Examples/ADA ramp example – small retail entry (12 in rise, 42 in width, 90° turn)

Exterior entry ramp • 90° turn layout

ADA ramp example – 12 in rise, 42 in clear width

Use case: Typical building entryLocation: Exterior storefrontLayout: 90° turn, 2 landings
  • A compact ramp for a storefront entry that needs only 12 in of rise but still benefits from a 90° turn landing to fit within the sidewalk frontage.
  • Sized at 42 in clear width with round rails; exterior condition assumes modest edge protection without triggering full guards.

Key stats:12 intotal rise•42 inclear width•1:12slope•2landings

Use this layout when a 90° turn helps fit the ramp within a tighter frontage while keeping a full landing for maneuvering.

Use this layout in the calculator

Prefill the calculator with these settings, then tweak dimensions for your project.

Layout summary

Design warnings

  • Space available is short by 120 inches for a 1:12 slope. Consider adding additional landings or reconfiguring the layout.

This example may require adjustments on real projects. Always verify final dimensions against your local code and site constraints.

Ramp summary

Total rise
12 in
Clear width
42 in
Required run
264 in
Slope ratio
1:12
Handrails required?
Required
Guards required?
Not required
Cross slope
2% max

Segments

#Rise (in)Run (in)Slope %Slope ratio
1121448.331:12

Landings

#TypeLength (in)Width (in)
1bottom6042
2top6042

Best for: narrow storefronts where a straight 1:12 ramp would extend too far into public sidewalk.

Checklist

Accessibility checklist for this layout.

Slope & geometry

  • Ramp slope does not exceed 1:12 (8.33%)

    ADA 405.2

    PASS

  • Individual ramp run rise does not exceed 30 in

    ADA 405.6

    PASS

  • Top, bottom, and transition landings provided (>= 60 in length)

    ADA 405.7 / 405.8

    PASS

Handrails & guards

  • Handrails provided when required (both sides, 34-38 in high, 12 in extensions)

    ADA 505

    Provided per design; confirm detailing (34-38 in height, 12 in extensions, returns).

    PASS

  • Guards provided at drops > 30 in (IBC 1015)

    IBC 1015

    Not required because adjacent drop <= 30 in.

    NA

Surfaces & drainage

  • Edge protection (2 in curb or equivalent) provided

    ADA 405.9

    NA

  • Ramp surface is stable, firm, slip resistant; cross slope <= 1:48

    ADA 302 / 405.3

    NA

  • Drainage provided to prevent pooling (for exterior ramps)

    Best practice

    Exterior condition flagged.

    NA

This checklist is based on generic ADA and IBC provisions. Always verify against your local code and project requirements.

General notes

Generated notes for this layout based on ADA 2010 and IBC 2021 model provisions.

These notes are included in the exported PDF and DOCX.

  • GENERAL NOTES (ADA 2010 & IBC 2021)
  • 1. Overall rise 12 in; ramp segmented to maintain max slope 1:12 (<=8.33%). Cross slope limited to 2%.
  • 2. Each ramp run limited to 30 in rise. Segment 1: rise 12 in, run 144 in (slope 8.33% ~ 1:12).
  • 3. Landings provided at top, bottom, and transitions. Minimum landing length 60 in, width equals clear ramp width 42 in. Turning landings sized 60 in x 60 in minimum.
  • 4. Maintain clear width between handrails of at least 42 in. Edge protection (2 in curb or equivalent) required where adjacent drop exceeds 4 in.
  • 5. Handrails required where rise exceeds 6 in or horizontal run exceeds 72 in. Provide both sides, height 34-38 in, extend 12 in beyond top and bottom run, return to guard/wall. Handrail profile selected: round. Maintain 1.5 in min clearance from adjacent surfaces.
  • 6. If drop-off exceeds 30 in, provide guards per IBC 1015 (42 in min height; opening limits).
  • 7. Surface to be stable, firm, and slip-resistant. Exterior ramps to provide drainage. Maintain maximum cross slope 2%.
  • 8. Coordinate with local authority for additional requirements. Notes for reference only; not a signed/sealed submittal.
  • Generated 2026-01-14 10:36 GMT+0 using ADA Ramp & Handrail Generator.

Questions about this sample layout

Short answers to common questions about this ramp layout.

QWhy choose a 90° turn instead of straight run?

Turning the ramp lets you fit the run and landing within a shorter frontage while still giving a 60 in square landing for maneuvering.

QIs 42 in clear width allowed?

Yes. ADA requires at least 36 in clear; 42 in improves comfort and reduces rail conflicts at the turning landing.

QDo I need guards for this low rise?

Edge protection is still needed at drops over 4 in, but a 12 in rise typically does not trigger full 42 in high guards unless adjacent grade drops more than 30 in.

For general questions about the tool, please visit the main FAQ page.

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