What Constitutes When a Change in Elevation Becomes a Ramp?

[jar546]

Question:

When does ADA require a ramp and when does a simple change in elevation of an accessible route trigger the ramp requirements?

 

[Msradell]

Any sloping surface that a person must traverse to enter the occupancy/business is considered a ramp under the ADA. As such it must meet the slope requirements

 

[jar546]

Any sloping surface that a person must traverse to enter the occupancy/business is considered a ramp under the ADA. As such it must meet the slope requirements

What if it is a 2% slope such as a parking lot spot and access aisle?

Could we not say that as long as you don't exceed 5% (1:20) running slope on an accessible path of travel, it does not need to comply with the requirements of a ramp?

 

[steveray]

Could we not say that as long as you don't exceed 5% (1:20) running slope on an accessible path of travel, it does not need to comply with the requirements of a ramp?

Absolutely...It's a sloped floor....

 

[mtlogcabin]

[BE] RAMP. A walking surface that has a running slope steeper than one unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-percent slope).

 

[tmurray]

I've seen the 1:20 threshold used a fair amount in accessibility standards in Canada.

 

[Yikes]

 

[Msradell]

What if it is a 2% slope such as a parking lot spot and access aisle?

Could we not say that as long as you don't exceed 5% (1:20) running slope on an accessible path of travel, it does not need to comply with the requirements of a ramp?

That's true for the slope in the direction of travel but the cross slope can only be 2%.