Ramps in Massachusetts: 780 CMR, local inspectors and tenants

A ramp at a Massachusetts home raises two questions: who signs off on it, and who pays when the home is rented. The answers are unusually specific here. A single statewide building code applies everywhere, enforced by your city or town's building inspector, and the state's anti-discrimination law shifts the cost of a reasonable modification to the owner in some kinds of housing.

Below are the exact provisions, followed by how New England weather affects a ramp and what helps at the door itself.

One state code, enforced in your city or town

The state's Division of Occupational Licensure explains on its tenth edition building code page that "The tenth edition building code became first effective on October 11, 2024," with a concurrency period that "ends June 30, 2025, at which time the tenth edition will be the only building code in effect." The code is based on the 2021 International Codes, and "a new chapter 51 has been added, this chapter is entitled the Massachusetts Residential Code and adopts the 2021 International Residential Code with Massachusetts specific amendments."

Enforcement is local. G.L. c. 143, § 3 requires each city or town to designate "an inspector of buildings or building commissioner," who "shall be the administrative chief in a city or town responsible for administering and enforcing the state building code." Section 3A adds that "the state building code shall be the code for all buildings and structures within the city or town."

So, unlike states where each county picks its own code, the rules for a home ramp in Massachusetts are the same statewide; the local building department applies them and issues any permit. We did not find a state page that says a residential ramp is exempt from a permit, so ask your building department before construction, and mention the ramp's height and whether it attaches to the house.

Public buildings follow a separate access code

The Architectural Access Board's rules page says its regulations, 521 CMR, were issued "to make public buildings and facilities accessible to, functional for, and safe for use by persons with disabilities," and "apply to all buildings and facilities in the Commonwealth that are open to members of the public including but not limited to, retail establishments, hotels and motels, multiple dwellings, educational facilities, medical facilities," and others. Private single-family homes are not on that list. A ramp at your church, shop or apartment complex may fall under 521 CMR; one at your own house is a 780 CMR question.

Renters and condo residents: Chapter 151B

Massachusetts' fair housing provisions are in G.L. c. 151B, § 4. Under subsection 7A, discrimination on the basis of handicap includes "a refusal to permit or to make, at the expense of the handicapped person, reasonable modification of existing premises occupied or to be occupied by such person if such modification is necessary to afford such person full enjoyment of such premises."

The next clause is what sets Massachusetts apart: "in the case of publicly assisted housing, multiple dwelling housing consisting of ten or more units, or contiguously located housing consisting of ten or more units, reasonable modification shall be at the expense of the owner or other person having the right of ownership." In a smaller rental, the landlord "may, where the modification to be paid for by the handicapped person will materially alter the marketability of the housing, condition permission for a modification on the tenant agreeing to restore or pay for the cost of restoring, the interior of the premises."

If you live in a building with ten or more units, ask the owner in writing about a ramp or an automatic door before paying for one yourself.

Weather that tests a ramp surface

NOAA's Massachusetts summary puts annual average precipitation at 45 to 55 inches across the state, and notes that in March 2010 "three intense rainstorms led to extensive flooding throughout the state." It describes "cold, snowy winters," and projects that "more precipitation (12%-30%) will fall as rain rather than snow" as winters warm.

More winter rain on a cold surface means more chances for ice. A ramp needs grip, a plan for drainage at the landings, and a household routine for clearing it before anyone uses it in the morning.

Helping at the doorway

• Harmar Rubber Threshold Ramp: non-slip rubber sections lock together without tools, for thresholds up to 4 in, with 850 lb capacity and a 36 in usable width.
• Open Sesame Commercial Automatic Door Opener: built for light commercial doors such as lobbies and restroom doors, with an internal battery for power outages and a variable clutch to tune closing speed for wind.
• Open Sesame Large Wireless Wall Push Pad (FL): a thick metal push plate that Open Sesame says is very tamper-proof, suited to a shared entrance.
• Open Sesame Keychain Transmitter (C): a one-button remote that rides on a key ring, for the person who comes and goes most.

MassAbility assistive technology

MassAbility's Assistive Technology Services offer device loans, Demo and Pickup Centers and the REquipment donation program, and the AT3 Center lists a financial loan program for the state. A loan of a portable threshold ramp, if one is available, can show whether a short ramp solves the problem before a long one is planned.

Ordering and delivery to Massachusetts

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, offer free shipping on orders over $500 ($15 under $500), and cover the sales tax on every order. Most products are processed in 2-5 business days; some brands differ. Our Massachusetts shipping page has the rest, and the ramp fit check works out a ramp for your entry.

Questions about ramps in Massachusetts

Do I need a building permit for a home ramp in Massachusetts?

Ask your local building department. Under G.L. c. 143, §§ 3 and 3A, each city or town's inspector of buildings or building commissioner enforces the state building code, 780 CMR, whose residential chapter adopts the 2021 International Residential Code with Massachusetts amendments. We found no state page exempting residential ramps from permits.

Who pays for a ramp in a large Massachusetts apartment building?

Under G.L. c. 151B, § 4(7A), in publicly assisted housing and in housing of ten or more units, reasonable modification is at the expense of the owner. In other rentals, the person needing the modification pays, and the landlord may in some cases require the interior to be restored when the tenant leaves.

Does 521 CMR apply to a ramp at my house?

The Architectural Access Board says 521 CMR applies to buildings and facilities open to members of the public, listing examples such as retail stores, hotels, multiple dwellings, schools and medical facilities. Private single-family homes are not in that list, so a home ramp is mainly a question for 780 CMR and your local building inspector.

How should a Massachusetts ramp handle winter?

NOAA reports 45 to 55 inches of yearly precipitation in Massachusetts, cold snowy winters, and a projected shift of 12% to 30% of winter precipitation from snow to rain. Plan for a slip-resistant surface, drainage at landings, and clearing snow and ice before use.

Our ramps and door openers are all in one place; the ramp fit check sizes a ramp for your entrance, and the full assessment covers the rest of the house. Questions? Email us at info@faithmobility.com.

Sources

• Mass.gov: Tenth edition of the MA State Building Code 780
• Massachusetts General Laws c. 143, § 3 (inspectors of buildings)
• Massachusetts General Laws c. 143, § 3A (enforcement of the state building code)
• Mass.gov: AAB Rules and Regulations (521 CMR)
• Massachusetts General Laws c. 151B, § 4 (unlawful practices)
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries: Massachusetts (2022)
• MassAbility: Assistive Technology Services
• AT3 Center: state assistive technology programs
• Product specifications: Faith Mobility product pages for the Harmar Rubber Threshold Ramp, Open Sesame Commercial Opener, Large Wireless Wall Push Pad and Keychain Transmitter