Introduction

Commercial ramps - whether in airports, hospitals, schools, or offices - must meet strict requirements under the ADA, the International Building Code (IBC), and ICC A117.1. These rules ensure accessibility, safety, and compliance with federal law. Ramps in public spaces are subject to more detailed requirements than residential ramps, covering slope, width, landings, and handrail design.

The short answer:

• Maximum ramp slope for commercial ramps is 1:12 (8.33%) with limited exceptions.
  
• Handrails are required for ramps with rises greater than 6 inches, at a height of 34–38 inches.
  

Landings are required every 30 inches of rise.

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Scope of application

• Applies to: public buildings (assembly, healthcare, airports, retail, education, office).
  
• Covers: all accessible routes required by ADA and IBC, both interior and exterior.
  
  

Excludes: temporary ramps, certain service/utility ramps not serving an accessible route.

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Core commercial requirements

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Integration with life safety

• Surfaces must be slip resistant (IBC 1012.7).
  
• Handrails must resist loads of 200 lb per IBC 1607.8.
  

Ramps in fire-rated paths must maintain continuity of fire resistance.

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Practical design and construction tips

• Use corrosion-resistant railings for exterior ramps.
  
• Provide tactile warnings where ramps intersect circulation paths.
  
• Ensure proper drainage to avoid water pooling.
  
• Check ADA turning space at landings.
  
  

FAQs

1. Do commercial ramps always need handrails?
   Yes, if rise >6 in.
   
   
2. What is the standard slope for ADA ramps in public spaces?
   1:12 maximum.
   
   
3. What width is required for commercial ramps?
   36 in minimum clear, more if high occupancy.
   
   
4. Do handrails need to extend past the ramp?
   Yes, at least 12 inches beyond top and bottom runs.
   
   

Do airports and hospitals have different ramp rules?
No, all public/commercial ramps follow ADA/IBC, but local amendments (e.g. Florida Building Code, California CBC) may add stricter requirements.

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References – commercial

• 2021 International Building Code (IBC) https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IBC2021P1
  
• ICC A117.1-2017 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/icca117-12017
  
• ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010) https://www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/design-standards/2010-stds/