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Ramp that is less than 1:20 slope. Official requiring handrail

F

Fast_Edd1e

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Jun 30, 2021
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36
Location
Michigan
Michigan Building Code 2015.
We have a commercial building that has a slope approaching the entry door. Overall change of elevation is about 11". Slope though is less than 1:20 at around 1:30

Building official is saying we need a handrail. Which i disagree with since the building code says a ramp as a means of egress shall have a slope not steeper than 1:12. ANSI 2009 ICC A117.1 says a ramp shall have a running slope greater than 1:20.

So in my opinion. It is not a ramp, and therefore not needing handrails.

However, he always requires me to show a code section that says its not a ramp. As he has done this to me in the past. The ANSI section makes the most sense to me saying "ramp runs shall have a running slope greater than 1:20" therefore have less of a slope does not make it a ramp.

Anyone have any suggestions for code section to reference.

We do have a slight drop at the edge, to a sidewalk, but its only 6" and therefore not requiring a guardrail. Ive attached a photo. The sidewalk slopes down as well and they kept the curb top level as the owner was thinking of just puting narrow planters on it. We have the ability to add a rail. But its come down to a rush item.
 

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I agree with Mr. Inspector. The IBC definition of "Ramp" is "a running slope steeper than 1 unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-percent slope)."

From ICC/ANSI A117-2017: "405.2 Slope. Ramp runs shall have a running slope greater than 1:20 and not steeper than 1:12."

From the 2010 ADAS, Definitions: "Ramp. A walking surface that has a running slope steeper than 1:20."


With a slope of 1:30, by definition it is not a ramp. Therefore, it is an unregulated slope. No handrails required.

For what it's worth, the official is incorrect in requiring you to cite a code section to prove him wrong. You are never required to prove that you are correct. It is the duty of an AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) to cite the law or code that an applicant is not meeting. As the chief prosecutor in our state used to remind us every year in her annual all-day in-service training class for building officials and fire marshals, "If you don't have a citation, you don't have a violation."

In other words, if he wants to require handrails on a walkway with a slope of 1:30, HE has to cite the code section(s) that require(s) it. He can't require you to prove a negative. There is no code section that says "Ramps with a slope less than 1:20 are not ramps and do not require handrails."
 
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It was actually a building official in the late 70s who introduced me to this. I was showing a ramp with handrails and everything, and he suggested that I could use a longer sidewalk at a 1:20 slope instead.
 
Fast_Edd1e said:
However, he always requires me to show a code section that says its not a ramp. As he has done this to me in the past. The ANSI section makes the most sense to me saying "ramp runs shall have a running slope greater than 1:20" therefore have less of a slope does not make it a ramp
Click to expand...
That is not how it works. He has to show you the code section he is citing, not the other way around. If your grade is as you describe and less than 1:20, then no, you do not need hand rails. Maybe you should use this link to send to him showing the consensus of building officials and architects that agree with you. Eating a piece of humble pie should not be a problem if he is a professional.
 
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