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IBC Chapter 11 — Accessibility

Updated Mar 25, 2026
Establishes accessible routes, doors, stairs, and facilities meeting ADA guidelines and IBC standards.

Chapter 11 of the International Building Code addresses accessibility throughout buildings, aligning with ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADA AG) and ADA Standards for Accessible Design. The chapter requires that all areas of buildings be accessible to persons with mobility disabilities, visual impairments, and hearing impairments. Accessible routes must connect all public areas and tenant spaces with firm, stable surfaces and slopes not exceeding 5 percent. Accessible parking spaces positioned near building entries must be clearly marked and signed. Entrances must be at grade or accessible by ramps with maximum 1:12 slope. Accessible doors must be 36 inches clear width (32 inches for interior doors), with lever handles operable with a closed fist. Power doors are permitted and provide easier access. Stairs must have handrails at 34-38 inches height on both sides with a continuous grip of 1.25-1.5 inches diameter. Elevator access to all occupied stories is required in buildings with multiple floors. Platform lifts (vertical lifts) may be permitted where elevators are not feasible. Restroom facilities must be accessible with grab bars, accessible sinks, and accessible toilets at appropriate heights. Signage for accessible routes and facilities must use the wheelchair symbol and be positioned at identifying locations. Emergency alarm systems must include visual signals (strobe lights) in addition to audible alarms for persons with hearing impairments.

TAGS
ibcchapter-11accessibility
DETAILS
section
Chapter 11
category
Accessibility
code body
IBC
code year
2021
SOURCES
🔗https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IBC2021P2
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