How big does an ADA ramp landing need to be?
ADA ramp landings must be at least as wide as the widest ramp run leading to them and a minimum of 60 inches long in the direction of travel (2010 ADA §405.7). A landing is required at the top and bottom of each ramp run, and where a ramp changes direction the landing must be at least 60 by 60 inches.
Source: 2010 ADA §405.7 · Verify against your AHJ and the adopted code edition.
Every accessible ramp needs level landings so a wheelchair user can rest, stop, and change direction. Under 2010 ADA §405.7:
- Width: the landing is at least as wide as the widest ramp run that leads to it.
- Length: at least 60 inches clear in the direction of travel.
- Top and bottom: a landing is required at the top and bottom of every ramp run (§405.7.2, §405.7.3).
- Turns: where the ramp changes direction, the landing must be at least 60 × 60 inches so a chair can pivot (§405.7.4).
- Slope: landings are essentially level — no steeper than 1:48 in any direction (§405.7.1).
Doors that open onto a landing can’t reduce the required maneuvering clearance, so plan the swing into the landing size. State and local codes (and ICC A117.1) can differ — verify with your AHJ.
Work it out: the ADA ramp calculator breaks a rise into compliant runs and flags where a 60-inch landing has to go.
Sources
- U.S. Access Board — 2010 ADA Standards — 2010 ADA Standards §405.7