Ramps in Oklahoma: uniform codes, local permits and renters

In Oklahoma, one body, the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission, adopts the codes for houses and commercial buildings across the state, and cities and other local governments must meet those minimums. Families planning a ramp tend to ask the natural next question: so who actually says yes or no to mine?

Below is what the statute says about statewide minimums and local authority, a renter's rights under Oklahoma's fair housing law (which includes a bond requirement), and equipment for the door at the top of the ramp.

Oklahoma's building code framework

The Commission's powers are in Title 59, section 1000.23 of the Oklahoma Statutes: it "shall have the power and the duty to review and adopt all codes and standards for residential and commercial construction to be used by all entities within this state," and the codes it adopts "shall be the minimum standards for residential and commercial construction in this state." The section continues: "Municipalities and other political subdivisions shall abide by such minimum standards and requirements," while keeping "the authority to enact and enforce requirements containing higher standards and requirements than such minimum standards and requirements."

Section 1000.29 adds that local governments keep "full authority to provide for the enactment of codes and rules," provided local rules "contain higher standards and requirements than the codes adopted" by the Commission, and that they may amend adopted codes "to accommodate local conditions," with any such changes "approved by the Commission."

The statute sets the floor; it does not itself say which projects need a permit. Whether a ramp at your house needs one is answered by the building department for your city or county, working from the codes the Commission has adopted and any approved local amendments. We did not find a statewide exemption written for residential ramps, so ask before building.

Renters should know Title 25, section 1452. For housing, discrimination includes "a refusal to permit, at the expense of the disabled person, 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, provided that such person also provides a surety bond guaranteeing restoration of the premises to their prior condition, if necessary to make the premises suitable for nondisabled tenants." That surety bond condition is written into the Oklahoma statute, so budget for it when you talk with a landlord about a ramp. The same section also bars refusing "reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services."

Freezing rain and heavy downpours

NOAA's Oklahoma climate summary says the state "regularly experiences freezing rain, particularly in the southeastern part of the state," and that the frequency of 2-inch extreme precipitation events "has increased since 1985, with the highest number of events occurring in 2015." Precipitation varies widely, from more than 50 inches a year in the southeast to less than 20 in the west, and drought is a frequent hazard.

For a ramp, that means surfaces that can be treated after an ice storm and a landing that does not sit where runoff pools. In the drier west, sun and heat matter more than water. In every part of the state, a powered door shortens the time someone waits at the top of a ramp in bad weather.

Entry equipment for Oklahoma homes and ministries

• Harmar Rubber Threshold Ramp: half-inch sections build up from 1 in base pieces to handle thresholds as high as 4 in, with beveled sides, non-slip rubber and an 850 lb capacity. Harmar rates it for indoor or outdoor use.
• Open Sesame Commercial Automatic Door Opener: Model 233 for light commercial doors such as lobbies, storefronts and restrooms, with an adjustable closing clutch for wind and an internal battery for power failures. A fit for a church or small business entrance.
• Open Sesame Large Wireless Wall Push Pad (FL): a thick metal push plate that Open Sesame says is designed for more abusive environments and is very tamper-proof, with no wiring back to the operator.
• Open Sesame Keychain Transmitter (C): a one-button remote that rides on a key ring, for one door, powered by two 3V 2016 coin cells.

Oklahoma ABLE Tech

Oklahoma ABLE Tech, listed by the AT3 Center as the state's assistive technology program, offers a low-interest loan program for buying assistive technology. Its device loan inventory includes an environmental adaptations category, according to its site, which can be a way to test entry equipment.

Ordering and delivery to Oklahoma

We work with a team of credentialed local specialists to guarantee timely, safe, and optimal delivery and installation. Shipping goes to the lower 48 states and DC, free above $500 and $15 below it, and we cover the sales tax on every order. Most products are processed in 2-5 business days; some brands differ. See shipping to Oklahoma, or measure your steps with the ramp fit check.

Questions about ramps in Oklahoma

Who sets building codes for homes in Oklahoma?

The Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission adopts the codes for residential and commercial construction under section 1000.23 of Title 59, and those codes are the statewide minimum. Cities and other local governments must meet them and may adopt higher standards, with local amendments approved by the Commission.

Do I need a permit for a home ramp in Oklahoma?

The statute sets minimum codes but leaves permitting to local building departments. Ask your city or county building office whether a ramp needs a permit at your address and which code edition and local amendments it applies. We found no statewide residential ramp exemption.

Can an Oklahoma landlord require a bond before I build a ramp?

Section 1452 of Title 25 protects a tenant's right to make reasonable modifications at the tenant's expense, but the provision is conditioned on the tenant providing "a surety bond guaranteeing restoration of the premises to their prior condition, if necessary to make the premises suitable for nondisabled tenants." Discuss the bond with your landlord early.

What door opener suits a church or small business in Oklahoma?

Open Sesame names lobbies, storefronts, restrooms and school doors among the uses for its commercial Model 233. It has a variable clutch for closing speed and wind, opens up to 120 degrees and runs on an internal battery during a power failure. A tamper-resistant large push pad pairs well with it.

Door hardware and threshold ramps are in the ramps and door openers collection; the ramp fit check handles full ramps, and the full assessment covers the whole house. Questions? Email us at info@faithmobility.com.

Sources

• Oklahoma Statutes Title 59, section 1000.23, Uniform Building Code Commission
• Oklahoma Legislature: complete text of Title 59 (sections 1000.23 and 1000.29)
• Oklahoma Legislature: complete text of Title 25 (section 1452)
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries: Oklahoma (2022)
• AT3 Center: Oklahoma
• Oklahoma ABLE Tech
• Harmar Rubber Threshold Ramp product page
• Open Sesame Commercial Automatic Door Opener product page
• Open Sesame Large Wireless Wall Push Pad (FL) product page
• Open Sesame Keychain Transmitter (C) product page