2016 California Standards for Accessible Design Pocket Guide - Eff. Jan. 1, 2017

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.◼