While most private residences in the U.S.A. are not required to have wheelchair ramps, they are often necessary and useful both for individuals with mobility issues, and for strollers and other conveniences. In this wikiHow we will look at some of the requirements a wheelchair ramp must have to conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).



Steps

1. Check the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines for material and planning requirements. (http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm#4.8)
2. Check with your local building inspection department for any local laws governing ramps.
3. Take photographs of your site if it aids you in the planning process.
4. Examine photographs or actual ramps in your neighborhood for ideas and inspiration.
5. Take careful and accurate measurements from your site.
6. Create a construction plan to scale. See your local planning office for specific plan requirements including:
   • Required scales.
   • Number and type of drawings. You may need to start with a site plan, for example.
   • Drawing details and required information. For example, your drawing may need to specify that you are using treated wood for any posts or piers to be placed into the ground.
7. If digging will be required for the construction of your ramp be sure to check with the appropriate local government offices or untilites concerning hidden obstructions including underground pipes or wires. Electrical wires will often be located at least 24 to 36 inches or deeper but telephone lines may be shallow.
8. Slope regulatory diagram Be sure to understand and incorporate the ADA guidelines for accessibility ramps into your drawn plans. Pay particular attention to this diagram:
   • The minimum and maximum allowed slope. A slope of 1:12 — in other words, for every inch above the ground the ramp must rise, you must provide 12 inches of ramp length — is the maximum or steepest slope allowed for most applications. A slope of 1:20 is usually better for accessibility.
   • The maximum run. In other words, no section of the ramp may be longer than a certain length calculated from your slope. Again reference your city or state codes or reference the ADA guidelines.
   • Landings. You must provide a landing at the top and bottom of your ramp, at any place where the ramp turns and at the end of your maximum run. The size of the landing will always be a minimum of 5 feet square (60 by 60 inches).
   • Leveling. An accessibility ramp's landings must be perfectly level.
   • A hand rail. Hand rails are not always required (only legally required for slopes greater than 1:6) but are usually a good idea for most accessibility installations.
   • Minimum and maximum widths. For example, your landings must be at least as wide as your ramp. In addition, your ramp must be a minimum of 36 inches wide. Additional requirements apply for other situations like curb ramps and doors opening onto landings.
9. Submit your drawings to the local planning office and obtain the necessary permits, building and inspection schedules.
10. Create a budget and materials list based on your plans.
11. Begin construction.

Tips

• Your site may have exceptions to the ADA requirements governed by existing conditions, new or old construction, curbs or space available. Be sure to examine the requirements carefully, including any exceptions (usually found in appendices) when assessing your site and creating plans.
• Plan your ramp for expected needs: in other words, if a particular individual will be using the ramp a great deal, plan accordingly. Also take into account possible additional needs in the future when planning your ramp.
• You can find planning codes at your local planning office, the library and sometimes online. Check your local telephone directory (often in the front or back) for locations and contact information.
• Consider local conditions when choosing materials for your ramp. For example, if you have a great deal of snow much of the time additional traction may be needed.

Warnings

• You can be legally liable if somebody has an injury on your property, or if you provide a ramp that does not conform exactly to government specifications.
• Consider hiring a contractor who specializes in accessibility issues to install your ramp.