Wheelchair Access Ramp in Condominiums: Gradient and Rules

The access ramp is often the first and cheapest intervention to make a condominium accessible, because it overcomes the entrance steps without invasive works. To comply it must respect the geometric requirements of Decree 236/1989 on gradient, width and rest landings. Building it falls among the works to remove architectural barriers and benefits from the reduced majorities set by Article 1120, second paragraph, of the Italian Civil Code.

The maximum permitted gradient

Decree 236/1989 establishes that the gradient of ramps must not exceed 8 per cent. In cases of adapting existing buildings, higher gradients are allowed, related to the actual linear development of the ramp: the shorter the ramp, the less gradient is tolerated, because over short stretches a steep climb becomes impossible to tackle independently in a wheelchair. The regulation also clarifies that overcoming a level change greater than 3.20 metres obtained solely with successive inclined ramps is not considered accessible.

In practice, for a small entrance step of twenty or thirty centimetres, an 8 per cent ramp requires several metres of development. If the space in front of the door is not enough, alternative solutions are considered, such as a multi-section ramp with an intermediate landing or a stairlift.

Width and rest landings

The technical regulation also sets the dimensions useful for the passage and rest of a wheelchair user.

• Minimum width of 0.90 metres for the transit of one person in a wheelchair
• Width of 1.50 metres to allow two people to pass each other
• Horizontal rest landing every 10 metres of ramp development
• A landing also where there are doors, with free space beyond the door swing
• Parapets and containment kerbs along open sides to prevent wheels running off

The horizontal landing allows a safe pause during the climb and must be large enough for wheelchair manoeuvring. The ramp surface matters too: it must be non-slip, to ensure grip even in the rain.

Fixed ramps and mobile ramps

A permanent masonry work is not always needed. Article 2 of Law 13/1989 expressly also mentions mobile structures suitable for overcoming barriers. A removable metal ramp can be a temporary or partial solution, useful when space is limited or when a permanent change to common parts is to be avoided. Mobile ramps, however, must be placed so as not to obstruct the passage or create tripping hazards for the other owners.

The resolution at the meeting

Building an access ramp is an improvement aimed at removing architectural barriers. It is approved with the majority of those present representing at least half the value of the building, under Article 1120, second paragraph, of the Italian Civil Code. The meeting cannot raise a pretextual refusal: the right to accessibility must be balanced against architectural decorum, but it prevails when the ramp is discreet and does not seriously alter the building's appearance.

If the meeting does not decide

As with other barrier-removal works, if the condominium does not resolve within three months of the written request or votes against, the owner with a disability may build the ramp at their own expense, within the limits of Articles 1120 and 1121 of the Italian Civil Code. The prohibitions on making common parts unusable and on compromising safety and stability remain.

Costs and incentives

If resolved for common benefit, the ramp is paid in proportion to thousandths (millesimi) of ownership. Barrier-removal works benefit from a reduced VAT rate and can access the tax deductions for accessibility. The project, resolution, building permits and traceable payments must be kept, both for the incentives and to prove compliance with the technical requirements.

To manage the resolution, millesimi-based allocation and documents of a work such as the ramp, management software avoids errors and oversights. AmministraPro records decisions with the correct majorities, calculates the allocations and stores the deeds: you will find the features on /funzioni and the plans for managers and firms on /prezzi.