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California Building Code Excerpt

Section 11B-303 Changes in Level

Code excerpt regarding technical requirements for changes in level: general, vertical, beveled, ramps, and warning curbs.

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 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) high maximum shall be permitted to be vertical and without edge treatment.

Figure 11B-303.2 Vertical Changes in Level
Figure 11B-303.2 Vertical Changes in Level

11B-303.3 Beveled. Changes in level between 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) high minimum and 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) high maximum shall be beveled with a slope not steeper than 1:2.

Advisory 11B-303.3 Beveled. A change in level of 1/2 inch (13 mm) is permitted to be 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) vertical plus 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) beveled. However, in no case may the combined change in level exceed 1/2 inch (13 mm). Changes in level exceeding 1/2 inch (13 mm) must comply with Sections 11B-405 (Ramps) or 11B-406 (Curb Ramps).

Figure 11B-303.3 Beveled Change in Level
Figure 11B-303.3 Beveled Change in Level

11B-303.4 Ramps. Changes in level greater than 1/2 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 m) 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.

This section requires a physically detectable barrier between changes in elevation greater than 4″ high where adjacent to pedestrian circulation elements.