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ADA Building Codes for Wheelchair Ramps

- The following will give you more information on the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) federal building codes for modular wheelchair ramps & the like. Your local building code however may have its own variations so please always check your local building codes as well before you plan to build a wheelchair ramp.
Before you plan to build a wheelchair ramp, either one of our modular wheelchair ramps systems or another system, it is a good idea to become familiar with the ADA codes. We have put together this information in an effort to help you in learn more about the ADA codes and how to comply with them. We also have additional information on this web site that you may find helpful like Aluminum modular ramps vs. Wooden Ramps You can also see some interesting ADA related links at the bottom of the page.

ADA OVERVIEW

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was set forth in 1990. The ADA recognizes and protects the civil rights of individuals with disabilities, enabling them to share in and contribute to the vitality of American life. The ADA means access to:
  • Jobs
  • Public accommodations
  • Government services
  • Public transportation
  • Telecommunications
ADA's regulations are issued and enforced by both the Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation. The Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) of the U.S. Architectural and Transportation Compliance Board (ATBCB) require public facilities and grounds to comply with design, construction, and installation standards. Although not binding to personal residences, these standards should be taken into consideration when purchasing a modular ramp.

WHERE DO MODULAR RAMPS FIT IN?

As it relates to ramps, the ADAAG specifies how steep a ramp (incline) must be, ramp width, handrail design, etc. The EZ-Install Modular Ramp System meets all ADAAG requirements. Although a ramp system installed at a private residence typically is not obligated to meet ADAAG requirements, by following these guidelines the end user is assured acceptable levels of convenience, comfort, and safety:

4.8.1 GENERAL
Any part of an accessible route with a slope greater than 1:20 shall be considered a ramp and shall comply with 4.8.
4.8.2 SLOPE AND RISE
The maximum slope of a ramp in new construction shall be 1:12. The maximum rise for any single ramp run shall be 30-inches (760 mm). Curb ramps and ramps to be constructed on existing sites or in existing buildings or facilities shall be permitted to have slopes and rises provided space limitations prohibit use of a 1:12 may have slopes and rises as follows (4.1.6):
  • A slope between 1:10 and 1:12 is allowed for a maximum rise of 6-inches.
  • A slope between 1:8 and 1:10 is allowed for a maximum rise of 3-inches. A slope steeper than 1:8 is not allowed.
4.8.3 CLEAR WIDTH
The minimum clear width of a ramp shall be 36-inches (915 mm) (see FIG A). 4.8.4 LANDING
Ramps shall have level landings (platforms) at the bottom and top of each ramp and each ramp run. Landings shall have the following features:
  • Landing width shall be at least as wide as the ramp run leading to it
  • Landing length shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum clear
  • Ramps that change direction at landings (platforms) shall have a 5'x 5' (1525 mm by 1525 mm) minimum landing (platform)
  • If a doorway is located at a landing (platform), then the area in front of the doorway shall comply with 4.13.6.

4.13.6 MANEUVERING CLEARANCES AT DOORS
Minimum maneuvering clearances at doors that are not automatic or power assisted shall be as shown in FIG A. The floor or ground area within the required clearances shall be level and clear.

4.8.5 HANDRAILS
If a ramp run has a rise greater than 6-inches (150 mm) or a run greater than 72-inches (1833 mm), then it shall have handrails on both sides. Handrails shall comply with 4.26 and have the following features:
  • Handrails shall be provided along both sides of ramp segments. The inside handrail on switchback (turn back platform) or dogleg (turn platform) ramps shall always be continuous.
  • If handrails are not continuous, they shall extend at least 12-inches (305 mm) beyond the top and bottom of the ramp segment and shall be parallel with the floor or ground surface (see FIG A).
  • The clear space between the handrail and the wall shall be 1½-inches (38 mm).
  • Gripping surfaces shall be continuous.
  • Top of handrail gripping surface shall be mounted between 34" and 38" (865 mm and 965 mm) above ramp surfaces.
  • Ends of handrails shall be either rounded or returned smoothly to floor, wall, or post.
  • Handrails shall not rotate within their fittings.

4.8.6 CROSS SLOPE AND SURFACES
The cross slope of ramp surfaces shall be no greater than 1:50. Ramp surfaces shall comply with 4.5.
4.5.1 GENERAL
Ground and floor surfaces along accessible routes and in accessible rooms and spaces including floors, walks, ramps, stairs, and curb ramps, shall be stable, firm, slip-resistant and comply with 4.5.
4.8.7 EDGE PROTECTION
Ramps and landings (platforms) with drop-offs shall have curbs, walls, railings, or projecting surfaces that prevent people from slipping off the ramp. Curbs shall be a minimum of 2-inches (50 mm) high (see FIG A).
4.8.8 OUTDOOR CONDITIONS
Outdoor ramps and their approaches shall be designed so that water will not accumulate on walking surfaces

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Click on the links below for additional information
SEE ALL OUR MODULAR WHEELCHAIR RAMPS
Learn about modular ramp building site evaluation
Aluminum vs. wood Modular wheelchair ramps
More information on ADA codes and requirements
Guide to ADA rights and laws ADA Questions and Answers
A Guide to Disability Rights Laws (HTML format)
Acrobat PDF format
ADA Questions and Answers
ADA Guide for small businesses ADA Guide for small towns
ADA Guide for Small Businesses (HTML)
Acrobat PDF format
ADA Guide for Small Towns (HTML)
Acrobat PDF format
The ADA and City Governments: Common Problems ADA Tax Incentives for Businesses
The ADA and City Government: Common Problems (HTML)
Acrobat PDF format
ADA Tax Incentive Packet for Businesses (HTML)
Disability Rights Online News ADA Myths and Facts
Disability Rights Online News
A Progress Report on Fulfilling America’s Promise to Americans with Disabilities ADA Stories – Four Communities Improve Civic Access
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