Carl Brahe
Ramps provide a means for people with mobilities limitations to access areas otherwise inaccessible due to changes height along routes to entry and goods and services. There are specific requirements for straight ramps, longer ramps, and curb ramps to allow individuals using mobility aids and those not using mobility aids who are unable to use stairs or steep inclines. All ramp surface must firm and have no trip hazards or loose surfaces.
All ramps must be at least 36 inches wide and provide a slight incline. One inch rise for every foot of run is required in most cases. If the overall rise in height is 3 inches, or less, and space is limited, a slope of 1 inch rise for every 8 inches of run is allowed. If the overall rise is 6 inches or less a slope no steeper than 1 inch rise for every 10 inches of run is allowed where space is limited. If the slope is greater than 1 inch rise in 20 inches of run railings and edge protection are required. Cross slopes can be no more than 1 inch rise for every 48 inches run.
If the ramp has an overall rise of more than 6 inches railings are required. The handrails must be no less than 34 inches high and no greater than 38 inches above the ramp surface. This does not apply to curb ramps.
Railings must have continuous gripping surface with no breaks or obstructions above or to the sides.
Obstacles are allowed below if the cover less than 20% of the length. Circular handrails must have gripping surfaces no less than 1.25 inches and no greater than 2 inches in diameter. If the gripping surface is not circular, they must be no less than 4 inches around and no greater than 6.25 inches with a cross section no more than 2.25 inches.
Railings must extend at least 12 inches horizontally beyond both ends of the ramp. This is not required if it causes a hazard in a circular path.
If there is a turn in the path of the ramp a level surface of 60 inches by 60 inches minimum must be provided to allow safe navigation of the change in direction.
A level surface that is 60 inches minimum must be present at the top and bottom of ramps. This prevents runaway wheelchairs and provides a surface to transition from higher or lower surfaces.
A barrier at the bottom of the ramp is required to prevent wheelchair wheels and crutch tips from falling off the edge of the path. This may be a railing along the bottom of the sides of the ramp or a built-up barrier that guides wheelchairs or crutches back onto the ramp surface.
Curb ramps must be at least 36 inches wide not including side flares.
A 36-inch minimum level surface at least as wide as the curb ramp must be present.
Curb ramp slopes must be no more than 1 inch rise for every 1 foot of run with cross slopes no greater than 1 inch rise in 48 inches of run. Side flairs must have a slope no greater than 1 inch rise in 10 inches of run.
Curb ramps are required where cutouts of the curb are used to allow transitioning to or from sidewalk and a lower surface such as a parking area.