2013 California Standards for Accessible Design Pocket Guide

11B-406.5.3 Landings.

Landings shall be provided at the tops of curb ramps and blended transitions. The landing clear length shall be 48 inches (1219 mm) minimum. The landing clear width shall be at least as wide as the curb ramp, excluding any flared sides, or the blended transition leading to the landing. The slope of the landing in all directions shall be 1:48 maximum. 

[S.H. 1127B.5, Item 4] [Safe Harbor only applies to existing curb ramps in the vicinity of, and leading to, a primary entrance.]

Exception: Parallel curb ramps shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-406.5.3.

Advisory 11B-406.5.3 Landings.  A level landing, 48” deep and at least as wide as the curb ramp, is required at the top of a curb ramp.  The landing provides an area for users to exit the curb ramp and proceed along the walking surface at the top of the curb ramp.

Some designs have been proposed that reduce or omit the level top landing by providing a curb ramp with flared sides of 1:12 or less.  This design is not compliant with the building code and may result in a condition where a wheelchair user cannot safely turn and proceed along the intersecting walk.  Section 11B-403.5.1, Exception 3, requires walks and sidewalks to be 48” wide minimum; Section 11B-403.3 requires walks and sidewalks to have a cross-slope of 1:48 or less. In this example, reducing or omitting the top landing of the curb ramp may result in a substandard walk width and/or a walk with a cross-slope in excess of 1:48. ◼

FIGURE 11B-406.5.3 ‡‡

LANDINGS AT THE TOP OF CURB RAMPS