CBC · California Building Code

What are the accessible toilet room requirements and signage rules?

If a public restroom is provided, the CBC requires at least some rooms to meet the accessible layout and fixture rules in § 11B‑603/11B‑604 (turning space, compartment sizes, dispenser and control heights). When other rooms do not comply, the CBC requires directional and identification signs using the International Symbol of Accessibility and geometric symbols per § 11B‑216.8; signage must also follow the tactile and mounting rules in the sign chapter. The article above points to the exact CBC sections and specific dimensions you must meet when designing or remodeling restroom facilities.

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The California Building Code requires that every toilet or bathing room provided in a facility comply with the accessibility geometric and fixture requirements of § 11B‑603 (clearances, turning space, mirrors, accessories) and the water‑closet and compartment specifics of § 11B‑604. Where existing toilet/bathing rooms do not meet § 11B‑603, directional and identification signage using the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) and geometric symbols is required by § 11B‑216.8 and its subsections. Signage must also follow the communication / tactile sign requirements referenced in the sign chapter (see § 11B‑216.8 referencing § 11B‑703.5 and related provisions) .

Requirements in detail

Scope and general rule

  • Each toilet room or bathing room provided in a facility must comply with § 11B‑603. If multiple single‑user toilet rooms are clustered, a specified percentage must comply with § 11B‑603 (see § 11B‑213.2 and § 11B‑216.8 references) .
  • Water closets, compartments and fixtures must meet the more detailed requirements in § 11B‑604 (sizes, clearances, fixture mounting and accessory locations) .

Key geometric and fixture requirements (decision‑relevant)

Requirement Value / Rule Code Reference
Wheelchair turning space inside toilet/bathing room Must provide turning space complying with § 11B‑304 (typically a 60‑inch diameter or equivalent T‑space) § 11B‑603.2.1
Allowable overlap Required clear floor spaces, fixture clearances and turning space are permitted to overlap § 11B‑603.2.2
Door swing into clear spaces Doors shall not swing into clear floor spaces; doors to accessible water‑closet compartments may encroach into turning space without limit; other doors may encroach up to 12 in. § 11B‑603.2.3
Mirror bottom edge height Above lavatories: bottom edge ≤ 40 in. Other locations: bottom edge ≤ 35 in. § 11B‑603.3
Coat hooks and shelves Coat hooks within reach ranges of § 11B‑308; shelves 40–48 in. above finish floor § 11B‑603.4
Accessories operable parts At least one of each type (towel, sanitary dispenser, waste) on accessible route; operable parts ≤ 40 in. above floor § 11B‑603.5
Flush control mounting Hand‑operated flush controls allowed; must comply with § 11B‑309 but located max 44 in. above finish floor; controls on open side of water closet (except ambulatory) § 11B‑604.6
Toilet paper dispenser location 7–9 in. in front of water closet (to centerline); outlet below grab bar; outlet ≥ 19 in. above finish floor; not behind grab bars; continuous paper flow § 11B‑604.7.1
Sanitary disposal unit location Wall‑mounted between rear wall and toilet paper dispenser; opening ≥ 19 in. above floor; below grab bar § 11B‑604.7.2
Wheelchair accessible compartment size Minimum 60 in. wide (measured perpendicular to side wall); depth: 56 in. (wall‑hung WC) or 59 in. (floor‑mounted WC) measured perpendicular to rear wall; additional maneuvering space rules apply § 11B‑604.8.1.1
Water closet centerline from side wall 17 in. min to 18 in. max (17–19 in. for ambulatory compartments) § 11B‑604.2

(References above are the controlling CBC sections; see the cited CBC pages for figures and diagrams that illustrate exact layouts and maneuvering spaces) .

Signage and identification (what signs are required and where)

  • When existing toilet/bathing rooms do not comply with § 11B‑603, directional signs indicating the location of the nearest compliant room(s) must be provided; those signs must conform to the sign rules in § 11B‑703.5 and include the International Symbol of Accessibility per § 11B‑703.7.2.1 (this requirement appears in § 11B‑216.8) .
  • Toilet rooms that do comply with § 11B‑603 must be identified by the ISA where the facility contains non‑compliant rooms (clustered single‑user exceptions explained in § 11B‑213.2 and § 11B‑216.8) .
  • Geometric symbols (door/wall symbols) must be provided at entrances to toilet and bathing rooms per § 11B‑216.8.1; there are exceptions for private/semi‑private spaces and certain detention settings .
  • All‑gender multi‑user toilet facilities require a geometric symbol AND a sign stating “ALL‑GENDER MULTI‑USER” that complies with § 11B‑703.1–11B‑703.5 (see § 11B‑216.8.2) .
  • Where compartments are provided (toilet or urinal compartments), each compartment must be identified with a sign (either “URINAL” or “TOILET”) that complies with § 11B‑703.1–11B‑703.5 (see § 11B‑216.8.3). Pictograms identifying fixture type are not allowed in that context .

Note: § 11B‑216.8 cross‑references the tactile and visual sign standards in § 11B‑703; those provisions set tactile character mounting heights and placement requirements for room identification signs (for example, tactile characters and Braille baselines must fall within specific height ranges and be located at the latch side) .

Exceptions & special cases

  • Alterations: If it is technically infeasible to alter each toilet/bathing room to fully meet § 11B‑603, providing a single unisex (single‑user or family) accessible room on the same floor/area may satisfy the alteration exception described in § 11B‑213.2 (see related cross‑refs) .
  • Clustered single‑user rooms: Where clusters of single‑user rooms are allowed, 50% (but no fewer than one) must comply with § 11B‑603 unless all rooms comply; portable clusters have a 5% minimum rule — see § 11B‑213.2 and related guidance .
  • Geometric symbol exceptions: Geometric entrance symbols are not required for toilet/bathing rooms located within private/semi‑private rooms (patient sleeping rooms, guestrooms, dwelling units) or in inmate housing where only one gender is housed (see § 11B‑216.8.1) .
  • Compartment door signs: Exception permits tactile characters on in‑swinging, self‑closing doors at compartments that are not required to comply with § 11B‑604 or § 11B‑605.5 (see § 11B‑216.8.3) .

Common mistakes

  • Failing to provide turning space inside the toilet/bathing room: designers sometimes size only compartments and forget the overall room turning space required by § 11B‑603.2.1 .
  • Mounting dispensers or flush controls outside specified ranges (e.g., toilet paper outlet behind grab bar or >19 in. above floor; flush control above 44 in.) — check § 11B‑604.6 and § 11B‑604.7.1 carefully .
  • Not identifying accessible rooms when others are noncompliant: where some toilet rooms don’t meet § 11B‑603, compliant ones must be identified and directional signs provided per § 11B‑216.8 .
  • Using pictograms to identify individual toilet vs urinal compartments (prohibited by § 11B‑216.8.3) .
  • Installing tactile signs outside the mounting zone or not locating them at the latch side — follow the tactile sign rules referenced from § 11B‑703 (the sign chapter) .

Worked example — a concrete scenario

Scenario: A new public restroom has three single‑occupant toilet rooms clustered together. The design must comply with CBC accessibility rules.

Step 1 — How many compliant rooms? For clustered single‑user toilet rooms, 50% but no fewer than one of the single‑user rooms for each use at the cluster must comply with § 11B‑603 (so at least 2 of 3 would need to comply if 50% rule applies; see § 11B‑213.2) .

Step 2 — Room layout for a compliant single‑user toilet room:

  • Provide turning space complying with § 11B‑304 (60‑inch diameter or T‑space) inside the room (§ 11B‑603.2.1) .
  • Install a wheelchair accessible water closet compartment laid out per § 11B‑604.8.1: compartment minimum 60 in. wide and minimum 56 in. deep (for wall‑hung WC) or 59 in. deep (for floor‑mounted WC) measured perpendicular to relevant walls; position WC centerline 17–18 in. from side wall (ambulatory 17–19 in.) (§§ 11B‑604.8.1.1 and 11B‑604.2) file .
  • Mount flush control ≤ 44 in. above finish floor and on the open side of the WC (§ 11B‑604.6) and place the toilet paper dispenser 7–9 in. in front of the WC and with outlet ≥ 19 in. above floor and below grab bar (§ 11B‑604.7.1) .
  • Provide signs: identify the compliant rooms with the ISA and, because other rooms in the cluster are noncompliant, post the ISA and directional sign per § 11B‑216.8 and ensure sign compliance with § 11B‑703 family of requirements (tactile/visual, location) .

Result: At least two rooms in the cluster are dimensioned to provide required turning space and compartment clearances; flush controls and dispensers are mounted in the allowed ranges; compliant rooms are identified with the ISA and directional signs are posted per § 11B‑216.8.

Related provisions

  • § 11B‑213 — Toilet facilities and bathing facilities (scoping and percent‑compliance rules)
  • § 11B‑704 / 11B‑703 — Sign tactile and visual character requirements and installation (referenced by § 11B‑216.8)
  • § 11B‑604 — Water closets and toilet compartments (detailed compartment sizes, grab bar locations)
  • § 11B‑305 / § 11B‑304 — Clear floor spaces and turning space geometry (referenced in § 11B‑603)
  • § 11B‑606 — Lavatories and sinks (accessibility of lavatories in toilet rooms)

Code references

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

  • CBC § 216.7 High relevance — show source text

    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. Where clustered single user toilet rooms or bathing facilities are permitted to use exceptions to Section 11B -213.2, toilet rooms or bathing facilities complying with Section 11B- 603 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B- 703.7.2.1 unless all toilet rooms and bathing facilities comply with Section 11B- 603 . Existing buildings

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    that have been remodeled to provide specific toilet rooms or bathing rooms for public use that comply with these building standards shall have the location of and the directions to these rooms posted in or near the building lobby or entrance on a sign complying with Section 11B-703.5, including the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1.

    11B-216.8.1 Geometric symbols. Geometric symbols complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.6 shall be provided at entrances to toilet and bathing rooms.

    Exceptions:

    1. Geometric symbols shall not be required at entrances to toilet and bathing rooms located within private or semi-private rooms or spaces. Such spaces include but are not limited to: patient sleeping rooms, transient lodging guest rooms and residential dwelling units. 2. Geometric symbols shall not be required at entrances to inmate toilet rooms and bathing rooms in detention and correc- tional facilities where only one gender is housed.

  • CBC § 1224.4.4.6.1 High relevance — show source text

    1. Work counter

    2. Handwashing station 3. Storage facilities for clean and sterile supplies

    1224.4.4.6.1 Clean supply room. If the room is used only for storage and holding as part of a system for distribution of clean and sterile materials, the work counter or a handwashing station may be omitted.

    1224.4.4.7 Soiled utility/workroom. The soiled workroom or soiled holding room shall be separate from and have no connection with either clean workrooms or clean supply rooms. The soiled utility/workroom shall contain: 1. Clinical sink (or equivalent flushing-rim fixture). 2. Handwashing station

    3. Work counter

    4. Space for separate covered containers for soiled linen and/or waste

    1224.4.4.7.1 Soiled holding room. Rooms used only for temporary holding soiled material may omit the clinical sink and work counter. If the flushing-rim clinical sink is eliminated, facilities for cleaning bedpans shall be provided elsewhere.

    1224.4.4.8 Toilet rooms. Separate toilet rooms shall be provided for the use of patients, staff and public.

    1224.4.4.8.1 Staff toilets. The number of staff toilets provided in a health facility shall comply with the requirements of the Cali- fornia Plumbing Code, Table 4-2. When staff toilet rooms are required to be dedicated to a specific Service Space, the number of staff toilet rooms provided under the California Plumbing Code shall be based on the number of staff within the specific Service Space served. Satellite service spaces do not require dedicated toilet rooms.

    1224.4.4.8.2 Signage. When provided, single-user toilets shall include a door-mounted geometric symbol, as identified in Section 11B-703.7.2.6.3, Unisex toilet and bathing facilities and wall signage designating use for patients, staff or public. When existing toilet rooms are not compliant with Section 11B-603, Toilet and bathing rooms, directional signage in compliance with Section 11B-216.8, Toilet rooms and bathing rooms, shall also be provided.

    Exception: Patient toilet rooms accessed directly from patient bedrooms are not required to include signage.

    1224.4.5 Outpatient waiting rooms. Waiting rooms for outpatients shall provide a seating area and space for wheelchairs and have public corridor access. Public toilets, drinking fountains and telephones shall be readily accessible.

    Note: One waiting area may serve more than one department or service.

    1224.4.5.1 Outpatient access. Outpatient access to services shall not traverse a nursing unit.

    1224.4.6 Miscellaneous requirements.

    1224.4.6.1 Station outlets. Station outlets for oxygen, vacuum and medical air shall comply with Table 1224.4.6.1.

    1224.4.6.2 Gas and vacuum systems. The design, installation and testing of medical gas and vacuum systems shall conform to Table 1224.4.6.1 and NFPA 99.

    1224.4.6.3 Hyperbaric facilities. The design and construction of hyperbaric facilities shall conform to NFPA 99; Health Care Facil- ities and Section 1224.39.5.

  • 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.

  • CBC § 604.6 High relevance — show source text

    11B- 604.6 Flush controls. Flush controls shall be hand operated or automatic. Hand operated flush controls shall comply with Section 11B- 309 except they shall be located 44 inches (1118 mm) maximum above the floor. Flush controls shall be located on the open side of the water closet except in ambulatory accessible compartments complying with Section 11B- 604.8.2.

    11B- 604.7 Dispensers and disposal units. Toilet paper dispensers and sanitary napkin disposal units shall comply with Section 11B-604.7. Combination accessory units are not permitted to encroach into the space required by Section 11B-609.3.

    11B-604.7.1 Dispensers. Toilet paper dispensers shall comply with Section 11B- 309.4 and shall be 7 inches ( 178 mm) minimum and 9 inches ( 229 mm) maximum in front of the water closet measured to the centerline of the dispenser. The outlet of the dispenser shall be below the grab bar, 19 inches (483 mm) minimum above the finish floor and shall not be located behind grab bars. Dispensers shall not be of a type that controls delivery or that does not allow continuous paper flow.

    FIGURE 11B- 604.7 .1 —DISPENSER OUTLET LOCATION

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    11B-604.7.2 Disposal units. Sanitary napkin disposal units, if provided, shall comply with Section 11B-309.4 and shall be wall mounted and located on the sidewall between the rear wall of the toilet and the toilet paper dispenser, adjacent to the toilet paper dispenser. The disposal unit shall be located below the grab bar with the opening of the disposal unit 19 inches minimum (483 mm) above the finish floor.

    FIGURE 11B-604.7.2—DISPOSAL UNIT LOCATION

    11B- 604.8 Toilet compartments. Wheelchair accessible toilet compartments shall meet the requirements of Sections 11B- 604.8.1 and 11B- 604.8.3. Compartments containing more than one plumbing fixture shall comply with Section 11B- 603. Ambulatory accessible compartments shall comply with Sections 11B- 604.8.2 and 11B- 604.8.3.

    11B- 604.8.1 Wheelchair accessible compartments. Wheelchair accessible compartments shall comply with Section 11B- 604.8.1.

  • CBC § 213.2 High relevance — show source text

    Where clustered single user toilet rooms or bathing facilities are permitted to use exceptions to Section 11B -213.2, toilet rooms or bathing facilities complying with Section 11B- 603 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B- 703.7.2.1 unless all toilet rooms and bathing facilities comply with Section 11B- 603 . Existing buildings

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 11B-21

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    ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

    that have been remodeled to provide specific toilet rooms or bathing rooms for public use that comply with these building standards shall have the location of and the directions to these rooms posted in or near the building lobby or entrance on a sign complying with Section 11B-703.5, including the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1.

    11B-216.8.1 Geometric symbols. Geometric symbols complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.6 shall be provided at entrances to toilet and bathing rooms.

    Exceptions:

    1. Geometric symbols shall not be required at entrances to toilet and bathing rooms located within private or semi-private rooms or spaces. Such spaces include but are not limited to: patient sleeping rooms, transient lodging guest rooms and residential dwelling units. 2. Geometric symbols shall not be required at entrances to inmate toilet rooms and bathing rooms in detention and correc- tional facilities where only one gender is housed.

    11B-216.8.2 Identification for all-gender multi-user toilet facilities. Geometric symbols complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.6.3 shall be provided at the entrance to all-gender multi-user toilet facilities. In addition, a sign complying with Sections 11B-703.1 through 11B-703.5 shall be provided stating “ALL-GENDER MULTI-USER”.

    11B-216.8.3 Signs at toilet and urinal compartments. Where both toilet compartments and urinal compartments are provided, each individual compartment shall be identified with a sign complying with Sections 11B-703.1 through 11B-703.5. Signs shall identify the type of fixture within the compartment, either “URINAL” or “TOILET”. A pictogram identifying the fixture type within the compart- ment is not permitted.

    Exception: A sign with tactile characters shall be permitted on an in-swinging and self-closing door at compartments not required to comply with Section 11B-604 or Section 11B-605.5.

    11B- 216.9 TTYs. Identification and directional signs for public TTYs shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B- 216.9.

    11B- 216.9.1 Identification signs. Public TTYs shall be identified by the International Symbol of TTY complying with Section 11B- 703.7.2.2.

  • CBC § 11B-73 Medium relevance — show source text

    11B-502 Parking Spaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11B-73

    11B-503 Passenger Drop-Off and Loading Zones . . . . . . . . .11B-76

    11B-504 Stairways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11B-77

    11B-505 Handrails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11B-78

    DIVISION 6 – PLUMBING ELEMENTS AND FACILITIES. . . . 11B-81

    11B-601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11B-81

    11B-602 Drinking Fountains and Bottle-Filling Stations . . .11B-81

    11B-603 Toilet and Bathing Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11B-81

    11B-604 Water Closets and Toilet Compartments. . . . . . . . .11B-82

    11B-605 Urinals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11B-88

    11B-606 Lavatories and Sinks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11B-89

    11B-607 Bathtubs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11B-90

    11B-608 Shower Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11B-92

    11B-609 Grab Bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11B-96

    11B-610 Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11B-97

    11B-611 Washing Machines and Clothes Dryers. . . . . . . . . . .11B-98

    11B-612 Saunas and Steam Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11B-99

    DIVISION 7 – COMMUNICATION ELEMENTS AND

    FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-100

  • CBC § 11B-211.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    Exception: Where 50 percent of the drinking fountains yields a fraction, 50 percent shall be permitted to be rounded up or down provided that the total number of drinking fountains complying with Section 11B- 211 equals 100 percent of drinking fountains.

    11B-211.4 Bottle-filling stations. Where bottle-filling stations are provided they shall comply with Section 11B-602.10.

    Exception: In detention or correctional facilities, bottle-filling stations only serving holding or housing cells not required to comply with Section 11B-232 shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-211.4.

    SECTION 11B- 212—KITCHENS, KITCHENETTES, WET BARS AND SINKS

    11B- 212.1 General. Where provided, kitchens, kitchenettes, wet bars and sinks shall comply with Section 11B- 212 .

    11B- 212.2 Kitchens, kitchenettes and wet bars. Kitchens, kitchenettes and wet bars shall comply with Section 11B- 804 .

    11B- 212.3 Sinks. Where sinks are provided, at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of each type provided in each accessible room or space shall comply with Section 11B- 606 .

    Exceptions:

    1. Mop, service or scullery sinks shall not be required to comply with Section 11B- 212.3. 2. Scrub sinks, as defined in California Plumbing Code Section 221.0, shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-606.

    SECTION 11B- 213—TOILET FACILITIES AND BATHING FACILITIES

    11B- 213.1 General. Where toilet facilities and bathing facilities are provided, they shall comply with Section 11B- 213. Where toilet facilities and bathing facilities are provided in facilities permitted by Section 11B- 206.2.3 Exception 1 not to connect stories by an accessible route, toilet facilities and bathing facilities shall be provided on a story connected by an accessible route to an accessible entrance.

    11B-213.1.1 Toilet facilities for designated user groups. Where separate toilet facilities are provided for the exclusive use of sepa- rate user groups, the toilet facilities serving each user group shall comply with Section 11B-213.

    11B- 213.2 Toilet rooms and bathing rooms. Where toilet rooms are provided, each toilet room shall comply with Section 11B- 603. Where bathing rooms are provided, each bathing room shall comply with Section 11B- 603 .

    Exceptions:

    1. In alterations where it is technically infeasible to comply with Section 11B- 603, altering existing toilet or bathing rooms shall not be required where a single unisex (single-user or family) toilet room or bathing room complying with Section 11B- 213.2.1 is provided and located in the same area and on the same floor as existing inaccessible toilet or bathing

    rooms.

    1. Reserved.
  • CBC § 11B-806.2.3.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    11B-806.2.3.1 Personal lift device floor space. In transient lodging facilities, clearance for the use of a personal lift device shall be provided under the bed(s) and adjacent to the clear floor space required by Section 11B-806.2.3. The clearance shall be parallel to the long side of the bed and extend under the bed to points horizontally 30 inches (762 mm), vertically 7 inches (178 mm) and not more than 12 inches (305 mm) from the head and foot end of the bed.

    11B- 806.2.4 Toilet and bathing facilities. At least one bathroom that is provided as part of a guest room shall comply with Section 11B-603. No fewer than one water closet, one lavatory and one bathtub or shower shall comply with applicable requirements of Sections 11B- 603 through 11B- 610. In addition, required roll-in shower compartments shall comply with Section 11B- 608.2.2 or 11B- 608.2.3. Toilet and bathing fixtures required to comply with Sections 11B- 603 through 11B- 610 shall be permitted to be located in more than one toilet or bathing area, provided that travel between fixtures does not require travel between other parts of the guest room.

    11B- 806.2.4.1 Vanity countertop space. If vanity countertop space is provided in non-accessible guest bathrooms, toilet or bathing rooms, comparable vanity countertop space, in terms of size and proximity to the lavatory, shall also be provided in accessible guest bathrooms toilet or bathing rooms.

    11B- 806.2.5 Kitchens, kitchenettes and wet bars. Kitchens, kitchenettes and wet bars shall comply with Section 11B- 804 .

    11B- 806.2.6 Turning space. Turning space complying with Section 11B- 304 shall be provided within the guest room.

    11B- 806.3 Guest rooms with communication features. Guest rooms required to provide communication features shall comply with Section 11B- 806.3.

    11B- 806.3.1 Alarms. Where emergency warning systems are provided, fire alarms shall comply with Section 11B-702 and carbon monoxide alarms shall comply with Chapter 9, Section 915.

    11B- 806.3.2 Notification devices. Visible notification devices shall be provided to alert room occupants of incoming telephone calls and a door knock or bell. Notification devices shall not be connected to visible alarm signal appliances. Telephones shall have volume controls compatible with the telephone system and shall comply with Section 11B- 704.3. Telephones shall be served by an electrical outlet complying with Section 11B- 309 located within 48 inches ( 1219 mm) of the telephone to facilitate the use of a TTY.

    SECTION 11B- 807 — HOLDING CELLS AND HOUSING CELLS

    11B- 807.1 General. Holding cells and housing cells shall comply with Section 11B- 807 .

    11B- 807.2 Cells with mobility features. Cells required to provide mobility features shall comply with Section 11B- 807.2.

  • CBC § 11B-8 Medium relevance — show source text

    DIVISION 2 – SCOPING REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11B-8

    11B-201 Application. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-8

    11B-202 Existing Buildings and Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-8

    11B-203 General Exceptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-10

    11B-204 Protruding Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-11

    11B-205 Operable Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-11

    11B-206 Accessible Routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-12

    11B-207 Accessible Means of Egress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-16

    11B-208 Parking Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-16

    11B-209 Passenger Drop-off and Loading Zones and Bus Stops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-18

    11B-210 Stairways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-18

    11B-211 Drinking Fountains and Bottle-Filling Stations . . . 11B-18

    11B-212 Kitchens, Kitchenettes, Wet Bars and Sinks . . . . . . 11B-19

    11B-213 Toilet Facilities and Bathing Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-19

    11B-214 Washing Machines and Clothes Dryers. . . . . . . . . . . 11B-20

    11B-215 Fire Alarm Systems and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-20

    11B-216 Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-20

    11B-217 Telephones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-22

  • CBC § 213.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    SECTION 11B- 213—TOILET FACILITIES AND BATHING FACILITIES

    11B- 213.1 General. Where toilet facilities and bathing facilities are provided, they shall comply with Section 11B- 213. Where toilet facilities and bathing facilities are provided in facilities permitted by Section 11B- 206.2.3 Exception 1 not to connect stories by an accessible route, toilet facilities and bathing facilities shall be provided on a story connected by an accessible route to an accessible entrance.

    11B-213.1.1 Toilet facilities for designated user groups. Where separate toilet facilities are provided for the exclusive use of sepa- rate user groups, the toilet facilities serving each user group shall comply with Section 11B-213.

    11B- 213.2 Toilet rooms and bathing rooms. Where toilet rooms are provided, each toilet room shall comply with Section 11B- 603. Where bathing rooms are provided, each bathing room shall comply with Section 11B- 603 .

    Exceptions:

    1. In alterations where it is technically infeasible to comply with Section 11B- 603, altering existing toilet or bathing rooms shall not be required where a single unisex (single-user or family) toilet room or bathing room complying with Section 11B- 213.2.1 is provided and located in the same area and on the same floor as existing inaccessible toilet or bathing

    rooms.

    1. Reserved.

    2. Where multiple single user portable toilet or bathing units are clustered at a single location 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of the toilet units and bathing units at each cluster shall comply with Section 11B- 603. Portable toilet units and bathing units complying with Section 11B- 603 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B- 703.7.2.1.

    3. Where multiple single user toilet rooms are clustered at a single location, 50 percent, but no fewer than one, of the single user toilet rooms for each use at each cluster shall comply with Section 11B- 603 .

    11B- 213.2.1 Unisex ( single-user or family) toilet and unisex (single-user or family) bathing rooms. Unisex (single-user or family) toilet rooms shall contain not more than one lavatory, and not more than two water closets without urinals or one water closet and one urinal. Unisex (single-user or family) bathing rooms shall contain one shower or one shower and one bathtub, one lavatory, and one water closet. Doors to unisex (single-user or family) toilet rooms and unisex (single-user or family) bathing rooms shall have privacy latches.

    11B-213.2.2 Unisex (Patient) toilet rooms in medical care and long-term care facilities. Common-use unisex toilet rooms for exclusive patient use not located within patient bedrooms shall contain a lavatory and one water closet.

    11B-213.2.3 Unisex (Patient) bathing rooms in medical care and long-term care facilities. Common-use unisex bathing rooms for exclusive patient use not located within patient bedrooms shall contain one shower or one bathtub, one lavatory, and one water closet.

  • CBC § 11B-57 Medium relevance — show source text

    11B-405 Ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-57

    11B-406 Curb Ramps, Blended Transitions and Islands. . . 11B-58

    11B-407 Elevators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-61

    11B-408 Limited-Use/Limited-Application Elevators. . . . . . 11B-66

    11B-409 Private Residence Elevators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-67

    11B-410 Platform Lifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-67

    11B-411 Destination-Oriented Elevators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-68

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    DIVISION 5 – GENERAL SITE AND BUILDING ELEMENTS. . 11B-73

    11B-501 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11B-73

    11B-502 Parking Spaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11B-73

    11B-503 Passenger Drop-Off and Loading Zones . . . . . . . . .11B-76

    11B-504 Stairways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11B-77

    11B-505 Handrails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11B-78

    DIVISION 6 – PLUMBING ELEMENTS AND FACILITIES. . . . 11B-81

    11B-601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11B-81

    11B-602 Drinking Fountains and Bottle-Filling Stations . . .11B-81

    11B-603 Toilet and Bathing Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11B-81

    11B-604 Water Closets and Toilet Compartments. . . . . . . . .11B-82

    11B-605 Urinals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11B-88

  • CBC § 11B-902. Medium relevance — show source text

    2. Clinical laboratory work stations provided in a laboratory area that are in addition to the minimum number required to be accessible (5 percent of the work stations provided, but no fewer than one), are not required to comply with the provisions of Section 11B-902.

    SECTION 11B- 806 — TRANSIENT LODGING GUEST ROOMS

    11B- 806.1 General. Transient lodging guest rooms shall comply with Section 11B- 806. Guest rooms required to provide mobility features shall comply with Section 11B- 806.2. Guest rooms required to provide communication features shall comply with Section 11B- 806.3.

    11B- 806.2 Guest rooms with mobility features. Guest rooms required to provide mobility features shall comply with Section 11B- 806.2.

    11B- 806.2.1 Living and dining areas. Living and dining areas shall be accessible.

    11B- 806.2.2 Exterior spaces. Exterior spaces, including patios, terraces and balconies, that serve the guest room shall be accessible.

    11B- 806.2.3 Sleeping areas. At least one sleeping area shall provide a 36 inch (914 mm) by 48 inch (1219 mm) minimum clear space on both sides of a bed. The clear space shall be positioned for parallel approach to the side of the bed.

    Exception: Where a single clear floor space complying with Section 11B-305 positioned for parallel approach is provided between two beds, a clear floor or ground space shall not be required on both sides of a bed.

    11B-806.2.3.1 Personal lift device floor space. In transient lodging facilities, clearance for the use of a personal lift device shall be provided under the bed(s) and adjacent to the clear floor space required by Section 11B-806.2.3. The clearance shall be parallel to the long side of the bed and extend under the bed to points horizontally 30 inches (762 mm), vertically 7 inches (178 mm) and not more than 12 inches (305 mm) from the head and foot end of the bed.

    11B- 806.2.4 Toilet and bathing facilities. At least one bathroom that is provided as part of a guest room shall comply with Section 11B-603. No fewer than one water closet, one lavatory and one bathtub or shower shall comply with applicable requirements of Sections 11B- 603 through 11B- 610. In addition, required roll-in shower compartments shall comply with Section 11B- 608.2.2 or 11B- 608.2.3. Toilet and bathing fixtures required to comply with Sections 11B- 603 through 11B- 610 shall be permitted to be located in more than one toilet or bathing area, provided that travel between fixtures does not require travel between other parts of the guest room.

    11B- 806.2.4.1 Vanity countertop space. If vanity countertop space is provided in non-accessible guest bathrooms, toilet or bathing rooms, comparable vanity countertop space, in terms of size and proximity to the lavatory, shall also be provided in accessible guest bathrooms toilet or bathing rooms.

  • CBC § 603.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    11B- 603.2 Clearances. Clearances shall comply with Section 11B- 603.2.

    11B- 603.2.1 Turning space. Turning space complying with Section 11B- 304 shall be provided within the room.

    11B- 603.2.2 Overlap. Required clear floor spaces, clearance at fixtures and turning space shall be permitted to overlap.

    11B- 603.2.3 Door swing. Doors shall not swing into the clear floor space or clearance required for any fixture. Doors to accessible water closet compartments shall be permitted to encroach into the turning space without limitation. Other than doors to accessible

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 11B-81

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    ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

    water closet compartments, a door, in any position, shall be permitted to encroach into the turning space by 12 inches (305 mm) maximum.

    Exceptions:

    1. Reserved.

    2. Where the toilet room or bathing room is for individual use and a clear floor space complying with Section 11B- 305.3 is provided within the room beyond the arc of the door swing, doors shall be permitted to swing into the clear floor space or clearance required for any fixture.

    3. In residential dwelling units complying with Section 11B-233.3.1.1, doors shall be permitted to swing over the turning space without limitation.

    11B- 603.3 Mirrors. Mirrors located above lavatories or countertops shall be installed with the bottom edge of the reflecting surface 40 inches ( 1016 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground. Mirrors not located above lavatories or countertops shall be installed with the bottom edge of the reflecting surface 35 inches ( 889 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground.

    11B- 603.4 Coat hooks, shelves and medicine cabinets. Coat hooks shall be located within one of the reach ranges specified in Section 11B -308. Shelves shall be located 40 inches ( 1016 mm) minimum and 48 inches ( 1219 mm) maximum above the finish floor. Medicine cabinets shall be located with a usable shelf no higher than 44 inches (1118 mm) maximum above the finish floor.

    11B-603.5 Accessories. Where towel or sanitary napkin dispensers, waste receptacles or other accessories are provided in toilet facili- ties, at least one of each type shall be located on an accessible route. All operable parts, including coin slots, shall be 40 inches (1016 mm) maximum above the finish floor.

    Exception: Baby diaper changing stations are not required to comply with Section 11B-603.5.

  • CBC § 11B-602.8 Medium relevance — show source text

    11B-602.8 Depth. Wall- and post-mounted cantilevered drinking fountains shall be 18 inches (457 mm) minimum and 19 inches (483 mm) maximum in depth.

    11B-602.9 Pedestrian protection. All drinking fountains shall either be located completely within alcoves, positioned completely between wing walls, or otherwise positioned so as not to encroach into pedestrian ways. The protected area within which a drinking fountain is located shall be 32 inches (813 mm) wide minimum and 18 inches (457 mm) deep minimum, and shall comply with Section 11B-305.7. When used, wing walls or barriers shall project horizontally at least as far as the drinking fountain and to within 6 inches (152 mm) vertically from the floor or ground surface.

    11B-602.10 Bottle-filling stations. Bottle-filling stations shall comply with Sections 11B-307 and 11B-309.

    Exception: Where bottle-filling stations are provided at a drinking fountain for standing persons, the bottle-filling station is not required to comply with this section provided a bottle-filling station is located at the drinking fountain complying with Sections 11B- 602.2 through 11B-602.6.

    SECTION 11B- 603 — TOILET AND BATHING ROOMS

    11B- 603.1 General. Toilet and bathing rooms shall comply with Section 11B- 603 .

    11B- 603.2 Clearances. Clearances shall comply with Section 11B- 603.2.

    11B- 603.2.1 Turning space. Turning space complying with Section 11B- 304 shall be provided within the room.

    11B- 603.2.2 Overlap. Required clear floor spaces, clearance at fixtures and turning space shall be permitted to overlap.

    11B- 603.2.3 Door swing. Doors shall not swing into the clear floor space or clearance required for any fixture. Doors to accessible water closet compartments shall be permitted to encroach into the turning space without limitation. Other than doors to accessible

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 11B-81

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    ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

    water closet compartments, a door, in any position, shall be permitted to encroach into the turning space by 12 inches (305 mm) maximum.

    Exceptions:

    1. Reserved.

    2. Where the toilet room or bathing room is for individual use and a clear floor space complying with Section 11B- 305.3 is provided within the room beyond the arc of the door swing, doors shall be permitted to swing into the clear floor space or clearance required for any fixture.

    3. In residential dwelling units complying with Section 11B-233.3.1.1, doors shall be permitted to swing over the turning space without limitation.

  • CBC § 11B-813.2.1.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    11B-813.2.1.3 Height and operation. Adult changing table height shall be adjustable from 17 inches (432 mm) above the floor or ground to 38 inches (965 mm) above the floor or ground, as measured to the top of the changing surface. Height adjustability shall be powered. Operable parts shall comply with Section 11B-309.

    11B-813.2.1.4 Capacity. Adult changing tables shall provide a minimum weight capacity of 300 pounds (136 kg).

    11B-813.2.1.5 Obstructions. When deployed, changing tables shall not obstruct the required width of an accessible route except as allowed by Section 11B-307.2.

    11B-813.2.2 Water closet. No fewer than one water closet in compliance with Section 11B-604.

    11B-813.2.3 Lavatory. One lavatory in compliance with Section 11B-606.

    11B-813.2.4 Waste receptacle. No fewer than one waste receptacle in compliance with Section 11B-603.5.

    11B-813.2.5 Coat hook. No fewer than one coat hook shall be provided in close proximity to the changing table and within one of the reach ranges specified in Section 11B-308.

    11B-813.2.6 Shelf. No fewer than one shelf shall be provided in close proximity to the changing table at 40 inches (1016 mm) mini- mum and 48 inches (1219 mm) maximum above the finish floor.

    11B-813.2.7 Accessories. Where provided, no fewer than one of each accessory shall comply with Section 11B-603.5.

    11B-813.2.8 Turning space. Turning space complying with Section 11B-304 shall be provided within adult changing facilities.

    11B-813.2.9 Overlap. Required clear floor spaces, clearance at fixtures and turning space shall be permitted to overlap.

    11B-813.2.10 Door swing. A door, in any position, shall be permitted to encroach into the turning space by 12 inches (305 mm) maximum. Where a clear floor space complying with Section 11B-305.3 is provided within the room beyond the arc of the door swing, doors shall be permitted to swing into the clear floor space, clearance required for any fixture and clearance required for adult changing tables.

    11B-813.2.11 Privacy latch. Each door to adult changing facilities shall have a privacy latch.

    11B-813.2.12 Signs. A room identification sign complying with Section 11B-216 shall be provided at entrances to adult changing facilities. The text of the room identification sign shall be “ADULT CHANGING ROOM”.

    An informational sign complying with Section 11B-216 shall be provided within adult changing facilities and in close proximity to the changing table. The informational sign shall indicate the maximum weight capacity of the adult changing table, as determined by the table manufacturer.

    Where the commercial place of public amusement has a central directory, the central directory shall indicate the location of adult changing facilities. Where other directories indicate the location of toilet facilities, the other directories shall also indicate the loca- tion of adult changing facilities.

Frequently asked questions

Who must be identified with the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA)?

When some existing toilet or bathing rooms in a facility don’t comply with § 11B‑603, the rooms that do comply must be identified with the ISA and directional signs to them must be provided (§ 11B‑216.8) .

Are single‑user (unisex) toilet rooms required to have a geometric symbol on the door?

If they are part of clustered rooms or public use areas, geometric symbols complying with § 11B‑703.7.2.6 must be provided at entrances per § 11B‑216.8.1; there are exceptions for private/semi‑private rooms and certain detention settings .

Can I use a pictogram to label a urinal vs a toilet compartment?

No. § 11B‑216.8.3 requires a sign with the words “URINAL” or “TOILET” complying with § 11B‑703.1–11B‑703.5; pictograms identifying fixture type are not permitted in that context .

Where must tactile room identification signs be mounted?

Room identification signs with tactile characters must be mounted in accordance with the tactile sign rules in § 11B‑703 (e.g., location at the latch side and within the specified height range); § 11B‑216.8 requires compliance with the sign chapter for directional and identification signs file .

If I relocate a toilet paper dispenser during a remodel, what should I check?

Ensure the outlet is 19 in. minimum above the finish floor, 7–9 in. in front of the water closet centerline, below the grab bar and not behind a grab bar — per § 11B‑604.7.1 .

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