sections 11B- 809.2 through 11B- 809.4 or adaptable features complying with Sections 11B-809.6 through 11B-809.12. 11B- 206.7.7 Amusement rides. Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide accessible routes to load and unload areas serving amusement rides.

    11B- 206.7.8 Play areas. Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide accessible routes to play components or soft contained play

    structures.

    11B- 206.7.9 Team or player seating. Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide accessible routes to team or player seating areas serving areas of sport activity. 11B- 206.7.10 Recreational boating facilities and fishing piers and platforms. Platform lifts shall be permitted to be used instead of gangways that are part of accessible routes serving recreational boating facilities and fishing piers and platforms. 11B- 206.8 Security barriers. Security barriers, including but not limited to security bollards and security check points, shall not obstruct a required accessible route or accessible means of egress. Exception: Where security barriers incorporate elements that cannot comply with these requirements such as certain metal detectors, fluoroscopes or other similar devices, the accessible route shall be permitted to be located adjacent to security screening devices. The accessible route shall permit persons with disabilities passing around security barriers to maintain visual contact with their personal items to the same extent provided others passing through the security barrier.

    SECTION 11B- 207—ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS

    11B- 207.1 General. Means of egress shall comply with Chapter 10, Section 1009 and Section 11B-207.

    Exceptions:

    1. Where means of egress are permitted by local building or life safety codes to share a common path of egress travel, accessible means of egress shall be permitted to share a common path of egress travel.
    2. Areas of refuge shall not be required in detention and correctional facilities. 3. Accessible means of egress are not required to be provided in existing buildings.

    4. Doors that provide access only to interior or exterior stairways shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-404. 5. Exits in excess of those required by Chapter 10, and which are more than 24 inches (610 mm) above grade shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-404 or be on an accessible route. Directional signs shall be provided in compliance with Chapter 10, Section 1009.10.

  • CBC § 1009.3 High relevance — show source text

    Exceptions:

    1. One accessible means of egress is required from an accessible mezzanine level in accordance with Section 1009.3, 1009.4 or 1009.5, and Chapter 11A or 11B, as applicable.
    2. In assembly areas with ramped aisles or stepped aisles, one accessible means of egress is permitted where the common path of egress travel is accessible and meets the requirements in Section 1030.8 and Chapter 11A or 11B, as applicable.

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    MEANS OF EGRESS

    1009.2 Continuity and components. Each required accessible means of egress shall be continuous to a public way and shall consist of one or more of the following components:

    1. Accessible routes complying with Chapter 11A, Sections 1110A.1 and 1119A, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-206 and 11B-402, as applicable.
    2. Interior exit stairways complying with Sections 1009.3 and 1023, and Chapter 11A, Section 1123A, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-210 and 11B-504, as applicable.
    3. Exit access stairways complying with Sections 1009.3 and 1019.3 or 1019.4, and Chapter 11A, Section 1123A, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-210 and 11B-504, as applicable.
    4. Exterior exit stairways complying with Sections 1009.3 and 1027, Chapter 11A, Section 1115A, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B- 210 and 11B-504, as applicable, and serving levels other than the level of exit discharge.
    5. Elevators complying with Section 1009.4, and Chapter 11A, Section 1124A, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-206.6 and 11B-407, as applicable.
    6. Platform lifts complying with Section 1009.5, and Chapter 11A, Section 1124A, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-206.7, 11B-207.2 and 11B-410, as applicable.
    7. Horizontal exits complying with Section 1026.
    8. Ramps complying with Section 1012, and Chapter 11A, Sections 1114A and 1122A, or Chapter 11B, 11B-405, as applicable.
    9. Areas of refuge complying with Section 1009.6.
    10. Exterior areas for assisted rescue complying with Section 1009.7 serving exits at the level of exit discharge. 11. Safe dispersal areas where they are allowed under Section 1028.5.

    1009.2.1 Elevators required. In buildings where a required accessible floor is four or more stories above or below a level of exit discharge or where an accessible occupiable roof is above a story that is three or more stories above the level of exit discharge, not less than one required accessible means of egress shall include an elevator complying with Section 1009.4.

    Exceptions:

  • CBC § 11B-206.2.3.2 High relevance — show source text

    11B-206.2.3.2 Distance to elevators. In new construction of buildings where elevators are required by Section 11B-206.2.3, and which exceed 10,000 square feet (929 m [2] ) on any floor, an accessible means of vertical access via ramp, elevator or lift shall be provided within 200 feet (60,960 mm) of travel of each stair and each escalator. In existing buildings that exceed 10,000 square feet (929 m [2] ) on any floor and in which elevators are required by Section 11B-206.2.3, whenever a newly constructed means of vertical access is provided via stairs or an escalator, an accessible means of vertical access via ramp, elevator or lift shall be provided within 200 feet (60,960 mm) of travel of each new stair or escalator.

    Exception: Stairs used solely for emergency egress.

    11B- 206.2.4 Spaces and elements. At least one accessible route shall connect accessible building or facility entrances with all accessible spaces and elements within the building or facility, including mezzanines, which are otherwise connected by a circulation path unless exempted by Section 11B- 206.2.3 Exceptions 1 through 7.

    Exceptions:

    1. Reserved.

    2. In assembly areas with fixed seating required to comply with Section 11B- 221, an accessible route shall not be required to serve fixed seating where wheelchair spaces required to be on an accessible route are not provided.

    3. Reserved.

    11B- 206.2.5 Restaurants, cafeterias, banquet facilities and bars. In restaurants, cafeterias, banquet facilities, bars and similar facilities, an accessible route shall be provided to all functional areas, including raised or sunken areas, and outdoor areas.

    Exceptions:

    1. In alterations of buildings or facilities not required to provide an accessible route between stories, an accessible route shall not be required to a mezzanine dining area where the mezzanine contains less than 25 percent of the total combined area for seating and dining and where the same decor and services are provided in the accessible area.

    2. Reserved.

    3. In sports facilities, tiered dining areas providing seating required to comply with Section 11B- 221 shall be required to have accessible routes serving at least 25 percent of the dining area provided that accessible routes serve seating complying with Section 11B- 221 and each tier is provided with the same services.

    11B- 206.2.6 Performance areas. Where a circulation path directly connects a performance area to an assembly seating area, an accessible route shall directly connect the assembly seating area with the performance area. An accessible route shall be provided from performance areas to ancillary areas or facilities used by performers unless exempted by Section 11B- 206.2.3 Exceptions 1 through 7.

    11B- 206.2.7 Press boxes. Press boxes in assembly areas shall be on an accessible route.

    Exceptions:

    1. An accessible route shall not be required to press boxes in bleachers that have points of entry at only one level provided that the aggregate area of all press boxes is 500 square feet (46 m [2] ) maximum.
  • CBC § 1117A.2 High relevance — show source text

    1117A.2 Primary entrances and exterior exit doors. All primary entrances and exterior ground floor exit doors to buildings and facili- ties on accessible routes shall be accessible to persons with disabilities.

    1117A.3 Separate dwelling unit entrances. When a ground-floor dwelling unit of a building has a separate entrance, each such ground-floor dwelling unit shall be served by an accessible route, except where the terrain or unusual characteristics of the site prohibit an accessible route (see Section 1150A for site impracticality tests).

    1117A.4 Multiple entrances. Only one entrance to covered multifamily buildings is required to be accessible to any one ground floor of a building, except in cases where an individual dwelling unit has a separate exterior entrance. Where the building contains clusters of dwelling units with each cluster sharing a different exterior entrance, more than one entrance may be required to be accessible, as determined by analysis of the site. In every case, the accessible entrance shall be on an accessible route to the covered dwelling units it

    serves.

    1117A.5 Entrances from parking structures, tunnels or elevated walkways. Where direct access for pedestrians is provided from a parking structure to a building or facility, each direct access to the building or facility entrance shall be accessible.

    Where direct access for pedestrians is provided from a pedestrian tunnel or elevated walkway to a building or facility, all entrances to the building or facility from each tunnel or walkway shall be accessible.

    SECTION 1118A—EGRESS AND AREAS OF REFUGE

    1118A.1 General. Including but not limited to the requirements contained in this chapter for accessible routes, signage and emergency warning systems in buildings or portions of buildings required to be accessible shall be provided with accessible means of egress as required by Chapter 10.

    SECTION 1119A—INTERIOR ACCESSIBLE ROUTES

    1119A.1 General. When a building or portion of a building is required to be accessible or adaptable, an accessible route shall be provided to all portions of the building, accessible building entrances and to covered multifamily dwelling units. The accessible route shall, to the maximum extent feasible, coincide with the route for the general public and other building residents. Accessible routes shall not pass through kitchens, storage rooms, restrooms, closets or other spaces used for similar purposes except within an individual dwell- ing unit.

    Interior accessible routes shall be provided as follows:

    1. Where more than one route of travel is provided, all routes shall be accessible.

    2. At least one accessible route shall connect accessible building or facility entrances with all accessible spaces, elements and covered multifamily dwelling units.

    3. An accessible route shall connect at least one accessible primary entrance of each covered multifamily dwelling unit with inte- rior and exterior spaces and facilities that serve the unit.

    4. Where elevators are provided for vertical access, all elevators shall be accessible.

    11A-14 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY

  • CBC § 1006.3 High relevance — show source text

    Exception: Golf car passages complying with Section 11B- 1006.3 shall be permitted to be used for all or part of accessible routes required by Section 11B- 206.2.15.

    11B- 206.2.16 Miniature golf facilities. Holes required to comply with Section 11B- 239.2, including the start of play, shall be on an accessible route. Accessible routes serving miniature golf facilities shall comply with Division 4 except as modified by Section 11B- 1007.2.

    11B- 206.2.17 Play areas. Play areas shall provide accessible routes in accordance with Section 11B- 206.2.17. Accessible routes serving play areas shall comply with Division 4 except as modified by Section 11B- 1008.2.

    11B- 206.2.17.1 Ground level and elevated play components. At least one accessible route shall be provided within the play area. The accessible route shall connect ground level play components required to comply with Section 11B- 240.2.1 and elevated play components required to comply with Section 11B- 240.2.2, including entry and exit points of the play components.

    11B- 206.2.17.2 Soft contained play structures. Where three or fewer entry points are provided for soft contained play structures, at least one entry point shall be on an accessible route. Where four or more entry points are provided for soft contained play structures, at least two entry points shall be on an accessible route.

    11B-206.2.18 Area of sport activity. An accessible route shall be provided to the boundary of each area of sport activity.

    11B-206.2.19 Pedestrian street crossings. Where walks or sidewalks are provided, a curb ramp, blended transition or a combina- tion of curb ramps and blended transitions complying with Section 11B-406 shall connect the walks or sidewalks at each pedestrian street crossing. The curb ramp (excluding any flared sides) or blended transition shall be contained wholly within the width of the pedestrian street crossing served.

    Exception: Compliance with Section 11B-206.2.19 shall not be required where pedestrian crossing is prohibited by the appropriate administrative authority.

    11B- 206.3 Location. Accessible routes shall coincide with or be located in the same area as general circulation paths. Where circulation paths are interior, required accessible routes shall also be interior. An accessible route shall not pass through kitchens, storage rooms, restrooms, closets or other spaces used for similar purposes, except as permitted by Chapter 10.

    11B- 206.4 Entrances. Entrances shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B- 206.4. Entrance doors, doorways and gates shall comply with Section 11B- 404 and shall be on an accessible route complying with Section 11B- 402 .

    Exceptions:

    1. Reserved.

    2. Reserved.

    11B- 206.4.1 Entrances. All entrances shall comply with Section 11B- 404 .

  • CBC § 11B-216.5.2 High relevance — show source text

    Exceptions:

    1. Reserved.

    2. In residential facilities, where parking spaces are assigned to specific residential dwelling units, identification of accessible parking spaces shall not be required.

    11B-216.5.2 Electric vehicle charging spaces. Signs identifying electric vehicle charging spaces shall comply with Section 11B-812.8.

    11B-216.5.3 Parking and electric vehicle charging facilities. Signs within parking and charging facilities shall comply with Section 11B-216.5.3.

    11B-216.5.3.1 Signs intended for use by pedestrians. Signs intended for use by pedestrians within parking and charging facili- ties, including directional or informational signs indicating parking sections or levels, shall comply with the requirements of Section 11B-216.

    11B-216.5.3.2 Additional signs. Signs within parking facilities containing parking spaces complying with Section 11B-502 shall comply with Section 11B-502.8.

    11B- 216.6 Entrances. In existing buildings and facilities where not all entrances comply with Section 11B- 404, entrances complying with Section 11B -404 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B- 703.7.2.1. Directional signs complying with Section 11B-703.5 that indicate the location of the nearest entrance complying with Section 11B-404 shall be provided at entrances that do not comply with Section 11B-404. Directional signs complying with Section 11B-703.5, including the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1, indicating the accessible route to the nearest accessible entrance shall be provided at junctions when the accessible route diverges from the regular circulation path.

    11B- 216.7 Elevators. Where existing elevators do not comply with Section 11B- 407, elevators complying with Section 11B- 407 shall be clearly identified with the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B- 703.7.2.1. Existing buildings that have been remodeled to provide specific elevators for public use that comply with these building standards shall have the location of and the direc- tions to these elevators posted in the building lobby on a sign complying with Section 11B-703.5, including the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1.

    11B- 216.8 Toilet rooms and bathing rooms. Where existing toilet rooms or bathing rooms do not comply with Section 11B- 603, directional signs indicating the location of the nearest toilet room or bathing room complying with Section 11B- 603 within the facility shall be provided. Signs shall comply with Section 11B- 703.5 and shall include the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B -703.7.2.1. Where existing toilet rooms or bathing rooms do not comply with Section 11B- 603, the toilet rooms or bathing rooms complying with Section 11B- 603 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B- 703.7.2.1.

Frequently asked questions

Who decides which entrances in my building must be made accessible?

The CBC prescribes which entrances must be accessible in § 11B-206.4 (with cross‑references to the technical entrance and route rules in §§ 11B-404 and 11B-402); determine which subsection applies to your building type (tenant spaces, transportation, residential, medical, detention, etc.) .

Do all tenant spaces need an accessible entrance?

Yes — § 11B-206.4.5 requires that all entrances to each tenancy in a facility comply with § 11B-404, unless a specific exception (for example, self‑service storage not covered by § 11B-225.3) applies .

Can an existing service entrance be the only accessible entrance?

Only if the service entrance literally is the only entrance to the building/facility; otherwise in existing buildings a service entrance shall not be the sole accessible entrance (§ 11B-206.4.8) .

What if my building has multiple entrances from a parking structure or tunnel?

Each direct pedestrian access from a parking structure or each entrance from a tunnel/elevated walkway must comply with § 11B-404 and be on an accessible route per § 11B-402 (§ 11B-206.4.2 and § 11B-206.4.3) .

If an entrance can’t meet door hardware or maneuvering clearances, where do I find the exact dimensions?

The specific numeric requirements (clear widths, maneuvering clearances, threshold heights, hardware heights) are in § 11B-404 for entrances/doors and in § 11B-402 for accessible route dimensions; the CBC cross‑references these in § 11B-206.4 and you should consult those sections directly for the precise measurements .

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