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

11B-606 Lavatories and sinks

11B-606.1 General.

Lavatories and sinks shall comply with Section 11B-606.

Advisory 11B-606.1 General. If soap and towel dispensers are provided, they must be located within the reach ranges specified in Section 11B-308, except for those in toilet and bathing rooms which must comply with Section 11B-603.5. Locate soap and towel dispensers so that they are conveniently usable by a person at the accessible lavatory.

11B-606.2 Clear floor space.

A clear floor space complying with Section 11B-305, positioned for a forward approach, and knee and toe clearance complying with Section 11B-306 shall be provided.

Exceptions:

1. A parallel approach complying with Section 11B-305 shall be permitted to a kitchen sink in a space where a cook top or conventional range is not provided and to wet bars.

2. Reserved.

[2010 ADA Standards] 2. A lavatory in a toilet room or bathing facility for a single occupant accessed only through a private office and not for common use or public use shall not be required to provide knee and toe clearance complying with 306.

3. In residential dwelling units, cabinetry shall be permitted under lavatories and kitchen sinks provided that all of the following conditions are met:

(a) the cabinetry can be removed without removal or replacement of the fixture;

(b) the finish floor extends under the cabinetry; and

(c) the walls behind and surrounding the cabinetry are finished.

4. A knee clearance of 24 inches (610 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground shall be permitted at lavatories and sinks used primarily by children 6 through 12 years where the rim or counter surface is 31 inches (787 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground.

5. A parallel approach complying with Section 11B-305 shall be permitted to lavatories and sinks used primarily by children 5 years and younger.

6. The dip of the overflow shall not be considered in determining knee and toe clearances.

7. No more than one bowl of a multi-bowl sink shall be required to provide knee and toe clearance complying with Section 11B-306.

11B-606.3 Height.

Lavatories and sinks shall be installed with the front of the higher of the rim or counter surface 34 inches (864 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground.

Exceptions:

1. Reserved.

[2010 ADA Standards] 1. A lavatory in a toilet or bathing facility for a single occupant accessed only through a private office and not for common use or public use shall not be required to comply with 606.3.

2. In residential dwelling unit kitchens, sinks that are adjustable to variable heights, 29 inches (737 mm) minimum and 36 inches (914 mm) maximum, shall be permitted where rough-in plumbing permits connections of supply and drain pipes for sinks mounted at the height of 29 inches (737 mm).

11B-606.4 Faucets.

Controls for faucets shall comply with Section 11B-309. Hand-operated metering faucets shall remain open for 10 seconds minimum.

11B-606.5 Exposed pipes and surfaces.

Water supply and drain pipes under lavatories and sinks shall be insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. There shall be no sharp or abrasive surfaces under lavatories and sinks.

11B-606.6 Adjacent side wall or partition.

Lavatories, when located adjacent to a side wall or partition, shall be a minimum of 18 inches (457 mm) to the centerline of the fixture.

11B-606.7 Sink depth.

Where a forward approach is required at a sink, knee and toe clearance shall be provided in compliance with Section 11B-306.