Ramps in Arkansas: the Fire Prevention Code and renter rights

Arkansas families planning a ramp tend to ask whether the state or the city decides on a permit. In Arkansas the answer is a bit of both: the state sets a single building code, and local building departments that choose to enforce it handle permits. Renters have their own protections under the Arkansas Fair Housing Act, with some practical conditions attached.

This guide walks through those rules, what Arkansas rain and ice mean for a ramp, and where to find help, including a state program that will build ramps in some situations.

Arkansas codes, permits and fair housing

Arkansas uses one statewide set of building rules, the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. The State Fire Marshal's rules say "The International Fire Code, 2021 Edition, the International Building Code, 2021 Edition, and the International Residential Code, 2021 Edition, as published by the International Code Council and the rules, as amended, and adopted by the Arkansas State Fire Marshal, shall constitute the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 2021 Edition," effective January 1, 2023 (unofficial copy of the rule). The residential code is "the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume III."

Local governments work inside that code. Section 101.2.2 of the rule states: "Each district, county, municipality, or other political subdivision of this state shall only adopt and enforce the provisions of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 2021 Edition," and local jurisdictions may adopt "more stringent provisions." Where a jurisdiction sets up a building department and building official, enforcing the building volume "shall fall to that established administrative authority." The State Fire Marshal's Office says it "assists local jurisdictions with State building inspections and plan reviews when requested."

We found no primary source that says whether a home wheelchair ramp needs a permit, so that question belongs to your city or county building department. If you are not sure which office covers your address, the county can tell you.

Renters under the Arkansas Fair Housing Act

Ark. Code 16-123-314(c)(1) defines discrimination to include "A refusal to permit, at the expense of the person with the disability, reasonable modifications of existing premises occupied or to be occupied by the person with the disability if the modifications may be necessary to afford the person with the disability full enjoyment of the premises" (unofficial copy). The owner may, "Where reasonable to do so," ask for restoration afterward, and may ask for "a reasonable description of the proposed modifications and reasonable assurance that all work will be done in a professional manner, all required permits for the work timely obtained, and all work timely paid for." Having a written plan, a permit answer from the building office and a quote ready makes that conversation easier.

Rehabilitation Services and ramps

The Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Field Policy Manual addresses home modifications. It says "ARS will only provide assistance when modifying an individual's place of residence if the individual owns, is buying, or is a long-term renter or in an extended lease of the property," that "Modifications to rental property will be restricted to a ramp for the purpose of access/egress," and that work on modular or mobile homes "will be limited to construction of wheelchair ramps." Ask an ARS counselor whether you qualify.

Rain, flash floods and ice on the landing

NOAA's Arkansas State Climate Summary puts average annual precipitation at 50.1 inches and notes that "Heavy rains can produce totals in excess of 10 inches. Winter and spring are the wettest seasons." Winter ice storms appear on its list of extreme events, and it projects that wintertime precipitation will increase by midcentury, "with the increase being in the form of rain rather than snow."

A ramp in Arkansas should shed water quickly, with a textured surface and no flat spots where puddles can freeze overnight. Check the bottom landing after a heavy storm for washed-out soil or settling. When ice is forecast, keep a bag of traction grit by the door, and consider an automatic opener so no one stands on a slick landing while fighting a door.

Entrance products that pair with a ramp

• Harmar Rubber Threshold Ramp: for the last few inches at the door. It handles thresholds up to 4 in, assembles from puzzle-edged rubber sections without tools, and supports 850 lb across a 36 in usable width.
• Open Sesame Residential Automatic Door Opener: designed for any door that swings freely, it unlatches through an electric strike and opens, pauses and closes on its own, running on a low-voltage 24-volt wiring kit.
• Open Sesame Standard Transmitter (D): a remote that can mount below a wheelchair armrest or on a side panel, with a sensitivity paddle for easier pressing.
• Open Sesame Spec Switch: a light-touch switch for people with very limited hand use. It must be plugged into an E.C.U. Transmitter (B), which then signals the door operator.

iCAN's help with ramps and home access

iCAN, the state AT program listed by the AT3 Center, offers loans, demonstrations and reuse to all Arkansans. Its resources page includes a "Quick Reference for Ramp Access" chart that "will help you determine the safe grade for ramp access," and its Alternative Financing Program offers assistive technology loans, not grants.

Ordering for an Arkansas home

We work with a team of credentialed local specialists to guarantee timely, safe, and optimal delivery and installation. Orders ship to the lower 48 states and DC, free over $500 and $15 under $500, and we cover the sales tax on every order. Most products are processed in 2-5 business days; some brands differ. Our Arkansas shipping page has more, and the ramp fit check asks about your rise first.

Questions about ramps in Arkansas

Do I need a permit for a home ramp in Arkansas?

Arkansas uses one state code, the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, and local jurisdictions with a building department enforce it and may adopt stricter provisions. We found no primary source on ramp permits specifically, so ask your city or county building department, or the county if your area has no building department.

Can my Arkansas landlord refuse a ramp?

Under Ark. Code 16-123-314(c)(1), refusing reasonable modifications, made at the tenant's expense and necessary for full enjoyment of the premises, is discrimination. The owner may ask for restoration, a description of the work, assurance it will be done professionally with permits obtained, and proof it will be paid for.

Will Arkansas Rehabilitation Services build a ramp?

ARS policy allows home modifications if the person owns, is buying, or is a long-term renter or in an extended lease. On rental property, modifications are "restricted to a ramp for the purpose of access/egress," and on modular or mobile homes they are limited to wheelchair ramps. Eligibility is decided with an ARS counselor.

How steep should an Arkansas home ramp be?

iCAN, the state AT program, publishes a "Quick Reference for Ramp Access" chart that it says "will help you determine the safe grade for ramp access." Your local building department can say whether a specific slope is required where you live, and the ramp fit check asks for your total rise.

How do I keep a ramp safe in Arkansas ice storms?

NOAA lists winter ice storms among Arkansas's extreme weather and notes heavy rains can top 10 inches. Use a textured surface, avoid flat spots that hold water, keep traction grit near the door, and consider an automatic door opener so no one waits on a slick landing.

Look through the ramps and door openers collection, start the ramp fit check, or begin the full assessment. Questions? Email us at info@faithmobility.com.

Sources

• Arkansas Fire Prevention Code 2021 rules, 015.01.22 Ark. Code R. 005 (unofficial copy)
• Arkansas State Fire Marshal's Office: facility reviews
• Ark. Code 16-123-314, Arkansas Fair Housing Act (unofficial copy)
• Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Field Policy Manual (2019)
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries: Arkansas
• iCAN: about
• iCAN: resources
• iCAN: Alternative Financing Program
• AT3 Center: state AT programs directory
• Harmar Rubber Threshold Ramp product page
• Open Sesame Residential Automatic Door Opener product page
• Open Sesame Standard Transmitter product page
• Open Sesame Spec Switch product page
• Open Sesame E.C.U. Transmitter product page