Ramps in North Dakota: local codes, renters and door openers

A ramp to the front door is often the first change a North Dakota family makes when someone starts using a wheelchair or scooter. The usual worry is paperwork: does a ramp at a house need a building permit, and if so, who would issue it?

The answer depends on where you live, because North Dakota lets each city, township or county decide whether to enforce a building code at all. Here is how that works, what renters can ask for, and the threshold ramps and door openers that help at the entry itself.

Building codes in North Dakota: a local choice

The framework is chapter 54-21.3 of the North Dakota Century Code. Section 54-21.3-03 tells the Department of Commerce to adopt a state building code, "which must consist of the international building, residential, mechanical, and fuel gas codes." The same section then makes enforcement a local decision: "The governing body of a city, township, or county that elects to administer and enforce a building code shall adopt and enforce the state building code. However, the state building code may be amended by cities, townships, and counties to conform to local needs."

Section 54-21.3-05 sorts out who covers what. "A city or township may administer and enforce the state building code only within its jurisdictional area. A county may administer and enforce the state building code within those areas of the county in which the state building code is not administered by a city or township."

So the question "do I need a permit for a ramp?" has a local answer. If your city, township or county enforces the code, its building office decides whether a home ramp needs a permit, and it may have amended the state code. If none of them enforces a code where you live, ask the county anyway; zoning or setback rules may still apply to a structure near a property line. We could not find a statewide homeowner exemption written for ramps.

Public buildings are a separate matter. Section 54-21.3-04.1 requires that a new building over 7,500 square feet in the assembly, business, educational, institutional or mercantile classes, where the code requires it to be accessible, "must include at the primary exterior public entrance an automatic door or power-assisted manual door." That rule concerns public entrances, not houses.

Renters have a statutory right as well. Under section 14-02.5-06, discrimination includes "A refusal to permit, at the expense of the individual having a disability, a reasonable modification of existing premises," although for a rental "the landlord may condition, when it is reasonable to do so, 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."

Snow on the ramp, wind at the door

NOAA's North Dakota climate summary puts average snowfall at 30 to 55 inches a year, with blizzards bringing heavy snow and high winds, and notes that the severe thunderstorms of late spring and early summer can produce hail. It also describes the Red River Valley as highly flood-prone in spring.

Any ramp here has to be cleared, so plan the surface and the landing with a shovel in mind, and keep the approach out of spots where meltwater collects. At the door itself, every second spent fumbling with a latch in a north wind counts. An automatic opener lets the person on the ramp arrive, press a button and roll straight through.

Equipment for a North Dakota entry

• Harmar Rubber Threshold Ramp: modular non-slip rubber sections for thresholds up to 4 in high, each giving 36 in of usable width and an 850 lb capacity. Harmar says it suits indoor or outdoor use, and the pieces lock together without tools.
• Open Sesame Residential Automatic Door Opener: unlatches a locked door through an electric strike, opens it up to 120 degrees, and holds it for 5 to 30 seconds. An internal battery keeps it working in a power failure.
• Open Sesame Keyless Entry Pad (E): a wireless keypad outside the door that works the opener with a 4-digit code, so family and caregivers do not need a key.
• Open Sesame Wireless Wall Touch Pad (FT): a wall-mounted transmitter with no cable to run, placed at a height that suits the person who uses it most.

Help from North Dakota Assistive

The AT3 Center names North Dakota Assistive as the state assistive technology program; the directory shows it lending and demonstrating devices, reusing equipment, and offering both a financial loan program and other state financing. Its site lists an Assistive Technology Financial Loan Program and a device reuse service, both worth asking about when an entry project grows beyond a single ramp.

Ordering and delivery to North Dakota

We ship to your state. Installation isn't available here yet; email us and we'll help you find a local installer. Shipping covers the lower 48 states and DC, is free on orders over $500 and costs $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 shipping to North Dakota, or describe your entry in the ramp fit check.

Questions about ramps in North Dakota

Do I need a building permit for a home ramp in North Dakota?

It depends on your location. Under section 54-21.3-03, a city, township or county that elects to enforce a building code must adopt the state building code, and may amend it for local needs. Ask the building office that covers your address whether a ramp needs a permit, and check zoning rules for setbacks.

Who enforces the building code in rural North Dakota?

Section 54-21.3-05 lets a city or township enforce the state building code within its own area, and a county within the parts of the county where no city or township does. Because enforcement is something each government elects, the county is the right first contact if you are unsure.

Can my landlord refuse to let me add a ramp?

Section 14-02.5-06 treats refusing a reasonable modification, made at the tenant's expense, as discrimination when the change may be necessary for full enjoyment of the home. For a rental, the landlord may reasonably require that the interior be restored when you leave, reasonable wear and tear excepted.

Do North Dakota public buildings need automatic doors?

Section 54-21.3-04.1 requires an automatic or power-assisted door at the primary public entrance of new buildings over 7,500 square feet in certain classes, such as business, mercantile and assembly, when the code requires them to be accessible. That rule does not apply to private homes, where an opener is a personal choice.

Browse thresholds and openers in the ramps and door openers collection, start the ramp fit check, or take the full assessment for the whole home. Questions? Email us at info@faithmobility.com.

Sources

• North Dakota Century Code chapter 54-21.3, state building code (sections 54-21.3-03, 54-21.3-04.1, 54-21.3-05)
• North Dakota Century Code chapter 14-02.5, section 14-02.5-06 (housing discrimination, disability)
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries: North Dakota (2022)
• AT3 Center: state assistive technology programs
• North Dakota Assistive
• Harmar Rubber Threshold Ramp product page
• Open Sesame Residential Automatic Door Opener product page
• Open Sesame Keyless Entry Pad (E) product page
• Open Sesame Wireless Wall Touch Pad (FT) product page