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How long can a ramp be before it needs a landing?

Following the ADA ramp requirements, the maximum rise for a single ramp run is 30 inches. That means that the maximum length is 30 feet, so one additional platform landing is required for every additional 30 feet of ramp.

upsideinnovations.com - ADA Ramp Requirements Checklist - Upside Innovations
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Below are ADA ramp requirements that must be followed in commercial applications so that the public can have equal access to all buildings. Make sure your wheelchair ramp is ADA-compliant.

Ramp Slope

The steepest slope that an ADA ramp can have is 1:12 which means for every inch of threshold rise, the ramp must be at least 12 inches (one foot) long. If you’re unsure about how to do the calculations, use the ramp slope calculator.

Length

The ramp length is directly related to the height between the ground and the bottom of the door, along with the required slope. For example, the door on your building is 40 inches above the ground. To ensure that your ramp is not steeper than the 1:12 ratio, your ramp needs to be 40 feet long.

Platform Landings

Number of Resting Platform Landings

Following the ADA ramp requirements, the maximum rise for a single ramp run is 30 inches. That means that the maximum length is 30 feet, so one additional platform landing is required for every additional 30 feet of ramp. Why? Because the landings serve as resting areas, the Americans with Disabilities Act determined that after 30 feet of continuous run, a resting area is needed. Ramp Length (ft.) Landings Required 0-30 None 31-60 1 61-90 2 91-120 3

Landing Size

Width: the landing must be at least as wide as the widest ramp run that connects to the landing.

Length: the landing length must be at least 60 inches without obstruction.

Change in direction: if the ramp changes direction, you need a landing with a clear space that is at least 60 inches by 60 inches.

Guardrails and Handrails

Clearance between handrails

The minimum clearance between the ramp handrails is 36 inches so that a wheelchair can fit between the handrails with ease. View all ADA ramp handrail requirements, including length, perimeter, location above the walking surface, and more.

Baluster spacing

Balusters are required on ADA ramps to protect against falling. The balusters must not be spaced farther than 4″ apart from one another so that a child cannot slip through the space.

Guardrail

The guardrail, which is different than the handrail, must be at least 42 inches from the walking surface to prevent people from falling over the side of the ramp.

Edge protection

Barrier/kickplate: you cannot have a gap larger than 4 inches between the ramp or kickplate and the bottom of the guardrail. We get all of our information from the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act.

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What is a good width for a walkway?

A good rule of thumb is to make garden walkways at least four feet wide. This minimum will allow two people to walk comfortably side-by-side. This is especially important for paths that will get frequent use, such as the one leading to your front door. The more a path is used, the wider it should be.

landscapingnetwork.com - Walkway & Garden Path Width - Landscaping Network

Walkway Width Matters Considerations for determining the best width for a garden path Swipe to view slides Here the walkway leading to the front door is wide so that two people can walk side-by-side. Garden Studio Design in Newport Beach, CA.

A perspective drawing of curved steps that are 48" in width.

A perspective drawing of a meandering path with a minimum width of 36"

A perspective drawing of a straight path 36" in width.

Walkway Widths:

18" minimum

24" functional

30" one person

36" standard

48" 2 people

A good rule of thumb is to make garden walkways at least four feet wide. This minimum will allow two people to walk comfortably side-by-side. This is especially important for paths that will get frequent use, such as the one leading to your front door. The more a path is used, the wider it should be. Where the path originates from and where it ends will impact how frequently it is used. Conversely, a path that gets infrequent use can be narrower. Examples of this type of path are side-yard entrances and backyard trails. Remember, that is always better to err on the side of caution - an overly wide path is better than an overly narrow one. A design trick that many professionals use is to vary the width of a path at certain points in the garden. Widening a walkway suggests that the visitor has arrived at a destination. Good places to widen a path include when it is nearing a patio, when you would like people to stop and admire beautiful flowers or a breathtaking view, or when there is a nice shady bench to rest on under a tree.

Related Links:

Garden Path Shape

Front Yard Walkways

Backyard Walkways

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