CBC · California Building Code

How do accessibility rules apply to elevators and platform lifts?

If your project needs accessible vertical access, the CBC requires passenger elevators and platform (wheelchair) lifts to meet Chapter 11 accessibility rules. Destination‑oriented elevators must follow § 11B‑411 and LULA (limited‑use/limited‑application) elevators follow § 11B‑408; platform lifts have specific minimum landing, door and clearance rules (see § 11B‑410). Key numbers to design to include car and door clearances from Table 11B‑407.4.1, platform‑to‑landing gap (¼" / 32 mm), LULA minimum car size (42" × 54" nominal), and platform‑lift landing size (60" × 60"). Relevant provisions are cited in the text above (§ 3001.4, § 11B‑411, § 11B‑408).

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

Passenger elevators and platform (wheelchair) lifts that are required to be accessible (or that form part of an accessible means of egress) must comply with the accessibility provisions of the California Building Code. The general accessibility mandate for elevators and platform lifts is stated in § 3001.4, and the specific requirements for destination-oriented elevators and limited‑use/limited‑application (LULA) elevators are given in § 11B‑411 and § 11B‑408, respectively. These Chapter 11B sections either incorporate or point to the elevator-car, door, control, leveling and clearance rules in the elevator chapter (for example § 11B‑407) and the platform‑lift rules in § 11B‑410. § 3001.4 ; § 11B‑411 ; § 11B‑408 .

Requirements in detail

Scope and where the rules apply

  • § 3001.4 says passenger elevators and platform (wheelchair) lifts required to be accessible or serving as part of an accessible means of egress must comply with Chapter 11A or Chapter 11B accessibility requirements depending on the application (housing vs public/commercial), so verify whether Chapter 11B applies to your project (healthcare, public buildings, etc.). § 3001.4 .
  • Destination‑oriented elevator systems have their own supplement (Chapter § 11B‑411) and must meet the Chapter 11B destination‑oriented requirements in addition to ASME A17.1 as referenced there. § 11B‑411.1 .
  • LULA (limited‑use/limited‑application) elevators are permitted to meet the more compact LULA criteria in § 11B‑408 where appropriate; they are still passenger elevators and must be automatic. § 11B‑408.1 .

Elevator-car size, doors and clearances (decision‑critical dimensions)

The Chapter 11B elevator rules require elevator car dimensions and door clearances to meet Table 11B‑407.4.1 (referenced by § 11B‑411 and § 11B‑408). When a special elevator type (destination‑oriented or LULA) refers to car size, it either adopts § 11B‑407.4.1 or states its own dimension minimums (LULA does both). See the table below for the typical values you’ll need to decide on equipment and pit/shaft sizing.

Item Minimum / Value Code Reference
Maximum platform (car) sill to hoistway landing gap (passenger elevators) 1/4 inch (32 mm) max § 11B‑407.4.3
Elevator door clear widths (Table 11B‑407.4.1 examples) — centered door 42 in (1067 mm) door clear width; inside car side‑to‑side 80 in (2032 mm) § 11B‑407.4.1 (Table 11B‑407.4.1)
Elevator door clear widths — side (off‑center) door condition 36 in (914 mm) door clear width; inside car side‑to‑side 68 in (1727 mm) § 11B‑407.4.1 (Table)
LULA car clear width and depth (minimum) 42 in (1067 mm) wide × 54 in (1372 mm) deep; car doors at narrow ends with 32 in (813 mm) clear § 11B‑408.4.1
LULA alternative (exception) 51 in (1295 mm) wide × 51 in (1295 mm) deep permitted if door clear opening ≥ 36 in (914 mm) § 11B‑408.4.1 exceptions
Platform (wheelchair) lift minimum landing size 60 in × 60 in (1524 mm × 1524 mm) § 11B‑410.7
Platform lift platform‑to‑runway (sill) clearance 1/4 in (32 mm) max § 11B‑410.4
Platform lift doors/gates clear widths End doors/gates 32 in (813 mm) min; side doors/gates 42 in (1067 mm) min § 11B‑410.6
Door reopen / obstruction sensing height (doors on elevators) Sensing at nominal 5 in (127 mm) and 29 in (737 mm) above finished floor § 11B‑407.3.3.1
Door hold‑open timing (platform lifts and power doors) Doors remain open 20 seconds minimum (platform lifts; some elevator doors use 5 sec minimum delay for car calls) § 11B‑410.6 (platform lifts) and § 11B‑407.3.5 (door delay)

Notes on the table: Chapter 11B treats destination‑oriented elevator elements (controls, signage, call consoles, audio/visual outputs) specifically in § 11B‑411; LULA elevator size minimums are given in § 11B‑408. See the cited sections for full context. § 11B‑407 (general elevators) provides the master table of car dimensions (Table 11B‑407.4.1) that § 11B‑411 incorporates by reference. § 11B‑407.4.1 ; § 11B‑411.4.1 ; § 11B‑408.4.1 .

Controls, operable parts and communication

  • Call buttons, car buttons and keypads must meet the operable‑parts sizing, location and reach‑range rules of Chapter 11B (for example: 3/4 in (19.1 mm) minimum button dimension and reachable within the ranges in § 11B‑308); destination‑oriented systems add keypad layout, audio guidance and a dedicated accessibility function in § 11B‑411. § 11B‑407.2.1.2; § 11B‑411.2.1.4; § 11B‑309 .
  • Emergency two‑way communications are required in elevator cars (visual and audible) in both the elevator chapter and in Chapter 30 references; LULA and private residence elevator provisions reference emergency communications rules as well. § 3001.2; § 11B‑408.4.8; § 11B‑409.4.7 .

Leveling and thresholds

  • Elevators must have self‑leveling that holds the car within ±1/2 inch (12.7 mm) at landings; platform/elevator platform‑to‑landing sill clearances are strictly limited (typical limit 1/4 in (32 mm) for passenger elevators; some private residence tolerances differ). § 11B‑407.4.4; § 11B‑407.4.3; § 11B‑409.4.4 .

Exceptions & special cases

  • Where an owner is allowed to use the exceptions in the accessible route chapter or to use platform lifts per occupancy rules, elevators that comply with § 11B‑408 (LULA) may be used in lieu of full‑size elevators (see § 11B‑206.6 exceptions). That means in some constrained sites or specific residential applications the LULA path is permitted by the CBC. § 11B‑206.6 exceptions; § 11B‑408.1 .
  • Existing elevator shafts/cars may be permitted some relief: existing car configurations that meet a defined minimum clear floor area and minimum inside depth/width may be accepted rather than strict table compliance (see the exception under § 11B‑407.4.1). § 11B‑407.4.1 exceptions .
  • Platform lifts are expressly permitted as components of an accessible route in new and existing construction in certain situations (performance areas, incidental spaces, where site constraints make ramps/elevators infeasible); platform lifts must nevertheless comply with ASME A18.1 and the lift rules in § 11B‑410. § 11B‑206.7 & § 11B‑410 .
  • Destination‑oriented elevator systems have specialized requirements for floor designations, keypad operation, audio/visual feedback and reopening devices; when altering to a destination system, all similarly‑programmed elevators must have the altered elements changed to meet § 11B‑411. § 11B‑411.1 and § 11B‑206.6.1 .

Common mistakes

  • Assuming any small vertical lift satisfies accessible‑route requirements — platform lifts have specific limits (where they are allowed) and explicit dimension and door/gate timing and landing requirements in § 11B‑410; they must not be used where the code requires a passenger elevator unless an exception applies. § 11B‑410; § 11B‑206.7 .
  • Overlooking the table reference: many people forget that § 11B‑411 and § 11B‑408 import the car‑dimension Table 11B‑407.4.1, so you must size car interiors and door widths to that table unless an approved exception applies. § 11B‑411.4.1; § 11B‑407.4.1 .
  • Not providing required sensing/reopening devices or not meeting the specified sensing heights and durations — the reopening device heights and timing are specific and required. § 11B‑407.3.3.1; § 11B‑407.3.3.3; § 11B‑411.3.3 .
  • Forgetting emergency communications and standby power when the elevator or platform lift is used as part of an accessible means of egress — Chapter 10 and § 3001 require two‑way comms and standby power where applicable. § 1009.4; § 3001.2; § 3001.4 .

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A small public library needs vertical access between two floors and has limited shaft space. The owner is considering a LULA elevator instead of a full‑size elevator.

Applicable rules and numbers:

  • Determine whether Chapter 11B applies (public building) — it does, so use Chapter 11B requirements. § 3001.4; § 11B‑206.6 .
  • LULA minimum car size: design the car to be at least 42 in (1067 mm) wide and 54 in (1372 mm) deep with doors at the narrow end and door clear opening 32 in (813 mm) minimum per § 11B‑408.4.1. If the plan can provide a larger 51 in × 51 in car and 36 in clear opening, the alternative exception can be used; confirm which configuration fits the shaft. § 11B‑408.4.1 .
  • Ensure platform‑to‑landing gap is ≤ 1/4 in (32 mm) per § 11B‑407.4.3 (car/hoistway clearance requirement also referenced by § 11B‑408). § 11B‑407.4.3 .
  • Provide automatic doors that remain open 20 seconds minimum where the LULA provision requires that (swinging/power doors duration in § 11B‑408.3.2.2) and include obstruction sensing that meets the reopening device requirements called out in § 11B‑407.3.3. § 11B‑408.3.2.2; § 11B‑407.3.3.1 .
  • Locate and size car controls and hall call buttons per the reach‑range and button size rules (buttons ≥ 3/4 in (19.1 mm), arranged per the table and within the reach range). § 11B‑407.2.1.2; § 11B‑307; § 11B‑411.2.1.5.1 .

If the proposed LULA configuration meets § 11B‑408 sizes and the other referenced elevator requirements (controls, clearance, leveling, communication), it will be code‑compliant for the small library application; if the site or use requires a fully compliant passenger elevator (per the authority having jurisdiction), LULA may not be acceptable.

Related provisions

  • § 3001.4 — Accessibility requirement for elevators and platform lifts (designation of Chapter 11 applicability) .
  • § 11B‑407 — General elevator requirements, including Table 11B‑407.4.1 car dimensions and door/door timing rules .
  • § 11B‑410 — Platform (wheelchair) lift specifics: clearances, door/gate widths, landing size, low‑energy doors and timing (§ 11B‑410.4–.7) .
  • § 11B‑206.7 — Permitted uses of platform lifts (performance areas, incidental spaces, existing site constraints) .
  • § 1009.4 / § 1009.5 — When elevators/platform lifts are used as part of an accessible means of egress: standby power and area‑of‑refuge access rules .
  • ASME A18.1 and ASME A17.1 — Referenced standards governing platform lifts and elevators respectively (referenced by § 3001.3 and the Chapter 11B sections). § 3001.3; § 11B‑410; § 11B‑407 .

Code references

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

  • CBC § 806.2 High relevance — show source text

    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.

    11B- 206.6.1 Existing elevators. Where elements of existing elevators are altered, the same element shall also be altered in all elevators that are programmed to respond to the same hall call control as the altered elevator and shall comply with the requirements of Section 11B- 407 for the altered element.

    Exception: Where a group of existing elevators are altered into a destination-oriented elevator system, or where elements of exist- ing destination-oriented elevators are altered, the same elements shall also be altered in all elevators that are programmed to

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    respond to the same call console or group of call consoles and shall comply with the requirements of Section 11B-411 for the altered elements.

    11B- 206.7 Platform lifts. Platform lifts shall comply with Section 11B- 410. Platform lifts shall be permitted as a component of an accessible route in new construction in accordance with Section 11B- 206.7. Platform lifts shall be permitted as a component of an accessible route in an existing building or facility. 11B- 206.7.1 Performance areas and speakers’ platforms. Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide accessible routes to performance areas and speakers’ platforms.

    11B- 206.7.2 Wheelchair spaces. Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide an accessible route to comply with the wheelchair space dispersion and line-of-sight requirements of Sections 11B- 221 and 11B- 802 . 11B- 206.7.3 Incidental spaces. Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide an accessible route to incidental spaces which are not public use spaces and which are occupied by five persons maximum.

  • CBC § 410.2 High relevance — show source text

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

    11B- 410.2 Floor surfaces. Floor surfaces in platform lifts shall comply with Sections 11B- 302 and 11B- 303 .

    11B- 410.3 Clear floor space. Clear floor space in platform lifts shall comply with Section 11B- 305 .

    11B- 410.4 Platform to runway clearance. The clearance between the platform sill and the edge of any runway landing shall be 1 [1] / 4 inch (32 mm) maximum.

    11B- 410.5 Operable parts. Controls for platform lifts shall comply with Section 11B- 309 .

    11B- 410.6 Doors and gates. Platform lifts shall have low-energy power-operated doors or gates complying with Section 11B- 404.3. Doors shall remain open for 20 seconds minimum. End doors and gates shall provide a clear width 32 inches ( 813 mm) minimum. Side doors and gates shall provide a clear width 42 inches ( 1067 mm) minimum.

    Exception: Platform lifts serving two landings maximum and having doors or gates on opposite sides shall be permitted to have self-closing manual doors or gates.

    FIGURE 11B- 410.6—PLATFORM LIFT DOORS AND GATES

    11B-410.7 Landing size. The minimum size of landings at platform lifts shall be 60 inches by 60 inches (1524 mm by 1524 mm).

    11B-410.8 Restriction sign. A sign complying with Section 11B-703.5 shall be posted in a conspicuous place at each landing and within the platform enclosure stating “No Freight” and include the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1.

    SECTION 11B-411 — DESTINATION-ORIENTED ELEVATORS

    11B-411.1 General. Destination-oriented elevators shall comply with Section 11B-411 and with ASME A17.1. They shall be passenger elevators as classified by ASME A17.1. Elevator operation shall be automatic.

    11B-411.1.1 Floor designations. In facilities served by destination-oriented elevator systems, floor designations shall be numeric char- acters only. Floor designations shall be “one” (1) or “zero” (0) at the main entry level and shall increase by one for each successive higher story or level. The initial floor below the main entry level shall be designated “minus one” (-1) and the designation for each successive lower story or level shall decrease by one. Stories or levels shall not be designated by alphabetic characters.

    Exceptions:

    1. In existing facilities where new elevators are installed or existing elevators are altered into a destination-oriented elevator system, levels within stories, such as mezzanines located above or below the main entry level shall be permit- ted to be designated with an alpha-numeric character such as “M2”, indicating “mezzanine” and the “story number”, respectively, in which it is located, provided there is no duplication with alpha-numeric designations of elevator cars in the facility.

  • 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 § 11B-15 High relevance — show source text

    Exception: Where a group of existing elevators are altered into a destination-oriented elevator system, or where elements of exist- ing destination-oriented elevators are altered, the same elements shall also be altered in all elevators that are programmed to

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    respond to the same call console or group of call consoles and shall comply with the requirements of Section 11B-411 for the altered elements.

    11B- 206.7 Platform lifts. Platform lifts shall comply with Section 11B- 410. Platform lifts shall be permitted as a component of an accessible route in new construction in accordance with Section 11B- 206.7. Platform lifts shall be permitted as a component of an accessible route in an existing building or facility. 11B- 206.7.1 Performance areas and speakers’ platforms. Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide accessible routes to performance areas and speakers’ platforms.

    11B- 206.7.2 Wheelchair spaces. Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide an accessible route to comply with the wheelchair space dispersion and line-of-sight requirements of Sections 11B- 221 and 11B- 802 . 11B- 206.7.3 Incidental spaces. Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide an accessible route to incidental spaces which are not public use spaces and which are occupied by five persons maximum.

    11B- 206.7.4 Judicial spaces. Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide an accessible route to: jury boxes and witness stands; raised courtroom stations, including judges’ benches, clerks’ stations, bailiffs’ stations, deputy clerks’ stations and court reporters’ stations; and to depressed areas such as the well of a court.

    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.

  • CBC § 309.1 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION 11B- 309 — OPERABLE PARTS

    11B- 309.1 General. Operable parts shall comply with Section 11B- 309 .

    11B- 309.2 Clear floor space. A clear floor or ground space complying with Section 11B- 305 shall be provided.

    11B- 309.3 Height. Operable parts shall be placed within one or more of the reach ranges specified in Section 11B- 308 .

    11B- 309.4 Operation. Operable parts shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate operable parts shall be 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.

    Exception: Gas pump nozzles and electric vehicle connectors shall not be required to provide operable parts that have an activating force of 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.

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    DIVISION 4: ACCESSIBLE ROUTES

    SECTION 11B- 401 — GENERAL

    11B- 401.1 Scope. The provisions of Division 4 shall apply where required by Division 2 or where referenced by a requirement in this chapter.

    SECTION 11B- 402 — ACCESSIBLE ROUTES

    11B- 402.1 General. Accessible routes shall comply with 11B- 402 .

    11B- 402.2 Components. Accessible routes shall consist of one or more of the following components: walking surfaces with a running slope not steeper than 1:20, doorways, ramps, curb ramps excluding the flared sides, elevators and platform lifts. All components of an accessible route shall comply with the applicable requirements of Division 4 .

    SECTION 11B- 403 —W ALKING SURFACES

    11B- 403.1 General. Walking surfaces that are a part of an accessible route shall comply with Section 11B- 403 .

    11B- 403.2 Floor or ground surface. Floor or ground surfaces shall comply with Section 11B- 302 .

    11B- 403.3 Slope. The running slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:20. The cross slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:48.

    Exception: The running slope of sidewalks shall not exceed the general grade established for the adjacent street or highway.

    11B- 403.4 Changes in level. Changes in level shall comply with Section 11B- 303 .

    11B- 403.5 Clearances. Walking surfaces shall provide clearances complying with Section 11B- 403.5.

    Exception: Within employee work areas, clearances on common use circulation paths shall be permitted to be decreased by work area equipment provided that the decrease is essential to the function of the work being performed.

  • CBC § 3001.2 High relevance — show source text

    3001.2 Elevator emergency communication systems. An elevator emergency two-way communication system that includes both visual and audible communication modes complying with the requirements in California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chap- ter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders, shall be provided in each elevator car. The system shall provide a means to enable authorized personnel to verify:

    1. The presence of someone in the car.
    2. That the person(s) is trapped.

    Once an entrapment is verified, the system shall enable authorized personnel to:

    1. Determine if assistance is needed.

    2. Communicate when help is on the way.

    3. Communicate when help arrives on site.

    3001.3 Referenced standards. The design, construction, installation, alteration, repair and maintenance of elevators and conveying systems and their components shall conform to California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders, and the applicable standard specified in Table 3001.3 and Section 3001.6.

    TABLE 3001.3—ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS Col2
    TYPE STANDARD
    Automotive lifts ALI ALCTV
    Belt manlifts ASME A90.1
    Conveyors and related equipment ASME B20.1
    Elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, moving walks, material lifts ASME A17.1/CSA B44, ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7
    Industrial scissor lifts ANSI MH29.1
    Platform lifts, stairway chairlifts, wheelchair lifts ASME A18.1

    [BE] 3001.4 Accessibility. Passenger elevators and platform (wheelchair) lifts required to be accessible or to serve as part of an accessible means of egress shall comply with Sections 1009 and either Chapter 11A for applications listed in Section 1.8.2.1.2 regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development or Chapter 11B for applications listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Divi- sion of the State Architect—Access Compliance.

    3001.5 Change in use. A change in use of an elevator from freight to passenger, passenger to freight, or from one freight class to another freight class shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.

    3001.6 Structural design. All interior and exterior elevators, escalators and other conveying systems and their components shall comply with all applicable design loading criteria in Chapter 16, including wind, flood and seismic loads established in Sections 1609, 1612 and 1613.

    3001.7 Elevators utilized to transport hazardous materials. Elevators utilized to transport hazardous materials shall also comply with the California Fire Code Sections 5003.10.2.2, 5003.10.4 through 5003.10.7.

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    SECTION 3002—HOISTWAY ENCLOSURES

  • CBC § 11B-44 High relevance — show source text

    11B-306 Knee and Toe Clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-44

    11B-307 Protruding Objects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-45

    11B-308 Reach Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-46

    11B-309 Operable Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-48

    DIVISION 4 – ACCESSIBLE ROUTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-49

    11B-401 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-49

    11B-402 Accessible Routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-49

    11B-403 Walking Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-49

    11B-404 Doors, Doorways and Gates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B-50

    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

  • CBC § 407.1 High relevance — show source text

    11B-407.1, 11B-407.1.1, 11B-407.4.9, 11B-408.1, 11B-409.1, 11B-411.1, 11B-810.9, 1607.12.1, 1612.2, 1613.5

    A17.1—CSA B44: the edition as referenced in: California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators 907.3.3, 911.1.6, 1009.4.1, 3001. 3, Table 3001.3, 3001.5, 3002.5, 3002.6.1, 3003.2, 3007.1, 3008.1.4, 3008.7.1

    A17.7—2007/CSA B44—07(R2019): Performance-based Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators Table 3001.3, 3001.5, 3002.5

    A18.1—2023: Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts 1110.11, Table 3001.3

    A90.1—2020: Safety Standard for Belt Manlifts

    Table 3001.3

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    REFERENCED STANDARDS

    B16.18—2023: Cast Copper Alloy Solder Joint Pressure Fittings

    909.13.1

    B16.22—2023: Wrought Copper and Copper Alloy Solder Joint Pressure Fittings

    909.13.1

    B20.1—2024: Safety Standard for Conveyors and Related Equipment Table 3001.3, 3004.3

    BPE—2009: Bio-processing Equipment Standard

    B31.3 —2014: [SLC] Process Piping

    415.11.6

    B31.3—2022: Process Piping

    415.11.7

    ASSP American Society of Safety Professionals, 520 N. Northwest Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068

    ANSI/ASSP Z359.1—2020: The Fall Protection Code

    1015.6, 1015.7

    ASTM ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428

    A6/A6M—21: Standard Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes and Sheet Piling

    1810.3.2.3, 1810.3.5.3.1, 1810.3.5.3.3

    A36/A36M—19: Specification for Carbon Structural Steel

    1810.3.2.3

    A153/A153M—2016A: Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on Iron and Steel Hardware

    2304.10.6

    A227/A227M—17: Standard Specification for Steel Wire, Cold-Drawn for Mechanical Springs

    1211.1.1

  • CBC § 722.1 High relevance — show source text

    29—05: Standard Calculation Methods for Structural Fire Protection

    722.1

    32—01: Design and Construction of Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations

    1809.5

    37 — 2017: Design Loads on Structures during Construction

    1617A.1.18

    41—13: [OSHPD 1 SPC-2 and SPC-4D only] Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings

    1603A.2

    41—17: [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings

    1603A.2

    41 — 23: [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] [OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 4 and 5] Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings

    1603A.2

    49—21: Wind Tunnel Testing for Buildings and Other Structures

    1609.1.1

    55—16: Tensile Membrane Structures

    3102.2

    ASHRAE ASHRAE, 180 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

    90.1—2022: Energy Standard for Sites and Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings

    1202.1

    170—2021: Ventilation of Health Care Facilities

    1020.6

    171 — 2017: Method of Testing for Rating Seismic and Wind Restraints

    1705.14.2, 1705A.14.2

    ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Two Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016

    A17.1—2022/CSA B44—22: Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators

    11B-407.1, 11B-407.1.1, 11B-407.4.9, 11B-408.1, 11B-409.1, 11B-411.1, 11B-810.9, 1607.12.1, 1612.2, 1613.5

    A17.1—CSA B44: the edition as referenced in: California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators 907.3.3, 911.1.6, 1009.4.1, 3001. 3, Table 3001.3, 3001.5, 3002.5, 3002.6.1, 3003.2, 3007.1, 3008.1.4, 3008.7.1

    A17.7—2007/CSA B44—07(R2019): Performance-based Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators Table 3001.3, 3001.5, 3002.5

    A18.1—2023: Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts 1110.11, Table 3001.3

    A90.1—2020: Safety Standard for Belt Manlifts

    Table 3001.3

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  • CBC § 11B-57 High 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 § 31.75 Medium relevance — show source text

    The clearance between the car platform sill and the edge of the hoistway landing shall be no greater than 1 [1] / 4 inches (31.75 mm).

    1124A.11 Platform (wheelchair) lifts.

    1124A.11.1 General. Platform (wheelchair) lifts may be provided between levels, in lieu of passenger elevators, when the vertical distance between landings, as well as the structural design and safeguards are as allowed by ASME A18.1 (Safety Standard for Plat- form Lifts and Stairway Chair Lifts), California Code of Regulations, Title 8 (Elevator Safety Orders), and any applicable safety regulations of other administrative authorities having jurisdiction.

    If lifts are provided, they shall be designed and constructed to facilitate unassisted entry, operation and exit from the lift, and shall comply with restrictions and enhancements of this section in conjunction with Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations.

    1124A.11.2 Size and clear floor space. Platform (wheelchair) lifts shall be of sufficient size to accommodate a wheelchair in accor- dance with Section 1138A.1.4.

    1124A.11.3 Lift access. There shall be a level and clear floor area or landing at each floor or level served by platform (wheelchair) lifts. Clear floor areas or landings shall meet the applicable “accessible route” requirements.

    1124A.11.4 Standby power. To ensure continued operation in case of primary power loss, platform (wheelchair) lifts shall be provided with standby power or with self-rechargeable battery power that provides sufficient power to operate all platform lift func- tions for a minimum of five upward and downward trips.

    1124A.11.5 Openness. Platform (wheelchair) lifts on an accessible means of egress shall not be installed in a fully enclosed hoistway.

    1124A.11.6 Doors and gates. Lifts shall have low energy power-operated doors or gates, which shall remain open for 20 seconds minimum. End doors shall have 32 inches (813 mm) minimum clear opening width. Side doors clear opening width shall be 42 inches (1067 mm) minimum.

    Exception: Lifts having doors or gates on opposite sides shall be permitted to have self-closing manual doors or gates.

    1124A.11.7 Restriction sign. A sign complying with Section 1143A shall be securely fastened in a conspicuous place at each landing and on the platform. The sign shall state “No Freight” in letters not less than 5/8 inch (16 mm) high and include the “International Symbol of Accessibility.”

    SECTION 1125A—HAZARDS ON ACCESSIBLE ROUTES

    1125A.1 Warning curbs. Abrupt changes in level exceeding 4 inches (101.6 mm) in vertical dimension, such as changes in level at plant- ers or fountains located in or adjacent to walks, halls, corridors, passageways, aisles, pedestrian ways and other circulation spaces shall be identified by curbs projecting at least 6 inches (152.4 mm) in height above the walk or sidewalk surface to warn the blind of a potential drop-off.

    Exception: When a guardrail or handrail is provided with edge protection in accordance with Section 1012.10.1.

  • CBC § 1009.3.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    1009.3.3 Area of refuge. Stairways shall either incorporate an area of refuge within an enlarged floor-level landing or shall be accessed from an area of refuge complying with Section 1009.6.

    Exceptions:

    1. Areas of refuge are not required at exit access stairways where two-way communication is provided at the elevator landing in accordance with Section 1009.8.

    2. Areas of refuge are not required at stairways in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

    3. Areas of refuge are not required at stairways serving open parking garages.

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    MEANS OF EGRESS

    1. Areas of refuge are not required for smoke-protected or open-air assembly seating areas complying with Sections 1030.6.2 and 1030.6.3.

    2. Areas of refuge are not required at stairways in Group R-2 occupancies.

    3. Areas of refuge are not required for stairways accessed from a refuge area in conjunction with a horizontal exit.

    1009.4 Elevators. In order to be considered part of an accessible means of egress, an elevator shall comply with Sections 1009.4.1 and 1009.4.2.

    1009.4.1 Standby power. The elevator shall meet the emergency operation and signaling device requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders. Standby power shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 27 and Section 3003.

    1009.4.2 Area of refuge. The elevator shall be accessed from an area of refuge complying with Section 1009.6.

    Exceptions:

    1. Areas of refuge are not required at the elevator in open parking garages.

    2. Areas of refuge are not required in buildings and facilities equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

    3. Areas of refuge are not required at elevators not required to be located in a shaft in accordance with Section 712.

    4. Areas of refuge are not required at elevators serving smoke-protected or open-air assembly seating areas complying with Sections 1030.6.2 and 1030.6.3.

    5. Areas of refuge are not required for elevators accessed from a refuge area in conjunction with a horizontal exit.

    1009.5 Platform lifts. Platform lifts shall be permitted to serve as part of an accessible means of egress where allowed as part of a required accessible route in Chapter 11A, Sections 1121A and 1124A.11, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-206.7.1 through 11B-206.7.10, as applicable. Standby power for the platform lift shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 27.

    [DSA-AC] See Chapter 11B, Section 11B-207.2 for additional accessible means of egress requirements at platform lifts.

    1009.6 Areas of refuge. Every required area of refuge shall be accessible from the space it serves by an accessible means of egress.

  • CBC § 11B-406.6 Medium relevance — show source text

    FIGURE 11B-406.6—ISLANDS IN CROSSINGS

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

    SECTION 11B- 407 — ELEVATORS

    11B- 407.1 General. Elevators shall comply with Section 11B -407 and with ASME A17.1 They shall be passenger elevators as classified by ASME A17.1. Elevator operation shall be automatic.

    11B-407.1.1 Combined passenger and freight elevators. When the only elevators provided for use by the public and employees are combination passenger and freight elevators, they shall comply with Section 11B-407 and with ASME A17.1.

    11B- 407.2 Elevator landing requirements. Elevator landings shall comply with Section 11B- 407.2.

    11B- 407.2.1 Call controls. Where elevator call buttons or keypads are provided, they shall comply with Sections 11B- 407.2.1 and 11B- 309.4.

    Exception: Reserved.

    11B- 407.2.1.1 Height. Call buttons and keypads shall be located within one of the reach ranges specified in Section 11B- 308, measured to the centerline of the highest operable part.

    Exception: Reserved. 11B- 407.2.1.2 Size and shape. Call buttons shall have square shoulders, be [3] / 4 inch ( 19.1 mm) minimum in the smallest dimension and shall be raised [1] / 8 inch (3.2 mm) plus or minus [1] / 32 inch (0.8 mm) above the surrounding surface. The buttons shall be activated by a mechanical motion that is detectable.

    Exception: Reserved.

    11B- 407.2.1.3 Clear floor or ground space. A clear floor or ground space complying with Section 11B- 305 shall be provided at call controls.

    11B- 407.2.1.4 Location. The call button that designates the up direction shall be located above the call button that designates the down direction.

    Exception: Reserved.

    11B- 407.2.1.5 Signals. Call buttons shall have visible signals that will activate when each call is registered and will extinguish when each call is answered. Call buttons shall be internally illuminated with a white light over the entire surface of the button.

    Exceptions:

    1. Reserved.

    2. Reserved.

    11B- 407.2.1.6 Keypads. Where keypads are provided, keypads shall be in a standard telephone keypad arrangement and shall comply with Section 11B- 407.4.7.2.

  • CBC § 407.3.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    11B- 407.3.4 Door and signal timing. The minimum acceptable time from notification that a car is answering a call until the doors of that car start to close shall be calculated from the following equation:

    T = D/(1.5 ft/s) or T = D/(457 mm/s) = 5 seconds minimum where T equals the total time in seconds and D equals the distance (in feet or millimeters) from the point in the lobby or corridor 60 inches ( 1524 mm) directly in front of the farthest call button controlling that car to the centerline of its hoistway door.

    Exceptions:

    1. For cars with in-car lanterns, T shall be permitted to begin when the signal is visible from the point 60 inches ( 1524 mm) directly in front of the farthest hall call button and the audible signal is sounded.

    2. Reserved.

    11B- 407.3.5 Door delay. Elevator doors shall remain fully open in response to a car call for 5 seconds minimum.

    11B- 407.3.6 Width. The width of elevator doors shall comply with Table 11B- 407.4.1.

    Exception: In existing elevators, a power-operated car door complying with Section 11B- 404.2.3 shall be permitted.

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

    11B- 407.4 Elevator car requirements. Elevator cars shall comply with Section 11B- 407.4.

    11B- 407.4.1 Car dimensions. Inside dimensions of elevator cars and clear width of elevator doors shall comply with Table 11B- 407.4.1.

    Exception: In existing buildings, where existing shaft configuration prohibits strict compliance with Section 11B-407.4.1, existing elevator car configurations that provide a clear floor area of 18 square feet (1.67 m [2] ) minimum and also provide an inside clear depth 54 inches (1372 mm ) minimum and a clear width 48 inches (1219 mm ) minimum shall be permitted.

    FIGURE 11B -407.4.1—ELEVATOR CAR DIMENSIONS

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    TABLE 11B-407.4.1—ELEVATOR CAR DIMENSIONS Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5
    MINIMUM MANEUVERING CLEARANCE MINIMUM MANEUVERING CLEARANCE MINIMUM MANEUVERING CLEARANCE MINIMUM MANEUVERING CLEARANCE
    Door location Door clear width Inside car, side to side Inside car, back
    wall to front return    		 **Inside car,
  • CBC § 11B-411.3.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    11B-411.3.3 Reopening device. Elevator doors shall be provided with a reopening device complying with Section 11B-411.3.3 that shall stop and reopen a car door and hoistway door automatically if the door becomes obstructed by an object or person.

    11B-411.3.3.1 Height. The height of the reopening device shall comply with Section 11B-407.3.3.1.

    11B-411.3.3.2 Contact. The device contact shall comply with Section 11B-407.3.3.2.

    11B-411.3.3.3 Duration. The door reopening device duration shall comply with Section 11B-407.3.3.3.

    11B-411.3.4 Door delay. Door delay shall comply with Section 11B-407.3.5.

    11B-411.3.5 Width. The width of elevator doors shall comply with Table 11B-407.4.1.

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    11B-411.4 Elevator car requirements. Elevator cars shall comply with Section 11B-411.4.

    11B-411.4.1 Car dimensions. Inside dimensions of elevator cars and clear width of elevator doors shall comply with Section 11B- 407.4.1.

    11B-411.4.2 Floor surfaces. Floor surfaces in elevator cars shall comply with Section 11B-407.4.2.

    11B-411.4.3 Platform to hoistway clearance. Platform to hoistway clearance shall comply with Section 11B-407.4.3.

    11B-411.4.4 Leveling. Elevator car leveling shall comply with Section 11B-407.4.4.

    11B-411.4.5 Illumination. The level of illumination at the car controls shall comply with Section 11B-407.4.5.

    11B-411.4.6 Elevator car controls. Where provided, elevator car controls shall comply with Sections 11B-411.4.6 and 11B-309.4.

    11B-411.4.6.1 Location. Controls shall be located within one of the reach ranges specified in Section 11B-308.

    11B-411.4.6.2 Buttons. Car control buttons shall comply with Sections 11B-407.4.6.2.1 and 11B-407.4.6.2.4. The car shall not have non-functional, exposed floor buttons.

    11B-411.4.6.3 Emergency controls. Emergency controls shall comply with Section 11B-407.4.6.4.

    11B-411.4.7 Designations and indicators of car control buttons. Designations and indicators of car control buttons shall comply with Section 11B-411.4.7.

  • CBC § 11B-65 Medium relevance — show source text

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    11B-407.4.10.3 Structural strength. Allowable stresses shall not be exceeded for materials used when a vertical or horizontal force of 250 pounds (1112 N) is applied at any point on the support rail, fastener, mounting device or supporting structure.

    SECTION 11B- 408 — LIMITED-USE/LIMITED-APPLICATION ELEVATORS

    11B- 408.1 General. Limited-use/limited-application elevators shall comply with Section 11B- 408 and with ASME A17.1. They shall be passenger elevators as classified by ASME A17.1. Elevator operation shall be automatic.

    11B- 408.2 Elevator landings. Landings serving limited-use/limited-application elevators shall comply with Section 11B- 408.2.

    11B- 408.2.1 Call buttons. Elevator call buttons and keypads shall comply with Section 11B- 407.2.1.

    11B- 408.2.2 Hall signals. Hall signals shall comply with Section 11B- 407.2.2.

    11B- 408.2.3 Hoistway signs. Signs at elevator hoistways shall comply with Section 11B- 407.2.3.1.

    11B- 408.3 Elevator doors. Elevator hoistway doors shall comply with Section 11B- 408.3.

    11B- 408.3.1 Sliding doors. Sliding hoistway and car doors shall comply with Sections 11B- 407.3.1 through 11B- 407.3.3 and 11B- 408.4.1.

    11B -408.3.2 Swinging doors. Swinging hoistway doors shall open and close automatically and shall comply with Sections 11B- 404 , 11B- 407.3.2 and 11B- 408.3.2.

    11B- 408.3.2.1 Power operation. Swinging doors shall be power-operated and shall comply with ANSI/BHMA A156.19.

    11B- 408.3.2.2 Duration. Power-operated swinging doors shall remain open for 20 seconds minimum when activated.

    11B- 408.4 Elevator cars. Elevator cars shall comply with Section 11B- 408.4.

    11B- 408.4.1 Car dimensions and doors. Elevator cars shall provide a clear width 42 inches ( 1067 mm) minimum and a clear depth 54 inches ( 1372 mm) minimum. Car doors shall be positioned at the narrow ends of cars and shall provide 32 inches ( 813 mm) minimum clear width.

    Exceptions:

  • CBC § 11B-406.5.10 Medium relevance — show source text

    11B-406.5.10 Diagonal curb ramps. Diagonal or corner type curb ramps are perpendicular or parallel curb ramps that are oriented diagonally at an intersection. Diagonal or corner type curb ramps with returned curbs or other well-defined edges shall have the edges parallel to the direction of pedestrian flow. Diagonal curb ramps with flared sides shall have a segment of curb 24 inches (610 mm) long minimum located on each side of the curb ramp and within the marked crossing.

    FIGURE 11B -406.5.10—DIAGONAL OR CORNER TYPE CURB RAMPS

    11B-406.5.11 Reserved.

    11B-406.5.12 Detectable warnings. Curb ramps and blended transitions shall have detectable warnings complying with Section 11B-705.

    11B-406.6 Islands. Raised islands in crossings shall be cut through level with the street or have curb ramps at both sides. The clear width of the accessible route at islands shall be 60 inches (1524 mm) wide minimum. Where curb ramps are provided, they shall comply with Section 11B-406. Landings complying with Section 11B-406.5.3 and the accessible route shall be permitted to overlap. Islands shall have detectable warnings complying with Section 11B-705.

    FIGURE 11B-406.6—ISLANDS IN CROSSINGS

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    SECTION 11B- 407 — ELEVATORS

    11B- 407.1 General. Elevators shall comply with Section 11B -407 and with ASME A17.1 They shall be passenger elevators as classified by ASME A17.1. Elevator operation shall be automatic.

    11B-407.1.1 Combined passenger and freight elevators. When the only elevators provided for use by the public and employees are combination passenger and freight elevators, they shall comply with Section 11B-407 and with ASME A17.1.

    11B- 407.2 Elevator landing requirements. Elevator landings shall comply with Section 11B- 407.2.

    11B- 407.2.1 Call controls. Where elevator call buttons or keypads are provided, they shall comply with Sections 11B- 407.2.1 and 11B- 309.4.

    Exception: Reserved.

    11B- 407.2.1.1 Height. Call buttons and keypads shall be located within one of the reach ranges specified in Section 11B- 308, measured to the centerline of the highest operable part.

  • CBC § 408.4.1 Medium relevance — show source text
    1. Reserved.

    FIGURE 11B -408.4.1—LIMITED-USE/LIMITED-APPLICATION (LULA) ELEVATOR CAR DIMENSIONS

    11B- 408.4.2 Floor surfaces. Floor surfaces in elevator cars shall comply with Sections 11B- 302 and 11B- 303 .

    11B- 408.4.3 Platform to hoistway clearance. The platform to hoistway clearance shall comply with Section 11B- 407.4.3.

    11B- 408.4.4 Leveling. Elevator car leveling shall comply with Section 11B- 407.4.4.

    11B- 408.4.5 Illumination. Elevator car illumination shall comply with Section 11B- 407.4.5.

    11B- 408.4.6 Car controls. Elevator car controls shall comply with Section 11B- 407.4.6. Control panels shall be centered on a side wall.

    11B- 408.4.7 Designations and indicators of car controls. Designations and indicators of car controls shall comply with Section 11B- 407.4.7.

    11B- 408.4.8 Emergency communications. Car emergency signaling devices complying with Section 11B- 407.4.9 shall be provided.

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    SECTION 11B- 409 — PRIVATE RESIDENCE ELEVATORS

    11B- 409.1 General. Private residence elevators that are provided within a residential dwelling unit required to provide mobility features complying with Sections 11B- 809.2 through 11B- 809.4 shall comply with Section 11B- 409 and with ASME A17.1. They shall be passenger elevators as classified by ASME A17.1. Elevator operation shall be automatic.

    11B- 409.2 Call buttons. Call buttons shall be [3] / 4 inch ( 19.1 mm) minimum in the smallest dimension and shall comply with Section 11B- 309 .

    11B- 409.3 Elevator doors. Hoistway doors, car doors and car gates shall comply with Sections 11B- 409.3 and 11B- 404 .

    Exception: Doors shall not be required to comply with the maneuvering clearance requirements in Section 11B- 404.2.4.1 for approaches to the push side of swinging doors.

    11B- 409.3.1 Power operation. Elevator car and hoistway doors and gates shall be power operated and shall comply with ANSI/ BHMA A156.19. Power operated doors and gates shall remain open for 20 seconds minimum when activated.

    Exception: In elevator cars with more than one opening, hoistway doors and gates shall be permitted to be of the manualopen, self-close type.

  • CBC § 407.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    11B- 407.4 Elevator car requirements. Elevator cars shall comply with Section 11B- 407.4.

    11B- 407.4.1 Car dimensions. Inside dimensions of elevator cars and clear width of elevator doors shall comply with Table 11B- 407.4.1.

    Exception: In existing buildings, where existing shaft configuration prohibits strict compliance with Section 11B-407.4.1, existing elevator car configurations that provide a clear floor area of 18 square feet (1.67 m [2] ) minimum and also provide an inside clear depth 54 inches (1372 mm ) minimum and a clear width 48 inches (1219 mm ) minimum shall be permitted.

    FIGURE 11B -407.4.1—ELEVATOR CAR DIMENSIONS

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 11B-63

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

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

    TABLE 11B-407.4.1—ELEVATOR CAR DIMENSIONS Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5
    MINIMUM MANEUVERING CLEARANCE MINIMUM MANEUVERING CLEARANCE MINIMUM MANEUVERING CLEARANCE MINIMUM MANEUVERING CLEARANCE
    Door location Door clear width Inside car, side to side Inside car, back
    wall to front return    		 Inside car, back
    wall to inside face of door
    Centered 42 inches
    (1067 mm)    		 80 inches
    (2032 mm)    		 51 inches
    (1295 mm)    		 54 inches
    (1372 mm)
    Side
    (off-centered)    		 36 inches
    (914 mm)1    		 68 inches
    (1727 mm)    		 51 inches
    (1295 mm)    		 54 inches
    (1372 mm)
    Any 36 inches
    (914 mm)1    		 54 inches
    (1372 mm)    		 80 inches
    (2032 mm)    		 80 inches
    (2032 mm)
    Any 36 inches
    (914 mm)2    		 60 inches
    (1524 mm)2    		 60 inches
    (1524 mm)2    		 60 inches
    (1524 mm)2
    1. A tolerance of minus_5/_8 inch (15.9 mm) is permitted.
    2. Other car configurations that provide a turning space complying with_Section 11B-_304 with the door closed shall be permitted.    		 1. A tolerance of minus_5/_8 inch (15.9 mm) is permitted.
    2. Other car configurations that provide a turning space complying with_Section 11B-_304 with the door closed shall be permitted.    		 1. A tolerance of minus_5/_8 inch (15.9 mm) is permitted.
    2. Other car configurations that provide a turning space complying with_Section 11B-_304 with the door closed shall be permitted.    		 1. A tolerance of minus_5/_8 inch (15.9 mm) is permitted.
    2. Other car configurations that provide a turning space complying with_Section 11B-_304 with the door closed shall be permitted.    		 1.
  • CBC § 11B-703.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    The outside diameter of the star shall be 2 inches (51 mm) and all points shall be of equal length. Raised_ characters, including the star, shall be white on a black background. Braille complying with Section 11B-703.3 shall be placed below the corresponding raised characters and the star. The Braille translation for the star shall be “MAIN”. Applied plates are acceptable if they are permanently fixed to the jamb.

    11B-411.2.3.2 Car designation signs. Car designation signs complying with Sections 11B-703.2 and 11B-703.4.1 shall be provided on both jambs of the hoistway immediately below the floor designation. Signs shall be provided in both raised charac- ters and Braille. Raised characters shall be 2 inches (51 mm) high. Raised characters shall be white on a black background. Braille complying with Section 11B-703.3 shall be placed below the corresponding raised characters. Applied plates are accept- able if they are permanently fixed to the jamb.

    FIGURE 11B -411.2.3—FLOOR DESIGNATION AND CAR DESIGNATION SIGNS ON JAMBS OF

    DESTINATION-ORIENTED ELEVATOR HOISTWAY ENTRANCES

    11B-411.3 Elevator door requirements. Hoistway and car doors shall comply with Section 11B-411.3.

    11B-411.3.1 Type. Elevator door type shall comply with Section 11B-407.3.1.

    11B-411.3.2 Operation. Elevator hoistway and car doors shall open and close automatically.

    11B-411.3.3 Reopening device. Elevator doors shall be provided with a reopening device complying with Section 11B-411.3.3 that shall stop and reopen a car door and hoistway door automatically if the door becomes obstructed by an object or person.

    11B-411.3.3.1 Height. The height of the reopening device shall comply with Section 11B-407.3.3.1.

    11B-411.3.3.2 Contact. The device contact shall comply with Section 11B-407.3.3.2.

    11B-411.3.3.3 Duration. The door reopening device duration shall comply with Section 11B-407.3.3.3.

    11B-411.3.4 Door delay. Door delay shall comply with Section 11B-407.3.5.

    11B-411.3.5 Width. The width of elevator doors shall comply with Table 11B-407.4.1.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 11B-71

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

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

    11B-411.4 Elevator car requirements. Elevator cars shall comply with Section 11B-411.4.

    11B-411.4.1 Car dimensions. Inside dimensions of elevator cars and clear width of elevator doors shall comply with Section 11B- 407.4.1.

  • CBC § 409.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    11B- 409.4 Elevator cars. Private residence elevator cars shall comply with Section 11B- 409.4.

    11B- 409.4.1 Inside dimensions of elevator cars. Elevator cars shall provide a clear floor space of 36 inches ( 914 mm) minimum by 48 inches ( 1219 mm) minimum and shall comply with Section 11B- 305 .

    11B- 409.4.2 Floor surfaces. Floor surfaces in elevator cars shall comply with Sections 11B- 302 and 11B- 303 .

    11B- 409.4.3 Platform to hoistway clearance. The clearance between the car platform and the edge of any landing sill shall be 1 [1] / 2 inch (38 mm) maximum.

    11B- 409.4.4 Leveling. Each car shall automatically stop at a floor landing within a tolerance of [1] / 2 inch ( 12.7 mm) under rated loading to zero loading conditions.

    11B- 409.4.5 Illumination levels. Elevator car illumination shall comply with Section 11B- 407.4.5.

    11B- 409.4.6 Car controls. Elevator car control buttons shall comply with Sections 11B- 409.4.6, 11B- 309.3, 11B- 309.4 and shall be raised or flush.

    11B- 409.4.6.1 Size. Control buttons shall be [3] / 4 inch ( 19.1 mm) minimum in their smallest dimension.

    11B- 409.4.6.2 Location. Control panels shall be on a side wall, 12 inches (305 mm) minimum from any adjacent wall.

    FIGURE 11B -409.4.6.2—LOCATION OF PRIVATE RESIDENCE ELEVATOR CONTROL PANEL

    11B- 409.4.7 Emergency communications. Emergency two-way communication systems shall comply with Section 11B- 409.4.7.

    11B- 409.4.7.1 Type. A telephone and emergency signal device shall be provided in the car.

    11B- 409.4.7.2 Operable parts. The telephone and emergency signaling device shall comply with Sections 11B- 309.3 and 11B- 309.4.

    11B- 409.4.7.3 Compartment. If the telephone or device is in a closed compartment, the compartment door hardware shall comply with Section 11B- 309 .

    11B- 409.4.7.4 Cord. The telephone cord shall be 29 inches ( 737 mm) long minimum.

    SECTION 11B- 410 — PLATFORM LIFTS

    11B- 410.1 General. Platform lifts shall comply with ASME A18.1. Platform lifts shall not be attendant-operated and shall provide unassisted entry and exit from the lift.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 11B-67

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

Frequently asked questions

Can a platform lift always be used instead of an elevator?

Not always. Platform lifts are permitted in specifically defined situations (performance areas, incidental spaces, site constraints, certain guest‑room/residential scenarios) and must comply with ASME A18.1 and § 11B‑410; where the code requires a full passenger elevator for the occupancy or accessible means of egress, a platform lift may not be acceptable. § 11B‑206.7; § 11B‑410 .

What is the tightest allowable gap between car platform and landing sill?

For passenger elevators covered by the table references in Chapter 11B, the platform (car) sill to hoistway landing clearance is limited to 1/4 inch (32 mm) maximum; separate provisions for private residence elevators allow a different tolerance. § 11B‑407.4.3; § 11B‑409.4.3 .

Do destination‑oriented elevators need special signage or audio?

Yes. § 11B‑411 includes requirements for floor‑designation characters (numeric scheme), visible car identification at landings, and audio/visual directions as part of the assignment/confirmation process for accessibility functions; the section specifies fonts, sizes and mounted heights for identification fixtures. § 11B‑411.1; § 11B‑411.2.2 .

What minimum landing size is required for platform lifts?

Platform lifts require landings at each served level with a minimum landing size of 60 in × 60 in (1524 mm × 1524 mm). § 11B‑410.7 .

Are emergency communications required inside elevator cars?

Yes. Elevator cars must have two‑way emergency communication systems with both visual and audible modes as required by the state elevator safety orders and referenced in CBC § 3001.2 and the elevator sections of Chapter 11B. § 3001.2; § 11B‑408.4.8 .

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