Ramps in Nebraska: the state building code and local rules

Nebraska handles building rules in two layers. The Legislature has written a state building code into statute, adopted the International Residential Code by reference, and then let counties, cities and villages run their own code as long as it conforms. For a family planning a ramp, that means the rules come from the state but the permit desk is usually local.

Renters have a second question, about whether the landlord can refuse. The Nebraska Fair Housing Act answers it, and the text is below along with weather notes and products for the doorway.

Nebraska's state building code and who applies it

Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 71-6403, "There is hereby created the state building code," and the Legislature adopts by reference several model codes, including "The International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 edition, except section R313 and chapters 25 through 33." That residential code is part of the state building code unless a conforming local code takes its place.

Local governments get the next say. Section 71-6406 provides that "Any county, city, or village may enact, administer, or enforce a local building or construction code if or as long as such county, city, or village: (i) Adopts the state building code; or (ii) Adopts a building or construction code that conforms generally with the state building code." If a local government does not adopt a code within two years after a state update, "the state building code shall apply in the county, city, or village, except that such code shall not apply to construction on a farm or for farm purposes."

The same section leaves permits and fees to the local level: a county, city or village "may adopt amendments for the proper administration and enforcement of its local building or construction code including organization of enforcement, qualifications of staff members, examination of plans, inspections, appeals, permits, and fees." It also says the applicable code is "the legally applicable code regardless of whether the county, city, or village has provided for the administration or enforcement" of it. In other words, the code applies even where nobody issues permits.

We did not read the 2018 IRC's own permit exemptions for this guide, so we cannot tell you whether a residential ramp in your town needs a permit. Ask your city, village or county building office before building, and mention the ramp's height, length and landing. Work on a farm property may fall under the farm exception quoted above.

Renting? The Nebraska Fair Housing Act

Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 20-319(2)(a), 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 the person if the modifications may be necessary to afford the person full enjoyment of the premises, except that in the case of a rental, the landlord may, when it is reasonable to do so, condition permission for a modification on the renter agreeing to restore the interior of the premises to the condition that existed before the modification, reasonable wear and tear excepted." Ask in writing, describe the ramp or door opener, and keep the reply.

Products that fix the doorway

• Harmar Rubber Threshold Ramp: for raised thresholds up to 4 in, assembled from locking rubber sections with no tools or hardware; every height gives 36 in of usable width and an 850 lb capacity.
• Open Sesame Commercial Automatic Door Opener: built for light commercial doors such as lobbies and storefronts; its closing speed can be tuned for wind through a variable clutch, and an internal battery takes over if the power goes out.
• Open Sesame Wireless Wall Touch Pad (FT): a wall-mounted wireless pad that anyone in the home can touch to open the door, with no cable to run back to the operator.
• Open Sesame Large Wireless Wall Push Pad (FL): a thick metal push plate that Open Sesame describes as very tamper-proof, for busy shared entrances.

Details are from each product's page on our site, which restates the maker's specifications.

Plains weather and a ramp's surface

NOAA's climate summary for Nebraska says "During the winter months, snowstorms and ice storms are a frequent hazard," and that "Nebraska experiences damaging storms during all seasons." Precipitation ranges from just over 17 inches a year in the panhandle to more than 34 inches in the southeast.

Ice is the main concern for a ramp. Plan the surface for grip in freezing weather, slope it so meltwater drains off rather than pooling on a landing, and decide ahead of time who will clear it after a snowfall.

The Assistive Technology Partnership

Nebraska's state program, listed by the AT3 Center as the Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership, offers device loans, demonstrations, reutilization, financial loans and other state financing. Its funding page lists Credit-Building Mini-Loans from $100 to $1,999 and traditional loans from $2,000 to $35,000, the latter "also available to assist in the purchase of modified vehicles, home modifications." It notes that home modifications are "not directly funded by ATP" but that funding "may be available from numerous programs."

Delivery to Nebraska homes

We work with a team of credentialed local specialists to guarantee timely, safe, and optimal delivery and installation. Faith Mobility ships to the lower 48 states and DC. Orders totaling more than $500 ship free, and orders below $500 ship for $15; we cover the sales tax on every order. Most products are processed in 2-5 business days; some brands vary. See shipping to Nebraska and size your entry with the ramp fit check.

Questions about ramps in Nebraska

Which building code applies to a home ramp in Nebraska?

Nebraska's state building code, created in section 71-6403, adopts the International Residential Code, 2018 edition, with some exceptions. Under section 71-6406 a county, city or village may use its own code if it adopts or generally conforms to the state code, and the state code applies where no local code is adopted within two years of an update, except on farms.

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

Permits are set locally. Section 71-6406 lets each county, city or village adopt rules on inspections, permits and fees for its code. We did not confirm whether the 2018 IRC as adopted requires a permit for a residential ramp, so ask the building office for your city, village or county before you build.

Can my Nebraska landlord say no to a ramp?

Under section 20-319 of the Nebraska Fair Housing Act, refusing to permit reasonable modifications at the expense of the person with a disability, when they may be necessary for full enjoyment of the premises, counts as discrimination. In a rental the landlord may, where reasonable, ask that the interior be restored afterward.

Is there a loan program for home access in Nebraska?

The Assistive Technology Partnership lists Credit-Building Mini-Loans of $100 to $1,999 and traditional loans of $2,000 to $35,000, which its funding page says can help with modified vehicles and home modifications. ATP does not fund home modifications directly, but says funding may be available from numerous programs.

What about ice on a ramp in Nebraska winters?

NOAA describes snowstorms and ice storms as a frequent winter hazard across Nebraska. Choose a surface with good grip, slope the ramp and landings so meltwater drains away, and plan who will clear snow. For a small threshold, a rubber threshold ramp with a non-slip surface may be enough.

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

Sources

• Nebraska Revised Statutes 71-6403, state building code
• Neb. Rev. Stat. 71-6406, local building codes
• Neb. Rev. Stat. 20-319, Nebraska Fair Housing Act, disability
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries: Nebraska
• AT3 Center: Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership
• Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership: funding
• Harmar Rubber Threshold Ramp product page
• Open Sesame Commercial Automatic Door Opener product page
• Open Sesame Wireless Wall Touch Pad (FT) product page
• Open Sesame Large Wireless Wall Push Pad (FL) product page