Ramps in Wisconsin: the UDC ramp rule, permits and renters

Wisconsin's house code has a short section devoted to ramps. If you are planning one for a parent's front door in Green Bay or your own back steps in La Crosse, that section, and the question of who issues the permit, are the place to start.

We quote the rule below, explain where the local building inspector comes in, and cover what Wisconsin fair housing law says if you rent.

SPS 321.045, quoted

The Uniform Dwelling Code for one- and two-family homes is chapters SPS 320 to 325 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code. SPS 321.045(1) says: "Every exterior or interior ramp which leads to or from an exit shall comply with the requirements of this section." The main requirements:

• Slope: "Ramps shall not have a gradient greater than 1 in 8 or one foot of rise in 8 feet of run. Walkways with gradients less than 1 in 20 or one foot of rise in 20 feet of run are not considered to be ramps."
• Surface and width: "Ramps shall have a slip resistant surface and shall have a minimum width of 36 inches measured between handrails."
• Handrails: required on all open sides, and "Every ramp that overcomes a change in elevation of more than 8 inches shall be provided with at least one handrail." A ramp steeper than 1:12 that climbs more than 24 inches needs handrails on both sides, with the top of the rail 30 to 38 inches above the ramp surface.

The section's own note points further: "See ICC/ANSI A117.1 chapter 5 for more guidelines relating to the design and construction of an accessible ramp. Under that standard, ramps along an accessible route for people with disabilities should have a slope of not more than 1-foot of rise in 12-feet of run and should have handrails on both sides of the ramp." In other words, the code's 1:8 limit is a maximum, and the note recommends 1:12 for wheelchair use.

Permits come from your municipality

Under SPS 320.08(1), a Wisconsin uniform building permit "shall be obtained from the municipality administering and enforcing this code," or from a registered UDC inspection agency where the state has jurisdiction, "before any on-site construction" begins. Older houses are a local question. SPS 320.02 applies the code to dwellings built on or after its effective dates, lets any municipality "by ordinance, adopt the provisions of chs. SPS 320 to 325 to apply to any additions or alterations to existing dwellings," and lets it require permits and fees for work outside the code's scope. Your village, town or city building inspector will know which applies to your address.

Renting in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's open housing law covers modifications. Under s. 106.50(2r)(b)3., it is discrimination to "Refuse to permit, at the expense of a person with a disability, reasonable modifications of existing housing that is occupied, or is to be occupied, by such a person if the modifications may be necessary to afford the person full enjoyment of the housing." A landlord may, where reasonable, require the tenant to restore the interior at the end of the tenancy, and "may not increase any customarily required security deposit." The statute also allows a negotiated interest-bearing escrow for restoration costs, with the interest going to the tenant.

Snow, ice and heavy rain

The NOAA NCEI Wisconsin summary describes severe winter storms as a regular occurrence and describes the March 4-5, 1976 ice storm, with "Ice accumulations of up to 5 inches." It also reports that 2-inch extreme rain events have increased, peaking in 2015 to 2020. The code's "slip resistant surface" requirement is not a formality here. Plan how the ramp will be shoveled, where meltwater goes, and whether a roof or awning can cover the top landing.

Door and threshold products

• Harmar Rubber Threshold Ramp: for thresholds up to 4 in, with a 36 in usable width at every height, non-slip rubber and an 850 lb capacity.
• Open Sesame Residential Automatic Door Opener: opens a door up to 120 degrees, holds it 5 to 30 seconds, and works by hand when idle because its clutch disengages. A remote comes standard.
• Open Sesame 2-Button Transmitter (H): one handheld remote for two doors with Open Sesame operators, such as a front door and a garage entry.
• A Spec Switch paired with an E.C.U. Transmitter (B), both from Open Sesame: a light-touch switch for people with very limited hand use. The switch works only when connected to that transmitter, which relays the signal to the door operator.

We took these details from the product listings linked above.

WisTech

WisTech, the Department of Health Services' assistive technology program, lists device loan, demonstration, reutilization and exchange, alternative financing, and information on "selecting, funding, installing, and using assistive technology." The AT3 Center also lists Wisconsin's financial loan program.

Wisconsin delivery

We work with a team of credentialed local specialists to guarantee timely, safe, and optimal delivery and installation. Products ship to the lower 48 states and DC, free on orders over $500 ($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 Wisconsin, then try the ramp fit check.

Questions about ramps in Wisconsin

How steep can a home ramp be in Wisconsin?

SPS 321.045(2) sets a maximum gradient of 1 in 8, one foot of rise in 8 feet of run, for ramps that lead to or from an exit. The section's note points to ICC/ANSI A117.1, under which ramps on an accessible route for people with disabilities should be no steeper than 1 in 12. Your building inspector applies the code for your address.

How wide does a Wisconsin ramp have to be?

SPS 321.045(3) requires a slip resistant surface and "a minimum width of 36 inches measured between handrails." Any ramp rising more than 8 inches needs at least one handrail, and steeper ramps rising more than 24 inches need handrails on both sides, set 30 to 38 inches above the surface.

Do I need a permit to add a ramp to an older Wisconsin house?

Ask your municipality. SPS 320.02 lets a municipality adopt the Uniform Dwelling Code for additions and alterations to existing dwellings by ordinance, and lets it require permits for work outside the code's scope. Permits are issued by the municipality enforcing the code, under SPS 320.08.

Can my Wisconsin landlord charge a bigger deposit for my ramp?

No. s. 106.50(2r)(b)3. says that when a landlord conditions permission for a modification on restoring the interior, the landlord "may not increase any customarily required security deposit." A negotiated interest-bearing escrow for restoration costs is allowed, with the interest accruing to the tenant.

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

Sources

• Wis. Admin. Code SPS 321.045, ramps
• Wis. Admin. Code SPS 320.02, scope
• Wis. Admin. Code SPS 320.08, uniform building permit
• Wis. Stat. s. 106.50(2r), open housing and disability
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries: Wisconsin (2022)
• Harmar Rubber Threshold Ramp product page
• Open Sesame Residential Automatic Door Opener product page
• Open Sesame 2-Button Transmitter (H) product page
• Open Sesame Spec Switch product page
• Open Sesame E.C.U. Transmitter (B) product page
• WisTech, Wisconsin Department of Health Services
• AT3 Center: Wisconsin