Ramps in Rhode Island: no permit fee, frost depth and renters

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Ramps in Rhode Island: no permit fee, frost depth and renters

Rhode Island has a law aimed squarely at home ramps: no city or town may charge a fee to build or repair an access ramp for disabled persons to what the statute terms a "residential R-4 use group." That is good news, but it is not the same as saying no permit is needed, and the state building code has a frost-depth rule that affects how a ramp's landings are built.

Below are the statutes and code provisions, the zoning protection for ramps, renters' rights under the Fair Housing Practices Act, what Rhode Island's weather means for a ramp, and door equipment that finishes the job.

Rhode Island's building code and home ramps

The fee rule is R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-118.2(a): "No municipality shall require that a fee be paid for the construction or repair of an access ramp for disabled persons to a residential R-4 use group." Subsection (b) adds a zoning protection: "Notwithstanding the provisions of any zoning ordinance to the contrary, ramps, lifts and other accommodation alternatives necessary for compliance with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) relating to accessibility shall be permitted as needed in the front, side or rear yards of existing structures."

A fee waiver does not waive the permit itself. The general rule, § 23-27.3-113.1, says "It shall be unlawful to construct, enlarge, alter, remove, or demolish a building ... without first filing an application with the building official in writing and obtaining the required permit therefor," with an exception for "ordinary repairs." The residential code, RISBC-2 (510-RICR-00-00-2), adopts "the provisions of the International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 edition." Its R105.2 list of work exempt from permits includes "Sidewalks and driveways not more than thirty inches (30") (762 mm) above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below," but does not name ramps. We could not find a text that says outright whether a residential ramp needs a permit, so ask your local building official.

RISBC-2 also sets a Rhode Island frost depth for attached structures: "Accessory attached structures such as decks, platforms or landings shall have footings extending to three feet and four inches (3'4") below grade." A ramp's landings are a reasonable place to apply that question when you talk with the building official.

The code is the same in every town. Under § 23-27.3-100.1.7, cities and towns "shall be prohibited from enacting any local building codes and ordinances in the future," and § 23-27.3-108.1 says "The building official shall enforce all the provisions of this code." For public and commercial buildings, the separate RISBC-1 adopts the 2021 International Building Code and states "Chapter 11 is adopted with no changes," the accessibility chapter.

Renters and modifications

Rhode Island's Fair Housing Practices Act, at R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-37-4(d), says "An owner may not refuse to allow a person with a disability to make, at his or her expense, 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." In a rental, the owner may, where reasonable, "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."

Snow, rain and rising water

NOAA's Rhode Island climate summary reports "Statewide annual average precipitation is about 46 inches," and snowfall from 20 inches on Block Island up to 40 to 55 inches in the west. It also says "Since 1930, sea level has risen more than 9 inches at Newport, faster than the global average," and that rising seas "will likely increase coastal flooding and erosion during winter storms (nor'easters) and hurricanes."

A ramp in that climate needs a surface that grips when wet or frosted, a slope and layout that drain, and a clear plan for shoveling. Near the shore, think about where water goes during a storm surge or heavy rain, and keep the bottom landing out of low spots where water collects.

Finishing the entry: thresholds and doors

  • Harmar Rubber Threshold Ramp: for a door sill or single step up to 4 in high, made of non-slip rubber with beveled sides, a 36 in usable width and an 850 lb capacity. Sizes run from 12 x 39 in at 1 in high to 48 x 46 in at 4 in high.
  • Open Sesame Residential Automatic Door Opener: designed for any door that swings freely, it opens up to 120 degrees, stops if it meets an obstruction during a cycle, and runs on a low voltage 24-volt wiring kit.
  • Open Sesame Voice Interface: connects an Open Sesame operator on the 433 MHz frequency to Wi-Fi and Amazon Alexa, so the door can open by voice. It needs Wi-Fi and an Alexa device in the home.
  • Open Sesame Spec Switch: built around a light touch, for someone whose hand movement is very limited. It plugs into an E.C.U. Transmitter (B), which signals the opener.

These details are taken from each product's Faith Mobility page. For the ramp itself, the ramp fit check collects your rise and entry layout.

ATAP and home access in Rhode Island

The Assistive Technology Access Partnership at the Office of Rehabilitation Services describes itself as "a statewide partnership of organizations, each with a targeted assistive technology focus." Its main initiatives are device demonstration, device loan, device re-use, and training, public awareness, collaboration, and information and referral. The AT3 Center lists it in Providence, with device reutilization handled through the Ocean State Center for Independent Living. We did not find a Rhode Island assistive technology financial loan program listed.

Ordering ramps and openers in Rhode Island

We ship to your state. Installation isn't available here yet; email us and we'll help you find a local installer. Faith Mobility ships to the lower 48 states and DC. Shipping is free over $500 and $15 under $500, we cover the sales tax on every order, and most products are processed in 2-5 business days, with some brands differing. Read shipping to Rhode Island for more.

Questions about ramps in Rhode Island

Does my Rhode Island town charge a fee for a wheelchair ramp permit?

It may not. R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-118.2(a) says no municipality shall require a fee for the construction or repair of an access ramp for disabled persons to a residential R-4 use group. That rule covers the fee; whether a permit is still required is a question for your local building official.

Do I need a permit for a home ramp in Rhode Island?

We could not confirm a clear answer. Section 23-27.3-113.1 requires a permit to construct or alter a building, except ordinary repairs, and the RISBC-2 list of permit-exempt work does not name ramps. The local building official enforces the statewide code and can tell you what your ramp needs.

Can zoning stop me from building a ramp in my front yard?

Section 23-27.3-118.2(b) says that, notwithstanding any zoning ordinance to the contrary, ramps, lifts and other accommodation alternatives necessary for compliance with the ADA's accessibility provisions shall be permitted as needed in the front, side or rear yards of existing structures. Ask the building official how that applies to your house.

Can a Rhode Island landlord refuse a tenant's ramp?

Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-37-4(d), an owner may not refuse to let a person with a disability make reasonable modifications at their own expense when needed for full enjoyment of the premises. In a rental, the owner may, where reasonable, require the renter to agree to restore the interior afterward, reasonable wear and tear excepted.

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

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