PROBLEM:
Local jurisdiction acceptance of modular wheelchair ramps

In the State of Minnesota, local building departments were concerned about approving the installation of removable, reusable modular wheelchair ramps. Customers often had to endure lengthy and unnecessary delays in receiving permits, or were denied permits altogether. The only alternative for many customers was to construct costly permanent ramps with required frost footings. Contractors and materials were expensive and many homeowners only needed the ramps on a temporary basis, so permanent ramps were not a cost-effective choice.

SOLUTION:
State-level design review

Minnesota officials developed a state-level design review program whereby a customer receives a letter of approval for a modular ramp design that can be given to a local building official to obtain a building permit. An advantage of this letter is that some local officials do not have the information that homes are not covered by the public access code, so they will require ramps that meet public access codes to be built on private residences. A letter from the state will clarify the public code versus requirements for private residences for the state.

Through the Minnesota Ramp Project, a state-approved design guidebook was created to enable customers to construct modular, reusable ramps and long-tread low riser steps that would meet the approval of the local building official.

DESCRIPTION:
Local building officials originally had concerns about the code requirement of frost footings, which are not used in modular ramp construction. To alleviate the concerns, Bob Zimmerman (developer of the Minnesota Ramp Project) coordinated the state level review of the modular design to certify that it complied with the state building code. Mr. Zimmerman states that every building official he has worked with has accepted the modular style of construction and issued the appropriate permits because of two factors, "One is that professional engineering has resulted in an effective way to build ramps and steps, and the other is that plans have been reviewed at the state level." Having a state level review of the "How to Build Ramps for Home Accessibility" guidebook, including the guidebook’s modular wheelchair ramp and access steps design, gives local officials some assurance that the design is appropriate for use in their jurisdiction.

One concern raised by the State of Michigan that has been addressed by the Minnesota Ramp Project is that other entities designing and selling ramps might be restricted if a state approves one particular ramp design. This program is not designed to obtain a mandated statewide design. It is an effective alternative to traditional construction techniques and has some very significant advantages, but the customer ultimately retains the right to choose which type of ramp they prefer.

The ramp program can be implemented in other states and utilized by departments such as Rehabilitation Services, Medical Assistance, Veterans Affairs, or State Housing Finance agencies to provide help to people needing home ramps in a quick and cost-effective manner.

RESULTS:
As a direct result of the success of this program, the State of New York has also adopted state-level design review of modular wheelchair ramps. Over 1000 ramps and 300 steps have been installed in Minnesota since May 1992, and programs in at least 15 other states (Wisconsin, Washington, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, and Michigan among others) are using the Minnesota Ramp Project’s designs as well.

SAVINGS:
The greatest savings produced from this program go directly to consumers in the form of lower-cost ramps that can be resold when they are no longer needed. The resale option allows the homeowner to recoup some of the costs of the ramp as well as restoring property value by being able to remove the ramps without substantial damage to the property.

Time savings are also enjoyed by all stakeholders because the building permits can be approved much more quickly.

EVALUATION BY STREAMLINING COMMITTEES:

Advantages

• Cost savings in using an approved uniform approach.

• Good template to properly construct a ramp for residential use.

• Beneficial guide for homeowners, volunteer groups, independent living centers.

• Finished product must be adapted to each situation to benefit the user.

• Application might be limited in areas not under a uniform statewide code.

IMPLEMENTATION:
Mr. Zimmerman (Minnesota Department of Economic Security, Rehabilitation Services Branch) worked closely with the Metropolitan Independent Living Center, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the United Handicapped Federation to develop the design for a modular ramp that was cost effective and would meet the approval of state regulators. Approval by the State and obtaining the letter of approval for the Ramp Project’s design and guidelines manual was crucial in making the program widely adaptable throughout Minnesota and other states.

Bob Zimmerman
Career Rehabilitation Counselor
Independent Living Program
2455 University Avenue W.
St. Paul, MN 55114
Phone: (651) 649-5712
FAX: (651) 649-5710
Email: bob.zimmerman@state.mn.us 
Program Website: www.wheelchairramp.org 

Also visit the letter from the State of Minnesota, Department of Administration, Building Codes and Standards Division -- a review of the building code requirements for the modular wheelchair ramp: http://www.wheelchairramp.org/rampman/ramp16.htm 

Or NCSBCS STAFF:
Carolyn Fitch

Regulatory Specialist
National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards
505 Huntmar Park Drive, Suite 210
Herndon, VA 20170
Phone: (703) 437-0100
FAX:    (703) 481-3596
Email: cfitch@ncsbcs.org