7 ADA Ramp Requirements Every California Property Owner Must Know

ADA ramp requirements in California refer to the design and construction standards that ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities, particularly those using wheelchairs or mobility aids. These are governed by both federal ADA Standards (2010) and the California Building Code (CBC Title 24). The key distinction is that California enforces stricter guidelines through Title 24 and the Unruh Civil Rights Act. Failure to comply can result in significant penalties, lawsuits, and failed CASp inspections. Below, we’ll break down the 7 core ramp requirements every California property owner should understand to stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.

What California Property Owners Should Remember About ADA Ramp Rules

Follow the 1:12 slope rule. Any steeper, and you risk non-compliance, especially under California Title 24.
Make sure your ramp is at least 36 inches wide. That’s clear width—not just the space between walls or railings.
Landings are required every 30 feet or at turns. This is where many CASp inspections fail.
Install handrails if your ramp rises over 6 inches. And make sure they’re the correct height—34 to 38 inches.
Use edge protection. A 2-inch curb or barrier is a must to prevent wheelchairs from slipping off.
Surface matters. Ramps must be stable, firm, and slip-resistant. Just saying “non-slip” isn’t enough.
Keep the cross slope under 1:48. This ensures wheelchairs don’t drift sideways or tip.

Getting any of these wrong can lead to CASp violations, lawsuits under the Unruh Act, and serious accessibility issues.

What’s the legal definition of an ADA-compliant ramp?

An ADA-compliant ramp provides safe, accessible entry for individuals using wheelchairs or mobility devices, built to strict slope and width regulations under federal and California code.

How does California’s ramp code differ from the federal ADA?

CBC Title 24 vs. 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
California-specific enforcement and lawsuits (e.g., Unruh Act)
Real-world implication: Why “just ADA” isn’t enough in CA

The 7 ADA Ramp Requirements Property Owners Must Follow

1. Maximum Ramp Slope: No Steeper Than 1:12

A common user concern is: “Is a 5% slope too steep?”
The answer is yes. ADA and CBC require a minimum of 12 inches of horizontal run for every 1 inch of vertical rise. That’s about an 8.3% grade (1:12).

Exceptions exist for short distances, but rarely apply in commercial contexts.
Inspections often fail ramps retrofitted with steeper slopes due to space limits.

2. Minimum Ramp Width: 36 Inches Clear

The required width is a clear 36 inches, measured between handrails—not wall to wall.

Common issue: property owners install handrails inside a 36” ramp, reducing the clear width and violating code.

3. Landings: Every 30 Feet and at Every Turn

Flat landings are required:

At the top and bottom of every ramp
Every 30 feet on long ramps
At every change of direction

Landings must be 60 inches long and as wide as the ramp. Many ramps fail here due to insufficient space or uneven surface.

4. Handrails: Required If Rise Is Over 6 Inches

If a ramp rises more than 6 inches vertically, CBC and ADA require:

Two continuous handrails on both sides
Height: 34–38 inches from the ramp surface
Handrails must return to a wall or post

Poor mounting or no returns is a red flag in inspections.

5. Edge Protection: Preventing Wheelchair Slip-Off

Ramps must have edge protection a barrier at least 2 inches high to prevent wheels from slipping off.

This detail is often overlooked during field retrofits.
Missing edge protection is one of the top ADA violations noted in CASp reports.

6. Surface Requirements: Slip Resistance & Stability

ADA-compliant ramps must have a firm, stable, and slip-resistant surface. CBC also expects a minimum coefficient of friction for wet and dry conditions.

Treated concrete typically passes
Metal ramps require special treads

Wood ramps face repeated complaints on Reddit/Quora due to weather warping or slipperiness

7. Ramp Cross Slope: Must Not Exceed 1:48

Cross slope refers to the slope across the width of the ramp (side to side).

Max allowed: 1:48 (~2%)
Too much cross slope causes balance issues for wheelchair users and drainage problems

Is Your Business Accessible?

Contact one of our CASp specialists to ensure your business is ADA compliant.

Common ADA Ramp Mistakes That Fail CASp Inspections

Where do most California ramps fail inspections?

Slope too steep or uneven
No landings or landing too short
Handrails missing or incorrectly installed
Edge protection not present

How can you pre-check ramp compliance before an audit?

Book a CASp pre-inspection
Use slope-measuring tools (apps, laser levels)
Consult with certified ADA accessibility consultants

Who Enforces ADA Ramp Requirements in California?

Is ADA enforcement state or federal in California?
Both. The U.S. DOJ enforces the ADA. California adds state-level enforcement via:

Division of the State Architect (DSA)
Private lawsuits under the Unruh Civil Rights Act

What’s the penalty for non-compliance?

$4,000 statutory damages per violation under Unruh
Legal fees for the plaintiff
Mandatory retrofitting

When Is a Ramp Required Under ADA?

Do all entrances need ramps?

No. Only entrances that are part of the accessible route must have a compliant ramp. However:

The route from the parking lot to the main entrance must be accessible.

What if I have stairs and an elevator?

You still need a ramp or lift to comply with accessible route requirements.

Multi-level buildings must have a continuous accessible path from public access points

Which building codes apply to ADA ramps in California?

2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
California Building Code (Title 24, 2022 edition)

DSA Bulletins for clarification and updates

PRO TIP!

Design ADA ramps with a 1:12 slope ratio and include landing areas at both ends for safety, while staying updated on local codes and regulations.

Answers to Common ADA Ramp Questions in California

What is the required slope for an ADA ramp in California?

1:12 is the maximum slope allowed under both federal ADA and California CBC. That means for every inch of rise, you need at least 12 inches of run.

Do I need a ramp for every entrance to my building?

No, only accessible entrances require ramps. But the accessible route from public areas or parking must include a compliant ramp.

What’s the difference between ADA and CBC ramp standards?

California’s CBC is stricter than the federal ADA. For example, CBC adds specific rules on handrail placement, landing dimensions, and edge protection not detailed in ADA.

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

Landings are required every 30 feet of horizontal run and at every change in direction. The landing must be flat and at least 60 inches long.

Can I build a wooden ADA ramp for my business?

Yes, but it must meet all surface and slope requirements. Many fail due to slippery finishes or warped boards that create instability.

What’s the fine for having a non-compliant ramp in California?

You could face $4,000 per violation under the Unruh Civil Rights Act, plus legal fees and retrofitting costs.

How do I prepare for a CASp inspection for my ramp?

Start with a pre-inspection by a Certified Access Specialist (CASp). Use slope measurement tools and check specs like handrail height, landing size, and cross slope.

Get Your Ramp Right Before It Costs You

Ramps are one of the most visible elements of accessibility—and one of the easiest to get wrong. In California, failing to meet CBC Title 24 or ADA ramp standards can cost you thousands in lawsuits, inspection failures, and retrofits.

To protect your property and your customers, consider a CASp accessibility audit. CASpInspectors.com helps California property owners meet compliance standards with pre-inspections, documentation, and expert consulting.

Explore our ADA Parking Lot Accessibility Audits and CASp Inspections to safeguard your business.