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

DIVISION 1: APPLICATION AND ADMINISTRATION

11B-101 Purpose

11B-101.1 General.

This chapter contains scoping and technical requirements for accessibility to sites, facilities, buildings, and elements by individuals with disabilities. The requirements are to be applied during the design, construction, additions to, and alteration of sites, facilities, buildings, and elements to the extent required by Chapter 1, Section 1.9.

Advisory 11B-101.1 General. In addition to these requirements, covered entities must comply with the regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Transportation under the Americans with Disabilities Act. There are issues affecting individuals with disabilities which are not addressed by these requirements, but which are covered by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. ◼

Advisory 11B-101.1 General (1). Chapter 11B accessibility regulations are applicable to: 1) publicly funded buildings, structures, sidewalks, curbs and related facilities; 2) privately funded public accommodations and commercial facilities; and 3) public housing and private housing available for public use. Refer to Chapter 1, Section 1.9 for additional information. ◼

Advisory 11B-101.1 General (2). Accessible features, accommodations and elements must comply with the requirements of Chapter 11B. In some cases Chapter 11B requires compliance with requirements in other parts of the building code. When additional scoping or technical requirements are located in other parts of the building code, the features, accommodations and elements must comply with those regulations and Chapter 11B. ◼

[2010 ADA Standards] 101.1 General. This document contains scoping and technical requirements for accessibility to sites, facilities, buildings, and elements by individuals with disabilities. The requirements are to be applied during the design, construction, additions to, and alteration of sites, facilities, buildings, and elements to the extent required by regulations issued by Federal agencies under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

[ADA Title II] §35.151(a) New construction and alterations; Design and construction.

(1) Each facility or part of a facility constructed by, on behalf of, or for the use of a public entity shall be designed and constructed in such manner that the facility or part of the facility is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, if the construction was commenced after January 26, 1992.

[ADA Title III] §36.401(a) New construction; General.

(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, discrimination for purposes of this part includes a failure to design and construct facilities for first occupancy after January 26, 1993, that are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.

(2) For purposes of this section, a facility is designed and constructed for first occupancy after January 26, 1993, only –

(i) If the last application for a building permit or permit extension for the facility is certified to be complete, by a State, County, or local government after January 26, 1992 (or, in those jurisdictions where the government does not certify completion of applications, if the last application for a building permit or permit extension for the facility is received by the State, County, or local government after January 26, 1992); and

(ii) If the first certificate of occupancy for the facility is issued after January 26, 1993.

11B-101.2 Reserved.

[2010 ADA Standards] 101.2 Effect on Removal of Barriers in Existing Facilities. This document does not address existing facilities unless altered at the discretion of a covered entity. The Department of Justice has authority over existing facilities that are subject to the requirement for removal of barriers under title III of the ADA. Any determination that this document applies to existing facilities subject to the barrier removal requirement is solely within the discretion of the Department of Justice and is effective only to the extent required by regulations issued by the Department of Justice.

[ADA Title II] §35.150(b) Existing Facilities; Methods.

(2)

i) Safe harbor. Elements that have not been altered in existing facilities on or after March 15, 2012, and that comply with the corresponding technical and scoping specifications for those elements in either the 1991 Standards or in the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS), Appendix A to 41 CFR part 101–19.6 (July 1, 2002 ed.), 49 FR 31528, app. A (Aug. 7, 1984) are not required to be modified in order to comply with the requirements set forth in the 2010 Standards.

ii) The safe harbor provided in §35.150(b)(2)(i) does not apply to those elements in existing facilities that are subject to supplemental requirements (i.e., elements for which there are neither technical nor scoping specifications in the 1991 Standards). Elements in the 2010 Standards not eligible for the element-by-element safe harbor are identified as follows –

     A. Residential facilities dwelling units, sections 233 and 809.

     B. Amusement rides, sections 234 and 1002; 206.2.9; 216.12.

     C. Recreational boating facilities, sections 235 and 1003; 206.2.10.

     D. Exercise machines and equipment, sections 236 and 1004; 206.2.13.

     E. Fishing piers and platforms, sections 237 and 1005; 206.2.14.

     F. Golf facilities, sections 238 and 1006; 206.2.15.

     G. Miniature golf facilities, sections 239 and 1007; 206.2.16.

     H. Play areas, sections 240 and 1008; 206.2.17.

     I. Saunas and steam rooms, sections 241 and 612.

     J. Swimming pools, wading pools, and spas, sections 242 and 1009.

     K. Shooting facilities with firing positions, sections 243 and 1010.

     L. Miscellaneous.

          (1) Team or player seating, section 221.2.1.4.

          (2) Accessible route to bowling lanes, section. 206.2.11.

          (3) Accessible route in court sports facilities, section 206.2.12.

[ADA Title III] §36.304 Removal of Barriers

a. General. A public accommodation shall remove architectural barriers in existing facilities, including communication barriers that are structural in nature, where such removal is readily achievable, i.e., easily accomplishable and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense

b. Examples. Examples of steps to remove barriers include, but are not limited to, the following actions –

     1) Installing ramps;

     2) Making curb cuts in sidewalks and entrances;

     3) Repositioning shelves;

     4) Rearranging tables, chairs, vending machines, display racks, and other furniture;

     5) Repositioning telephones;

     6) Adding raised markings on elevator control buttons;

     7) Installing flashing alarm lights;

     8) Widening doors;

     9) Installing offset hinges to widen doorways;

     10) Eliminating a turnstile or providing an alternative accessible path;

     11) Installing accessible door hardware;

     12) Installing grab bars in toilet stalls;

     13) Rearranging toilet partitions to increase maneuvering space;

     14) Insulating lavatory pipes under sinks to prevent burns;

     15) Installing a raised toilet seat;

     16) Installing a full-length bathroom mirror;

     17) Repositioning the paper towel dispenser in a bathroom;

     18) Creating designated accessible parking spaces;

     19) Installing an accessible paper cup dispenser at an existing inaccessible water fountain;

     20) Removing high pile, low density carpeting; or

     21) Installing vehicle hand controls.

c) Priorities. A public accommodation is urged to take measures to comply with the barrier removal requirements of this section in accordance with the following order of priorities.

     1) First, a public accommodation should take measures to provide access to a place of public accommodation from public sidewalks, parking, or public transportation. These measures include, for example, installing an entrance ramp, widening entrances, and providing accessible parking spaces.

     2) Second, a public accommodation should take measures to provide access to those areas of a place of public accommodation where goods and services are made available to the public. These measures include, for example, adjusting the layout of display racks, rearranging tables, providing Brailled and raised character signage, widening doors, providing visual alarms, and installing ramps.

     3) Third, a public accommodation should take measures to provide access to restroom facilities. These measures include, for example, removal of obstructing furniture or vending machines, widening of doors, installation of ramps, providing accessible signage, widening of toilet stalls, and installation of grab bars.

    4) Fourth, a public accommodation should take any other measures necessary to provide access to the goods,      services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of a place of public accommodation.

d) Relationship to Alterations Requirements of Subpart D of this Part.

     1) Except as provided in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, measures taken to comply with the barrier removal requirements of this section shall comply with the applicable requirements for alterations in §36.402 and §§36.404 through 36.406 of this part for the element being altered. The path of travel requirements of §36.403 shall not apply to measures taken solely to comply with the barrier removal requirements of this section.

     2)

          i) Safe harbor. Elements that have not been altered in existing facilities on or after March 15, 2012, and that comply with the corresponding technical and scoping specifications for those elements in the 1991 Standards are not required to be modified in order to comply with the requirements set forth in the 2010 Standards.

          ii)

               (A) Before March 15, 2012, elements in existing facilities that do not comply with the corresponding technical and scoping specifications for those elements in the 1991 Standards must be modified to the extent readily achievable to comply with either the 1991 Standards or the 2010 Standards. Noncomplying newly constructed and altered elements may also be subject to the requirements of §36.406(a)(5).

               (B) On or after March 15, 2012, elements in existing facilities that do not comply with the corresponding technical and scoping specifications for those elements in the 1991 Standards must be modified to the extent readily achievable to comply with the requirements set forth in the 2010 Standards. Noncomplying newly constructed and altered elements may also be subject to the requirements of § 36.406(a)(5).

          iii) The safe harbor provided in § 36.304(d)(2)(i) does not apply to those elements in existing facilities that are subject to supplemental requirements (i.e., elements for which there are neither technical nor scoping specifications in the 1991 Standards), and therefore those elements must be modified to the extent readily achievable to comply with the 2010 Standards. Noncomplying newly constructed and altered elements may also be subject to the requirements of § 36.406(a)(5). Elements in the 2010 Standards not eligible for the element-by-element safe harbor are identified as follows –

               (A) Residential facilities and dwelling units, sections 233 and 809.

               (B) Amusement rides, sections 234 and 1002; 206.2.9; 216.12.

               (C) Recreational boating facilities, sections 235 and 1003; 206.2.10.

               (D) Exercise machines and equipment, sections 236 and 1004; 206.2.13.

               (E) Fishing piers and platforms, sections 237 and 1005; 206.2.14.

               (F) Golf facilities, sections 238 and 1006; 206.2.15.

               (G) Miniature golf facilities, sections 239 and 1007; 206.2.16.

               (H) Play areas, sections 240 and 1008; 206.2.17.

               (I) Saunas and steam rooms, sections 241 and 612.

               (J) Swimming pools, wading pools, and spas, sections 242 and 1009.

               (K) Shooting facilities with firing positions, sections 243 and 1010.

               (L) Miscellaneous.

                    1) Team or player seating, section 221.2.1.4.

                    2) Accessible route to bowling lanes, section 206.2.11.

                    3) Accessible route in court sports facilities, section 206.2.12.

3) If, as a result of compliance with the alterations requirements specified in paragraph (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this section, the measures required to remove a barrier would not be readily achievable, a public accommodation may take other readily achievable measures to remove the barrier that do not fully comply with the specified requirements. Such measures include, for example, providing a ramp with a steeper slope or widening a doorway to a narrower width than that mandated by the alterations requirements. No measure shall be taken, however, that poses a significant risk to the health or safety of individuals with disabilities or others.

Appendix to §36.304(d) Compliance Dates and Applicable Standards for Barrier Removal and Safe Harbor

e) Portable Ramps. Portable ramps should be used to comply with this section only when installation of a permanent ramp is not readily achievable. In order to avoid any significant risk to the health or safety of individuals with disabilities or others in using portable ramps, due consideration shall be given to safety features such as nonslip surfaces, railings, anchoring, and strength of materials.

f) Selling or Serving Space. The rearrangement of temporary or movable structures, such as furniture, equipment, and display racks is not readily achievable to the extent that it results in a significant loss of selling or serving space

g) Limitation on Barrier Removal Obligations.

     1) The requirements for barrier removal under §36.304 shall not be interpreted to exceed the standards for alterations in subpart D of this part.

      2) To the extent that relevant standards for alterations are not provided in subpart D of this part, then the requirements of §36.304 shall not be interpreted to exceed the standards for new construction in subpart D of this part.

     3) This section does not apply to rolling stock and other conveyances to the extent that §36.310 applies to rolling stock and other conveyances.

     4) This requirement does not apply to guest rooms in existing facilities that are places of lodging where the guest rooms are not owned by the entity that owns, leases, or operates the overall facility and the physical features of the guest room interiors are controlled by their individual owners.

     5) With respect to facilities built before March 15, 2012, the requirements in this section for accessible means of entry for swimming pools, wading pools, and spas, as set forth in sections 242 and 1009 of the 2010 Standards, shall not apply until January 31, 2013.

[ADA Title III] §36.305 Alternatives to Barrier Removal.

a) General. Where a public accommodation can demonstrate that barrier removal is not readily achievable, the public accommodation shall not fail to make its goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations available through alternative methods, if those methods are readily achievable.

b) Examples. Examples of alternatives to barrier removal include, but are not limited to, the following actions –

     1) Providing curb service or home delivery;

     2) Retrieving merchandise from inaccessible shelves or racks;

     3) Relocating activities to accessible locations;

c) Multiscreen Cinemas. If it is not readily achievable to remove barriers to provide access by persons with mobility impairments to all of the theaters of a multiscreen cinema, the cinema shall establish a film rotation schedule that provides reasonable access for individuals who use wheelchairs to all films. Reasonable notice shall be provided to the public as to the location and time of accessible showings.

11B-102 Dimensions for adults and children.

The technical requirements are based on adult dimensions and anthropometrics. In addition, this chapter includes technical requirements based on children’s dimensions and anthropometrics for drinking fountains, water closets, toilet compartments, lavatories and sinks, dining surfaces, and work surfaces.

11B-103 Equivalent facilitation.

Nothing in these requirements prevents the use of designs, products, or technologies as alternatives to those prescribed, provided they result in substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability.

Advisory 11B-103 Equivalent facilitation. The responsibility for demonstrating equivalent facilitation in the event of a challenge rests with the covered entity. With the exception of transit facilities, which are covered by regulations issued by the Department of Transportation, there is no process for certifying that an alternative design provides equivalent facilitation. ◼

11B-104 Conventions

11B-104.1 Dimensions.

Dimensions that are not stated as “maximum” or “minimum” are absolute.

Advisory 11B-104.1 Dimensions. This section clarifies the dimensioning conventions used in this chapter. Dimensions stated as a "maximum" or "minimum" provide a dimensional range for design purposes. Dimensions not stated as ‘maximum’ or ‘minimum’ are absolute values for design purposes. ◼

11B-104.1.1 Construction and manufacturing tolerances.

All dimensions are subject to conventional industry tolerances except where the requirement is stated as a range with specific minimum and maximum end points.

Advisory 11B-104.1.1 Construction and manufacturing tolerances. Conventional industry tolerances recognized by this provision include those for field conditions and those that may be a necessary consequence of a particular manufacturing process. Recognized tolerances are not intended to apply to design work.

It is good practice when specifying dimensions to avoid specifying a tolerance where dimensions are absolute. For example, if this document requires "1½ inches," avoid specifying "1½ inches plus or minus X inches."

Where the requirement states a specified range, such as in Section 11B-609.4 where grab bars must be installed between 33 inches and 36 inches above the floor, the range provides an adequate tolerance and therefore no tolerance outside of the range at either end point is permitted.

Where a requirement is a minimum or a maximum dimension that does not have two specific minimum and maximum end points, tolerances may apply. Where an element is to be installed at the minimum or maximum permitted dimension, such as "15 inches minimum" or "5 pounds maximum", it would not be good practice to specify "5 pounds (plus X pounds) or 15 inches (minus X inches)." Rather, it would be good practice to specify a dimension less than the required maximum (or more than the required minimum) by the amount of the expected field or manufacturing tolerance and not to state any tolerance in conjunction with the specified dimension.

Specifying dimensions in design in the manner described above will better ensure that facilities and elements accomplish the level of accessibility intended by these requirements. It will also more often produce an end result of strict and literal compliance with the stated requirements and eliminate enforcement difficulties and issues that might otherwise arise.

Information on specific tolerances may be available from industry or trade organizations, code groups and building officials, and published references. ◼

Advisory 11B-104.1.1 Construction and manufacturing tolerances. Application of conventional industry tolerances must be on a case-by-case, project-by-project basis. Predetermined guidelines for construction tolerances could unnecessarily encourage contractors and others to deviate from the access regulations found in the CBC and may wrongfully be viewed by some to have the effect of law.

Conventional building industry tolerances include those for field conditions and those that may be a necessary consequence of a particular manufacturing process. Recognized tolerances are not intended to apply to design work.

Where accessibility provisions state a dimensional range, such as Section 11B-505.4 which requires the top of stair handrails to be installed between 34 inches and 38 inches above the nosing, the range already provides an adequate tolerance, therefore, no tolerance outside the range at either end point is permitted.

An element designed to be constructed at either the maximum or minimum permitted dimensions puts the construction at risk if construction errors result in a violation of the standards. It is good practice to specify a dimension less than the required maximum (or more than the required minimum) by the amount of the expected field or manufacturing tolerance and not to state any tolerance in conjunction with the specified dimension.

In other words, dimensions noted in accessibility provisions as “maximum” or “minimum” should not be considered dimensions for design, as they represent the limits of a requirement. To be sure that field tolerances result in usable construction, notes and dimensions in construction documents should anticipate expected tolerances so that a required dimensional range is not exceeded by the addition of a finish or a variation in construction practice.

Specifying dimensions in design in the manner described above will better ensure that facilities and elements accomplish the level of accessibility intended by the provision. It will also more often produce an end result of strict and literal compliance with the stated requirements and eliminate enforcement difficulties and issues that might otherwise arise. ◼

11B-104.2 Calculation of percentages.

Where the required number of elements or facilities to be provided is determined by calculations of ratios or percentages and remainders or fractions result, the next greater whole number of such elements or facilities shall be provided. Where the determination of the required size or dimension of an element or facility involves ratios or percentages, rounding down for values less than one half shall be permitted.

11B-104.3 Figures.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, figures are provided for informational purposes only.

FIGURE 11B-104 GRAPHIC CONVENTION FOR FIGURES

11B-105 Referenced standards

11B-105.1 General.

See Chapter 35.

11B-106 Definitions

11B-106.1 General.

For the purpose of this chapter, the terms listed in Section 11B-106.5 and defined in Chapter 2 have the indicated meaning.

11B-106.2 Terms defined in referenced standards.

Terms not listed in Section 11B-106.5 and not defined in Chapter 2, Section 202, but specifically defined in a referenced standard, shall have the specified meaning from the referenced standard unless otherwise stated.

11B-106.3 Undefined terms.

The meaning of terms not specifically listed in Section 11B-106.5, and not defined in Chapter 2, Section 202, or in referenced standards shall be as defined by collegiate dictionaries in the sense that the context implies.

11B-106.4 Interchangeability.

See Chapter 2, Section 201.2.

11B-106.5 Defined terms.

The following terms are defined in Chapter 2, Section 202.

Advisory 11B-106.5 Defined terms. Terms defined in Chapter 2, Section 202 and adopted by DSA-AC for access are listed below. Non-italicized terms indicate 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act Standards model code definitions. Italicized terms indicate definitions carried forward from the 2010 California Building Code. ◼

ACCESS AISLE

ACCESSIBILITY

ACCESSIBLE

ACCESSIBLE ELEMENT

ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS

ACCESSIBLE ROUTE

ACCESSIBLE SPACE

ADAPTABLE

ADDITION

ADJUSTED CONSTRUCTION COST

ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY

AISLE

ALTERATION

AMUSEMENT ATTRACTION

AMUSEMENT RIDE

AMUSEMENT RIDE SEAT

ANSI

APPROVED

APPROVED TESTING AGENCY

AREA OF REFUGE

AREA OF SPORT ACTIVITY

ASSEMBLY AREA

ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEM (ALS)

AUTOMATIC DOOR

AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINE (ATM)

BATHROOM

BLENDED TRANSITION

BOARDING PIER

BOAT LAUNCH RAMP

BOAT SLIP

BUILDING

BUILDING OFFICIAL

CATCH POOL

CCR

CHARACTERS

CHILDREN’S USE

CIRCULATION PATH

CLEAR

CLEAR FLOOR SPACE

CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEPHONE

COMMERCIAL FACILITIES

COMMON USE

COMPLY WITH

CROSS SLOPE

CURB CUT

CURB RAMP

DETECTABLE WARNING

DIRECTIONAL SIGN

DISABILITY

DORMITORY

DRIVE-UP ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION

ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV)

ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGER

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING SPACE (EV SPACE)

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION (EVCS)

ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CONNECTOR

ELEMENT

ELEVATED PLAY COMPONENT

ELEVATOR, PASSENGER

EMPLOYEE WORK AREA

ENFORCING AGENCY

ENTRANCE

EQUIVALENT FACILITATION

EXISTING BUILDING OR FACILITY

EXIT

FACILITY

FUNCTIONAL AREA

GANGWAY

GOLF CAR PASSAGE

GRAB BAR

GRADE (ADJACENT GROUND ELEVATION)

GRADE BREAK

GROUND FLOOR

GROUND LEVEL PLAY COMPONENT

GUARD

HANDRAIL

HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

HISTORICAL BUILDINGS

HOUSING AT A PLACE OF EDUCATION

IF, IF…THEN

INTERNATIONAL SYMBOL OF ACCESSIBILITY

KEY STATION

KICK PLATE

KITCHEN OR KITCHENETTE

LAVATORY

MAIL BOXES

MARKED CROSSING

MAY

MEZZANINE

MULTIBEDROOM HOUSING UNIT

NFPA

NOSING

OCCUPANT LOAD

OCCUPIABLE SPACE

OPEN RISER

OPERABLE PART

PASSENGER ELEVATOR

PATH OF TRAVEL

PEDESTRIAN

PEDESTRIAN WAY

PERMANENT

PERMIT

PICTOGRAM

PLACE OF PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION

PLATFORM

PLATFORM (WHEELCHAIR) LIFT

PLAY AREA

PLAY COMPONENT

POINT-OF-SALE DEVICE

POWDER ROOM

POWER-ASSISTED DOOR

PRIVATE BUILDING OR FACILITY

PROFESSIONAL OFFICE OF A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

PUBLIC BUILDING OR FACILITY

PUBLIC ENTITY

PUBLIC ENTRANCE

PUBLIC HOUSING

PUBLIC USE

PUBLIC-USE AREAS

PUBLIC WAY

QUALIFIED HISTORIC BUILDING OR FACILITY

RAMP

REASONABLE PORTION

RECOMMEND

REMODELING

REPAIR

RESIDENTIAL DWELLING UNIT

RESTRICTED ENTRANCE

RISER

RUNNING SLOPE

SELF-SERVICE STORAGE

SERVICE ENTRANCE

SHALL

SHOPPING CENTER (OR SHOPPING MALL)

SHOULD

SIDEWALK

SIGN

SINK

SITE

SLEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS

SOFT CONTAINED PLAY STRUCTURE

SPACE

SPECIFIED PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

STAGE

STAIR

STAIRWAY

STORY

STRUCTURAL FRAME

STRUCTURE

TACTILE

TACTILE SIGN

TECHNICALLY INFEASIBLE

TEEING GROUND

TEMPORARY

TEXT TELEPHONE

TRANSFER DEVICE

TRANSIENT LODGING

TRANSIT BOARDING PLATFORM

TRANSITION PLATE

TTY

UNREASONABLE HARDSHIP

USE ZONE

VALUATION THRESHOLD

VEHICULAR WAY

WALK

WET BAR

WHEELCHAIR

WHEELCHAIR SPACE

WORKSTATION

WORK AREA EQUIPMENT

11B-107 Special conditions appeals action.

See Chapter 1, Section 1.9.1.5.

11B-108 Maintenance of accessible features.

A public accommodation shall maintain in operable working condition those features of facilities and equipment that are required to be accessible to and useable by persons with disabilities. Isolated or temporary interruptions in service or accessibility due to maintenance or repairs shall be permitted.

11B-108 Maintenance of accessible features. Features for accessibility must be permanently functional, unobstructed and may not be removed. It is not sufficient to provide features such as accessible routes, parking, elevators, ramps or signage if those features are not maintained in a manner that enables individuals with disabilities to use them. Inoperable elevators, locked accessible doors, or "accessible" routes that are obstructed by furniture, filing cabinets or potted plants are not accessible to nor usable by persons with disabilities. ◼