Crews have been tearing up exterior stairs (3 -5 risers) and sidewalks at my mother’s multi-building apartment complex this week. They are going to be installing ramped sidewalks to replace some of the stairs.
The unlicensed handyman who is doing the work hasn’t pulled permits, and the forms he’s building look a little too steep for older people using canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.
Can someone please give me the Reader’s Digest condensed version of common sense practices/ADA guidelines for outdoor walkways & ramps?
They’re planning to re-route some existing sidewalks so traffic will pass directly in front of some bedroom windows (some of the new sidewalks will replace planting beds): Does this sound kosher?
I have learned that this work is part of a “beautification project” undertaken by the owner- it hasn’t been mandated by any governmental agency.
Mom’s apartment building is in San Diego, CA.
Thanks,
-Jazzdogg-
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Gil Bailie
Replies
You can search around for others, but this http://www.ada.gov/adastd94.pdf is the ada document that should work.
Hope this helps. Rich.
Hi Rich,
I appreciate the link, although paging through a 4.5MB document may prove more than a little daunting ; - (
-Jazzdogg-
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
The #1 rule is no slope greater than 1:12, with 1:20 preferred. There are also limits on how long a ramp can be without a flat rest area, requirements for width, curbs, etc.
But it's the 1:12 slope limitation that is most important, and most likely to be violated by someone without the proper info.
Hi Dan,
Muchas gracias from just north of the border!
-Jazzdogg-
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
(Note that if this is in San Diego the building inspector might be "interested".)
...the building inspector might be "interested"
I figured it might be smart to call him tomorrow, but figured a little homework tonight couldn't hurt!
Thanks, again, Dan!-Jazzdogg-
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
Jazzdogg,
The information your looking for is in California Title 24, part 2, volume 1. See Chapter 11A for accessibility in privately held housing, 11B for government funded.
Try starting at Section 1117A.1...exterior routes of travel and keep reading for about 6 pages or until your head caves in, whichever comes first. Not really the Readers Digest version you were looking for, but what would you expect? This is California after all.
Thanks, Panic!
It's nice to have California-specific info.
-Jazzdogg-
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
NOt only will the building inspector be interested but possibly the feds too. Where I am, Columbus Ohio basically thumbed their nose at the requirements for sidewalks & specifically the ramps to the sidewalks. They were forced to go throughout the city and install them. It wouldhave been cheaper had they followed the regs. The feds made them come back in & tear out every one that was wrong no matter how minor the infraction was. Half of them ( give or take ) were redone. Inspectors are telling me because of that they have to be very strict on ADA code enforcement.
I suspect you're entirely correct. Thanks for the insight!
-Jazzdogg-
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
I live in Maryland and the ADA here will give you the guide-lines for ramps; they are free in Md. Call up your local ADA and tell them what info. you require. There should be a permit on the job, the local inspector will make sure they comply with the regs. Rat them out, just make sure they don't know you are the one that did it! Luck.
Thanks for taking the time to Reply, Shacko.
-Jazzdogg-
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie