Ramps in the District of Columbia: DOB, public space, renters

A ramp in the District raises a question most places do not: where exactly does your property end? DDOT treats the space outside the private property line as public right-of-way, and a ramp that reaches toward the sidewalk may cross it. So a DC ramp can involve two agencies, the Department of Buildings for construction and the District Department of Transportation for public space.

We go through what each agency publishes, what DC law gives renters, the weather, door products and the District's AT program.

Permits, public space and tenant rights

DOB's permit guide lists the projects that require a permit, among them "New buildings, additions, and structures" and "Porches and decks (including alterations to existing)" (DOB, How to Get a Permit). It also lists work that, "Unless you are in a historic district," does not require a building permit, such as brick pointing, painting, patios and private sidewalks and driveways. Ramps appear on neither list. Because we could not confirm how DOB classifies a residential ramp, use the Homeowner's Center, which says "If you are unsure whether a permit is required, you can contact the Homeowner's Center for guidance and the next steps" (DOB Homeowner's Center).

Historic districts add a layer. The same DOB guide notes that work exempt elsewhere may still need review inside a historic district, and the Homeowner's Center routes some historic properties to a special permit reviewed by the Office of Planning.

Then there is the property line. In a handout on parking, DDOT states that "any use of the public right-of-way, which is defined as the space outside the private property line, requires permission from the District Department of Transportation" (DDOT, Parking in Public Space). That handout is about parking, not ramps, but the principle it states is general. If any part of a planned ramp would sit outside your property line, ask DDOT's public space permit office before building.

Renters have a right to request changes. DC Code section 2-1402.21 treats as unlawful discrimination "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 if the modification may be necessary to afford the person full enjoyment of the premises of a dwelling" (D.C. Code § 2-1402.21). A landlord, "where it is reasonable," may require the interior be restored afterward, reasonable wear and tear excepted.

Doorway products for DC homes

• Harmar Rubber Threshold Ramp: puzzle-edge rubber sections for thresholds up to 4 inches, 36 inches of usable width and 850 lb capacity, assembled without tools. It sits at the door, not across the property line.
• Open Sesame Residential Automatic Door Opener: designed, Open Sesame says, for any door that swings freely, including apartment doors, and needs at least 1¼ inches between door and ceiling.
• Open Sesame Voice Interface: connects an Open Sesame operator on 433 MHz to Wi-Fi and Amazon Alexa, so the door can open by voice.
• Open Sesame Narrow Wireless Wall Push Pad (FN): a slim wall switch with a thick metal push plate, mounted without wiring back to the operator, for a door with little wall space beside it.

Details come from our store's product pages. For a modular ramp, the ramp fit check helps you work out length and landings.

Storms, heat and flash floods

The NOAA summary for Maryland and the District of Columbia lists "severe thunderstorms," "blizzards and ice storms" and "flooding" among the region's hazards and says "dense urbanized areas are highly vulnerable to flash flooding." It also records the June 2012 derecho, which left about a quarter of DC residents without power, some for more than a week.

For a ramp, that argues for a surface with grip in rain and ice and a bottom landing that does not collect runoff. For a powered door opener, an internal battery, like the one in the Open Sesame residential model, keeps the door working when the power is out.

The District's assistive technology program

The AT3 Center lists the District of Columbia Assistive Technology Program, with device loans, demonstrations, reuse and a financial loan program. The AT3 listing names a contact for each service, including an equipment recycling coordinator for reused devices. Seeing a door opener or threshold ramp in person can help you decide what your entrance needs.

Ordering ramps and door openers to DC

We ship to your state. Installation isn't available here yet; email us and we'll help you find a local installer. 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 the District of Columbia shipping page, and size a ramp with the ramp fit check.

Questions about ramps in the District of Columbia

Does a home ramp need a DOB permit in DC?

We could not confirm. DOB requires permits for new structures and for porches and decks, and lists specific exempt work such as patios and private walkways, but ramps are on neither list. DOB's Homeowner's Center gives guidance by appointment or walk-in when you are unsure whether a permit is required.

What if my ramp would reach past my property line in DC?

DDOT describes the public right-of-way as the space outside the private property line and says any use of it requires permission from DDOT. That statement comes from a handout about parking, so ask DDOT's public space permit office how it applies to a ramp before you build.

Can my DC landlord refuse a ramp?

D.C. Code § 2-1402.21 treats refusing reasonable modifications, made at the disabled person's expense and needed for full enjoyment of the dwelling, as unlawful discrimination. Where reasonable, the landlord may require that the interior be restored when you move out, reasonable wear and tear excepted.

Does living in a historic district change anything?

It can. DOB's permit guide says its list of work that needs no permit applies unless you are in a historic district, and the Homeowner's Center sends some historic properties to a special permit reviewed by the Office of Planning. Check your property's status before planning exterior work.

Will an automatic door opener work in a DC apartment?

Open Sesame says its residential opener is designed for any door that swings freely, naming apartment and front doors. It needs at least 1 1/4 inches between door and ceiling. In a rental, the modification rules in D.C. Code § 2-1402.21 apply, so ask your landlord in writing first.

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

Sources

• DC Department of Buildings: How to Get a Permit
• DC Department of Buildings: Homeowner's Center
• District Department of Transportation: Parking in Public Space (PDF)
• D.C. Code § 2-1402.21, discrimination in real estate transactions
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries 2022: Maryland and the District of Columbia
• AT3 Center: District of Columbia Assistive Technology Program
• Product specifications: Faith Mobility product pages linked above