Guards, handrails, heights and other element definitions

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

• CRC § 1011.12.2 High relevance — show source text

  [BE] 1011.12.2 Roof access. Where a stairway is provided to a roof, access to the roof shall be provided through a penthouse complying with Section 1511.2 of the California Building Code .

  Exception: In buildings without an occupiable roof, access to the roof shall be permitted to be a roof hatch or trap door not less than 16 square feet (1.5 m [2] ) in area and having a minimum dimension of 2 feet (610 mm).

  [BE] 1011.13 Guards. Guards shall be provided along stairways and landings where required by Section 1015 and shall be constructed in accordance with Section 1015. Where the roof hatch opening providing the required access is located within 10 feet (3049 mm) of the roof edge, such roof access or roof edge shall be protected by guards installed in accordance with Section 1015.

  [BE] 1011.14 Alternating tread devices. Alternating tread devices are limited to an element of a means of egress in buildings of Groups F, H and S from a mezzanine not more than 250 square feet (23 m [2] ) in area and that serves not more than five occupants; in buildings of Group I-3 from a guard tower, observation station or control room not more than 250 square feet (23 m [2] ) in area and for access to unoccupiable roofs. Alternating tread devices used as a means of egress shall not have a rise greater than 20 feet (6096 mm) between floor levels or landings.

  [BE] 1011.14.1 Handrails of alternating tread devices. Handrails shall be provided on both sides of alternating tread devices and shall comply with Section 1014.

  [BE] 1011.14.2 Treads of alternating tread devices. Alternating tread devices shall have a minimum tread depth of 5 inches (127 mm), a minimum projected tread depth of 8 [1] / 2 inches (216 mm), a minimum tread width of 7 inches (178 mm) and a maximum riser height of 9 [1] / 2 inches (241 mm). The tread depth shall be measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the foremost projections of adjacent treads. The riser height shall be measured vertically between the leading edges of adjacent treads. The

  2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 10-33

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  MEANS OF EGRESS

  riser height and tread depth provided shall result in an angle of ascent from the horizontal of between 50 and 70 degrees (0.87 and 1.22 rad). The initial tread of the device shall begin at the same elevation as the platform, landing or floor surface.

  Exception: Alternating tread devices used as an element of a means of egress in buildings from a mezzanine area not more than 250 square feet (23 m [2] ) in area that serves not more than five occupants shall have a minimum tread depth of 3 inches (76 mm) with a minimum projected tread depth of 10 [1] / 2 inches (267 mm). The rise to the next alternating tread surface shall not exceed 8 inches (203 mm).

• CRC § 2.1 High relevance — show source text

  Exceptions:

  1. Any stairway replacing an existing stairway within a space where the pitch or slope cannot be reduced shall not be required to comply with the maximum riser height and minimum tread depth requirements.
  2. In Group R-2.1 and I-2 facilities, required guards enclosing the occupiable roof areas shall be permitted to be greater than 48 inches (1219 mm) above the surface of the occupiable roof where the occupants, because of clinical needs, require restraint or containment as part of a function of a psychiatric or cognitive treatment area.

  1011.5.3 Egress capacity. Egress capacity shall meet or exceed the occupant load as specified in the California Building Code for the new occupancy.

  1011.5.4 Handrails. Existing stairways shall comply with the handrail requirements of Section 804.13.

  1011.5.5 Guards. Existing guards shall comply with the requirements in Section 804.12.

  1011.5.6 Existing emergency escape and rescue openings. Where a change of occupancy would require an emergency escape and rescue opening in accordance with Section 1031 of the California Building Code, operable windows serving as the emergency escape and rescue opening shall comply with the following:

  1. An existing operable window shall provide a minimum net clear opening of 4 square feet (0.38 m [2] ) with a minimum net clear opening height of 22 inches (559 mm) and a minimum net clear opening width of 20 inches (508 mm).
  2. A replacement window where such window complies with both of the following: 2.1. The replacement window meets the size requirements in Item 1. 2.2. The replacement window is the manufacturer’s largest standard size window that will fit within the existing frame or existing rough opening. The replacement window shall be permitted to be of the same operating style as the existing window or a style that provides for an equal or greater window opening area than the existing window.

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  CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY

  1011.6 Heights and areas. Hazard categories in regard to height and area shall be in accordance with Table 1011.6.

  TABLE 1011.6—HEIGHTS AND AREAS HAZARD CATEGORIES	Col2
  RELATIVE HAZARD	OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATIONS
  1 (Highest Hazard)	H
  2	A-1; A-2; A-3; A-4; I; R-1; R-2; R-4, Condition 2
  3	E; F-1; S-1; M
  4 (Lowest Hazard)	B; F-2; S-2; A-5; R-3; R-4, Condition 1; U

  1011.6.1 Height and area for change to a higher-hazard category. Where a change of occupancy classification is made to a higher-hazard category as shown in Table 1011.6, heights and areas of buildings and structures shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 5 of the California Building Code for the new occupancy classification.

  Exceptions:

  1. For high-rise buildings constructed in compliance with a previously issued permit, the type of construction reduction specified in Section 403.2.1 of the California Building Code is permitted. This shall include the reduction for columns.
• CRC § 804.10.1 High relevance — show source text

  804.10.1 Work areas. Means of egress in all work areas shall be provided with exit signs in accordance with the requirements of the California Building Code .

  804.10.2 Supplemental requirements for exit signs. Where the work area on any floor exceeds 50 percent of that floor area, means of egress throughout the floor shall comply with Section 804.10.1.

  Exception: Means of egress within a tenant space that is entirely outside the work area.

  804.11 Stairways. An existing stairway shall not be required to comply with the requirements of Section 1011 of the California Build- ing Code where the existing space and construction does not allow a reduction in pitch or slope.

  804.12 Escalators. Where provided in below-grade transportation stations, existing and new escalators shall be permitted to have a clear width of less than 32 inches (813 mm).

  804.13 Handrails. The requirements of Section 804.13.1 shall apply to handrails from the work area floor to, and including, the level of exit discharge.

  804.13. 1 Design. Handrails shall be designed and installed in accordance with the provisions of the California Building Code .

  804.14 Guards. The requirements of 804.14.1 and 804.14.2 shall apply to guards from the work area floor to, and including, the level of exit discharge but shall be confined to the egress path of any work area.

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  ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 2

  804.14.1 Minimum requirement. Every open portion of a stairway, landing, or balcony that is more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below and is not provided with guards, or those portions in which existing guards are judged to be in danger of collapsing, shall be provided with guards.

  804.14.2 Design. Guards required in accordance with Section 804.14.1 shall be designed and installed in accordance with the California Building Code .

  Exception: In Group R-2.1 and I-2 facilities, required guards enclosing the occupiable roof areas shall be permitted to be greater than 48 inches (1219 mm) above the surface of the occupiable roof where the occupants, because of clinical needs, require restraint or containment as part of a function of a psychiatric or cognitive treatment area.

  SECTION 805—STRUCTURAL

  [BS] 805.1 General. Structural elements and systems within buildings undergoing Level 2 alterations shall comply with this section.

  [BS] 805.2 Existing structural elements carrying gravity loads. Any existing gravity load-carrying structural element for which an alteration causes an increase in design dead, live or snow load, including snow drift effects, of more than 5 percent shall be replaced or altered as needed to carry the gravity loads required by the California Building Code for new structures. Any existing gravity loadcarrying structural element whose gravity load-carrying capacity is decreased as part of the alteration shall be shown to have the capacity to resist the applicable design dead, live and snow loads, including snow drift effects, required by the California Building Code for new structures.

• CRC § 1015.3 High relevance — show source text

  1015.3 Height. Required guards shall be not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) high, measured vertically as follows:

  1. From the adjacent walking surfaces.
  2. On stairways and stepped aisles, from the line connecting the nosings.
  3. On ramps and ramped aisles, from the ramp surface at the guard.

  Exceptions:

  1 . For occupancies in Group R-3, and within individual dwelling units in occupancies in Group R-2, guards on the open sides of stairs shall have a height not less than 34 inches (864 mm) measured vertically from a line connecting the nosings. 2 . For occupancies in Group R-3, and within individual dwelling units in occupancies in Group R-2, where the top of the guard serves as a handrail on the open sides of stairs, the top of the guard shall be not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm) measured vertically from a line connecting the nosings. 3 . The guard height in assembly seating areas shall comply with Section 1030.17 as applicable. 4 . Along alternating tread devices and ships ladders, guards where the top rail serves as a handrail shall have height not less than 30 inches (762 mm) and not more than 34 inches (864 mm), measured vertically from a line connecting the leading edge of the treads. 5 . In Group F occupancies where exit access stairways serve fewer than three stories and such stairways are not open to the public, and where the top of the guard also serves as a handrail, the top of the guard shall be not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm) measured vertically from a line connecting the nosings.

  1015.4 Opening limitations. Required guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter from the walking surface to the required guard height.

  Exceptions:

  1. From a height of 36 inches (914 mm) to 42 inches (1067 mm), guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 [3] / 8 inches (111 mm) in diameter.
  2. The triangular openings at the open sides of a stair, formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail shall not allow passage of a sphere 6 inches (152 mm) in diameter.
  3. At elevated walking surfaces for access to and use of electrical, mechanical or plumbing systems or equipment, guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 21 inches (533 mm) in diameter.
  4. In areas that are not open to the public within occupancies in Group I-3, F, H or S, and for alternating tread devices and ships ladders, guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 21 inches (533 mm) in diameter.
  5. In assembly seating areas, guards required at the end of aisles in accordance with Section 1030.17.4 shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter up to a height of 26 inches (660 mm). From a height of 26 inches (660 mm) to 42 inches (1067 mm) above the adjacent walking surfaces, guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 8 inches (203 mm) in diameter.
• CRC § 5.2. High relevance — show source text

  The stairway contains not more than two risers. 5.2. A handhold, positioned horizontally or vertically, is located on one side of the stairway adjacent to the top landing. 5.3. The handhold is located not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 42 inches (1067 mm) above the bottom landing of the stairway. 5.4. The handhold gripping surface complies with Section 1014.4 and is not less than 4.5 inches (114 mm) in length.

  [BE] 1011.12 Stairway to roof. In buildings four or more stories above grade plane, one stairway shall extend to the roof surface, unless the roof has a slope steeper than 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33-percent slope).

  Exception: Other than where required by Section 1011.12.1, in buildings without an occupiable roof, access to the roof from the top story shall be permitted to be by an alternating tread device, a ship’s ladder or a permanent ladder.

  [BE] 1011.12.1 Stairway to elevator equipment. Roofs and penthouses containing elevator equipment that must be accessed for maintenance are required to be accessed by a stairway.

  [BE] 1011.12.2 Roof access. Where a stairway is provided to a roof, access to the roof shall be provided through a penthouse complying with Section 1511.2 of the California Building Code .

  Exception: In buildings without an occupiable roof, access to the roof shall be permitted to be a roof hatch or trap door not less than 16 square feet (1.5 m [2] ) in area and having a minimum dimension of 2 feet (610 mm).

  [BE] 1011.13 Guards. Guards shall be provided along stairways and landings where required by Section 1015 and shall be constructed in accordance with Section 1015. Where the roof hatch opening providing the required access is located within 10 feet (3049 mm) of the roof edge, such roof access or roof edge shall be protected by guards installed in accordance with Section 1015.

  [BE] 1011.14 Alternating tread devices. Alternating tread devices are limited to an element of a means of egress in buildings of Groups F, H and S from a mezzanine not more than 250 square feet (23 m [2] ) in area and that serves not more than five occupants; in buildings of Group I-3 from a guard tower, observation station or control room not more than 250 square feet (23 m [2] ) in area and for access to unoccupiable roofs. Alternating tread devices used as a means of egress shall not have a rise greater than 20 feet (6096 mm) between floor levels or landings.

  [BE] 1011.14.1 Handrails of alternating tread devices. Handrails shall be provided on both sides of alternating tread devices and shall comply with Section 1014.

• CRC § 2.1 High relevance — show source text

  R507.2 Materials. Materials used for the construction of decks shall comply with this section.

  R507.2.1 Wood materials. Wood structural members shall be protected from decay where required by Sections R304.1 and R304.1.2, and protected from termites where required by Section R305.1. Where design in accordance with Section R301 is provided, wood structural members shall be designed using the wet service factor defined in AWC NDS. Sawn lumber for joists, beams and posts shall be No. 2 or better. Cuts, notches and drilled holes of preservative-treated wood members shall be treated in accordance with Section R304.1.1.

  R507.2.1.1 Engineered wood products. Engineered wood products shall be in accordance with Section R502.

  R507.2.2 Plastic composite deck boards, stair treads, guards or handrails. Plastic composite exterior deck boards, stair treads, guards and handrails shall comply with the requirements of ASTM D7032 and this section.

  R507.2.2.1 Labeling. Plastic composite deck boards and stair treads, or their packaging, shall bear a label that indicates compliance with ASTM D7032 and includes the allowable load and maximum allowable span determined in accordance with ASTM D7032. Plastic or composite handrails and guards, or their packaging, shall bear a label that indicates compliance with ASTM D7032 and includes the maximum allowable span determined in accordance with ASTM D7032.

  R507.2.2.2 Flame spread index. Plastic composite deck boards, stair treads, guards, and handrails shall exhibit a flame spread index not exceeding 200 when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723 with the test specimen remaining in place during the test.

  Exception: Plastic composites determined to be noncombustible.

  R507.2.2.3 Decay resistance. Plastic composite deck boards, stair treads, guards and handrails containing wood, cellulosic or other biodegradable materials shall be decay resistant in accordance with ASTM D7032.

  R507.2.2.4 Termite resistance. Where required by Section 305, plastic composite deck boards, stair treads, guards and handrails containing wood, cellulosic or other biodegradable materials shall be termite resistant in accordance with ASTM D7032.

  R507.2.2.5 Installation of plastic composites. Plastic composite deck boards, stair treads, guards and handrails shall be installed in accordance with this code and the manufacturer’s instructions.

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  FLOORS

  R507.2.3 Fasteners and connectors. Metal fasteners and connectors used for all decks shall be in accordance with Section R304.3 and Table R507.2.3. Holes for through bolts shall be drilled to a diameter of [1] / 32 inch to [1] / 16 inch larger than the bolt diameter. Connectors shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s approved instructions.

  |TABLE R507.2.3—FASTENER AND CONNECTOR SPECIFICATIONS FOR DECKSa,

• CRC § 0.01 High relevance — show source text

  2. Type II. Handrails with a perimeter greater than 6 [1] / 4 inches (160 mm) shall have a graspable finger recess area on both sides of the profile. The finger recess shall begin within [3] / 4 inch (19 mm) measured vertically from the tallest portion of the profile and have a depth of not less than [5] / 16 inch (8 mm) within [7] / 8 inch (22 mm) below the widest portion of the profile. This required depth shall continue for not less than [3] / 8 inch (10 mm) to a level that is not less than 1 [3] / 4 inches (45 mm) below the tallest portion of the profile. The width of the handrail above the recess shall be not less than 1 [1] / 4 inches (32 mm) and not more than 2 [3] / 4 inches (70 mm). Edges shall have a radius of not less than 0.01 inch (0.25 mm).

  R320.7 Exterior plastic composite handrails. Plastic composite exterior handrails shall also comply with the requirements of Section R507.2.2.

  SECTION R321—GUARDS AND WINDOW FALL PROTECTION

  R321.1 Guards. Guards shall be provided in accordance with Sections R321.1.1 through R321.1.4.

  R321.1.1 Where required. Guards shall be provided for those portions of open-sided walking surfaces, including floors, stairs, ramps and landings that are located more than 30 inches (762 mm) measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point within 36 inches (914 mm) horizontally to the edge of the open side. Insect screening shall not be considered as a guard.

  R321.1.2 Height. Required guards at open-sided walking surfaces, including stairs, porches, balconies or landings, shall be not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) in height as measured vertically above the adjacent walking surface or the line connecting the nosings.

  Exceptions:

  1. Guards on the open sides of stairs shall have a height of not less than 34 inches (864 mm) measured vertically from a line connecting the nosings.

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  BUILDING PLANNING

  2. Where the top of the guard serves as a handrail on the open sides of stairs, the top of the guard shall be not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm) as measured vertically from a line connecting the nosings.

  R321.1.3 Opening limitations. Required guards shall not have openings from the walking surface to the required guard height that allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter.

  Exceptions:

  1. The triangular openings at the open side of stair, formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail of a guard, shall not allow passage of a sphere 6 inches (153 mm) in diameter.
  2. Guards on the open side of stairs shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 [3] / 8 inches (111 mm) in diameter.

  R321.1.4 Exterior plastic composite guards. Plastic composite exterior guards shall comply with the requirements of Section R507.2.2.

• CRC § 6.4 High relevance — show source text

  SECTION R320—HANDRAILS

  R320.1 General. Handrails shall comply with Section R320.

  R320.2 Height. Handrail height, measured vertically from the sloped plane adjoining the tread nosing, or finish surface of ramp slope, shall be not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm). Handrail height on alternating tread devices and ship’s ladders shall be uniform and not less than 30 inches (762 mm) and not more than 34 inches (864 mm).

  Exceptions:

  1. The use of a volute, turnout or starting easing shall be allowed over the lowest tread.
  2. Where handrail fittings or bendings are used to provide continuous transition between flights, transitions at winder treads, the transition from handrail to guard, or used at the start of a flight, the handrail height at the fittings or bendings shall be permitted to exceed 38 inches (965 mm). R320.3 Handrail projection. Handrails shall not project more than 4 [1] / 2 inches (114 mm) on either side of the stairway or ramp.

  Exception: Where nosings of landings, floors or passing flights project into the stairway reducing the clearance at passing handrails, handrails shall project not more than 6 [1] / 2 inches (165 mm) into the stairway, provided that the stair width and handrail clearance are not reduced to less than that required. R320.4 Handrail clearance. Handrails adjacent to a wall shall have a space of not less than 1 [1] / 2 inches (38 mm) between the wall and the handrails.

  R320.5 Continuity. Handrails shall be continuous for the full length of the flight, from a point directly above the nosing of the landing at the top of the flight to a point directly above the lowest nosing of the flight. Handrails where required for ramps shall be continuous for the full length of the ramp. A handrail end shall be returned continuous to itself or toward a wall, guard or walking surface. Handrail returns shall not form a gap more than [1] / 4 inch (6.4 mm) from the adjacent wall.

  Exceptions:

  1. Handrail continuity shall be permitted to be interrupted by a newel post at a turn in a flight with winders, at a landing, or over the lowest tread.

  2. A volute, turnout or starting easing shall be allowed to terminate over the lowest tread.

  R320.6 Grip size. Required handrails shall be of one of the following types or provide equivalent graspability.

  1. Type I. Handrails with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of not less than 1 [1] / 4 inches (32 mm) and not greater than 2 inches (51 mm). If the handrail is not circular, it shall have a perimeter of not less than 4 inches (102 mm) and not greater than 6 [1] / 4 inches (160 mm) and a cross section of not more than 2 [1] / 4 inches (57 mm). Edges shall have a radius of not less than 0.01 inch (0.25 mm).
  2. Type II. Handrails with a perimeter greater than 6 [1] / 4 inches (160 mm) shall have a graspable finger recess area on both sides of the profile.
• CRC § 1402.6 High relevance — show source text

  1402.6

  Glass 402.1, 406, 804.7.1, 804.7.2, 1011.8.2, 1305.2.10.1, Resource A Gravity Loads (see Structural Loads/Forces) Guards 802.5, 802.5.1, 802.5.2, 804.12, 804.12.1, 804.12.2 Guidelines for Structural Retrofit

  Seismic Appendix A Wind Appendix C

  Handrails 503.1, 804.4, 1011.5.1, 1011.5.4 Hazard Categories 1011.5, Table 1011.5, 1011.6, Table 1011.6, Table 1011.7 Height (see Building, Height) High-Rise Building 1011.6.1, 1305.2.17, 1305.2.19 Historic Building (see Building, Historic)

  Incidental Use Areas 1002.2 Inspection 104.7.2, 104.4, 104.7, 105.2, 106.1, 106.3.1, 106.6, 109, 1402.7, A105.3, A105.4, A107.1, A107.4, A113.7, A205.3.1, A205.4, A304.4.3, A304.5, A406.3.4, A407.3 Interior Finishes 702.1, 702.2, 1011.3 Interior Trim 702.3

  Live Load (see Structural Loads/Forces) Load-Bearing Element 105.2.2, 202, Resource A

• CRC § 2612.2 High relevance — show source text

  [BS] 2612.2 Labeling. Plastic composite deck boards and stair treads, or their packaging, shall bear a label that indicates compliance with ASTM D7032 and includes the allowable load and maximum allowable span determined in accordance with ASTM D7032. Plastic composite handrails and guards, or their packaging, shall bear a label that indicates compliance with ASTM D7032 and includes the maximum allowable span determined in accordance with ASTM D7032.

  [BF] 2612.3 Flame spread index. Plastic composite deck boards, stair treads, handrails and guards shall exhibit a flame spread index not exceeding 200 when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723 with the test specimen remaining in place during the

  test.

  Exception: Materials determined to be noncombustible in accordance with Section 703.3.

  [BS] 2612.4 Termite and decay resistance. Where required by Section 2304.12, plastic composite deck boards, stair treads, handrails and guards containing wood, cellulosic or any other biodegradable materials shall be termite and decay resistant as determined in accordance with ASTM D7032.

  [BS] 2612.5 Construction requirements. Plastic composites meeting the requirements of Section 2612 shall be permitted to be used as exterior deck boards, stair treads, handrails and guards where combustible construction is permitted.

  [BS] 2612.5.1 Span rating. Plastic composites used as exterior deck boards shall have a span rating determined in accordance with ASTM D7032.

  [BS] 2612.6 Plastic composite deck boards, stair treads, handrails and guards. Plastic composite deck boards, stair treads, handrails and guards shall be installed in accordance with this code and the manufacturer’s instructions.

  SECTION 2613—FIBER-REINFORCED POLYMER

  2613.1 General. The provisions of this section shall govern the requirements and uses of fiber-reinforced polymer in and on buildings and structures.

  2613.2 Labeling and identification. Packages and containers of fiber-reinforced polymer and their components delivered to the job site shall bear the label of an approved agency showing the manufacturer’s name, product listing, product identification and information sufficient to determine that the end use will comply with the code requirements.

  2613.3 Interior finishes. Fiber-reinforced polymer used as interior finishes, decorative materials or trim shall comply with Chapter 8.

  2613.3.1 Foam plastic cores. Fiber-reinforced polymer used as interior finish and that contains foam plastic cores shall comply with Chapter 8 and this chapter.

  2613.4 Light-transmitting materials. Fiber-reinforced polymer used as light-transmitting materials shall comply with Sections 2606 through 2611 as required for the specific application.

  2613.5 Exterior use. Fiber-reinforced polymer shall be permitted to be installed on the exterior walls of buildings of any type of construction where such polymers meet the requirements of Section 2603.5. Fireblocking shall be installed in accordance with Section 718.

  Exceptions:

  1. Compliance with Section 2603.5 is not required where all of the following conditions are met: 1.1.
• CRC § 1.2 High relevance — show source text

  R321.1.2 Height. Required guards at open-sided walking surfaces, including stairs, porches, balconies or landings, shall be not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) in height as measured vertically above the adjacent walking surface or the line connecting the nosings.

  Exceptions:

  1. Guards on the open sides of stairs shall have a height of not less than 34 inches (864 mm) measured vertically from a line connecting the nosings.

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  BUILDING PLANNING

  2. Where the top of the guard serves as a handrail on the open sides of stairs, the top of the guard shall be not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm) as measured vertically from a line connecting the nosings.

  R321.1.3 Opening limitations. Required guards shall not have openings from the walking surface to the required guard height that allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter.

  Exceptions:

  1. The triangular openings at the open side of stair, formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail of a guard, shall not allow passage of a sphere 6 inches (153 mm) in diameter.
  2. Guards on the open side of stairs shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 [3] / 8 inches (111 mm) in diameter.

  R321.1.4 Exterior plastic composite guards. Plastic composite exterior guards shall comply with the requirements of Section R507.2.2.

  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.

• CRC § 5.3.2 High relevance — show source text

  BO105.5.3.2 Kitchen and laundry areas. Kitchen areas shall have not fewer than two duplex receptacle outlets. Laundry areas shall have not fewer than one duplex receptacle outlet located near the laundry equipment and installed on an independent branch circuit.

  BO105.5.3.3 Ground-fault circuit interruption. Ground-fault circuit interruption shall be provided on newly installed receptacle outlets if required by Chapters 34 through 43.

  BO105.5.3.4 Lighting outlets. Not less than one lighting outlet controlled by a listed wall-mounted device shall be provided in every bathroom, hallway, stairway, attached garage and detached garage with electric power to illuminate outdoor entrances and exits, and in utility rooms and basements where these spaces are used for storage or contain equipment requiring service. The wall-mounted control device shall be located near an entrance to the room.

  BO105.5.3.5 Clearance. Clearance for electrical service equipment shall be provided in accordance with Chapters 34 through 43.

  BO105.6 Ventilation. Reconfigured spaces intended for occupancy and spaces converted to habitable or occupiable space in any work area shall be provided with ventilation in accordance with Section R325.

  BO105.7 Ceiling height. Where a habitable attic or habitable space is created in an existing building, ceiling heights shall be not less than 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm). Bathrooms, toilet rooms and laundry rooms shall have a ceiling height of not less than 6 feet 4 inches (1930 mm).

  Exceptions:

  1. For rooms with sloped ceilings, the required floor area of the room shall have a ceiling height of not less than 5 feet (1524 mm), and not less than 50 percent of the required floor area shall have a ceiling height of not less than 6 feet 8 inches (2134 mm).
  2. At beams, girders, ducts or other obstructions, the ceiling height shall be not less than 6 feet 4 inches (1930 mm) from the finished floor.

  BO105.8 Stairs, handrails and guards. Stairs, handrails and guards shall comply with this section.

  BO105.8.1 Stair width. Existing basement stairs and handrails not otherwise being altered or modified shall be permitted to maintain their current clear width at, above and below existing handrails.

  BO105.8.2 Stair headroom. Headroom height on existing basement stairs being altered or modified shall not be reduced below the existing stairway finished headroom. Existing basement stairs not otherwise being altered shall be permitted to maintain the current finished headroom.

  2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE APPENDIX BO-5

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

  APPENDIX BO — EXISTING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

  BO105.8.3 Stair landing. Landings serving existing basement stairs being altered or modified shall not be reduced below the existing stairway landing depth and width. Existing basement stairs not otherwise being altered shall be permitted to maintain the current landing depth and width.

  BO105.8.4 Stair treads and risers. An existing stairway shall not be required to comply with Section R318.7.5 where the existing space and construction does not allow a reduction in pitch or slope. Where risers are added to an existing stair, the tread and riser dimension of the added risers shall match the existing stair.