CBC · California Building Code

What special rules apply to private residence and hospital elevators?

If you’re installing an elevator in a private home, the CBC requires you to follow California’s Title 8 Elevator Safety Orders for the design and hoistway details (§ 3009.1, § 3009.2). For hospital elevators, the CBC imposes special operational and electrical requirements — notably that the ASME A17.1 seismic switch be connected to the hospital’s essential electrical system, with related annunciator and “go slow” operation requirements (§ 3010.1, § 3010.1.1, § 3010.1.2, § 3010.1.3) .

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires

Private residence elevators installed within a dwelling unit (or to serve one dwelling unit) must be designed, constructed and installed in conformance with California’s Elevator Safety Orders (Title 8) rather than the general elevator provisions of the CBC; hoistway enclosures are likewise required to follow Title 8 rules (§ 3009.1, § 3009.2) . In hospitals, all elevators must meet the hospital-elevator special requirements in Section 3010; importantly, the seismic switch required by ASME A17.1 must be tied into the building’s essential electrical system (§ 3010.1, § 3010.1.1) .

Requirements in detail

Private residence elevators (scope and primary compliance path)

  • Applicability: Elevators installed inside a residential dwelling unit or installed to provide access to a single residential dwelling unit. See § 3009.1.
  • Compliance obligation: Design, construction and installation must conform to California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6 (the Elevator Safety Orders). See § 3009.1 and § 3009.2.

Decision‑relevant summary (quick reference)

Decision dimension What to check Code Reference
Where the elevator will be located Inside a private dwelling unit or serving a single dwelling unit § 3009.1
Which standard controls design & installation California Title 8 Elevator Safety Orders (CCR, Title 8, Div. 1, Ch. 4, Subch. 6) § 3009.1
Hoistway enclosure requirements Must comply with Title 8 (not the generic CBC hoistway text) § 3009.2

Notes: the CBC directs private residence elevators to the State Elevator Safety Orders; the CBC does not restate Title 8 technical provisions — follow Title 8 as the controlling technical standard for these installations (§ 3009.1, § 3009.2) .

Hospital elevators (general obligations and seismic control)

  • Applicability: “In hospital buildings, all elevators shall comply with the provisions of this section.” That is the overarching directive for § 3010.1.
  • Seismic switch connection: The seismic switch required by ASME A17.1 shall be connected to the essential electrical system (so that the seismic detection/control remains powered/affects elevator operation compatible with the hospital essential power strategy) (§ 3010.1.1)
  • (Related hospital provisions in the same section that are relevant operationally) The code also requires an annunciator tied to the essential electrical system to indicate seismic-switch inoperability, and after a seismic switch trip the elevator must be able to operate at a “go slow” speed (defined as not more than 150 ft/min) until inspection (§ 3010.1.2, § 3010.1.3) .

Decision‑relevant summary for hospital projects

Decision dimension What to provide/verify Code Reference
Which elevators are covered All elevators in hospital buildings § 3010.1
Seismic switch electrical connection Seismic switch required by ASME A17.1 must be connected to the essential electrical system § 3010.1.1
Post‑seismic operation speed Elevator must be able to operate at “go slow” ≤ 150 ft/min after seismic switch until inspected § 3010.1.3
Annunciator requirement Visual or audible annunciator in machine room, tied to essential electrical system, to signal seismic‑switch loss of power § 3010.1.2

Important: these hospital rules are written to be used together with ASME A17.1 and the hospital essential‑electrical and OSHPD requirements; the CBC section gives these specific operational and electrical interconnection mandates (§ 3010.1 et seq.) .

Exceptions & special cases

  • The CBC text for private residence elevators does not itself create technical exceptions — instead it delegates technical compliance to the Title 8 Elevator Safety Orders, which contain the detailed technical allowances and exceptions. The CBC language is directive: conform to Title 8 (§ 3009.1, § 3009.2) .
  • For hospital elevators, the CBC requires the seismic switch be tied to the essential electrical system (§ 3010.1.1). The CBC also requires an annunciator and defines “go slow” speed (§ 3010.1.2, § 3010.1.3) — local OSHPD or hospital electrical/medical‑gas/essential‑power rules may add further specifics or alternatives; the CBC text does not itself provide sizing or generator capacity values beyond linking the seismic switch to the essential electrical system (§ 3010.1, § 3010.1.1) .

If you need to know specific wiring, transfer switch, generator sizing, or essential‑system design details, those are addressed in the electrical and OSHPD/essential‑systems rules rather than in § 3010.1’s text; the CBC here specifies the connection requirement but does not contain the detailed electrical design equations or sizing tables in the retrieved sections (§ 3010.1.1) .

Common mistakes

  • Treating the CBC’s general elevator rules as the sole technical authority for private‑residence elevators. For private residence elevators the CBC defers the technical requirements to Title 8 Elevator Safety Orders — do not design only to CBC elevator chapters alone; verify Title 8 compliance (§ 3009.1, § 3009.2) .
  • Assuming hospital seismic switch requirements are optional — § 3010.1.1 requires the seismic switch (as required by ASME A17.1) to be connected to the essential electrical system; it is mandatory for hospital elevators (§ 3010.1, § 3010.1.1) .
  • Overlooking the annunciator and “go slow” operational requirements that accompany the seismic switch; these are in the same hospital‑elevator section and affect machine‑room layout and essential power routing (§ 3010.1.2, § 3010.1.3) .
  • Failing to coordinate with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) or OSHPD on how the essential electrical system will provide power to the seismic switch and annunciator; the CBC states the connection requirement but coordination determines the practical implementation (§ 3010.1.1) .

Worked example

Scenario A — private residence elevator installation:

  • A homeowner wants an elevator serving two floors inside a single‑family house and asks which technical standard governs the installation.
  • What the CBC requires: Because the elevator is installed within a residential dwelling unit (or to provide access to one dwelling unit), the CBC directs you to comply with California CCR, Title 8, Elevator Safety Orders for design/construction and hoistway enclosures (§ 3009.1, § 3009.2) .
  • Practical steps: On plan submittal list Title 8 as the controlling standard; submit shop drawings showing Title 8 compliance for hoistway fire/structural details and landing/hoistway door protection per Title 8; confirm with the building official whether any local enforcement checks or additional CBC details are required (§ 3009.1, § 3009.2) .

Scenario B — hospital elevator seismic requirement:

  • A hospital is installing a new patient elevator. The design team must ensure the seismic detection interface meets CBC requirements.
  • What the CBC requires: All hospital elevators must comply with § 3010.1, and the seismic switch required by ASME A17.1 must be connected to the essential electrical system (§ 3010.1, § 3010.1.1) .
  • Concrete number from the code: If the seismic switch is tripped, the elevator must be able to operate at a “go slow” speed not more than 150 feet per minute until the elevator can be inspected (§ 3010.1.3) .
  • Practical steps: Show on electrical and elevator schematics that the seismic switch signal and its power source are tied to the hospital essential electrical distribution (generator/transfer switch/essential‑system bus) as coordinated with OSHPD/AHJ; verify annunciator location in the machine room and its essential‑system feeding per § 3010.1.2 and § 3010.1.1 .

Related provisions (CBC sections)

  • § 3009.1 — Private residence elevators: design/installation must conform to Title 8 Elevator Safety Orders
  • § 3009.2 — Hoistway enclosures for private residence elevators must comply with Title 8
  • § 3009.3 — Hoistway opening protection for private residence elevators (Title 8 reference is used)
  • § 3010.1 — General statement: all elevators in hospital buildings comply with Section 3010
  • § 3010.1.1 — Seismic switch connection to essential electrical system (hospital elevators)
  • § 3010.1.2 — Annunciator required, tied to essential electrical system (hospital elevators)
  • § 3010.1.3 — “Go slow” speed (≤150 ft/min) required after seismic switch activation (hospital elevators)

Code references

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

  • CBC § 3009.1 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION 3009—PRIVATE RESIDENCE ELEVATORS

    3009.1 General. The design, construction and installation of elevators installed within a residential dwelling unit or installed to provide access to one individual residential dwelling unit shall conform to California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.

    3009.2 Hoistway enclosures. Hoistway enclosures shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders .

    3009.3 Hoistway opening protection. Hoistway landing doors for private residence elevators shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders .

    SECTION 3010—SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ELEVATORS IN HOSPITALS

    3010.1 General. [OSHPD 1] In hospital buildings, all elevators shall comply with the provisions of this section.

    3010.1.1 Seismic switch. The seismic switch, as required by ASME A17.1, shall be connected to the essential electrical system.

    3010.1.2 Annunciator. Either a visible or an audible annunciator shall be connected to the essential electrical system and be located in the elevator machine room. The annunciator will indicate if the seismic switch is inoperative due to a loss of power. If a visual annunciator is used, it shall be clearly visible in the room.

    3010.1.3 Travel speed. After a seismic switch has been triggered, the elevator shall have the ability to operate at a “go slow” speed until the elevator can be inspected. “Go slow” speed is defined as a travel speed of not more than 150 feet per minute (45.72 meters per minute).

    3010.1.4 Cable-operated elevators. For cable-operated elevators, an additional sensor switch shall be installed on the governor rope/sheave. The sensor shall prevent car movement when the governor tail sheave is dislodged from its normal position.

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    CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

    CHAPTER 31 – SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION

    (Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

    Adopting agency BSC BSC-
    CG    		 SFM HCD Col6 Col7 DSA Col9 Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 Col17 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC
    Adopting
  • CBC § 3008.8.2 High relevance — show source text

    3008.8.2 Protection of wiring or cables. Wires or cables that are located outside of the elevator hoistway, machine room, control room and control space and that provide normal or standby power, control signals, communication with the car, lighting, heating, air conditioning, ventilation and fire-detecting systems to occupant evacuation elevators shall be protected using one of the following methods:

    1. Cables used for survivability of required critical circuits shall be listed in accordance with UL 2196 and shall have a fireresistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
    2. Electrical circuit protective systems shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Electrical circuit protective systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing requirements.
    3. Construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.

    Exception: Wiring and cables to control signals are not required to be protected provided that wiring and cables do not serve Phase II emergency in-car operation.

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    ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS

    3008.9 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. The building shall be provided with an emergency voice/alarm communication system. The emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be accessible to the fire department. The system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

    3008.9.1 Notification appliances. Not fewer than one audible and one visible notification appliance shall be installed within each occupant evacuation elevator lobby.

    3008.10 Hazardous material areas. Building areas shall not contain hazardous materials exceeding the maximum allowable quantities per control area as addressed in Section 414.2.

    SECTION 3009—PRIVATE RESIDENCE ELEVATORS

    3009.1 General. The design, construction and installation of elevators installed within a residential dwelling unit or installed to provide access to one individual residential dwelling unit shall conform to California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.

    3009.2 Hoistway enclosures. Hoistway enclosures shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders .

    3009.3 Hoistway opening protection. Hoistway landing doors for private residence elevators shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders .

    SECTION 3010—SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ELEVATORS IN HOSPITALS

    3010.1 General. [OSHPD 1] In hospital buildings, all elevators shall comply with the provisions of this section.

    3010.1.1 Seismic switch. The seismic switch, as required by ASME A17.1, shall be connected to the essential electrical system.

    3010.1.2 Annunciator. Either a visible or an audible annunciator shall be connected to the essential electrical system and be located in the elevator machine room. The annunciator will indicate if the seismic switch is inoperative due to a loss of power. If a visual annunciator is used, it shall be clearly visible in the room.

  • CBC § 408.4.1 High 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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    ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

    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 § 1.1 High relevance — show source text

    R322.2 Live/work units. In a structure where there are four or more live/work units, the dwelling portion of the live/work unit shall comply with Chapter 11A of the California Building Code, as applicable. In a structure where there are one or more live/work units defined as public housing, the dwelling portion of the live/work unit shall comply with Chapter 11B of the California Building Code, as applicable. The work portion of the unit must comply with Chapter 11B if it is a public accommodation.

    R322.3 Care facilities. Where care facilities are permitted to be constructed in accordance with Section R101.2, the portions of the dwelling used to operate a business providing care shall be accessible in accordance with Chapter 11 B of the California Building Code .

    SECTION R323—ELEVATORS AND PLATFORM LIFTS

    R323.1 Elevators. Where provided, passenger elevators, limited-use and limited-application elevators or private residence elevators shall comply with ASME A17.1/CSA B44.

    R323.1.1 Private residence elevators. The design, construction and installation of private residence elevators installed within a residential unit or providing access to one individual dwelling unit shall conform to ASME A17.1/CSA B44, Section 5.3.

    R323.1.1.1 Hoistway enclosures. Hoistway enclosures for private residence elevators shall comply with ASME A17.1/CSA B44, Requirement 5.3.1.1.

    R323.1.1.2 Hoistway opening protection. Hoistway landing doors for private residence elevators shall comply with ASME A17.1/CSA B44, Requirements 5.3.1.8.1 through 5.3.1.8.3.

    R323.2 Platform lifts. Where provided, platform lifts shall comply with ASME A18.1.

    R323.3 Accessibility. Elevators or platform (wheelchair) lifts that are part of an accessible route required by Chapter 11 A of the Cali- fornia Building Code, shall comply with the requirements in Chapter 11A of the California Building Code.

    SECTION R324—GLAZING

    R324.1 Identification. Except as indicated in Section R324.1.1 each pane of glazing installed in hazardous locations as defined in Section R324.4 shall be provided with a manufacturer’s designation specifying who applied the designation, the type of glass and the safety glazing standard with which it complies, and that is visible in the final installation. The designation shall be acid etched, sand

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    BUILDING PLANNING

    blasted, ceramic-fired, laser etched, embossed, or be of a type that once applied cannot be removed without being destroyed. A label shall be permitted in lieu of the manufacturer’s designations.

    Exceptions:

    1. For other than tempered glass, manufacturer’s designations are not required provided that the building official approves the use of a certificate, affidavit or other evidence confirming compliance with this code.
    2. Tempered spandrel glass is permitted to be identified by the manufacturer with a removable paper designation.
  • CBC § 1227.8.2 High relevance — show source text

    Exception: Closet, toilet rooms and bathroom minimum ceiling heights shall not be less than 7 feet (2134 mm).

    1227.8.2 Minimum height with fixed ceiling equipment. Rooms containing ceiling-mounted, major fixed equipment or ceiling- mounted surgical light fixtures shall have ceiling heights to accommodate the equipment or fixtures and their normal movement.

    1227.9 INTERIOR FINISHES.

    1227.9.1 Floor finishes.

    1227.9.1.1 Floor finishes. Shall be smooth, waterproof and durable.

    Exception: Upon written appropriate documented request, the enforcing agency may grant approval of the installation of carpet. See Table 1224.4.11.

    1227.9.1.2 Resilient flooring. If used in toilet and bathing rooms, shall be continuous and extend upward onto the walls at least 5 inches (127 mm).

    1227.9.2 Wall bases.

    1227.9.2.1 Materials and installation. The material and textures of bases and the installation thereof shall be such as to mini- mize dust-catching surfaces, moisture, infiltration and the harboring of vermin.

    Exception: In locations where carpet is permitted as a floor finish material, the use of carpeted base (coved or strip base) up to a maximum height of 5 inches (127 mm) is also permissible.

    1227.9.2.2 Wood bases. Wood bases are prohibited except in administration departments and other offices described in Section 1227.16.

    Exceptions: Wall bases in kitchens, operating rooms, delivery rooms, emergency operating rooms, cast rooms, special proce- dure rooms and other areas which are subject to wet cleaning methods shall be made integral and coved with the floor, and constructed without voids at the intersection of floor and wall surfaces.

    1227.9.3 Walls. Interior wall finishes shall be smooth, washable and durable.

    1227.9.4 Ceilings. Ceiling finishes shall be in compliance with Table 1224.4.11.

    Exceptions: Walls and ceiling finish requirements do not apply to boiler rooms, mechanical equipment rooms, administration departments, other offices, enclosed stairways, maintenance shops and similar spaces.

    1227.10 ELEVATORS.

    1227.10.1 Patient elevators shall have minimum inside platform dimensions of 5 feet by 8 feet (1524 mm by 2438 mm) and a mini- mum clear door opening of 4 feet, 0 inches (1118 mm).

    1227.10.2 Passenger elevators shall have minimum inside platform dimensions of 4 feet, 8 inches by 7 feet, 4 inches (1422 mm by 2236 mm).

    1227.10.3 Buildings over one story in height with accommodations or services for patients on floors without grade level entrance shall provide at least one passenger or patient elevator.

    1227.10.4 If bed patients are accommodated on one or more floors, other than the main entrance floor or where operating rooms or delivery rooms are above or below the main entrance floor, at least one patient elevator shall be provided.

  • CBC § 409.1 High relevance — show source text

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

    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.

    11B- 409.3.2 Location. Elevator car doors or gates shall be positioned at the narrow end of the clear floor spaces required by Section 11B- 409.4.1.

    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.

  • 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 § 2.1 High relevance — show source text

    R321.2 Window fall protection. Window fall protection shall be provided in accordance with Sections R321.2.1 and R321.2.2.

    R321.2.1 Window opening height. In dwelling units, where the bottom of the clear opening of an operable window opening is located less than 24 inches (610 mm) above the finished floor and greater than 72 inches (1829 mm) above the finished grade or other surface below on the exterior of the building, the operable window shall comply with one of the following:

    1. Operable window openings will not allow a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere to pass through where the openings are in their largest opened position.
    2. Operable windows are provided with window opening control devices or fall prevention devices that comply with ASTM F2090.

    R321.2.2 Emergency escape and rescue openings. Where an operable window serves as an emergency escape and rescue opening, a window opening control device or fall prevention device, after operation to release the control device or fall prevention device allowing the window to fully open, shall not reduce the net clear opening area of the window unit to less than the area required by Sections R319.2.1 and R319.2.2.

    SECTION R322—ACCESSIBILITY

    R322.1 Dwelling units or sleeping units. Dwelling units in a building consisting of three or more dwelling units or four or more condo- minium units shall meet the requirements of the California Building Code Chapter 11A. Covered Multifamily Dwellings include but are not limited to dwelling units listed in Section 1.8.2.1.2. Dwelling units within a single structure separated by firewalls do not constitute sepa- rate buildings.

    R322.2 Live/work units. In a structure where there are four or more live/work units, the dwelling portion of the live/work unit shall comply with Chapter 11A of the California Building Code, as applicable. In a structure where there are one or more live/work units defined as public housing, the dwelling portion of the live/work unit shall comply with Chapter 11B of the California Building Code, as applicable. The work portion of the unit must comply with Chapter 11B if it is a public accommodation.

    R322.3 Care facilities. Where care facilities are permitted to be constructed in accordance with Section R101.2, the portions of the dwelling used to operate a business providing care shall be accessible in accordance with Chapter 11 B of the California Building Code .

    SECTION R323—ELEVATORS AND PLATFORM LIFTS

    R323.1 Elevators. Where provided, passenger elevators, limited-use and limited-application elevators or private residence elevators shall comply with ASME A17.1/CSA B44.

    R323.1.1 Private residence elevators. The design, construction and installation of private residence elevators installed within a residential unit or providing access to one individual dwelling unit shall conform to ASME A17.1/CSA B44, Section 5.3.

    R323.1.1.1 Hoistway enclosures. Hoistway enclosures for private residence elevators shall comply with ASME A17.1/CSA B44, Requirement 5.3.1.1.

  • CBC § 11B-44 Medium 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 § 29-1 Medium relevance — show source text

    CHAPTER 29 PLUMBING SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29-1

    CHAPTER 30 ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS. . . 30-1

    3001 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-3

    3002 Hoistway Enclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-4

    3003 Emergency Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-5

    3004 Conveying Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-6

    3005 Machine Rooms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-6

    3006 Elevator Lobbies and Hoistway Opening Protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-7

    3007 Fire Service Access Elevator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-8

    3008 Occupant Evacuation Elevators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-10

    3009 Private Residence Elevators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-12

    3010 Special Requirements for Elevators in Hospitals . . . . . 30-12

    CHAPTER 31 SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-1

    3101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-3

    3102 Membrane Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-3

    3103 Temporary Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-4

    CONTENTS

    3104 Pedestrian Walkways and Tunnels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-7

    3105 Awnings and Canopies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-8

    3106 Marquees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-8

    3107 Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-9

    3108 Telecommunication and Broadcast Towers . . . . . . 31-9

    3109 Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-9

  • CBC § 206.4.9 Medium 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 § 3.3.44.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    Amend Section 3.3.44.2 and amend publications to read as follows:

    3.3.44.2 Open Station.* A station that is constructed such that it is directly open to the atmosphere and smoke and heat are allowed to disperse directly into the atmosphere.

    The following enclosed areas in open stations are permitted:

    1. Ticket/pass booths not exceeding 150 square feet (13.9 m [2] ) in area. 2. Mechanical and electrical spaces typically not used for human occupancy and necessary for the operation of a fixed guideway transit system. Such spaces shall be limited to two per level. 3. Restrooms not exceeding 150 square feet (13.9 m [2] ) in area. A maximum of four restrooms are permitted per level.

    Add a new definition as 3.3.44.3 to read as follows:

    3.3.44.1.1 Underground Station. A station or portion thereof that is located beneath the surface of the earth or of the water.

    Amend Section 5.2.2.1 to read as follows:

    5.2.2.1 Building construction for all new enclosed stations shall be not less than Type IA, Type IB or Type IIA construction and shall not exceed in area or height the limits specified in the California Building Code Table 503, for the station configuration or as determined by fire hazard analysis of potential fire exposure hazards to the structure.

    Add Section 5.2.2.1.1 –5.2.2.1.3 to read as follows:

    5.2.2.1.1 Underground stations shall be a minimum Type IA or Type IB constructions.

    5.2.2.1.2 Open stations may be of Type IIB construction and shall not exceed in area or height as required by Table 503 for Type IIA.

    5.2.2.1.3 Open at grade stations may be of any construction type allowed by the California Building Code.

    Delete Section 5.2.2.2.

    Amend Section 5.2.4.3 to read as follows:

    5.2.4.3 Ancillary Spaces. Fire resistance ratings of separations between ancillary occupancies shall be established as required by the California Building Code.

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

    REFERENCED STANDARDS

    Amend Section 5.2.4.3.1 to read as follows:

    5.2.4.3.1 The following areas shall be separated by a two-hour fire barrier:

    1. Electrical control rooms, auxiliary electrical rooms and associated battery rooms

    2. Trash rooms

    3. Train control rooms and associated battery rooms

    4. Fan rooms

    5. Emergency generator rooms

    Amend Section 5.2.4.5 to read as follows:

    5.2.4.5 Separation Between System and Nonsystem Occupancies.* All station public areas shall be fire separated from adjacent non-system occupancies by a one hour fire barrier, unless otherwise required by other provisions of the California Building Code.

    Amend Section 5.3.1.1 to read as follows:

Frequently asked questions

Do private residence elevators follow the same CBC elevator technical details as commercial elevators?

No. For private residence elevators the CBC directs designers/installers to California CCR, Title 8, Elevator Safety Orders for technical design, construction and hoistway rules (§ 3009.1, § 3009.2) .

Must hospital seismic switches be on emergency power?

The CBC requires the seismic switch (as required by ASME A17.1) to be connected to the essential electrical system; that means the seismic‑switch function must be integrated with the hospital’s essential power strategy, subject to coordination with OSHPD/AHJ (§ 3010.1.1) .

What is “go slow” after a seismic event for hospital elevators?

The CBC defines “go slow” as a travel speed of not more than 150 feet per minute; elevators must be able to operate at that speed after a seismic switch trip until inspected (§ 3010.1.3) .

Where do I find the exact technical details (door forces, clearances, etc.) for a private residence elevator?

The CBC itself points you to the California Elevator Safety Orders (CCR, Title 8). The CBC sections for private residence elevators do not restate those technical details but require conformance to Title 8 (§ 3009.1, § 3009.2) .

Is an annunciator required in hospital elevator machine rooms?

Yes — either a visible or audible annunciator must be connected to the essential electrical system and located in the elevator machine room to indicate if the seismic switch is inoperative due to loss of power (§ 3010.1.2) .

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