ADA Wheelchair Ramps Guidelines and Specifications

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides Wheelchair Ramp Specifications, Requirements and access guidelines that most business are required to meet. Most residential applications do not need to meet ADA guidelines, requirements and specifications, but they are a good reference point for recommended ramp lengths. Contact your local building inspector for additional information.

• ADA Requires a 1:12 slope ratio which works out to be one foot of ramp for each inch of rise. For instance, for a 20 inch rise ADA requires a 20 foot ramp.
• ADA Requires a Minimum 5’ x 5’ Flat area at the top and bottom of the ramp.
• ADA Requires a Minimum 36 inches of clear space across the ramp.
• ADA Requires a Minimum Platform size is 5’ x 5’
• ADA Requires a Maximum of 30 feet in a single run of wheelchair ramp prior to a rest or turn platform.
• ADA Requires handrails on both sides of the wheelchair ramp

Please note: This guideline is only intended to highlight our interpretation of some of the ADA wheelchair Ramp Specifications or guidelines and is not intended to replace or supersede ADA guidelines. If you need to meet ADA guidelines, we suggest you consult an ADA Ramp Compliance Consultant.