ADA Sidewalk Requirements: Slope, Width & More
If you own a business or manage a property, you must provide ADA accessible sidewalks following the ADA building requirements (Americans with Disabilities Act). This means you have to provide an accessible building with accessible routes, accessible parking, bathrooms, signage and more. It’s important to get an ADA evaluation and report so you know what is wrong with your property, and how to fix it.
What are ADA Sidewalk Requirements?
ADA sidewalk requirements refer to the ADA standards that apply to sidewalks and curb ramps in public and private areas. ADA sidewalk code covers floor surface requirements, the width of your sidewalk, accessible route slope, openings in the sidewalk, and more. As a business owner, you need to provide ADA compliant sidewalks. Reach out for an estimate and we’ll guide you along the process of becoming ADA compliant.
Sidewalk Surface Requirements [§302.1]
ADA sidewalk requirements call for a surface that is stable, firm, and slip resistant [§302.1]. All sidewalk surfaces must be made to resist movement and keep its shape. Proper sidewalk surfaces allow for people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices to use a sidewalk the easiest way possible.
ADA Sidewalk Width [§403.5.1]
The minimum width for ADA sidewalks is 36” inches wide [§403.5.1]. This width allows just enough space for a wheelchair user to use the sidewalk effectively. Although 36” inches is the minimum federal requirement through the ADA, local code requirements often require up to 48” inches in width.
Changes in Sidewalk Level [§403.4]
ADA sidewalk requirements call for no changes in level greater than ½” [§403.4]. If you have a change in your sidewalk surface between ¼” and ½”, a bevel of 1:2 slope is required. The changes in level are barriers on an accessible route that need to be prevented whenever possible, not just on an accessible route. If you want to get ADA compliant and protect your business, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Slope Requirements of ADA Sidewalk [§403.3]
ADA compliant sidewalks require a maximum cross slope of 2.083 % or 1:48 in all directions [§403.3] and a maximum running slope of 5% or 1:20 in all directions [§403.3]. This ADA sidewalk requirement ties into the changes in sidewalk level code that creates a level surface for someone with a disability.
Avoid Openings in Sidewalks [§302.3]
The ADA sidewalk requirements do not allow for floor openings on sidewalks greater than ½” [§302.3]. If there are floor openings on a sidewalk such as a drain, the direction of drain openings must be perpendicular to the direction of travel. All of these small requirements add up to an ADA compliant sidewalk. Hiring a professional ADA inspection company takes the stress out of ADA compliance.
Curb Ramps at Sidewalks [§406]
Curb ramps are required when a sidewalk elevation changes in level greater than ½” [§406]. Curb ramps act as transitions in different leveled areas and have slope and width requirements. Additionally, ADA sidewalk requirements state routes with a running slope greater than 5% shall be considered a ramp.
Curb Ramp Slope [§406.4]
The slope of curb ramp side flares at sidewalks is required to be 1:10 or 10% maximum [§406.4]. The running slope of the middle flare is subject to standard ramp slope. The side flares must be measured in the direction of travel.
Curb Ramp Landings [§406.4]
Curb ramps at sidewalks require a top landing to allow everyone to use the ramp run [§406.4]. Additionally, the landings must follow clear floor space requirements. Schedule an ADA evaluation and we’ll report and what’s wrong with your property and tell you how to fix it.
Curb Ramp Width [§406.4]
Curbramps landings present at sidewalks require a minimum clear width of 36” inches [§406.4]. All of these ADA sidewalk requirements create an equitable and accessible experience for the public.
Why are ADA Sidewalk Requirements Important?
ADA sidewalk requirements are important because they are the first step to accessing a property. As a business owner, you’re federally required to provide accessible sidewalks on your property and you are missing out on business when you don’t. We recommend getting an ADA inspection so you can take the steps towards ADA compliance and avoid any potential lawsuits or complaints with your sidewalk.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Sidewalk Questions
Does my sidewalk need to be ADA compliant?
If you provide any level of access to the public, you need an ADA compliant sidewalk.
What are the ADA sidewalk width requirements?
The ADA sidewalk requirements for width are 36” inches minimum.
What are the ADA sidewalk slope requirements?
The ADA sidewalk slope requirements call for 2% maximum cross slope and 5% maximum running slope.
How can I get ADA compliant?
You can get ADA compliant by getting an ADA evaluation and report, then making the necessary changes.
What are the risks of non-compliant sidewalks?
The risks of non-compliance are ADA related lawsuits and high across the united states. If you aren’t compliant you are at risk of fines and settlement fees.