CRSC · California Referenced Standards Code
Where do Chapters 12‑11A/12‑11B point to Title 24 / CBC accessibility provisions?
If you install detectable warnings or directional surfaces in California, the CRSC (Chapters 12‑11A/12‑11B) tells you to follow the technical rules in Title 24/CBC and to use an independent evaluator; the CRSC itself does not list the tactile dimensions.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English
Chapters 12‑11A and 12‑11B require that detectable warning products and directional surfaces comply with the accessibility rules in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24 / California Building Code (CBC). The controlling CRSC sentences are § 12‑11A.203 and § 12‑11B.203, which state that these products “must comply with the California Code of Regulations, Title 24.”
The short rule: if you install detectable warnings or directional surfaces, follow Title 24 (CBC) technical requirements — Chapters 12‑11A/12‑11B only point you there.
Bold terms defined in the CRSC on first mention: Detectable warning products, Directional surfaces, Independent entity, § 12‑11A.203, § 12‑11B.203.
Requirements in detail
Scope / high‑level
CRSC chapters 12‑11A and 12‑11B cover detectable warning products and directional surfaces and require compliance with Title 24 (CBC) for technical and prescriptive requirements. § 12‑11A.203 and § 12‑11B.203 are the controlling cross‑references.
The CRSC also lists specific Title 24 / CBC sections to which these chapters are correlated (examples shown in the CRSC referenced‑standards table). Those Title 24 references include § 1112A.9, § 1116A.5, § 11B‑247, § 11B‑406.5.12, § 11B‑705, and § 11B‑810.5.2 (see the CRSC referenced‑standards index).
Decision‑relevant dimensions (quick lookup table)
| Decision dimension | Required value or action | Code Reference (CRSC) |
|---|---|---|
| Product type | Detectable warning products and Directional surfaces | § 12‑11A.203, § 12‑11B.203 |
| Where to find technical specs | Follow Title 24 / CBC provisions referenced by CRSC | CRSC mapping to § 1112A.9, § 1116A.5, § 11B‑247, § 11B‑406.5.12, § 11B‑705, § 11B‑810.5.2 |
| Evaluation / approval body | Evaluation by an independent entity (not‑for‑profit testing/certification org.) | § 12‑11A.205, § 12‑11B.205 |
| Effective date (installation) | Applies to products/surfaces installed after January 1, 2001 | CRSC scope language (chapter intro) |
| Recertification interval | Recertify every two years | § 12‑11A.206, § 12‑11B.206 |
| Uniformity / durability requirement | Maintain consistency and uniformity; product should not significantly degrade for at least five years | § 12‑11A.209, § 12‑11B.209 (and § 12‑11A.210 for definition) |
| Significant degradation threshold | At least 90 percent of approved design characteristics retained | § 12‑11A.210, § 12‑11B.210 |
How the pieces fit
The CRSC chapters do not recite the tactile dimensions, spacing, colors, or geometric requirements; instead they require that those technical elements conform to the CBC/Title 24 sections cited by the CRSC. Use the Title 24/CBC sections listed in the CRSC index (for example, § 11B‑705) for the specific technical prescriptions.
Product approval is a two‑part process in the CRSC: (1) compliance with Title 24 technical rules and (2) evaluation/certification by an independent entity selected by the DSA‑Access Compliance (for non‑residential uses).
Exceptions & special cases
Residential use: when products/surfaces are for residential housing, the CRSC requires evaluation in consultation with the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) rather than only DSA‑AC selection. The CRSC text states this carve‑out for residential applications.
Jurisdictional/agency nuances: the CRSC ties the approval/evaluation process to the Division of the State Architect‑Access Compliance (DSA‑AC) for most occupancies; residential consultation involves HCD. Confirm which agency enforces approval for your project before submitting product documentation.
Technical details and exact dimensional tolerances (tactile dome diameter, spacing, contrast, etc.) are not printed in the CRSC excerpts — those specifics live in Title 24 (CBC) sections that the CRSC points to. If you need the exact measurements, follow the Title 24 sections listed in the CRSC index.
Common mistakes
Assuming CRSC includes the technical specs: the CRSC points to Title 24; it does not replace or restate CBC dimensions/visual contrast details. Check the CBC sections (e.g., § 11B‑705) for the specs.
Skipping independent evaluation: believing manufacturer claims are sufficient. The CRSC requires evaluation by an independent entity for products installed after January 1, 2001.
Forgetting two‑year recertification: product approvals must be recertified every two years; failing to track recertification can put an installation out of compliance. § 12‑11A.206 / § 12‑11B.206.
Misunderstanding durability rules: “significant degradation” has an objective threshold (retain ≥90% of approved design characteristics) per § 12‑11A.210 / § 12‑11B.210. Designers/owners sometimes misinterpret “significant.”
Applying the wrong agency procedure for residential products: residential applications require HCD consultation in the evaluation step.
Worked example
Scenario: A city transit agency plans to install detectable warning panels on a new light‑rail platform in 2026.
Determine governing CRSC requirement: detectable warnings are covered by § 12‑11A.203 / § 12‑11B.203, which require Title 24 compliance.
Identify the Title 24/CBC sections to apply: consult the CBC sections listed in the CRSC referenced‑standards index (for example, § 11B‑705 and the other mapped sections such as § 11B‑247 or § 1112A.9) for the technical layout, color contrast, and bond/attachment specifications.
Product approval path:
- Obtain product evaluation and certification from an independent entity acceptable to DSA‑Access Compliance (CRSC requires independent entity review for products installed after Jan 1, 2001). § 12‑11A.205 / § 12‑11B.205.
- Confirm the product has been approved under Title 24 requirements named in the CRSC mapping.
Durability & maintenance:
- Ensure the product is certified to maintain at least 90% of approved design characteristics (the CRSC’s definition of “significant degradation”), and that its characteristics are expected to remain acceptable for at least five years per the CRSC’s uniformity/durability language. § 12‑11A.209, § 12‑11A.210.
Administration:
- Track recertification: the CRSC requires recertification every two years (see § 12‑11A.206 / § 12‑11B.206) — plan procurement and maintenance contracts accordingly.
If any title‑24 specification (e.g., dome size or spacing) is unclear, go to the CBC sections referenced in the CRSC mapping to read the exact technical provisions. The CRSC itself points you to those Title 24 sections rather than restating them.
Related CRSC provisions
- § 12‑11A.204 / § 12‑11B.204 — Directional surfaces must comply with Title 24.
- § 12‑11A.205 / § 12‑11B.205 — Evaluation by an Independent entity.
- § 12‑11A.206 / § 12‑11B.206 — Two‑year approval / recertification requirement.
- § 12‑11A.209 / § 12‑11B.209 — Requirements on consistency and uniformity (shape, color fastness, conformation, acoustic quality, resilience, attachment).
- § 12‑11A.210 / § 12‑11B.210 — Definition of significant degradation (retain 90% of design characteristics).
- § 12‑11A.211 / § 12‑11B.211 — Selection of independent entity by DSA‑Access Compliance.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Referenced Standards Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CRSC § 12-11 High relevance — show source text
DETECTABLE WARNING PRODUCTS
Sections 12-11A.203 and 12-11B.203. Must comply with the California Code of Regulations, Title 24.
DIRECTIONAL SURFACES
Sections 12-11A.204 and 12-11B.204. Must comply with the California Code of Regulations, Title 24.
INDEPENDENT ENTITY
Sections 12-11A.205 and 12-11B.205. Evaluation by an independent entity to confirm the prescriptive and performance standard of detectable warning products or direction surfaces installed after January 1, 2001. An independent entity is a not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization, dedicated to testing for public safety. An independent entity would operate for the testing, certification and quality assessment of products, systems and services.
TWO-YEAR APPROVAL
Sections 12-11A.206 and 12-11B.206. Detectable warning products and directional surfaces are to be recertified every two years without exception or waiver.
FEE
Sections 12-11A.207 and 12-11B.207. The Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance may impose a fee on manufacturers of the specified products, to cover the cost of detectable warning products and directional surfaces.
DISABILITY ACCESS ACCOUNT
Sections 12-11A.208 and 12-11B.208. The fees received from manufacturers will be placed in the Disability Access Account.
DETECTABLE WARNING PRODUCTS AND DIRECTIONAL SURFACES
Sections 12-11A.209 and 12-11B.209. Detectable Warning Products and Directional Surfaces must ensure consistency and uniformity: (a) Shape, (b) Color fastness,
(c) Conformation, (d) Sound-on-cane acoustic quality, (e) Resilience, and (f) Attachment will not degrade significantly for at least five years.
SIGNIFICANT DEGRADATION
Sections 12-11A.210 and 12-11B.210. Significant degradation means that the product maintains at least 90 percent of its approved design characteristics.
SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT ENTITY
Sections 12-11A.211 and 12-11B.211. The independent entity selected by the Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance shall be recognized as having appropriate expertise in determining whether products comply with the California Code of Regulations, Title 24.
Authority: Government Code Sections 4450, 4460 and Health & Safety Code Section 18949.1.
Reference: Government Code Section 4460.
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12-13 STANDARDS FOR INSULATING MATERIAL
(See Part 6, Title 24, CCR)
DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS
Bureau of Household Goods and Services
CRSC § 12-11 Medium relevance — show source text
(c) Conformation, (d) Sound-on-cane acoustic quality, (e) Resilience, and (f) Attachment will not degrade significantly for at least five years.
SIGNIFICANT DEGRADATION
Sections 12-11A.210 and 12-11B.210. Significant degradation means that the product maintains at least 90 percent of its approved design characteristics.
SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT ENTITY
Sections 12-11A.211 and 12-11B.211. The independent entity selected by the Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance shall be recognized as having appropriate expertise in determining whether products comply with the California Code of Regulations, Title 24.
Authority: Government Code Sections 4450, 4460 and Health & Safety Code Section 18949.1.
Reference: Government Code Section 4460.
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12-13 STANDARDS FOR INSULATING MATERIAL
(See Part 6, Title 24, CCR)
DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS
Bureau of Household Goods and Services
ARTICLE 3. STANDARDS FOR INSULATING MATERIAL
APPLICATION AND SCOPE
Sec. 12-13-1551.
(a) This article establishes standards governing the quality of insulation sold within the state after September 22, 1981, including those properties which affect the safety and thermal performance of insulation during application and in the use intended.
(b) The provisions of this article shall apply only to the following types of insulating material:
Aluminum foil (reflective foil);
Cellular glass (board form);
Cellulose fiber (loose fill and spray applied);
Mineral aggregate (board form);
Mineral fiber (blankets, board form, loose fill);
Perlite (loose fill);
Polystyrene (board form, molded and extruded);
Polyurethane (board form and field applied);
Polyisocyanurate (board form and field applied);
Urea formaldehyde foam (field applied);
Vermiculite (loose fill).
(c) The provisions of this article shall apply to the sale of insulating material within the state. The provisions of this article shall not apply to insulating material manufactured in California, but sold outside the state, nor to insulating material manufactured outside California and sold wholesale in California for final retail sale outside the state. For the purpose of this article, the sale of a building or an appliance which contains installed insulating material is not considered the sale of the insulating material.
(d) Any type of insulating material not listed in subsection (b) may be sold within California notwithstanding any other provision of this article.
Authority: Sections 25920 and 25922, Public Resources Code.
Reference: Sections 25910, 25920, 25921 and 25922, Public Resources Code.
CRSC § 1009.8.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
1009.8.1.1 Visible communication method. [DSA-AC and HCD 1-AC] A button complying with Section 1138A.4 or Sections 11B- 205 and 11B-309 in the area of refuge shall activate both a light in the area of refuge indicating that rescue has been requested and a light at the central control point indicating that rescue is being requested. A button at the central control point shall acti- vate both a light at the central control point and a light in the area of refuge indicating that the request has been received.
1009.8.2 Directions. Directions for the use of the two-way communication system, instructions for summoning assistance via the two-way communication system and written identification of the location shall be posted adjacent to the two-way communication system. Signage shall comply with Chapter 11A, Section 1143A or Chapter 11B, Section 11B-703.5 requirements for visual characters.
1009.9 Signage. Signage indicating special accessibility provisions shall be provided as shown:
Each door providing access to an area of refuge from an adjacent floor area shall be identified by a sign stating, “AREA OF REFUGE.”
Each door providing access to an exterior area for assisted rescue shall be identified by a sign stating, “EXTERIOR AREA FOR ASSISTED RESCUE.”
Signage shall comply with Chapter 11A, Section 1143A and Chapter 11B, Section 11B-703.5, as applicable, requirements for visual characters and include the International Symbol of Accessibility. Where exit sign illumination is required by Section 1013.3, the signs shall be illuminated. Additionally, visual characters, raised character and braille signage complying with Chapter 11A, Section 1143A or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-703.1, 11B-703.2, 11B-703.3 and 11B-703.5 shall be located at each door to an area of refuge and exterior area for assisted rescue in accordance with Section 1013.4. The International Symbol of Accessibility shall comply with Chapter 11A, Section 1143A or Chapter 11B, Section 11B-703.7.2.1.
1009.10 Directional signage. Directional signage complying with Chapter 11B, Section 11B-703.5 indicating the location of all other means of egress and which of those are accessible means of egress shall be provided at the following:
- At exits serving a required accessible space but not providing an approved accessible means of egress.
- At elevator landings.
- Within areas of refuge.
1009.11 Instructions. In areas of refuge, exterior areas for assisted rescue and locations required to provide two-way communications systems complying with Section 1009.8, instructions on the use of the area under emergency conditions shall be posted.
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MEANS OF EGRESS
Signage shall comply with the Chapter 11A, Section 1143A or Chapter 11B, Section 11B-703.5 requirements for visual characters. The instructions shall include all of the following:
- Persons able to use the exit stairway do so as soon as possible, unless they are assisting others.
- Information on planned availability of assistance in the use of stairs or supervised operation of elevators and how to summon such assistance.
CRSC § 202.3. Medium relevance — show source text
- Residential dwelling units not required to be accessible in compliance with this code shall not be required to comply with Section 11B- 202.3.
11B- 202.3.1 Prohibited reduction in access. An alteration that decreases or has the effect of decreasing the accessibility of a building or facility below the requirements for new construction at the time of the alteration is prohibited.
11B- 202.3.2 Extent of application. An alteration of an existing element, space or area of a building or facility shall not impose a requirement for accessibility greater than required for new construction.
11B-202.3.3 Alteration of single elements. If alterations of single elements, when considered together, amount to an alteration of a room or space in a building or facility, the entire room or space shall be made accessible.
11B- 202.4 Path of travel requirements in alterations, additions and structural repairs. When alterations or additions are made to existing buildings or facilities, an accessible path of travel to the specific area of alteration or addition shall be provided. The primary accessible path of travel shall include:
1. A primary entrance to the building or facility, 2. Toilet and bathing facilities serving the area, 3. Drinking fountains serving the area,
4. Public telephones serving the area, and
5. Signs.
Exceptions:
1. Residential dwelling units shall comply with Section 11B-233.3.4.2. 2. If the following elements of a path of travel have been constructed or altered in compliance with the accessibility require- ments of the immediately preceding edition of the California Building Code, it shall not be required to retrofit such elements to reflect the incremental changes in this code solely because of an alteration to an area served by those elements of the path of travel:
1. A primary entrance to the building or facility, 2. Toilet and bathing facilities serving the area, 3. Drinking fountains serving the area,
4. Public telephones serving the area, and
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ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING
5. Signs.
Note: The language in this exception, which refers to the “immediately preceding edition of the California Building Code,” shall permit a reference back to one CBC edition only and is not accumulative to prior editions. 3. Additions or alterations to meet accessibility requirements consisting of one or more of the following items shall be limited to the actual scope of work of the project and shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-202.4: 1. Altering one building entrance. 2. Altering one existing toilet facility. 3. Altering existing elevators. 4. Altering existing steps. 5. Altering existing handrails. 4. Alterations solely for the purpose of barrier removal undertaken pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabil- _ities Act (Public Law 101-336, 28 C.F.R. Section 36.
CRSC § 1.12 Medium relevance — show source text
15. Public libraries constructed and renovated using funds from the California Library Construction and Renovation Bond Act of 1988 and regulated by the State Librarian. See Section 1.12 of the California Building Code for additional scope provisions. 16. Section 1.13 reserved for the Department of Water Resources. 17. For applications listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance, outdoor environ- ments and uses shall be classified according to accessibility uses described in Chapters 11A, 11B and 11C. 18. Marine Oil Terminals regulated by the California State Lands Commission. See Section 1.14 of the California Building Code for additional scope provisions.
1.1.4 Appendices. Provisions contained in the appendices of this code shall not apply unless specifically adopted by a state agency or adopted by a local enforcing agency in compliance with Health and Safety Code, Section 18901 et. seq. for Building Standards Law, Health and Safety Code, Section 17950 for State Housing Law and Health and Safety Code, Section 13869.7 for Fire Protection Districts. See Section 1.1.8 of this code.
1.1.5 Referenced codes. The codes, standards and publications adopted and set forth in this code, including other codes, standards and publications referred to therein are, by title and date of publication, hereby adopted as standard reference documents of this code. When this code does not specifically cover any subject related to building design and construction, recognized architectural or engineer- ing practices shall be employed. The National Fire Codes, standards and the Fire Protection Handbook of the National Fire Protection Association are permitted to be used as authoritative guides in determining recognized fire prevention engineering practices.
1.1.6 Nonbuilding standards, orders and regulations. Requirements contained in the California Fire Code, or in any other referenced stan- dard, code or document, which are not building standards as defined in Health and Safety Code, Section 18909 shall not be construed as part of the provisions of this code. For nonbuilding standards, orders and regulations, see other titles of the California Code of Regulations.
1.1.7 Order of precedence and use.
1.1.7.1 Differences. In the event of any differences between these building standards and the standard reference documents, the text of these building standards shall govern.
1.1.7.2 Specific provisions. Where a specific provision varies from a general provision, the specific provision shall apply.
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DIVISION I—CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION
1.1.7.3 Conflicts. When the requirements of this code conflict with the requirements of any other part of the California Building Stan- dards Code, Title 24, the most restrictive requirements shall prevail.
CRSC § 422.1 Medium relevance — show source text
1
422.1 Exception
Table 422.1
422.1.1
422.1.3
422.1.4
422.2
422.2 Exceptions
422.2 Exception (4)
422.3.1 & Exception
422.4
422.5
422.6_Exception (3)
422.7_Exception (2)
422.8
422.9
422.10
422.11
Table 4-1
Table 4-2
Table 4-3
Table 4-4|||||||||||||||||||X|||||| |Adopting Agency
Adopt Entire Chapter
Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)
Adopt only those sections
that are listed below
Chapter/Section
422.1
422.1 Exception
Table 422.1
422.1.1
422.1.3
422.1.4
422.2
422.2 Exceptions
422.2 Exception (4)
422.3.1 & Exception
422.4
422.5
422.6_Exception (3)
422.7_Exception (2)
422.8
422.9
422.10
422.11
Table 4-1
Table 4-2
Table 4-3
Table 4-4||||||||||||||||||X|||||||This state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.0.
58 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE
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CHAPTER 4
PLUMBING FIXTURES AND FIXTURE FITTINGS
Note: In addition to the requirements of this chapter, buildings or facilities where accessibility is required for applications listed in California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 (California Building Code), Chapter 1, Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect–Access Compliance shall also comply with Title 24, Part 2, Chapter 11A or 11B, as applicable under authority cited by CA Government Code Section 4450 and in reference cited by CA Government Code Sections 4450 through 4461, 12955.1(c), and CA Health and Safety Code Sections 18949.1, 19952 through 19959.
401.0 General.
401.1 Applicability. This chapter shall govern the materials and installation of plumbing fixtures, including faucets and fixture fittings, and the minimum number of plumbing fixtures required based on occupancy. 401.2 Quality of Fixtures. Plumbing fixtures shall be constructed of dense, durable, non-absorbent materials and shall have smooth, impervious surfaces, free from unnecessary concealed fouling surfaces. _**401.3 Water-Conserving Fixtures and Fittings.
CRSC § 508.5 Medium relevance — show source text
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defined in Section 508.5) and small bed and breakfast-style hotels where there are five or fewer guestrooms and the hotel is owneroccupied. The IBC applies to all types of buildings and structures unless exempted. Work exempted from permits is listed in Section 105.2.
ARRANGEMENT AND FORMAT OF THE 2025 CBC
The format of the CBC allows each chapter to be devoted to a particular subject. The following table shows how the CBC is divided. The subsequent tables show CBC requirements that are correlated with other Codes. The chapter synopses detail the scope and intent of the provisions of the CBC.
CHAPTER TOPICS Col2 CHAPTERS SUBJECTS 1, 2 Administration and Definitions 3 Use and Occupancy Classifications 4, 31,_ 31A–31F_ Special Requirements for Specific Occupancies or Elements 5–6 Height and Area Limitations Based on Type of Construction 7–9 Fire Resistance and Protection Requirements 10 Requirements for Evacuation 11A, 11B Specific Requirements to Allow Use and Access to a Building for Persons with Disabilities 12, 27,_28,_30 Building Systems, Such as Lighting, HVAC, Elevators 13 This chapter is not adopted in California. Refer to California Energy Code, Title 24, Part 6. 14–26 Structural Components—Performance and Stability 32 Encroachment Outside of Property Lines 33 Safeguards during Construction 35 Referenced Standards Appendices A–Q Appendices INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE CORRELATED TOPICS
The IBC requirements for hazardous materials, fire-resistance-rated construction, interior finish, fire protection systems, means of egress, emergency and standby power, and temporary structures are directly correlated with the requirements of the International Fire Code ® (IFC®). The following table shows chapters/sections of the IBC that are correlated with the IFC:
IBC/IFC CORRELATED TOPICS Col2 Col3 IBC CHAPTER/SECTION IFC CHAPTER/SECTION SUBJECT Sections 307, 414, 415 Chapters 50–67 Hazardous materials and Group H requirements Chapter 7 Chapter 7 Fire-resistance-rated construction (fire and smoke protection features in the IFC) Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Interior finish, decorative materials and furnishings Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Fire protection systems Chapter 10 Chapter 10 Means of egress Chapter 27 Section 604 Standby and emergency power Section 3103 Chapter 31 Temporary structures Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.
Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
Chapter 2 Definitions.
Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.
CRSC § 12-10 Medium relevance — show source text
(f) Release bar deformation. The cross-bar on a 36-inch (914 mm) wide door shall not be permanently set or deformed in excess of [1] / 4 inch (6 mm), by the test; a spacing of at least 1 inch (25 mm) is to be provided and maintained between the cross-bar and the face of the door when the horizontal force is applied against the cross-bar.
MARKING
Sec. 12-10-306. The listee’s name (or approved symbol), type or model designation shall be plainly marked on the releasing assembly. Devices and assemblies which are not listed by an approved listing agency for the intended purpose shall bear a label or other identifying markings as approved by the State Fire Marshal.
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CHAPTERS
12-11A and 11B BUILDING AND FACILITY ACCESS SPECIFICATIONS
Detectable warning products and directional surfaces installed after January 1, 2001, shall be evaluated by an independent entity, selected by the Department of General Services, Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance, for all occupancies, including transportation and other outdoor environments, except that when products and surfaces are for use in residential housing evaluation shall be in consultation with the Department of Housing and Community Development. See Government Code Section 4460.
PRODUCT APPROVAL FOR DETECTABLE WARNING PRODUCTS AND DIRECTIONAL SURFACES
SCOPE
Sections 12-11A.202 and 12-11B.202. These requirements and test methods apply to detectable warning products and directional surfaces.
DETECTABLE WARNING PRODUCTS
Sections 12-11A.203 and 12-11B.203. Must comply with the California Code of Regulations, Title 24.
DIRECTIONAL SURFACES
Sections 12-11A.204 and 12-11B.204. Must comply with the California Code of Regulations, Title 24.
INDEPENDENT ENTITY
Sections 12-11A.205 and 12-11B.205. Evaluation by an independent entity to confirm the prescriptive and performance standard of detectable warning products or direction surfaces installed after January 1, 2001. An independent entity is a not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization, dedicated to testing for public safety. An independent entity would operate for the testing, certification and quality assessment of products, systems and services.
TWO-YEAR APPROVAL
Sections 12-11A.206 and 12-11B.206. Detectable warning products and directional surfaces are to be recertified every two years without exception or waiver.
FEE
Sections 12-11A.207 and 12-11B.207. The Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance may impose a fee on manufacturers of the specified products, to cover the cost of detectable warning products and directional surfaces.
DISABILITY ACCESS ACCOUNT
Sections 12-11A.208 and 12-11B.208. The fees received from manufacturers will be placed in the Disability Access Account.
DETECTABLE WARNING PRODUCTS AND DIRECTIONAL SURFACES
Sections 12-11A.209 and 12-11B.209. Detectable Warning Products and Directional Surfaces must ensure consistency and uniformity: (a) Shape, (b) Color fastness,
CRSC § 12-7 Medium relevance — show source text
Fire tests of building
construction and materials.|SFM|Part 2, Section 703| |Chapter 12-7-2|Reserved||| |Chapter 12-7-3|Fire-resistive standards.
Fire testing furnaces.|SFM|Part 9, Section 3001| |Chapter 12-7-4|Fire-resistive standards.
Fire door assembly tests.|SFM|Part 2, Section 716| |Chapter 12-7-5|Fire-resistive standards. Interior
finish of decorative material.|SFM|Part 2, Chapter 8
Part 9, Chapter 8| |Chapter 12-7A|Materials and construction methods for
exterior wildfire exposure|SFM|Part 7, Chapter 5| |Chapter 12-8-1|Fire-resistive standards for fire protection|SFM|Part 2, Sections 408.14 and 435.6.2| |Appendix 12-8-1A|Calculation of the total rate of heat and carbon
monoxide or carbon dioxide production|SFM|| |Appendix 12-8-1B|Guide to mounting techniques for wall and
ceiling interior finish material|SFM|| |Chapter 12-10-1|Exits. Power-operated exit doors.|SFM|Part 2, Sections 408.4.2, 1010.1.4.2, 1010.1.9.1| |Chapter 12-10-2|Exits. Single-point latching or locking devices.|SFM|Part 2, Section 1010.2.2
Part 9, Section 1010.2.2| |Chapter 12-10-3|Exits. Emergency exit and panic hardware.
|SFM|Part 9, Section 1009.12| |Chapter 12-11A,
12-11B|Detectable warning products and directional
surfaces|DSA|Part 2, Sections 1112A.9, 1116A.5, 11B-247,
11B-406.5.12, 11B-705, 11B-810.5.2| |Chapter 12-12|Reserved||| |Chapter 12-13|Standards for insulating material|CA/SFM|Part 2.5, Section R302.10.1
Part 6, Section 110.8
Part 9, Section 720, Table 721.1(1)
Part 11, Section A5.504.4.8| |Chapter 12-16-1|California standard for earthquake-actuated
automatic gas shutoff systems|DSA|Part 2, Chapters 16 and 16A
Part 5, Section 1211.8| |Chapter 12-16-2|California standard for residential excess flow
actuated automatic gas shutoff valves|DSA|Part 5, Section 1209.1| |Chapter 12-31C|Radiation shielding|DPH|Part 2, Section 3102C| |Chapter 12-71|Air filters|SFM|Part 4, Sections 401.2, 509.2.3, 509.2.3.4
Part 6, Section 120.1| |Chapter 12-72-1|Protective signaling systems.
Standard test procedures.|SFM|| |Chapter 12-72-2|Protective signaling systems.CRSC § 102.4 Medium relevance — show source text
Chapter 14 is applicable to any building that is moved or relocated. This chapter is independent of any of the three compliance methods and focuses on the structural loads where the building is being relocated.
Chapter 15 Construction Safeguards.
Chapter 15 establishes specific regulations in order to minimize the risk to the public and adjacent property during construction. Additionally, this chapter addresses fire and life safety and means of egress during the construction process. This includes requirements for a site safety plan. This chapter is also consistent with Chapter 33 of the CBC and Chapter 33 of the California Fire Code (CFC).
Chapter 16 Referenced Standards.
Chapter 16 lists all of the product and installation standards and codes that are referenced throughout Chapters 1 through 15 and includes identification of the promulgators and the section numbers in which the standards and codes are referenced. As stated in Section 102.4, these standards and codes become an enforceable part of the code (to the prescribed extent of the reference) as if printed in the body of the code.
Appendix A Guidelines for the Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings.
Appendix A provides guidelines for upgrading the seismic resistance capacity of different types of existing buildings. It is organized into separate chapters which deal with buildings of different types, including unreinforced masonry buildings, reinforced concrete and reinforced masonry wall buildings, and lightframe wood buildings. This appendix includes its own referenced standards.
Appendix B Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Existing Buildings and Facilities.
Chapters 11A and 11B of the CBC contain provisions that set forth requirements for accessibility to buildings and their associated sites and facilities for people with physical disabilities. Appendix B was added to address accessibility in construction for items that are not typically enforceable through the traditional building code enforcement process.
Appendix C Guidelines for the Wind Retrofit of Existing Buildings.
The purpose of Appendix C is to provide voluntary prescriptive alternatives for addressing the retrofit of buildings in high-wind areas. Currently, there are two chapters which deal with the retrofit of gable ends and the fastening of roof decks, Appendix Chapters C1 and C2, respectively. This appendix includes its own referenced standards.
Appendix D Board of Appeals.
Appendix D contains the provisions for appeal and the establishment of a board of appeals. The provisions include the application for an appeal, the makeup of the board of appeals and the conduct of the appeal process.
Appendix E Temporary Emergency Uses.
Appendix E is intended to provide guidance for designers, engineers, architects and fire and building officials on allowing temporary emergency uses of existing buildings with respect to the minimum code requirements. This appendix is a template or checklist that references the relevant code requirement of concerns.
Resource A Guidelines on Fire Ratings of Archaic Materials and Assemblies.
In the process of repair and alteration of existing buildings, based on the nature and the extent of the work, the CEBC might require certain upgrades in the fire-resistance rating of building elements, at which time it becomes critical for the designers and the code
xiv 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
officials to be able to determine the fire-resistance rating of the existing building elements as part of the overall evaluation for the assessment of the need for improvements. These guidelines are based upon the Guideline on Fire Ratings of Archaic Materials published by the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS).
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE xv
CRSC § 16.9.3.1.3.5 Medium relevance — show source text
16.9.3.1.3.5 Control valves, check valves, drain valves, antifreeze valves shall be readily accessible for inspection, testing and maintenance. Valves located more than 7 feet above the finished floor shall be provided with a means of opening and closing the valve from the floor level.
Add new Sections 16.9.10.5, 16.9.10.5.1, 16.9.10.5.1.1, 16.9.10.5.1.2, 16.9.10.5.1.3, 16.9.10.5.1.4, 16.9.10.5.2 as follows:
16.9.10.5 Sectional Valves.
16.9.10.5.1 Private fire service main systems shall have sectional control valves at appropriate points in order to permit sectionalizing the system in the event of a break or for the making of repairs or extensions.
16.9.10.5.1.1 Sectional control valves are not required when the fire service main system serves less than six fire appurtenances.
16.9.10.5.1.2 Sectional control valves shall be indicating valves in accordance with Section 16.9.3.2.
16.9.10.5.1.3 Sectional control valves shall be located so that no more than five fire appurtenances are affected by shut-down of any single portion of the fire service main. Each fire hydrant, fire sprinkler system riser, and standpipe riser shall be considered a separate fire appurtenance. In-rack sprinkler systems shall not be considered as a separate appurtenance.
16.9.10.5.1.4 The number of fire appurtenances between sectional control valves is allowed to be modified by the authority having jurisdiction.
16.9.10.5.2 A valve shall be provided on each bank where a main crosses a body of water or outside the building foundation(s) where the main or section of main runs under a building.
Add new Section 17.2.2.9.1 as follows:
17.2.2.9.1 Powder-driven studs used for attaching hangers to the building structure are prohibited in Seismic design Categories C, D, E and F.
Revise Section 18.5.11.4 as follows:
18.5.11.4 Where threaded pipe is used for sway bracing, it shall have a wall thickness of not less than Schedule 40.
Replace Section 18.5.12.5 as follows:
18.5.12.5 Lag screws or power-driven fasteners shall not be used to attach braces to the building structure.
Replace Section 18.5.12.6.1 as follows:
18.5.12.6.1 Fastening methods other than those identified in 9.3.5.12 shall not apply to other fastening methods, which shall be acceptable for use if certified by a registered professional engineer to support the loads determined in accordance with the criteria in 18.5.9. Calculations shall be submitted to the authority having jurisdiction.
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 35-29
CRSC § 909.12.4 Medium relevance — show source text
909.12.4 Automatic control. Where completely automatic control is required or used, the automatic-control sequences shall be initiated from an appropriately zoned automatic sprinkler system complying with Section 903.3.1.1, manual controls provided with ready access for the fire department and any smoke detectors required by the engineering analysis.
909.13 Control air tubing. Control air tubing shall be of sufficient size to meet the required response times. Tubing shall be flushed clean and dry prior to final connections and shall be adequately supported and protected from damage. Tubing passing through concrete or masonry shall be sleeved and protected from abrasion and electrolytic action.
909.13.1 Materials. Control air tubing shall be hard drawn copper, Type L, ACR in accordance with ASTM B42, ASTM B43, ASTM B68/B68M, ASTM B88, ASTM B251 and ASTM B280. Fittings shall be wrought copper or brass, solder type, in accordance with ASME B16.18 or ASME B16.22. Changes in direction shall be made with appropriate tool bends. Brass compression-type fittings shall be used at final connection to devices; other joints shall be brazed using a BCuP5 brazing alloy with solidus above 1,100°F (593°C) and liquidus below 1,500°F (816°C). Brazing flux shall be used on copper-to-brass joints only.
Exception: Nonmetallic tubing used within control panels and at the final connection to devices, provided that all of the following conditions are met:
- Tubing shall comply with the requirements of Section 602.3.5 of the California Mechanical Code .
- Tubing and the connected device shall be completely enclosed within a galvanized or paint-grade steel enclosure having a minimum thickness of 0.0296 inch (0.7534 mm) (No. 22 gage). Entry to the enclosure shall be by copper tubing with a protective grommet of neoprene or Teflon or by suitable brass compression to male-barbed adapter.
- Tubing shall be identified by appropriately documented coding.
- Tubing shall be neatly tied and supported within the enclosure. Tubing bridging cabinets and doors or moveable devices shall be of sufficient length to avoid tension and excessive stress. Tubing shall be protected against abrasion. Tubing connected to devices on doors shall be fastened along hinges.
909.13.2 Isolation from other functions. Control tubing serving other than smoke control functions shall be isolated by automatic isolation valves or shall be an independent system.
909.13.3 Testing. Control air tubing shall be tested at three times the operating pressure for not less than 30 minutes without any noticeable loss in gauge pressure prior to final connection to devices.
909.14 Marking and identification. The detection and control systems shall be clearly marked at all junctions, accesses and terminations.
909.15 Control diagrams. Identical control diagrams showing all devices in the system and identifying their location and function shall be maintained current and kept on file with the fire code official, the fire department and in the fire command center in a format and manner approved by the fire code official.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly in the CRSC does it say to follow Title 24 for detectable warnings?
Sections § 12‑11A.203 and § 12‑11B.203 state that detectable warning products must comply with the California Code of Regulations, Title 24.
Does the CRSC include the tactile dome dimensions and spacing?
No. The CRSC points you to Title 24/CBC for the technical specs; the CRSC does not reproduce those dimensioned details in the excerpts. See the CRSC mapping to Title 24 sections (for example, § 11B‑705).
Who must evaluate and approve products?
An independent entity (a not‑for‑profit product safety testing and certification organization) must evaluate detectable warnings and directional surfaces installed after January 1, 2001, as described in § 12‑11A.205 / § 12‑11B.205.
How often must approvals be re‑certified?
The CRSC requires recertification every two years without exception or waiver (§ 12‑11A.206 / § 12‑11B.206).
Are residential installations treated differently?
Yes — when products/surfaces are for residential housing, evaluation is to be performed in consultation with the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) as called out in the CRSC chapter text.
What does “significant degradation” mean?
Per the CRSC, significant degradation means the product maintains at least 90 percent of its approved design characteristics. See § 12‑11A.210 / § 12‑11B.210.
More in California Referenced Standards Code
- Administration and scope — CRSC Chapter 12 overview
- Air filter standards (Chapter 12‑71)
- Building and facility access / accessibility standards (Chapters 12‑11A, 12‑11B)
- Engineering regulations — quality and design of construction materials (12‑16 series)
- Exits and means of egress (Chapters 12‑10 series)
- Protective signaling systems and detectors (Chapters 12‑72‑1, ‑2, ‑3)
- Radiation shielding standards (Chapter 12‑31C)
- Referenced standards index / cross‑reference table (Part 12 listing of referenced standards)
- Releasing systems for security bars (egress-release standards)
- Standards for insulating materials (Chapter 12‑13)
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