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

DIVISION 3: BUILDING BLOCKS

11B-301 General.

11B-301.1 Scope.

The provisions of Division 3 shall apply where required by Division 2 or where referenced by a requirement in this chapter.

11B-302 Floor or ground surfaces.

11B-302.1 General.

Floor and ground surfaces shall be stable, firm, and slip resistant and shall comply with 11B-302. 

Exceptions:

1.     Within animal containment areas, floor and ground surfaces shall not be required to be stable, firm, and slip resistant.

2.       Areas of sport activity shall not be required to comply with 11B-302. 

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 302.1 General.  A stable surface is one that remains unchanged by contaminants or applied force, so that when the contaminant or force is removed, the surface returns to its original condition. A firm surface resists deformation by either indentations or particles moving on its surface. A slip-resistant surface provides sufficient frictional counterforce to the forces exerted in walking to permit safe ambulation.

dsa icon
 Advisory 11B-302.1 General.  Outdoor walking surfaces are often constructed of concrete or asphalt.  Where permeable surfaces such as compacted decomposed granite or similar material are part of the accessible route, stabilizing admixtures or binders can help to provide a firm, stable and slip-resistant surface. Such surfaces should be edged or otherwise contained to provide stability. The maintenance required to keep these surfaces firm and stable should be considered when selecting such materials.

Additional information regarding accessible exterior surfaces is available on the US Access Board website at http://www.access-board.gov/research/completed-research/accessible-exterior-surfaces. ◼

11B-302.2 Carpet.

Carpet or carpet tile shall be securely attached and shall have a firm cushion, pad, or backing or no cushion or pad. Carpet or carpet tile shall have a level loop, textured loop, level cut pile, or level cut/uncut pile texture. Pile height shall be ½ inch (12.7 mm) maximum. Exposed edges of carpet shall be fastened to floor surfaces and shall have trim on the entire length of the exposed edge. Carpet edge trim shall comply with Section 11B-303 _|Changes in Level|_. 

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 302.2 Carpet.  Carpets and permanently affixed mats can significantly increase the amount of force (roll resistance) needed to propel a wheelchair over a surface. The firmer the carpeting and backing, the lower the roll resistance. A pile thickness up to ½ inch (13 mm) (measured to the backing, cushion, or pad) is allowed, although a lower pile provides easier wheelchair maneuvering. If a backing, cushion or pad is used, it must be firm. Preferably, carpet pad should not be used because the soft padding increases roll resistance.

 Advisory 11B-302.2 Carpet.  The accessibility provisions of the California Building Code apply only to the design, alteration, and new construction of buildings and facilities, not to movable floor mats. However, if floor mats are built-in as part of new construction or alterations, and are part of an accessible route, they must comply with the accessibility provisions of this section and Section 11B-302.1 which requires firm, stable and slip-resistant surfaces along accessible routes.

However, in addition to circumstances in which the California Building Code applies to built-in floor mats, there may also be circumstances in which Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements apply to floor mats that are not built in. If movable floor mats impede access for people with disabilities, they may need to be moved or removed under Section 36.304 of the ADA Title III regulations. That section requires that a public accommodation remove barriers in existing facilities where removing them is "readily achievable," that is, easily accomplishable and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense. Even though the requirements of this chapter would not apply to the mats themselves, the ADA regulations can provide helpful guidance in ensuring that mats do not constitute barriers. ◼

 

Carpet is shown in cross section with a pile height of 1/2 inch maximum, measured from the backing.

FIGURE 11B-302.2
CARPET PILE HEIGHT

11B-302.3 Openings.

Openings in floor or ground surfaces shall not allow passage of a sphere more than ½ inch (12.7 mm) diameter except as allowed in Sections 11B-407.4.3 _|Platform to Hoistway Clearance|_, 11B-409.4.3 _|Platform to Hoistway Clearance|_, 11B-410.4 _|Platform to Runway Clearance|_, 11B-810.5.3 _|Platform and Vehicle Floor Coordination|_ and 11B-810.10 _|Track Crossings|_. Elongated openings shall be placed so that the long dimension is perpendicular to the dominant direction of travel.  

Elongated openings, such as in a grating, are shown in plan view with openings 1/2 inch maximum in one dimension. The other dimension is longer (unspecified) and is perpendicular to the dominant direction of travel.

FIGURE 11B-302.3
ELONGATED OPENINGS IN FLOOR OR GROUND SURFACES

dsa icon
 Advisory 11B-302.3 Openings. Elongated openings, like those of most grates, must be oriented so that the long dimension is perpendicular to the dominant travel direction. In locations where there is no dominant flow pattern, openings should be limited to ½” in both dimensions. Where an accessible route is available to bypass openings completely, they can be oriented in any direction. ◼

11B-303 Changes in level.

11B-303.1 General.

Where changes in level are permitted in floor or ground surfaces, they shall comply with Section 11B-303.

Exceptions:

1.     Animal containment areas shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-303.

2.     Areas of sport activity shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-303.

11B-303.2 Vertical.

Changes in level of ¼ inch (6.4 mm) high maximum shall be permitted to be vertical and without edge treatment. 

[2010 ADAS] 303.2 Vertical.  Changes in level of ¼ inch high maximum shall be permitted to be vertical.

Elevation drawing of a change in level between the surfaces of two parallel planes with a vertical edge that is 1/4 inch high maximum.

FIGURE 11B-303.2
VERTICAL CHANGE IN LEVEL

11B-303.3 Beveled.

Changes in level between ¼ inch (6.4 mm) high minimum and ½ inch (12.7 mm) high maximum shall be beveled with a slope not steeper than 1:2.  

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 303.3 Beveled.  A change in level of ½ inch (13 mm) is permitted to be ¼ inch (6.4 mm) vertical plus ¼ inch (6.4 mm) beveled. However, in no case may the combined change in level exceed ½ inch (13 mm). Changes in level exceeding ½ inch (13 mm) must comply with 405 (Ramps) or 406 (Curb Ramps).

 

Elevation drawing of a change in level 1/4 to 2 inches high that is beveled with a slope of 1:2.

FIGURE 11B-303.3 BEVELED CHANGE IN LEVEL

11B-303.4 Ramps.

Changes in level greater than ½ inch (12.7 mm) high shall be ramped, and shall comply with Section 11B-405 or 11B-406.

11B-303.5 Warning curbs.

Abrupt changes in level exceeding 4 inches (102 mm) in a vertical dimension between walks, sidewalks or other pedestrian ways and adjacent surfaces or features shall be identified by warning curbs at least 6 inches (152 mm) in height above the walk or sidewalk surface.

Exceptions:

1.     A warning curb is not required between a walk or sidewalk and an adjacent street or driveway.

2.     A warning curb is not required when a guard or handrail is provided with a guide rail centered 2 inches (51 mm) minimum and 4 inches (102 mm) maximum above the surface of the walk or sidewalk.

11B-304 Turning space.

11B-304.1 General.

Turning space shall comply with Section 11B-304.

11B-304.2 Floor or Ground Surfaces.

Floor or ground surfaces of a turning space shall comply with Section 11B-302. Changes in level are not permitted.

Exception:  Slopes not steeper than 1:48 shall be permitted.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 304.2 Floor or Ground Surfaces Exception.  As used in this section, the phrase "changes in level" refers to surfaces with slopes and to surfaces with abrupt rise exceeding that permitted in 303.3. Such changes in level are prohibited in required clear floor and ground spaces, turning spaces, and in similar spaces where people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices must park their mobility aids such as in wheelchair spaces, or maneuver to use elements such as at doors, fixtures, and telephones. The exception permits slopes not steeper than 1:48.

11B-304.3 Size.

Turning space shall comply with Section 11B-304.3.1 or 11B-304.3.2.

11B-304.3.1 Circular space.

The turning space shall be a space of 60 inches (1524 mm) diameter minimum. The space shall be permitted to include knee and toe clearance complying with Section 11B-306.

11B-304.3.2 T-Shaped space.

The turning space shall be a T-shaped space within a 60 inch (1524 mm) square minimum with arms and base 36 inches (914 mm) wide minimum. Each arm of the T shall be clear of obstructions 12 inches (305 mm) minimum in each direction and the base shall be clear of obstructions 24 inches (610 mm) minimum. The space shall be permitted to include knee and toe clearance complying with Section 11B-306 only at the end of either the base or one arm. 

The T shape space is 36 inches wide at the top and stem within a 60 inch by 60 inch square.

FIGURE 11B-304.3.2
T-SHAPED TURNING SPACE

11B-304.4 Door swing.

Doors shall be permitted to swing into turning spaces.

11B-305 Clear floor or ground space.

11B-305.1 General.

Clear floor or ground space shall comply with Section 11B-305. 

11B-305.2 Floor or ground surfaces.

Floor or ground surfaces of a clear floor or ground space shall comply with Section 11B-302. Changes in level are not permitted.

Exception:  Slopes not steeper than 1:48 shall be permitted.

11B-305.3 Size.

The clear floor or ground space shall be 30 inches (762 mm) minimum by 48 inches (1219 mm) minimum.

Clear floor or ground space is 30 inches by 48 inches minimum.

FIGURE 11B-305.3
CLEAR FLOOR OR GROUND SPACE

11B-305.4 Knee and toe clearance.

Unless otherwise specified, clear floor or ground space shall be permitted to include knee and toe clearance complying with Section 11B-306.

11B-305.5 Position.

Unless otherwise specified, clear floor or ground space shall be positioned for either forward or parallel approach to an element.  

For a forward approach to an element, a clear floor or ground space, 30 inches by 48 inches minimum, is shown with the shorter dimension parallel to the wall or element. For a parallel approach to an element, a clear floor or ground space, 30 inches by 48 inches minimum, is shown with the longer dimension parallel to the wall or element.

(a)
forward

For a forward approach to an element, a clear floor or ground space, 30 inches by 48 inches minimum, is shown with the shorter dimension parallel to the wall or element. For a parallel approach to an element, a clear floor or ground space, 30 inches by 48 inches minimum, is shown with the longer dimension parallel to the wall or element.

(b)
parallel


FIGURE 11B-305.5
POSITION OF CLEAR FLOOR OR GROUND SPACE

11B-305.6 Approach.

One full unobstructed side of the clear floor or ground space shall adjoin an accessible route or adjoin another clear floor or ground space.  Clear floor or ground space may overlap an accessible route, unless specifically prohibited elsewhere in this chapter.

11B-305.7 Maneuvering clearance.

Where a clear floor or ground space is located in an alcove or otherwise confined on all or part of three sides, additional maneuvering clearance shall be provided in accordance with Sections 11B-305.7.1 and 11B-305.7.2. 

11B-305.7.1 Forward approach.

Alcoves shall be 36 inches (914 mm) wide minimum where the depth exceeds 24 inches (610 mm).  

For a forward approach, if the depth of the alcove is greater than 24 inches, the clear floor or ground space within the alcove must be 36 inches wide minimum.

FIGURE 11B-305.7.1
MANEUVERING CLEARANCE IN AN ALCOVE, FORWARD APPROACH

11B-305.7.2 Parallel approach.

Alcoves shall be 60 inches (1524 mm) wide minimum where the depth exceeds 15 inches (381 mm).  

For a parallel approach, if the depth of the alcove is greater than 15 inches, then the length of the clear floor or ground space within the alcove must be 60 inches minimum.

FIGURE 11B-305.7.2
MANEUVERING CLEARANCE IN AN ALCOVE, PARALLEL APPROACH

11B-306 Knee and toe clearance.

11B-306.1 General.

Where space beneath an element is included as part of clear floor or ground space or turning space, the space shall comply with Section 11B-306. Additional space shall not be prohibited beneath an element but shall not be considered as part of the clear floor or ground space or turning space.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 306.1 General.  Clearances are measured in relation to the usable clear floor space, not necessarily to the vertical support for an element. When determining clearance under an object for required turning or maneuvering space, care should be taken to ensure the space is clear of any obstructions.

11B-306.2 Toe clearance.

306.2(a): Toes of a person in a wheelchair are shown extending for a maximum depth of 6 inches under an object that is 9 inches high minimum. 306.2(b): Toe clearance at an element, as part of clear floor space, shall extend 17 to 25 inches under the element. The clear floor space is 30 inches wide minimum.

(a)
elevation

306.2(a): Toes of a person in a wheelchair are shown extending for a maximum depth of 6 inches under an object that is 9 inches high minimum. 306.2(b): Toe clearance at an element, as part of clear floor space, shall extend 17 to 25 inches under the element. The clear floor space is 30 inches wide minimum.

(b)
plan

FIGURE 11B-306.2
TOE CLEARANCE

11B-306.2.1 General.

Space under an element between the finish floor or ground and 9 inches (229 mm) above the finish floor or ground shall be considered toe clearance and shall comply with Section 11B-306.2. 

11B-306.2.2 Maximum depth.

Toe clearance shall extend 25 inches (635 mm) maximum under an element.

Exception:  Toe clearance shall extend 19 inches (483 mm) maximum under lavatories required to be accessible by Section 11B-213.3.4.  

11B-306.2.3 Minimum required depth.

Where toe clearance is required at an element as part of a clear floor space, the toe clearance shall extend 17 inches (432 mm) minimum under the element.

Exceptions:

  1. The toe clearance shall extend 19 inches (483 mm) minimum under sinks required to be accessible by Section 11B-212.3.

  2. The toe clearance shall extend 19 inches (483 mm) minimum under built-in dining and work surfaces required to be accessible. 

11B-306.2.4 Additional clearance.

Space extending greater than 6 inches (152 mm) beyond the available knee clearance at 9 inches (229 mm) above the finish floor or ground shall not be considered toe clearance.

11B-306.2.5 Width.

Toe clearance shall be 30 inches (762 mm) wide minimum.

11B-306.3 Knee clearance.

Figure 306.3(a) Knee Clearance: Elevation. Knee clearance is 27 inches high minimum above the floor or ground for a minimum depth of 8 inches, measured from the leading edge of the element. The vertical clearance decreases beyond this depth to a height of 9 inches minimum at depth of 11 inches minimum measured from the leading edge of the element. Figure 306.3(b) Knee Clearance: Plan. Combined knee and toe clearance can extend 25 inches maximum under an element. Figure 306.3(c) Knee Clearance Elevation at Lavatory: knee clearance is 29 " high minimum above floor at the front edge of the lavatory, 27" high minimum above the floor for a minimum depth of 8 inches, measured from the leading edge of the lavatory. The vertical clearance decreases beyond this depth to a height of 9 inches minimum at a depth of 11 inches minimum measured from the leading edge of the element.

(a)
elevation

Figure 306.3(a) Knee Clearance: Elevation. Knee clearance is 27 inches high minimum above the floor or ground for a minimum depth of 8 inches, measured from the leading edge of the element. The vertical clearance decreases beyond this depth to a height of 9 inches minimum at depth of 11 inches minimum measured from the leading edge of the element. Figure 306.3(b) Knee Clearance: Plan. Combined knee and toe clearance can extend 25 inches maximum under an element. Figure 306.3(c) Knee Clearance Elevation at Lavatory: knee clearance is 29 " high minimum above floor at the front edge of the lavatory, 27" high minimum above the floor for a minimum depth of 8 inches, measured from the leading edge of the lavatory. The vertical clearance decreases beyond this depth to a height of 9 inches minimum at a depth of 11 inches minimum measured from the leading edge of the element.

(b)
plan

Figure 306.3(a) Knee Clearance: Elevation. Knee clearance is 27 inches high minimum above the floor or ground for a minimum depth of 8 inches, measured from the leading edge of the element. The vertical clearance decreases beyond this depth to a height of 9 inches minimum at depth of 11 inches minimum measured from the leading edge of the element. Figure 306.3(b) Knee Clearance: Plan. Combined knee and toe clearance can extend 25 inches maximum under an element. Figure 306.3(c) Knee Clearance Elevation at Lavatory: knee clearance is 29 " high minimum above floor at the front edge of the lavatory, 27" high minimum above the floor for a minimum depth of 8 inches, measured from the leading edge of the lavatory. The vertical clearance decreases beyond this depth to a height of 9 inches minimum at a depth of 11 inches minimum measured from the leading edge of the element.

(c)
elevation @ lavatory

FIGURE 11B-306.3 ‡‡
KNEE CLEARANCE

11B-306.3.1 General.

Space under an element between 9 inches (229 mm) and 27 inches (686 mm) above the finish floor or ground shall be considered knee clearance and shall comply with Section 11B-306.3. 

Exception:  At lavatories required to be accessible by Section 11B-213.3.4, space between 9 inches (229 mm) and 29 inches (737 mm) above the finish floor or ground, shall be considered knee clearance. 

11B-306.3.2 Maximum depth.

Knee clearance shall extend 25 inches (635 mm) maximum under an element at 9 inches (229 mm) above the finish floor or ground.

11B-306.3.3 Minimum required depth.

Where knee clearance is required under an element as part of a clear floor space, the knee clearance shall be 11 inches (279 mm) deep minimum at 9 inches (229 mm) above the finish floor or ground, and 8 inches (203 mm) deep minimum at 27 inches (686 mm) above the finish floor or ground. 

Exceptions:

  1. At lavatories required to be accessible by Section 11B-213.3.4, the knee clearance shall be 27 inches (686 mm) high minimum above the finish floor or ground at a depth of 8 inches (203 mm) minimum increasing to 29 inches (737 mm) high minimum above the finish floor or ground at the front edge of a counter with a built-in lavatory or at the front edge of a wall-mounted lavatory fixture.

  2. At dining and work surfaces required to be accessible, knee clearance shall extend 19 inches (483 mm) deep minimum at 27 inches (686 mm) above the finish floor or ground.

11B-306.3.4 Clearance reduction.

Between 9 inches (229 mm) and 27 inches (686 mm) above the finish floor or ground, the knee clearance shall be permitted to reduce at a rate of 1 inch (25 mm) in depth for each 6 inches (152 mm) in height.

Exception:  The knee clearance shall not be reduced at built-in dining and work surfaces required to be accessible by Section 11B-226.1.  

11B-306.3.5 Width.

Knee clearance shall be 30 inches (762 mm) wide minimum.

11B-307 Protruding objects

11B-307.1 General.

Protruding objects shall comply with Section 11B-307. 

11B-307.2 Protrusion limits.

Objects with leading edges more than 27 inches (686 mm) and not more than 80 inches (2032 mm) above the finish floor or ground shall protrude 4 inches (102 mm) maximum horizontally into the circulation path.  

Exception: Handrails shall be permitted to protrude 4½ inches (114 mm) maximum.  

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 307.2 Protrusion Limits.  When a cane is used and the element is in the detectable range, it gives a person sufficient time to detect the element with the cane before there is body contact. Elements located on circulation paths, including operable elements, must comply with requirements for protruding objects. For example, awnings and their supporting structures cannot reduce the minimum required vertical clearance. Similarly, casement windows, when open, cannot encroach more than 4 inches (100 mm) into circulation paths above 27 inches (685 mm).

 

A frontal view shows a person using a cane walking along a wall. A wall-mounted object more than 27 inches from the floor protrudes no more than 4 inches from the wall surface. An object overhead provides vertical clearance that is greater than 80 inches.

FIGURE 11B-307.2
LIMITS OF PROTRUDING OBJECTS

11B-307.3 Post-mounted objects.

Free-standing objects mounted on posts or pylons shall overhang circulation paths 12 inches (305 mm) maximum when located 27 inches (686 mm) minimum and 80 inches (2032 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground. Where a sign or other obstruction is mounted between posts or pylons and the clear distance between the posts or pylons is greater than 12 inches (305 mm), the lowest edge of such sign or obstruction shall be 27 inches (686 mm) maximum or 80 inches (2032 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground. 

Exception:  The sloping portions of handrails serving stairs and ramps shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-307.3.  

Elevation drawing (a) shows an object mounted more than 27 inches high on a post. The object protrudes 12 inches maximum from the post on both sides. Elevation (b) shows signs or other obstructions mounted between posts or pylons. One object has its lowest edge mounted 27 inches high maximum between posts that are more than 12 inches apart. Another object is mounted with its lowest edge 80 inches high minimum between posts that are more than 12 inches apart.

(a)

Elevation drawing (a) shows an object mounted more than 27 inches high on a post. The object protrudes 12 inches maximum from the post on both sides. Elevation (b) shows signs or other obstructions mounted between posts or pylons. One object has its lowest edge mounted 27 inches high maximum between posts that are more than 12 inches apart. Another object is mounted with its lowest edge 80 inches high minimum between posts that are more than 12 inches apart.

(b)

FIGURE 11B-307.3
POST-MOUNTED PROTRUDING OBJECTS

11B-307.3.1 Edges and corners.

Where signs or other objects are mounted on posts or pylons, and their bottom edges are less than 80 inches (2032 mm) above the floor or ground surface, the edges of such signs and objects shall be rounded or eased and the corners shall have a minimum radius of 1/8 inch (3.2 mm).  

11B-307.4 Vertical clearance.

Vertical clearance shall be 80 inches (2032 mm) high minimum. Guardrails or other barriers shall be provided where the vertical clearance is less than 80 inches (2032 mm) high. The leading edge of such guardrail or barrier shall be located 27 inches (686 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground. Where a guy support is used parallel to a circulation path, including but not limited to sidewalks, a guy brace, sidewalk guy or similar device shall be used to prevent an overhanging obstruction.

Exception:  Door closers and door stops shall be permitted to be 78 inches (1981 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground.  

A person using a long cane is shown approaching the sloped underside of a staircase. A portion of the area below the stairs in front of the person has a vertical clearance less than 80 inches. A railing 27 inches high maximum separates this space from the areas where a vertical clearance at or above 80 inches is maintained.

FIGURE 11B-307.4
VERTICAL CLEARANCE

11B-307.4.1 Guy braces.

Where a guy support is used within either the width of a circulation path or 24 inches maximum outside of a circulation path, a vertical guy brace, sidewalk guy or similar device shall be used to prevent a hazard or an overhead obstruction.  

A person using a long cane is shown approaching a guy brace shown at 80" minimum above the floor.

FIGURE 11B-307.4.1
GUY BRACES

11B-307.5 Required clear width.

Protruding objects shall not reduce the clear width required for accessible routes.  

11B-308 Reach ranges.

11B-308.1 General.

Reach ranges shall comply with Section 11B-308.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 308.1 General.  The following table provides guidance on reach ranges for children according to age where building elements such as coat hooks, lockers, or operable parts are designed for use primarily by children. These dimensions apply to either forward or side reaches. Accessible elements and operable parts designed for adult use or children over age 12 can be located outside these ranges but must be within the adult reach ranges required by 308. 

Children's Reach Ranges

Forward or Side Reach Ages 3 and 4 Ages 5 through 8 Ages 9 through 12
High (maximum)

36 in

(915 mm)		 40 in (1015 mm)

44 in

(1120 mm)

Low

(minimum)

20 in

(510 mm)

18 in

(455 mm)

16 in

(405 mm)
11B-308.1.1 Electrical switches.

Controls and switches intended to be used by the occupant of a room or area to control lighting and receptacle outlets, appliances or cooling, heating and ventilating equipment, shall comply with Section 11B-308 except the low reach shall be measured to the bottom of the outlet box and the high reach shall be measured to the top of the outlet box.  

11B-308.1.2 Electrical receptacle outlets.

Electrical receptacle outlets on branch circuits of 30 amperes or less and communication system receptacles shall comply with Section 11B-308 except the low reach shall be measured to the bottom of the outlet box and the high reach shall be measured to the top of the outlet box.  

11B-308.2 Forward reach.

11B-308.2.1 Unobstructed.

Where a forward reach is unobstructed, the high forward reach shall be 48 inches (1219 mm) maximum and the low forward reach shall be 15 inches (381 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground. 

A side view is shown of a person suing a wheelchair reaching toward a wall. The lowest vertical reach point is 15 inches minimum and the highest is 48 inches maximum.

FIGURE 11B-308.2.1
UNOBSTRUCTED FORWARD REACH

11B-308.2.2 Obstructed high reach.

Where a high forward reach is over an obstruction, the clear floor space shall extend beneath the element for a distance not less than the required reach depth over the obstruction. The high forward reach shall be 48 inches (1219 mm) maximum where the reach depth is 20 inches (508 mm) maximum. Where the reach depth exceeds 20 inches (508 mm), the high forward reach shall be 44 inches (1118 mm) maximum and the reach depth shall be 25 inches (635 mm) maximum.

Figure (a) shows a person seated in a wheelchair reaching a point on a wall above a protrusion, such as a wall-mounted counter, which is 20 inches deep maximum. The maximum reach height is 48 inches. In figure (b), the obstruction is more than 20 inches deep, with 25 inches the maximum depth. The maximum reach height is 44 inches.

(a)

Figure (a) shows a person seated in a wheelchair reaching a point on a wall above a protrusion, such as a wall-mounted counter, which is 20 inches deep maximum. The maximum reach height is 48 inches. In figure (b), the obstruction is more than 20 inches deep, with 25 inches the maximum depth. The maximum reach height is 44 inches.

(b)

FIGURE 11B-308.2.2
OBSTRUCTED HIGH FORWARD REACH

11B-308.3 Side reach.

11B-308.3.1 Unobstructed.

Where a clear floor or ground space allows a parallel approach to an element and the side reach is unobstructed, the high side reach shall be 48 inches (1219 mm) maximum and the low side reach shall be 15 inches (381 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground. 

Exceptions:

1.     An obstruction shall be permitted between the clear floor or ground space and the element where the depth of the obstruction is 10 inches (254 mm) maximum.

2.     Operable parts of fuel dispensers shall be permitted to be 54 inches (1372 mm) maximum measured from the surface of the vehicular way where fuel dispensers are installed on existing curbs.  

The drawing shows a frontal view of a person using a wheelchair making a side reach to a wall. The depth of reach is 10 inches maximum. The vertical reach range is 15 inches minimum to 48 inches maximum.

FIGURE 11B-308.3.1
UNOBSTRUCTED SIDE REACH

11B-308.3.2 Obstructed high reach.

Where a clear floor or ground space allows a parallel approach to an element and the high side reach is over an obstruction, the height of the obstruction shall be 34 inches (864 mm) maximum and the depth of the obstruction shall be 24 inches (610 mm) maximum. The high side reach shall be 48 inches (1219 mm) maximum for a reach depth of 10 inches (254 mm) maximum. Where the reach depth exceeds 10 inches (254 mm), the high side reach shall be 46 inches (1168 mm) maximum for a reach depth of 24 inches (610 mm) maximum. 

Exceptions:

1.     The top of washing machines and clothes dryers shall be permitted to be 36 inches (914 mm) maximum above the finish floor.

2.     Operable parts of fuel dispensers shall be permitted to be 54 inches (1372 mm) maximum measured from the surface of the vehicular way where fuel dispensers are installed on existing curbs.

Figure (a) shows a person seated in a wheelchair reaching a point on a wall above a protrusion, such as a wall-mounted counter, which is 20 inches deep maximum. The maximum reach height is 48 inches. In figure (b), the obstruction is more than 20 inches deep, with 25 inches the maximum depth. The maximum reach height is 44 inches.

(a)

Figure (a) shows a person seated in a wheelchair reaching a point on a wall above a protrusion, such as a wall-mounted counter, which is 20 inches deep maximum. The maximum reach height is 48 inches. In figure (b), the obstruction is more than 20 inches deep, with 25 inches the maximum depth. The maximum reach height is 44 inches.

(b)

FIGURE 11B-308.3.2
OBSTRUCTED HIGH SIDE REACH

11B-308.4 Suggested reach ranges for children.

Where building elements such as coat hooks, lockers, or operable parts are designed for use primarily by children, the suggested dimensions of Table 11B-308.4 shall be permitted. These dimensions apply to either forward or side reaches.  

TABLE 11B-308.4  SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS FOR CHILDREN'S USE

SUGGESTED REACH RANGES FOR CHILDREN AGES 3 THROUGH 12

SUGGESTED REACH RANGES FOR CHILDREN AGES 3 THROUGH 12 Ages 3 and 4 Ages 5 through 8 Ages 9 through 12
High (maximum) 36 inches (914 mm) 40 inches (1016 mm) 44 inches (1118 mm)
Low (minimum) 20 inches (508 mm) 18 inches (457 mm) 16 inches (406 mm)

11B-309 Operable parts.

11B-309.1 General.

Operable parts shall comply with Section 11B-309.

11B-309.2 Clear floor space.

A clear floor or ground space complying with Section 11B-305 shall be provided.

11B-309.3 Height.

Operable parts shall be placed within one or more of the reach ranges specified in Section 11B-308.

11B-309.4 Operation.

Operable parts shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate operable parts shall be 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.

Exception:  Gas pump nozzles and electric vehicle connectors shall not be required to provide operable parts that have an activating force of 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.  

Source: 2016 California Standards for Accessible Design Pocket Guide - Eff. Jan. 1, 2017 by California Building Standards Commission (edited by Evan Terry Associates) - published 07/01/2016

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