CBC · California Building Code

Accessible means of egress requirements

The CBC requires every accessible space to have at least one accessible means of egress (and the same number of accessible egresses as non‑accessible spaces when multiple exits are required). An accessible egress can be built from routes, stairs, ramps, elevators, platform lifts and refuge/assisted‑rescue areas, but ramps used in egress are held to specific technical limits: maximum 1:12 slope, 2% cross slope, 30 in max rise per run, 36 in minimum clear width between handrails, 80 in headroom, and properly sized landing(s) — see §§1009.1, 1009.2 and 1012.1–1012.6 for the governing text .

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — plain English

The California Building Code requires that every accessible space be served by at least one accessible means of egress, and where more than one means of egress is required for a space, the accessible portion must be served by at least the same number of accessible means of egress (see §1009.1) . Accessible means of egress may be composed of accessible routes, stairways, elevators, platform lifts, ramps and other components listed in §1009.2; ramps used as a means‑of‑egress must meet the technical limits on slope, rise, cross slope, width and landings found in Chapter 10, Section 1012 (§1012.1–§1012.6) .

Requirements in detail

Scope and scoping rules

  • Minimum number required: Every accessible space must have at least one accessible means of egress. If the space requires multiple means of egress under §1006.2 or §1006.3, the accessible portion must be served by not fewer than that same number of accessible means of egress (§1009.1) .
  • Additional compliance: In addition to Chapter 10, accessible egress components must also comply with the applicable accessibility chapter (Chapter 11A or 11B) as referenced in §1009.1 and §1009.2 .

What can form an accessible means of egress

Per §1009.2, an accessible means of egress must be continuous to a public way and may consist of one or a combination of: accessible routes, interior exit stairways, exit access stairways, exterior exit stairways, elevators (§1009.4), platform lifts (§1009.5), horizontal exits, ramps (§1012), areas of refuge (§1009.6) and exterior assisted‑rescue areas (§1009.7) .

  • Elevator requirement trigger: If an accessible floor is four or more stories above or below a level of exit discharge (or an occupiable roof is three or more stories above), at least one accessible means of egress must include an elevator (§1009.2.1) — with limited exceptions when sprinklers or compliant ramps/horizontal exits are provided .
  • Doors and maneuvering: When doors are part of an accessible route to an exit, area of refuge, or exterior assisted‑rescue area, maneuvering clearances must be provided in the direction of egress per ICC A117.1; if reentry to the floor is possible, clearances must be provided on both sides (§1009.2.2) .

Ramps used as components of a means of egress (detailed — Chapter 10, §1012)

The ramp provisions in §1012 apply only to ramps that are used as a component of a means of egress (§1012.1) . (Other pedestrian ramps and curb ramps are addressed separately or by ICC A117.1; vehicle ramps serving only pedestrian exit access in garages are also treated specially — see §1012.1 exceptions.)

Key technical limits and minimums are summarized in the table below.

Parameter Required value (decision‑relevant) Context / use Code Reference
Maximum running slope for ramps used in means of egress 1 vertical to 12 horizontal (≈ 8.3% slope) Ramps that are part of a means of egress (§1012.2) §1012.2
Maximum running slope for other pedestrian ramps 1 vertical to 8 horizontal (12.5% slope) Non‑egress pedestrian ramps (§1012.2) §1012.2
Maximum cross slope 1 vertical to 48 horizontal (2% slope) Across the ramp tread (§1012.3) §1012.3
Maximum vertical rise per ramp run 30 inches (762 mm) Vertical rise limit before requiring a landing or intermediate run (§1012.4) §1012.4
Minimum clear width between handrails 36 inches (914 mm) Clear width of ramp run between handrails/projections (§1012.5.1) §1012.5.1
Minimum headroom 80 inches (2032 mm) Full width of ramp and intermediate landings (§1012.5.2) §1012.5.2
Width restrictions (no reduction in direction of egress) Ramps must not reduce in width in direction of travel; projections prohibited Ensures minimum capacity not diminished; doors onto landings cannot reduce clear width below 42 in (§1012.5.3) §1012.5.3
Landing slope Not steeper than 1:48 (2%) in any direction; no changes in level allowed Landings at bottom/top/turns/doors (§1012.6.1) §1012.6.1
Landing width Not less than width of widest adjoining ramp run Provides maneuvering at landings (§1012.6.2) §1012.6.2

Notes:

  • The minimum required capacity/width of an egress ramp is linked to corridor sizing requirements — §1012.5.1 refers to the corridor width rules in §1020.3 for required capacity .
  • Ramped aisles inside assembly spaces and curb ramps are explicitly excluded from the §1012 egress ramp technical provisions and are regulated elsewhere (§1012.1 exceptions) .

Interactions with other accessible means components

  • Platform lifts and elevators: Platform lifts and elevators used as part of an accessible means of egress must meet their own special rules (§1009.4, §1009.5, and Chapter 11 provisions); platform lifts used in egress require standby power per accessibility chapter rules (see Chapter 11B, §11B‑207.2) .
  • Areas of refuge and assisted rescue: Where ramps are not used, areas of refuge (§1009.6) and exterior assisted rescue areas (§1009.7) are listed alternatives in §1009.2 and have their own requirements (see §1009.6–§1009.7) .

Exceptions & special cases

  • Mezzanines and assembly aisles: One accessible means of egress is permitted from an accessible mezzanine where conditions of §1009.3–§1009.5 apply, and in assembly areas with ramped or stepped aisles one accessible means is permitted when the common path is accessible and meets §1030.8 and the applicable Chapter 11 rules (§1009.1 exceptions) .
  • Ramps not covered by §1012: curb ramps must follow ICC A117.1 and vehicle ramps in parking garages need not comply with all §1012 subsections unless they serve accessible parking or are part of an accessible means of egress (§1012.1 exceptions) .
  • Elevators not required in some sprinklered buildings: Where the building is fully sprinklered, elevators may not be required as part of an accessible means of egress for certain floors provided horizontal exits or compliant ramps are available (§1009.2.1 exceptions) .
  • Door maneuvering: Maneuvering clearances per ICC A117.1 are required when doors are on an accessible route to an exit or area of refuge; doors to exit stairways above/below level of exit discharge may be exempt if the exit enclosure lacks an area of refuge (§1009.2.2) .

Common mistakes

  • Applying standard (non‑egress) ramp slope: using 1:8 (12.5%) for an egress ramp — egress ramps must meet the stricter 1:12 (≈8.3%) limit (§1012.2) .
  • Forgetting vertical‑rise limitation: creating a single ramp run that exceeds 30 in vertical rise without an intermediate landing or additional run (§1012.4) .
  • Reducing clear width: allowing projections, doors or turnings to reduce the required clear width in the direction of egress — §1012.5.3 prohibits reducing width in the direction of travel and requires minimum clear widths between handrails (§1012.5.1–.3) .
  • Treating elevators as automatic egress components in all buildings: elevators are required only in specific vertical‑separation conditions (§1009.2.1) and have exceptions when sprinklers or compliant ramps exist .
  • Overlooking Chapter 11: failing to apply Chapter 11A or 11B accessibility technical provisions in addition to Chapter 10 egress rules (both are required where accessibility applies) (§1009.1, §1009.2) .

Worked example — concrete scenario with numbers

Scenario: A renovation adds an accessible route from an accessible first‑floor lobby to an accessible mezzanine office 30 inches above the lobby floor. The mezzanine must be served by at least one accessible means of egress (§1009.1) .

Design steps using the CBC limits:

  1. Vertical rise required = 30 in. Maximum vertical rise per ramp run is 30 in (§1012.4), so the run may be a single ramp run (no intermediate landing required solely for rise) .
  2. Use the egress ramp slope limit 1:12 (§1012.2). Required horizontal run = 30 in × 12 = 360 in = 30 ft. So the ramp run must provide 30 ft of clear horizontal length at the ramp slope to limit grade to 1:12 .
  3. Provide clear width: minimum clear width between handrails = 36 in (§1012.5.1). If the route is also sized for corridor capacity per §1020.3, that corridor capacity rule may increase required width; check §1020.3 for occupant‑based width requirements and use the larger value (§1012.5.1) .
  4. Ensure landing(s): a landing is required at top and bottom of the ramp; landings must be not steeper than 1:48 and be at least as wide as the widest ramp run (§1012.6.1–.2) .
  5. Headroom: maintain 80 in minimum headroom through the ramp and landing path (§1012.5.2) .

If the mezzanine were instead 60 in above the lobby, you would need two ramp runs with an intermediate landing because each run cannot exceed 30 in vertical rise (§1012.4) — for each 30 in run plan 30 ft of length at 1:12 slope, plus an intermediate landing sized per §1012.6.1–.2 .

Related provisions (select)

  • §1009.1 — Accessible means of egress required (Chapter 10)
  • §1009.2 — Continuity and components of accessible means of egress (lists ramps, elevators, areas of refuge, etc.)
  • §1009.2.1 — Elevator requirement when floors are ≥4 stories above/below exit discharge (and its exceptions)
  • §1009.2.2 — Door maneuvering clearances for routes that serve exits/areas of refuge
  • §1012.1 — Scope and exceptions for ramps used as part of means of egress
  • §1012.2–§1012.6 — Ramp slope, cross slope, vertical rise, minimum dimensions and landings for egress ramps (§1012 subparts)
  • §1020.3 — Corridor width / capacity (referenced by §1012.5.1 for ramp capacity sizing)
  • Chapter 11A / 11B (e.g., §11B‑207.1) — Accessibility technical provisions that must be applied with Chapter 10 egress requirements
  • §1003.5 — Elevation change rules in means of egress (when ramps are required for small elevation changes)

Code references

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

  • CBC § 0.6 High relevance — show source text

    MEANS OF EGRESS

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

    SECTION 1009—ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS

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

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

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

    1. Accessible routes complying with and Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.
    2. Interior exit stairways complying with Sections 1009.3 and 1023 of this code and Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.
    3. Exit access stairways complying with Sections 1009.3 and 1019.3 or 1019.4 of this code and Chapter 11A or 11B of the Califor- nia Building Code.
    4. Exterior exit stairways complying with Sections 1009.3 and 1027 and serving levels other than the level of exit discharge of this code and Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.
    5. Elevators complying with Section 1009.4 of this code and Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.
    6. Platform lifts complying with Section 1009.5 of this code and Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.
    7. Horizontal exits complying with Section 1026.
    8. Ramps complying with Section 1012 of this code and Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.
    9. Areas of refuge complying with Section 1009.6.
  • CBC § 1008.3.2 High relevance — show source text

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

    SECTION 1009—ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS

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

    Exceptions:

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

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    MEANS OF EGRESS

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

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

    Exceptions:

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

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    MEANS OF EGRESS

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

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

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

    Exceptions:

  • CBC § 1009.3 High relevance — show source text

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

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

    Exceptions:

    1. In buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the elevator shall not be required as part of the accessible means of egress on floors provided with a horizontal exit and located at or above the levels of exit discharge.
    2. In buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the elevator shall not be required as part of the accessible means of egress on floors or occupiable roofs provided with a ramp conforming to the provisions of Section 1012.

    1009.2.2 Doors. Where doors are part of an accessible route to provide access to an exit, area of refuge or exterior area of assisted rescue, maneuvering clearances shall be provided at such doors as required by ICC A117.1 in the direction of egress. Where doors lead to an area of refuge or exterior area for assisted rescue and reentry to the floor is possible, door maneuvering clearances shall be provided on both sides of the door.

    Exception: Maneuvering clearances are not required at doors to exit stairways for levels above and below the level of exit discharge where the exit enclosure does not include an area of refuge.

    1009.3 Stairways. In order to be considered part of an accessible means of egress, a stairway between stories shall comply with Sections 1009.3.1 through 1009.3.3. [DSA-AC & HCD 1-AC] In addition, exit stairways shall comply with Chapter 11A, Sections 1115A and 1123A, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-210 and 11B-504, as applicable.

  • CBC § 1030.8 High relevance — show source text

    In assembly areas with ramped aisles or stepped aisles, one accessible means of egress is permitted where the common path of travel is accessible and meets the requirements in Section 1030.8 and Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.

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

    1. Accessible routes complying with and Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.
    2. Interior exit stairways complying with Sections 1009.3 and 1023 of this code and Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.
    3. Exit access stairways complying with Sections 1009.3 and 1019.3 or 1019.4 of this code and Chapter 11A or 11B of the Califor- nia Building Code.
    4. Exterior exit stairways complying with Sections 1009.3 and 1027 and serving levels other than the level of exit discharge of this code and Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.
    5. Elevators complying with Section 1009.4 of this code and Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.
    6. Platform lifts complying with Section 1009.5 of this code and Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.
    7. Horizontal exits complying with Section 1026.
    8. Ramps complying with Section 1012 of this code and Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.
    9. Areas of refuge complying with Section 1009.6.
    10. Exterior areas for assisted rescue complying with Section 1009.7 serving exits at the level of exit discharge.

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

    1. In buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the elevator shall not be required as part of the accessible means of egress on floors provided with a horizontal exit and located at or above the levels of exit discharge.
    2. In buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the elevator shall not be required as part of the accessible means of egress on floors or occupiable roofs provided with a ramp conforming to the provisions of Section 1012.

    [BE] 1009.2.2 Doors. Where doors are part of an accessible route to provide access to an exit area of refuge or exterior area of assisted rescue, maneuvering clearances shall be provided at such doors as required by ICC A117.1 in the direction of egress. Where doors lead to an area of refuge or exterior area for assisted rescue and reentry to the floor is possible, door maneuvering clearances shall be provided on both sides of the door. Exception: Maneuvering clearances are not required at doors to exit stairways for levels above and below the level of exit discharge where the exit enclosure does not include an area of refuge.

  • CBC § 1.1. High relevance — show source text

    1.1. Aisles.

    1.2. Corridors.

    1.3. Exit access stairways and ramps. 2. In buildings that require two or more exits or access to exits: 2.1. Interior exit access stairways and ramps. 2.2. Interior and exterior exit stairways and ramps.

    2.3. Exit passageways. 2.4. Vestibules and areas on the level of discharge used for exit discharge in accordance with Section 1028.2. 2.5. Exterior landings as required by Section 1010.1.5 for exit doorways that lead directly to the exit discharge. 2.6. Group I-2 exit discharge stairways, ramps, aisles, walkways and escalators leading to a public way or to a safe disper- sal area in accordance with Section 1028.5.

    1. In other rooms and spaces: 3.1. Electrical equipment rooms.

    3.2. Fire command centers.

    3.3. Fire pump rooms.

    3.4. Generator rooms.

    3.5. Public restrooms with an area greater than 300 square feet (27.87 m [2] ). 4. Group I-2 exit discharge stairways, ramps, aisles, walkways and escalators leading to a public way or to a safe dispersal area in accordance with Section 1028.5.

    1008.3.1 Duration. The emergency power system shall provide power for a duration of not less than 90 minutes and shall consist of storage batteries, unit equipment or an on-site generator. The installation of the emergency power system shall be in accordance with Section 2702.

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

    SECTION 1009—ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS

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

  • CBC § 2.3. High relevance — show source text

    2.3. Exit passageways. 2.4. Vestibules and areas on the level of discharge used for exit discharge in accordance with Section 1028.2. 2.5. Exterior landings as required by Section 1010.1.5 for exit doorways that lead directly to the exit discharge. 3. In other rooms and spaces: 3.1. Electrical equipment rooms.

    3.2. Fire command centers.

    3.3. Fire pump rooms.

    3.4. Generator rooms.

    3.5. Public restrooms with an area greater than 300 square feet (27.87 m [2] ). 4. Group I-2 exit discharge stairways, ramps, aisles, walkways and escalators leading to a public way or to a safe dispersal area in accordance with Section 1028.5.

    [BE] 1008.3.1 Duration. The emergency power system shall provide power for a duration of not less than 90 minutes and shall consist of storage batteries, unit equipment or an on-site generator. The installation of the emergency power system shall be in accordance with Section 2702 of the California Building Code .

    [BE] 1008.3.2 Illumination level under emergency power. Emergency lighting facilities shall be arranged to provide initial illumination that is not less than an average of 1 footcandle (11 lux) and a minimum at any point of 0.1 footcandle (1 lux) measured

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    MEANS OF EGRESS

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

    SECTION 1009—ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS

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

    1. One accessible means of egress is required from an accessible mezzanine level in accordance with Section 1009.3, 1009.4 or 1009.5 and Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.
  • CBC § 1011.12.1. High relevance — show source text
    1. Nonoccupiable roofs that are not required to have stairway access in accordance with Section 1011.12.1.
    2. Where permitted to access equipment and appliances in accordance with Section 304.3 of the California Mechanical Code .

    SECTION 1012—RAMPS

    [BE] 1012.1 Scope. The provisions of this section shall apply to ramps used as a component of a means of egress.

    Exceptions:

    1. Ramped aisles within assembly rooms or spaces shall comply with the provisions in Section 1030.
    2. Curb ramps shall comply with ICC A117.1.
    3. Vehicle ramps in parking garages for pedestrian exit access shall not be required to comply with Sections 1012.3 through 1012.10 where they are not an accessible route serving accessible parking spaces, other required accessible elements or part of an accessible means of egress.

    [BE] 1012.2 Slope. Ramps used as part of a means of egress shall have a running slope not steeper than 1 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (8-percent slope). The slope of other pedestrian ramps shall not be steeper than 1 unit vertical in 8 units horizontal (12.5percent slope).

    [BE] 1012.3 Cross slope. The slope measured perpendicular to the direction of travel of a ramp shall not be steeper than 1 unit vertical in 48 units horizontal (2-percent slope).

    [BE] 1012.4 Vertical rise. The rise for any ramp run shall be 30 inches (762 mm) maximum.

    [BE] 1012.5 Minimum dimensions. The minimum dimensions of means of egress ramps shall comply with Sections 1012.5.1 through 1012.5.3.

    [BE] 1012.5.1 Width and capacity. The minimum width and required capacity of a means of egress ramp shall be not less than that required for corridors by Section 1020.3. The clear width of a ramp between handrails, if provided, or other permissible projections shall be 36 inches (914 mm) minimum.

    [BE] 1012.5.2 Headroom. The minimum headroom in all parts of the means of egress ramp shall be not less than 80 inches (2032 mm) above the finished floor of the ramp run and any intermediate landings. The minimum clearance shall be maintained for the full width of the ramp and landing.

    [BE] 1012.5.3 Restrictions. Means of egress ramps shall not reduce in width in the direction of egress travel. Projections into the required ramp and landing width are prohibited. Doors opening onto a landing shall not reduce the clear width to less than 42 inches (1067 mm).

    [BE] 1012.6 Landings. Ramps shall have landings at the bottom and top of each ramp, points of turning, entrance, exits and at doors. Landings shall comply with Sections 1012.6.1 through 1012.6.5.

    [BE] 1012.6.1 Slope. Landings shall have a slope not steeper than 1 unit vertical in 48 units horizontal (2-percent slope) in any direction. Changes in level are not permitted.

    [BE] 1012.6.2 Width. The landing width shall be not less than the width of the widest ramp run adjoining the landing.

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  • CBC § 1003.5 High relevance — show source text

    [BE] 1003.5 Elevation change. Where changes in elevation of less than 12 inches (305 mm) exist in the means of egress, sloped surfaces shall be used. Where the slope is greater than 1 unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-percent slope), ramps complying with Section 1012 shall be used. Where the difference in elevation is 6 inches (152 mm) or less, the ramp shall be equipped with either handrails or floor finish materials that contrast with adjacent floor finish materials.

    Exceptions:

    1. Steps at exterior doors complying with Section 1010.1.4.
    2. A stair with a single riser or with two risers and a tread is permitted at locations not required to be accessible by Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code, where the risers and treads comply with Section 1011.5, the minimum depth of the tread is 13 inches (330 mm) and not less than one handrail complying with Section 1014 is provided within 30 inches (762 mm) of the centerline of the normal path of egress travel on the stair.
    3. A step is permitted in aisles serving seating that has a difference in elevation less than 12 inches (305 mm) at locations not required to be accessible by Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code, provided that the risers and treads comply with Section 1030.14 and the aisle is provided with a handrail complying with Section 1030.16.

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    MEANS OF EGRESS

    Throughout a story in a Group I-2 occupancy, any change in elevation in portions of the means of egress that serve nonambulatory persons shall be by means of a ramp or sloped walkway.

    [BE] 1003.6 Means of egress continuity. The path of egress travel along a means of egress shall not be interrupted by a building element other than a means of egress component as specified in this chapter. Obstructions shall not be placed in the minimum width or required capacity of a means of egress component except projections permitted by this chapter. The minimum width or required capacity of a means of egress system shall not be diminished along the path of egress travel.

    [BE] 1003.7 Elevators, escalators and moving walks. Elevators, escalators and moving walks shall not be used as a component of a required means of egress from any other part of the building.

    Exception: Elevators used as an accessible means of egress in accordance with Section 1009.4.

    SECTION 1004—OCCUPANT LOAD

    [BE] 1004.1 Design occupant load. In determining means of egress requirements, the number of occupants for whom means of egress facilities are provided shall be determined in accordance with this section.

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.27] Overcrowding.

    The number of occupants of any building, structure or portion thereof, shall not exceed the permitted or posted capacity.

    [BE] 1004.2 Cumulative occupant loads. Where the path of egress travel includes intervening rooms, areas or spaces, cumulative occupant loads shall be determined in accordance with this section.

  • CBC § 1011.16 High relevance — show source text

    1011.16 Ladders. Permanent ladders shall not serve as a part of the means of egress from occupied spaces within a building. Permanent ladders shall be constructed in accordance with Section 304.3 of the California Mechanical Code and designed for the live loads indicated in Section 1607.10. Permanent ladders shall be permitted to provide access to the following areas:

    1. Spaces frequented only by personnel for maintenance, repair or monitoring of equipment.
    2. Nonoccupiable spaces accessed only by catwalks, crawl spaces, freight elevators or very narrow passageways.
    3. Raised areas used primarily for purposes of security, life safety or fire safety including, but not limited to, observation galleries, prison guard towers, fire towers or lifeguard stands.
    4. Elevated levels in Group U not open to the general public.
    5. Nonoccupiable roofs that are not required to have stairway access in accordance with Section 1011.12.1.
    6. Where permitted to access equipment and appliances in accordance with Section 304.3 of the California Mechanical Code .

    SECTION 1012—RAMPS

    [DSA-AC] In addition to the requirements of this section, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, buildings or facilities where accessibility is required for applications listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance, shall also comply with Chapter 11A or Chapter 11B, Section 11B-405, as applicable.

    1012.1 Scope. The provisions of this section shall apply to ramps used as a component of a means of egress.

    Exceptions:

    1. Ramped aisles within assembly rooms or spaces shall comply with the provisions in Section 1030.
    2. Curb ramps shall comply with Chapter 11A or 11B, 11B-406, as applicable.
    3. Vehicle ramps in parking garages for pedestrian exit access shall not be required to comply with Sections 1012.3 through 1012.10 where they are not an accessible route serving accessible parking spaces, other required accessible elements or part of an accessible means of egress.

    1012.2 Slope. Ramps used as part of a means of egress shall have a running slope not steeper than 1 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (8.3-percent slope). The slope of other pedestrian ramps shall not be steeper than 1 unit vertical in 8 units horizontal (12.5-percent slope).

    1012.3 Cross slope. The slope measured perpendicular to the direction of travel of a ramp shall not be steeper than one unit vertical in 48 units horizontal (2-percent slope).

    1012.4 Vertical rise. The rise for any ramp run shall be 30 inches (762 mm) maximum.

    1012.5 Minimum dimensions. The minimum dimensions of means of egress ramps shall comply with Sections 1012.5.1 through 1012.5.3.

    1012.5.1 Width and capacity. The minimum width and required capacity of a means of egress ramp shall be not less than that required for corridors by Section 1020.3. The clear width of a ramp between handrails, if provided, or other permissible projections shall be 36 inches (914 mm) minimum.

  • CBC § 206.8 High relevance — show source text

    11B- 206.8 Security barriers. Security barriers, including but not limited to security bollards and security check points, shall not obstruct a required accessible route or accessible means of egress. Exception: Where security barriers incorporate elements that cannot comply with these requirements such as certain metal detectors, fluoroscopes or other similar devices, the accessible route shall be permitted to be located adjacent to security screening devices. The accessible route shall permit persons with disabilities passing around security barriers to maintain visual contact with their personal items to the same extent provided others passing through the security barrier.

    SECTION 11B- 207—ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS

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

    Exceptions:

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

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

    11B- 207.2 Platform lifts. Standby power shall be provided for platform lifts permitted by Chapter 10, Section 1009.5 t o serve as a part of an accessible means of egress. To ensure continued operation in case of primary power loss, platform lifts shall be provided with standby power or with self-rechargeable battery power that provides sufficient power to operate all platform lift functions for a mini- mum of five upward and downward trips.

    SECTION 11B- 208—PARKING SPACES

    11B- 208.1 General. Where parking spaces are provided, parking spaces shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B- 208 . For the purposes of this section, electric vehicle charging stations are not parking spaces; see Section 11B-228.

    Exceptions:

    1. Parking spaces used exclusively for buses, trucks, other delivery vehicles or vehicular impound shall not be required to comply with Section 11B- 208 provided that lots accessed by the public are provided with a passenger drop-off and loading zone complying with Section 11B- 503 .

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

    2. In public housing facilities, electric vehicle chargers are permitted to be installed at an accessible parking space assigned to the resident.

  • CBC § 10-5 High relevance — show source text

    1002 Maintenance and Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

    1003 General Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

    1004 Occupant Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-7

    1005 Means of Egress Sizing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9

    1006 Number of Exits and Exit Access Doorways . . . . . 10-10

    1007 Exit and Exit Access Doorway Configuration . . . . 10-14

    1008 Means of Egress Illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14

    1009 Accessible Means of Egress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15

    1010 Doors, Gates and Turnstiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19

    1011 Stairways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29

    1012 Ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33

    1013 Exit Signs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34

    1014 Handrails. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36

    1015 Guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37

    1016 Exit Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39

    1017 Exit Access Travel Distance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40

    1018 Aisles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41

    1019 Exit Access Stairways and Ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42

    1020 Corridors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42

    1021 Egress Balconies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44

    1022 Exits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44

Frequently asked questions

Do egress ramps have the same slope limit as accessible routes under ICC A117.1?

No. Ramps used as a component of a means of egress are limited to 1:12 (≈8.3%) under §1012.2; other pedestrian ramps have a 1:8 (12.5%) limit. See §1012.2 .

If a space is required to have two exits, must both be accessible?

Yes. Where more than one means of egress is required by §1006.2 or §1006.3, each accessible portion of the space must be served by not fewer than the same number of accessible means of egress (§1009.1) .

Can a vehicle ramp in a parking garage be used without meeting §1012 ramp standards?

If the vehicle ramp is not an accessible route serving accessible parking or other required accessible elements and is not part of an accessible means of egress, it need not comply with §§1012.3–1012.10; see §1012.1 exceptions .

Is an elevator always required to serve accessible floors that are many stories above grade?

Not always. §1009.2.1 requires an elevator when a required accessible floor is four or more stories above/below exit discharge, but exceptions exist — for example, when the building is fully sprinklered and horizontal exits or compliant ramps are provided (§1009.2.1) .

Where do I find the exact door maneuvering clearances required when a door is part of the accessible egress route?

Maneuvering clearances for doors that are part of an accessible route to exits or areas of refuge are required by ICC A117.1 as referenced in §1009.2.2; §1009.2.2 states the requirement and directs you to ICC A117.1 for the specific clearances .

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