Notice: This site currently shows the 2012/2017 edition of the Ontario Building Code. The current legally effective code is the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24), in effect since January 1, 2025. Confirm current requirements at ontario.ca.

The Ontario Building Code | Ramp Width

9.8.5.2. Ramp Width

(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), exit ramps and public ramps serving buildings of residential occupancy shall have a clear width of not less than 900 mm.

(2) A ramp serving a single dwelling unit shall have a width of not less than 860 mm.

Note: On July 1, 2017, Sentence 9.8.5.2.(2) of Division B of the Regulation is amended by striking out "single dwelling unit" and substituting "houseor an individual dwelling unit". (See: O. Reg. 139/17, s. 78)

(3) Exit ramps and public ramps serving buildings of other than residential occupancy shall have a clear width of not less than the greater of,

(a) 900 mm, or

(b) 8 mm per person based on the occupant load limits specified in Table 3.1.17.1.

In Plain Language

Ramps must meet a minimum width requirement set out in this article, similar in purpose to the stair width requirement but sized for the different way people and equipment use a ramp.

This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.