Ramps in Kansas: local permits, renters' rights, door openers

Before building or buying a ramp for a Kansas home, most families want to know one thing: does it need a permit? In Kansas the answer depends mainly on where you live, because the state statutes we reviewed hand building codes to cities rather than setting one statewide rule for houses.

Renters have a separate question, whether the landlord can say no. Kansas fair housing law speaks to that directly. This guide covers both, along with the weather a Kansas ramp has to stand up to and the products that solve smaller access problems at the door.

Who sets ramp rules in Kansas

Kansas statute gives cities the power to adopt building codes written by others. K.S.A. 12-3009 provides that "Any city is hereby authorized and empowered to incorporate in an ordinance by reference, in the manner hereinafter provided, any standard or model code or ordinance." The next section, K.S.A. 12-3010, says a code incorporated this way "shall be as much a part of the ordinance as if the same had been set out in full therein."

In practice, that means a ramp permit question in Kansas goes to the local building or planning office. Whether a ramp needs a permit, and under which code edition, depends on what your city or county has adopted. We did not find a Kansas statute or state agency page that sets one permit rule for residential ramps, and we will not guess what your town requires. Ask before the first post goes in, especially for a long ramp, a deck-style landing, or anything in a front setback.

Public buildings are a different matter

Kansas does have a statewide accessibility law, but its heading tells you its reach: K.S.A. 58-1301 is titled "Accessibility standards for public buildings or facilities," and K.S.A. 58-1304 assigns enforcement to bodies such as the state board of education for school facilities and the secretary of administration for state government facilities. A ramp at a private house is not what that law is aimed at; a ramp at a church, clinic or business may well be.

Renters and reasonable modifications

The Kansas Act Against Discrimination covers this situation. Under K.S.A. 44-1016(h)(3)(A), unlawful discrimination includes "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." Two parts matter: the tenant pays, and the modification has to be reasonable and needed. Put the request in writing and keep a copy.

What Kansas weather does to a ramp

A ramp lives outdoors year round. NOAA's Kansas climate summary reports that the number of days with 2 inches or more of rain was well above average during 2015-2020, that the increase in extreme rain has been more pronounced in the east, and that precipitation runs from more than 45 inches a year in the southeast to under 20 in the west. Large hail and high winds come with the state's common severe thunderstorms.

So plan for drainage at the bottom landing, a slip-resistant walking surface, and handrails anchored for wind. At the door itself, a raised threshold is often the last obstacle once the ramp is in place.

Products for the last few inches and the door

• A raised threshold or single small step. The Harmar Rubber Threshold Ramp handles thresholds up to 4 in high, gives a 36 in usable width and an 850 lb capacity at every height, and its pieces lock together without tools.
• A door that is hard to open from a chair. The Open Sesame Residential Automatic Door Opener unlatches through an electric strike, opens up to 120 degrees, holds open for 5 to 30 seconds, and runs on an internal battery in a power failure.
• Letting helpers in without a key. The Open Sesame Keyless Entry Pad (E) mounts outside and operates the door with a 4-digit code.
• Hands-free entry. The Proximity Sensor Tag Set lets the opener respond to a tag at 3, 6 or 9 ft, and one reader works from both sides of the wall.

For a full-length ramp, our ramp fit check asks about the rise and the space you have.

Help from Assistive Technology for Kansans

The AT3 Center lists Assistive Technology for Kansans at the KU Life Span Institute as the state program. ATK offers device loans, demonstrations, and refurbished equipment through the Kansas Equipment Exchange, and the AT3 directory lists a financial loan contact. It is worth asking ATK what is available for home access before you build.

Ordering and delivery to Kansas

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; shipping is free on orders over $500 and $15 below that, and we cover the sales tax on every order. Most products are processed in 2-5 business days, with some brands differing. Visit shipping to Kansas or begin with the ramp fit check.

Questions about ramps in Kansas

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

It depends on your city or county. Kansas statute, K.S.A. 12-3009, lets cities adopt model building codes by reference, and permit rules follow from what each place has adopted. We found no single statewide permit rule for home ramps, so check with your local building office before construction starts.

Can my Kansas landlord refuse a ramp?

K.S.A. 44-1016(h)(3)(A) treats as discrimination "A refusal to permit, at the expense of the person with a disability, reasonable modifications of existing premises" when they may be necessary for full enjoyment of the home. The tenant pays, and the change must be reasonable. Ask in writing and keep a copy.

Does Kansas's accessibility law apply to my house?

Probably not. The Kansas accessibility statute, K.S.A. 58-1301, is written for public buildings and facilities, and its enforcement section names agencies such as the state board of education and the secretary of administration. A private home ramp is a matter for your local building office instead, if your city or county has adopted a code.

What helps with a threshold that is only an inch or two high?

A modular threshold ramp often solves it. The Harmar Rubber Threshold Ramp covers thresholds up to 4 in, assembles without tools, and gives a 36 in usable width with an 850 lb capacity. Measure the exact height of the lip before ordering.

See ramps, threshold ramps and door openers in the ramps and door openers collection, size a ramp with the ramp fit check, or take the full assessment. Questions? Email us at info@faithmobility.com.

Sources

• K.S.A. 12-3009, subjects that may be incorporated by reference (Kansas Legislature)
• K.S.A. 12-3010, effect of incorporation by reference
• K.S.A. 58-1301, accessibility standards for public buildings or facilities
• K.S.A. 58-1304, enforcement of accessibility act
• K.S.A. 44-1016, unlawful acts in sale or rental of real property
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries 2022: Kansas
• Faith Mobility product page: Harmar Rubber Threshold Ramp
• Faith Mobility product page: Open Sesame Residential Automatic Door Opener
• Faith Mobility product page: Open Sesame Keyless Entry Pad (E)
• Faith Mobility product page: Open Sesame Proximity Sensor Tag Set
• AT3 Center: State AT programs directory (Kansas)
• Assistive Technology for Kansans