2025 California Standards for Accessible Design Guide (effective January 1, 2026)
11B-228 Depositories, vending machines, change machines, mail boxes, fuel dispensers, and electric vehicle charging stations.
[2010 ADA Standards] 228 Depositories, Vending Machines, Change Machines, Mail Boxes, and Fuel Dispensers
11B-228.1 General.
Where provided, at least one of each type of depository, vending machine, change machine, and fuel dispenser shall comply with Section 11B-309. Electric vehicle charging stations shall comply with Section 11B-228.3.
[2010 ADA Standards] 228.1 General. Where provided, at least one of each type of depository, vending machine, change machine, and fuel dispenser shall comply with 309.
Exception: Drive-up only depositories shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-309.
11B-228.2 Mail boxes.
Where mail boxes are provided in an interior location, at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of each type shall comply with Section 11B-309. In residential facilities, where mail boxes are provided for each residential dwelling unit, mail boxes complying with Section 11B-309 shall be provided for each residential dwelling unit required to provide mobility features complying with Sections 11B-809.2 through 11B-809.4 and adaptable features complying with Sections 11B-809.6 through 11B-809.12.
[2010 ADA Standards] 228.2 Mail Boxes. Where mail boxes are provided in an interior location, at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of each type shall comply with 309. In residential facilities, where mail boxes are provided for each residential dwelling unit, mail boxes complying with 309 shall be provided for each residential dwelling unit required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2 through 809.4.
11B-228.3.1 General.
Where electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) are provided, EVCS shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-228.3.
Advisory 11B-228.3 Electric vehicle charging stations. The CBC Chapter 11B requirements for electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) provided at places of public accommodation, public buildings, or commercial facilities are based on similar requirements for parking spaces, which under the ADA apply to car and van spaces (see CBC Chapter 11B Section 11B-502.1). Accordingly, the CBC Chapter 11B EVCS regulations apply to and are sized for EVCS that service typical passenger cars, trucks, and vans.
Technological advancements in electric vehicle charging often do not align with the adopted regulations. Electric vehicles studied in the 2015 Triennial Code Cycle were typical passenger cars, trucks, and vans used by the general public, and future advancements in larger electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging technology were not considered. While the definition for ELECTRIC VEHICLE provided in CBC Chapter 2 lists a multitude of electric vehicle examples, at its adoption it defined electric vehicles that are similar-sized and similar use to typical passenger cars, trucks, and vans. A broader interpretation of the definition to encompass larger electric vehicles, and the application of scoping and technical standards in CBC Chapter 11B to EVCS that service larger electric vehicles, is inconsistent with the regulations as adopted. ◼
11B-228.3.1.1 Existing facilities.
Where new EVCS are added to a facility with existing EVCS, the requirements of Section 11B-812 shall apply only to the new EVCS installed. Alterations to existing EVCS shall comply with Section 11B-228.3.
11B-228.3.1.2 Operable parts.
Where EV chargers are provided, operable parts on all EV chargers shall comply with Section 11B-309.4.
11B-228.3.2 Minimum number.
EVCS complying with Section 11B-812 shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-228.3.2 for each combination of charging level and EV connector type integral to the EV charger. Each combination of charging level (such as: AC Level 1, AC Level 2, DC Fast Charge) and EV connector type shall be considered as a facility. Where EVCS are provided in more than one facility on a site, the number of EVCS complying with Section 11B-228.3.2 provided on the site shall be calculated according to the number required for each facility. In public housing facilities, EVCS provided for common use of residents shall comply with Section 11B-228.3.2. Where an EV charger can simultaneously charge more than one vehicle, the number of EV chargers provided shall be considered equivalent to the number of electric vehicles that can be simultaneously charged.
Exceptions:
-
EVCS not available to the general public and designated specifically for an individual EV driver shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-228.3.2.
-
EVCS not available to the general public and serving only fleet vehicles shall not be required to comply with Section
11B-228.3.2.
Note: Electric vehicle charging provided in newly constructed facilities are also subject to the California Green Building Standards Code.
Advisory 11B-228.3.2. Exception. The use of the language “designated for use by an individual” can refer to a driver, employee, or resident in public housing. ◼
ETA Editor's Note:
From DSA's "Summary of New and Amended 2025 California Building Code (CBC) Regulations for Accessibility in the Triennial Code Cycle: "The exceptions for providing the minimum number of EVCS listed in Section 11B-228.3.2 have been amended to increase clarity for code users and enforcement entities.
11B-228.3.2.1 Public use or common use EVCS.
Where EVCS are provided for public use or common use, EVCS complying with Section 11B-812 shall be provided in accordance with Table 11B-228.3.2.1. Where new EVCS are installed in facilities with existing EVCS, the “Total Number of EVCS at a Facility” in Table 11B-228.3.2.1 shall include both existing and new EVCS.
Exception: All drive-up EVCS shall comply with Section 11B-812.
TABLE 11B-228.3.2.1 ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS FOR PUBLIC USE AND COMMON USE
|
MINIMUM NUMBER (by type) OF EVCS REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH SECTION 11B-8121 |
||||
| Van Accessible |
Standard Accessible |
Ambulatory |
||
|
1 to 4 |
1 | 0 |
0 |
|
|
5 to 25 |
1 | 1 |
0 |
|
|
26 to 50 |
1 | 1 |
1 |
|
|
51 to 75 |
1 | 2 |
2 |
|
|
76 to 100 |
1 | 3 |
3 |
|
|
101 and over |
1, plus 1 for each 300, or fraction thereof, over 100 |
3, plus 1 for each 60, or fraction thereof, over 100 |
3, plus 1 for each 50, or fraction thereof, over 100 |
|
1. Where an EV charger can simultaneously charge more than one vehicle, the number of EVCS provided shall be considered equivalent to the number of electric vehicles that can be simultaneously charged.
ETA Editor's Note
The electric vehicle charging station scoping requirements were new to CBC as of 2016, complemented by new definitions in Section 202 and technical requirements in Section 11B-812. EVCS are not addressed by 2010 ADA Standards, although a case could be made, based on the general obligation for governments to make their services, programs or activities available to individuals with disabilities [ADA Title II §35.130], and for public accommodations and commercial facilities to make their goods, services, facilities, etc. available [ADA Title III §36.201(a)], that, if EVCS are made available to the public by any of these entities, they must be made available to individuals with disabilities. However, the absence of scoping or technical requirements in the Standards would make it difficult to conclude what that means.
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