This has been received by the City of Burlingame as Service Request #197.

Deputy Director of PW Operations assigned this issue to Chief Building Official

Dear M Velasco,

Section 1012.6 of the 2013 California Building Code requires that the handrail continue to slope for the depth of one tread beyond the bottom riser. This means that if the bottom tread that you step on is 11 inches, the handrail portion has to extend past the bottom riser by a minimum of 11 inches.

In the photo it appears to be more than the minimum requirement of the building code which indicates that there is no violation. With that said, I agree that the handrail could be reduced a little bit without creating a building code violation. The question is would the owners of the building be willing to make the changes.

Best

Thank you for reviewing this!

My worry is that people who have low-vision or have some vision impairment could get into trouble there. They will tap their cane or sweep under the railing and not detect that they're about to walk right into it. There are a couple of eye clinics on Broadway, with patients who may not have the best vision.

Your welcome! I will reach out to the owner to see if they would be willing to reduce the length of the handrail so that it does not stick out so far. I can't promise you anything, however, it does not hurt to try. Have a wonderful weekend.

The area of Wells Fargo has very little amount of foot traffic. If the rail is up to code, please don't have the merchant or property owner to go through an expense that is not in violation. The rail has been there for many years and I have not heard of any incidents. The city staff time is very valuable and I would not want the staff to waste time on this matter. Thank you, John Kevranian, President - Broadway Burlingame Business Improvement District.

Mr. Kevranian,

Thank you for your input in this matter. Have a wonderful day!

This request has been closed. Thank you for helping to improve your city!