California Building Codes for the Counter Height of a Wet Bar

Installation

• California codes allow builders or building owners to install wet bars in both residential and commercial buildings. Whether you're planning to install a wet bar in your home or a business -- such as a restaurant or banquet center -- the height of the wet bar's countertop must meet requirements for both accessibility and safety.

Minimum Height

• Section 1133A of the California building code requires wet bar countertops to be installed at a minimum height of 28 inches. The code does not specify a maximum height. If the counter is installed higher than 28 inches, however, it must be re-positionable to a height of 28 inches.

Exceptions

• Wet bar countertops made of stone, cultured stone or tile should be installed at a height of at least 28 inches. However, these types of countertops don't need to be re-positionable. They may be permanently attached, even if they're installed at a height greater than 28 inches.

Floor Space

• California's building code requirements state that the floor under a wet bar countertop should extend under the countertop all the way to the wall. The floor should extend all the way to the wall even if a cupboard or cabinet unit is installed underneath the wet bar. In addition, floor space of at least 30 inches by 48 inches should be available between the wet bar and any structure immediately behind it, such as a wall or another countertop.