Ramps in Colorado: local permits, renters' rights, snow

Before building a wheelchair ramp at a Colorado home, most families want to know one thing: who decides whether it needs a permit? In Colorado the answer is unusually local. The state itself says it has no statewide building code, so the rules for a front-step ramp depend on the city or county where the house sits.

Renters have a second question, whether a landlord can refuse a ramp, and state law speaks to that directly.

Permits, codes and fair housing in Colorado

The Colorado Office of the State Architect puts it plainly: "Colorado has no statewide building code; building codes are primarily adopted and enforced at the local level except where noted below." The noted exceptions include the Division of Housing, part of the Department of Local Affairs, which "enforces codes for manufactured homes and factory-built buildings" and "also adopts and enforces building codes for site-built hotels, motels, and multifamily buildings in jurisdictions with no codes."

For a ramp at a single-family house, that leaves the decision with your local building department. Some jurisdictions adopt full residential codes; others adopt few or none. We could not confirm the rule for any particular city or county, so ask the local office whether your design needs a permit, an inspection or setback approval before you buy materials. If you live in a manufactured home, mention that, since the Division of Housing has a role there.

State accessibility standards and private homes

Colorado's accessibility statute for housing, C.R.S. Title 9, Article 5, is "intended to provide accessibility standards for residential projects" (9-5-102(1)), with design criteria that "must comply with ICC/ANSI A117.1" (9-5-102(2)). It does not reach the typical family home. Section 9-5-105(1) states that "this article does not apply to privately funded projects for the construction of a detached residence or residences or to other types of residential property containing less than seven residential units." A detached residence is "a one- or two-family residence that is separated from adjacent dwellings by an unobstructed physical space" (9-5-101(4)). So the state's accessibility standards guide larger housing projects, not the ramp you add to your own porch, though many families still borrow common design figures for comfort and safety.

Renters and reasonable modifications

The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act addresses tenants directly. Under C.R.S. 24-34-502.2(2)(a), housing discrimination includes "A refusal to permit reasonable modifications of existing premises occupied or to be occupied by an individual with a disability if the modifications are necessary to afford the individual with full enjoyment of the premises." Subsection (2)(b) adds "A refusal to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services." A renter who needs a ramp should put the request in writing and keep a copy of it, along with any reply from the landlord.

Snow on the ramp and hail on the roof

NOAA's Colorado State Climate Summary reports high-mountain snowfall of "150 inches to more than 400 inches per year," an average of 14 very cold nights a year at 0°F or lower over 1900 to 2020, and frequent thunderstorms on the plains with "damaging hail and occasional flash floods." It also notes that in the eastern plains and valleys "most precipitation falls during spring and summer."

An outdoor ramp in Colorado therefore needs a plan for clearing snow, a textured surface for wet or icy mornings, and drainage so meltwater does not pool at the bottom landing. A covered entry, where the house allows it, keeps the surface usable through more of the year. A powered door opener at the top of the ramp also means nobody has to balance on an icy landing while pulling a door against the wind.

Products for the entrance itself

Ramps and door hardware work together. These pieces suit Colorado entrances:

• Harmar Rubber Threshold Ramp: modular rubber sections for thresholds up to 4 in, with a 36 in usable width and an 850 lb capacity at every height. The rubber is non-slip, the pieces lock together without tools, and Harmar lists it for indoor or outdoor use, from doorways to curbs.
• Open Sesame Commercial Automatic Door Opener: the Model 233 for light commercial doors such as lobbies, storefronts and restrooms. Closing speed can be tuned for wind through a variable clutch, which helps at an exposed entrance, and an internal battery takes over in a power outage.
• Open Sesame 36 in Vertical Push Pad (FW): a 36 in tall wireless wall switch meant for spots where an upper and a lower switch would normally be needed, so one pad serves a standing visitor and a seated one.
• Open Sesame Wireless Wall Touch Pad (FT): a wireless wall transmitter that Open Sesame says can be used in residential settings, giving everyone in the home a fixed spot to open the door.

Assistive technology help in Colorado

The Assistive Technology Program of Colorado, at CIDE at the University of Colorado Denver, offers device loans, demonstrations, technology reuse and "Resources for finding and funding AT" (2024 annual report). Its staff can help a household compare options before committing to a ramp or a door opener.

Ordering for a Colorado home

We work with a team of credentialed local specialists to guarantee timely, safe, and optimal delivery and installation. Shipping reaches the lower 48 states and DC and is free on orders over $500 ($15 under $500); we cover the sales tax on every order. Most products are processed in 2-5 business days, though some brands differ. Read how we ship to Colorado and start the ramp fit check with your step height.

Questions about ramps in Colorado

Do I need a permit for a wheelchair ramp in Colorado?

It depends on where you live. The Office of the State Architect says "Colorado has no statewide building code; building codes are primarily adopted and enforced at the local level." Your city or county building department decides whether a home ramp needs a permit or inspection, so ask them with your design in hand before work begins.

Do Colorado accessibility standards apply to my house?

Not to a typical family home. C.R.S. 9-5-105(1) says the state's residential accessibility article "does not apply to privately funded projects for the construction of a detached residence or residences or to other types of residential property containing less than seven residential units." It is aimed at larger residential projects.

Can my Colorado landlord refuse a ramp?

The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act counts as discrimination "A refusal to permit reasonable modifications of existing premises" occupied by an individual with a disability when they are "necessary to afford the individual with full enjoyment of the premises" (C.R.S. 24-34-502.2(2)(a)). Make the request in writing and keep copies of what you send and receive.

How do I keep a ramp usable in Colorado snow?

NOAA reports that Colorado's high mountains get 150 to more than 400 inches of snow a year and that the state averages 14 nights at 0°F or lower. Plan for shoveling room, a textured surface, drainage at the bottom landing and, where possible, a roof over the entrance to cut down on ice.

Can a door opener help at the top of a ramp?

Yes. An automatic opener means nobody has to hold a door while balancing on a landing. Open Sesame's commercial Model 233 has a variable clutch that can tune closing speed for wind, and wireless push pads such as the 36 in vertical pad serve both seated and standing users.

See the ramps and door openers collection, start the ramp fit check, or take the full assessment for the whole home. Questions? Email us at info@faithmobility.com.

Sources

• Colorado Office of the State Architect: building codes
• Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 9 (Article 5, accessibility standards)
• Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 24 (24-34-502.2, housing)
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries: Colorado
• AT3 Center: Colorado
• Colorado Assistive Technology Act Program 2024 annual report
• Harmar Rubber Threshold Ramp product page
• Open Sesame Commercial Automatic Door Opener product page
• Open Sesame 36 in Vertical Push Pad product page
• Open Sesame Wireless Wall Touch Pad product page