The Ramp That Does Not Fit the Run
A community center renovation has a first-floor finish floor at 104.4 ft and an existing public sidewalk at 100.0 ft. The available straight run between the property line and the door is 58 ft. The architect’s plan shows a 22-ft walk at 5.0% slope from the sidewalk to elevation 101.1, then a 36-ft ramp to the landing at 104.4. The plan notes a 2.0% cross slope, 34-inch handrails on both sides, and a 5-ft by 5-ft landing at the top. The contractor has staked the ramp and the bottom landing; the bottom landing falls 1.8% toward the door and the handrail extensions project into the required door maneuvering clearance. The building official has not yet reviewed the revised plan. The owner wants to keep the historic entry steps and the 58-ft run intact.
1. Check the ramp geometry. Is the 36-ft ramp adequate, and what code issues do the calculations reveal?
Read the worked answer
No. The rise from 101.1 to 104.4 is 3.3 ft, or 39.6 inches. At the maximum 1:12 slope, the required run is 39.6 ft, not 36 ft. The proposed slope is 3.3 divided by 36, or about 9.2%, which exceeds the 8.33% maximum. In addition, a single ramp run cannot exceed 30 inches of rise without an intermediate landing, so even a corrected ramp would need a landing if the rise exceeds 30 inches. The 22-ft walk at 5% is acceptable as a walking surface if it is part of the accessible route, but the ramp is not compliant. The plan should not be released for construction until the geometry is corrected and the building official has reviewed it.
2. What landing and handrail problems would you cite, and what is required?
Read the worked answer
The bottom landing must be at least 60 inches long and as wide as the ramp, with a maximum 2% slope in any direction. The staked 1.8% slope is numerically within 2%, but it falls toward the door, which can direct water into the entrance and interfere with door swing and maneuvering. The landing should drain away from the door or to a collection point. Handrails are required on both sides for a rise over 6 inches, at 34–38 inches above the ramp surface, with 12-inch extensions beyond the top and bottom. Extensions cannot project into the door maneuvering clearance; extend the landing or use a returned end that does not obstruct. Edge protection is also required so wheels and canes do not slip off. The 5-ft by 5-ft top landing is the minimum size but must be checked against the door swing and maneuvering clearance.
3. Given the 58-ft limit and the owner’s wish to keep the historic steps, what compliant options and documentation would you recommend?
Read the worked answer
The available 58 ft cannot accommodate a 22-ft walk, a 39.6-ft ramp, and the required top and bottom landings. Options are: reduce the total rise by regrading the walk and entry; use a switchback ramp with an intermediate landing, if width is available; use a vertical platform lift; or relocate the accessible entry. Do not request a variance before exhausting these approaches. Prepare a written code analysis comparing the options, coordinate with the building official early, and issue a revised drawing showing the selected route, landings, handrails, drainage, and dimensions. The historic steps can remain as a separate entrance, but the accessible route must be independent and compliant. Record the owner’s decision and any schedule or cost impact.