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Ramp in Supermarket

K

klmArchitect

Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2011
Messages
22
A potential client is looking at leasing a space for a Supermarket. After visiting the space I saw a 20" change in elevation running thru the middle of the space essentially cutting the space in half. Each side has an exit and I'm determining a proper ramp/stair layout when it occurred to me; "This is a Supermarket, can we even have a ramp considering shopping carts will be used?" So that's the question. After a brief 2010 NY Building Code review I can't find anything I can't do this. Granted, this ramp will have to be wider than ADA minimums so I can have carts pass one another but has anyone come across ramps in Supermarkets before?

Thx.
 
Perhaps it's not in the Code, but should be. Common sense says it's a bad mix, I'm surprised it hasn't been addressed before though.
 
SOUNDS FUN, HOPE THEY HAVE INSURANCE

0000000273
 
A Google search has returned quite a lot of interesting videos. I'm not going to lie, I want to try a few.
 
Not a supermarket, but... the original Orange County Choppers store in Montgomery, NY had a change in elevation at the rear of the sales area. Had to ramp it...
 
JBI, is that the location on 17K, across from the new bank? Never been there but coincidentally the only spot that comes to mind regarding ramps and retail was the old Devitts a town over.

Being a boutique supermarket I'm wondering how feasible it is to do away with the carts and solely use baskets. It's quite a small space at 7000 sq.ft. so the client may be able to get away with no carts, though he may be upset when the maximum amount of goods sold is only what one can carry.
 
Maybe you're doing this already, but I'd itemize the impacts of the level change before any lease is signed. My gut feeling is the client won't want this space that bad when he understands the negatives of the level change.
 
Yeah Mark,

I'm leading the horse to water by mentioning the liabilities and not to mention, the sq.ft. required for a ramp. I just wish I had a code section to support my concerns, or even a precedent.
 
klm - Yes, the one on 17K. What is the scope of the project? Change in Occupancy? Alterations? What level? I can quote you new Code, but need to know what will apply.
 
Know nothing about NY too far North.

Do not know anything in the Code that does not allow a ramp in Mercantile. However, you could design the ramp’s location to be in the middle of the store at the change of elevation. Run it parallel to the level change as long as you can to lessen the slope to be under 1:12 (8.3%). If you can get 5% or less it is not a ramp. As a ramp the max run between landings would be 30-ft. A 20” rise will take 20-ft of run for a 1:12 ramp plus landings at each end.
 
A ramp is not only permitted but a ranp lift or elevator required for accessibility. If there is an internal circulation path (stair) between the two levels there also needs to be an internal accessible route. 1:12 maximum slope landings and handrails both sides required.
 
klmArchitect said:
Yeah Mark,I'm leading the horse to water by mentioning the liabilities and not to mention, the sq.ft. required for a ramp. I just wish I had a code section to support my concerns, or even a precedent.
Click to expand...
Not just your client's but yours. You may be able to prove you weren't at fault for an accident but that won't save you legal fees.
 
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