North Carolina's State Policy for Handicap Ramps

According to the North Carolina Office on the Americans with Disabilities Act website, North Carolina uses the ADA for its regulations regarding employment and wheelchair access requirements.

Access

• The ADA was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1990, creating federal regulations on wheelchair access. Included in these regulations is the requirement that any slope greater than 1:20 is considered a ramp and must adhere to certain regulations, according to the U.S. Access Board.

Sizes

• Ramps constructed within the United States after the introduction of the ADA must have a maximum rise of 30 inches. The U.S. Access Board reports that wheelchair ramps must have a minimum width of 36 inches and a level landing at the top and bottom.

Regulations

• The regulations regarding wheelchair ramps mandate handrails on both sides of any ramp with a rise greater than 6 inches. The U.S. Access Board explains that outdoor ramps should be constructed so that water does not accumulate on the ramp.