2019 California Standards for Accessible Design Guide (effective January 1, 2020 with July 1, 2021 amendments)

11B-809.2 Accessible routes.

Accessible routes complying with Division 4 shall be provided within residential dwelling units in accordance with Section 11B-809.2.

Exception: Accessible routes shall not be required to or within unfinished attics or unfinished basements.

11B-809.2.1 Location.

At least one accessible route shall connect all spaces and elements which are a part of the residential dwelling unit. Where only one accessible route is provided, it shall not pass through bathrooms, closets, or similar spaces.

11B-809.2.2 Turning space.

All rooms served by an accessible route shall provide a turning space complying with Section 11B-304.

Exception: Turning space shall not be required in exterior spaces 30 inches (762 mm) maximum in depth or width.

Advisory 11B-809.2.2 Turning space. It is generally acceptable to use required clearances to provide wheelchair turning space. For example, in kitchens, Section 11B-804.3.1 requires at least one work surface with clear floor space complying with Section 11B-306 to be centered beneath. If designers elect to provide clear floor space that is at least 36 inches (915 mm) wide, as opposed to the required 30 inches (760 mm) wide, that clearance can be part of a T-turn, thereby maximizing efficient use of the kitchen area. However, the overlap of turning space must be limited to one segment of the T-turn so that back-up maneuvering is not restricted. It would, therefore, be unacceptable to use both the clearances under the work surface and the sink as part of a T-turn. See Section 11B-304.3.2 regarding T-turns. ◼