Ramps in Delaware: county permits, landings and tenant rights

For many Delaware households the question is concrete: does an outdoor ramp to the front door need a permit, and how steep can it be? New Castle County has published a direct answer, and state law covers renters. Kent and Sussex residents will need to ask their county, and we explain why.

This page walks through those rules, the weather a ramp will face, products for the doorway itself and Delaware's AT program.

Who decides, and what New Castle County requires

Delaware leaves building codes to the counties. Under 16 Del. C. § 7601, Kent County's Levy Court and the County Councils of New Castle and Sussex "may adopt and enforce building codes, plumbing codes, electrical codes or other similar codes" and "may charge reasonable fees for the enforcement of said codes" (Title 16, chapter 76).

New Castle County answers the ramp question in its home improvement FAQ. It points to "International Residential Code Section R311.8" and sets out the limits: "Ramps are permitted to have a slope no greater than 1:8 (1 ½ inch per foot). Ramps must have a clear width of 36 inches. Handrails are required on at least one side of all ramps exceeding a slope of 1:12 (1 inch per foot)." It also requires "A minimum 3 foot by 3 foot landing" at the top and bottom, where doors open onto ramps, and where ramps change direction. On permits: "A building permit is required for exterior ramps. For interior temporary ramps, no building permit is required" (New Castle County FAQ).

A 1:8 slope is the steepest the county allows, and the handrail requirement applies to any ramp steeper than 1:12, so the slope you choose affects what you build. We did not find comparable published rules for Kent or Sussex County, so residents there should ask the county or town building office before building.

Delaware's architectural accessibility law is aimed at public places. 29 Del. C. § 7302 defines a covered "Facility" as one "utilized or held out for use by the public," including "Sidewalks, ramps or other means of ingress and egress" (Title 29, chapter 73). A private home is not described there.

Renters can ask for changes. The Delaware Fair Housing Act counts as discrimination "A refusal to permit, at the expense of the person with a disability, reasonable modifications of existing premises occupied or to be occupied by such person if such modifications may be necessary to afford such person full enjoyment of the premises" (6 Del. C. § 4603A). A landlord may, where reasonable, require the interior be restored at move-out, reasonable wear and tear excepted.

Wet springs and tidal floods

The NOAA summary for Delaware reports 45.9 inches of precipitation a year (1991 to 2020) and says total precipitation "has been above average since the mid-1990s." Snowfall averages 9 to 20 inches. The state "experiences land subsidence," and tidal flood days have been recorded at Lewes every year since 1995.

For a ramp, that points to a slip-resistant surface, a landing that drains, and a route that stays usable when the yard is soggy. Near tidal water, ask the county whether flood rules affect where the ramp can go.

Products for the threshold and the door

• Harmar Rubber Threshold Ramp: modular rubber sections for thresholds up to 4 inches, 36 inch usable width, 850 lb capacity and beveled, non-slip sides. It assembles without tools, which makes it a quick option for a single raised sill.
• Open Sesame Residential Automatic Door Opener: opens up to 120 degrees, stops if it meets an obstruction, and lets the door work by hand when not activated.
• Open Sesame Wireless Wall Touch Pad (FT): a wall-mounted touch pad with no cable to run, placed at a height that suits the main user, seated or standing.
• Open Sesame Keychain Transmitter (C): a one-button remote that rides on a key ring, for the family member who comes and goes often.

Details are from the product pages in our store. For a full modular ramp, the ramp fit check works out run length and landings with you.

See and borrow equipment through DATI

The Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative says its specialists help visitors "explore a variety of solutions" once they describe what they would like to do "more quickly, safely or independently." The AT Exchange lists "environmental adaptations" among its categories. The AT3 Center lists DATI for loans, demonstrations and reuse.

Ordering ramps and door openers to Delaware

We work with a team of credentialed local specialists to guarantee timely, safe, and optimal delivery and installation. We ship to the lower 48 states and DC, with free shipping on orders over $500 ($15 under $500), and we cover the sales tax on every order. Most products are processed in 2-5 business days; some brands differ. See our Delaware shipping page, and size your ramp with the ramp fit check.

Questions about ramps in Delaware

Do I need a permit for a wheelchair ramp in New Castle County?

For an exterior ramp, yes. New Castle County's FAQ says "A building permit is required for exterior ramps," while interior temporary ramps need none. All non-residential ramps require permits. Kent and Sussex set their own rules under 16 Del. C. § 7601, so ask your county if you live there.

How steep can a home ramp be in New Castle County?

The county allows a slope no greater than 1:8, which is 1½ inches of rise per foot, with a 36 inch clear width. Ramps steeper than 1:12 need a handrail on at least one side, and 3 by 3 foot landings are required at the top, bottom, doors and turns.

Does Delaware's accessibility law apply to my house?

Chapter 73 of Title 29 defines the facilities it covers as those used or held out for use by the public, including sidewalks and ramps. A private home is not described in that definition. Your county's residential code is what governs a ramp at home.

Can I add a ramp to a rental in Delaware?

6 Del. C. § 4603A treats refusing reasonable modifications, made at the disabled person's expense and needed for full enjoyment of the home, as discrimination. A Delaware landlord renting to you may, where reasonable, ask that the interior be put back as it was when you move out, reasonable wear and tear excepted.

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

Sources

• Delaware Code Title 16, § 7601, county building codes
• New Castle County FAQ: requirements for installing a ramp
• Delaware Code Title 29, chapter 73, architectural accessibility
• Delaware Code Title 6, § 4603A, Fair Housing Act
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries 2022: Delaware
• Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative
• AT3 Center: Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative
• Product specifications: Faith Mobility product pages linked above