2022 California Standards for Accessible Design Guide (effective January 1, 2023)

11B-232.2 General holding cells and general housing cells.

General holding cells and general housing cells shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-232.2.

Advisory 11B-232.2 General holding cells and general housing cells. Accessible cells or rooms should be dispersed among different levels of security, housing categories, and holding classifications (e.g., male/female and adult/juvenile) to facilitate access. Many detention and correctional facilities are designed so that certain areas (e.g., "shift" areas) can be adapted to serve as different types of housing according to need. For example, a shift area serving as a medium-security housing unit might be redesignated for a period of time as a high-security housing unit to meet capacity needs. Placement of accessible cells or rooms in shift areas may allow additional flexibility in meeting requirements for dispersion of accessible cells or rooms. ◼

Exception: Reserved.  

[2010 ADA Standards] EXCEPTION: Alterations to cells shall not be required to comply except to the extent determined by the Attorney General.

11B-232.2.1 Cells with mobility features.

At least 3 percent, but no fewer than one, of the total number of cells in a facility shall provide mobility features complying with Section 11B-807.2.

[2010 ADA Standards] 232.2.1 Cells with Mobility Features. At least 2 percent, but no fewer than one, of the total number of cells in a facility shall provide mobility features complying with 807.2. 

11B-232.2.1.1 Beds.

In cells having more than 25 beds, at least 5 percent of the beds shall have clear floor space complying with Section 11B-807.2.3.

11B-232.2.1.2 Dispersion.

Cells with mobility features shall be provided in each classification level.

11B-232.2.1.3 Substitute cells.

When alterations are made to specific cells, detention and correctional facility operators may satisfy their obligation to provide the required number of cells with mobility features by providing the required mobility features in substitute cells (cells other than those where alterations are originally planned), provided that each substitute cell meets the following conditions:

1. Located within the same prison site.
2. Integrated with the other cells to the maximum extent feasible.
3. Has equal physical access as the altered cells to areas used by inmates or detainees for visitation, dining, recreation, educational programs, medical services, work programs, religious services, and participation in other programs that the facility offers to inmates or detainees.

11B-232.2.1.4 Technically infeasible.

Where it is technically infeasible to locate a substitute cell within the same prison site in compliance with Section 11B-232.2.1.3, a substitute cell shall be provided at another prison site within the correctional system.

11B-232.2.2 Cells with communication features.

At least 2 percent, but no fewer than one, of the total number of general holding cells and general housing cells equipped with audible emergency alarm systems and permanently installed telephones within the cell shall provide communication features complying with Section 11B-807.3.