OAR 813 § 813-310-0040
Walk, Ramp, Handrail and Curb Ramp Requirements
Operative Text
To satisfy the visitability requirements of this division, relevant walks, ramps, handrails and curbs must meet requirements as follows: (1) Walks. Walks along a visitable exterior route shall meet the following criteria: (a) Width. The minimum clear width of a walk shall not be less than 36 inches. (b) Slope and Rise. The slope of a walk shall not exceed one unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5% slope). (c) Cross Slope. The cross slope of a walk shall not exceed one unit vertical in 33 units horizontal (3% slope). (d) Edge Protection. Along a visitable exterior route, a continuous 2 inch high curb shall be required on both sides of walks that are 12 inches or higher above the adjacent grade. This applies to both flat and sloped portions of walks, regardless of size, as well as flat areas such as plazas and courts. Along a sloped walk, a portion of which requires a curb, the height of the curb shall gradually taper until the walk is no higher than 2 inches above adjacent grade. (2) Ramps. Ramps along a visitable exterior route shall meet the following criteria: (a) Width. The minimum clear width of a ramp shall not be less than 36 inches. (b) Slope. The maximum slope of a ramp shall not exceed one unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (8.33% slope). The maximum rise for any run shall be 30 inches. (c) Cross Slope. The cross slope of a ramp shall be a maximum of one unit vertical in 33 units horizontal (3% slope). (d) Surface. Ramps along a visitable exterior route shall have a firm, stable, slip resistent surface. (e) Landings. Ramps along a visitable route shall have landings at the top and bottom, and at least one intermediate landing for each 30 inches of rise. Landings shall have a minimum dimension, measured in the direction of travel of 60 inches. The width of any landing may not be less than the width of the ramp. Where the ramp changes direction, the minimum size of the ramp shall be 60 inches by 60 inches. (3) Curb Ramps. Curb ramps shall be required where curbs lie along a visitable route. (a) Width. Curb ramps shall have a minimum width of 36 inches. (b) Slope. Curb ramps shall have a maximum slope of 1 unit vertical to 12 units horizontal. Transitions from curb ramps to walks, gutters and vehicular ways shall be flush and free of abrupt changes in height. (c) Side Slopes. Curb ramps located where pedestrians must walk across the ramp shall have sloped sides whose slope does not exceed 1:10. (d) Surfaces. Curb ramps along visitable exterior routes shall have a firm, stable, slip resistent surface. (e) Location. Curb ramps shall be built so as not to project into vehicular ways or be located within accessible parking spaces. (4) Handrails. Ramps with a total rise of 12 inches or less or a horizontal projection of 144 inches or less are not subject to the handrail requirement. The handrail requirement must be met on all other ramps. Where handrails are required, the handrail must meet the requirements set forth in chapter 11, division II-Element Requirements, Section 1109.10.11.3, Structural Strength, of the Oregon Structural Specialty Code as of July 1, 2004. Handrails shall have an outside diameter of not less than 1 1/4 inches or more than 2 inches, a 1 1/2 inch clear distance between the handrail and an adjacent wall, and must extend the full length of the ramp, including the landing. Unless otherwise required by federal or state code, a handrail on one side of the exterior visitable route is sufficient and need not include extensions beyond the length of the ramp and landing. [Publications: Publications referenced are available from the agency.]
OAR 813 § 813-310-0040 establishes precise physical standards for walks, ramps, handrails, and curb ramps that form part of a visitable exterior route in Oregon. The rule sets minimum widths of 36 inches, maximum slope ratios, surface quality requirements, landing dimensions, and edge-protection specifications to ensure that these pathways are safely navigable. Handrails are required on ramps exceeding certain rise or horizontal-projection thresholds, and where required, they must conform to specific diameter, clearance, and length standards drawn from the Oregon Structural Specialty Code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Oregon's visitability requirements under OAR 813 § 813-310-0040 generally ensure that all walks along visitable exterior routes are at least 36 inches wide, slope no more than 5% in the direction of travel, and include 2-inch curbs where the walk surface is 12 or more inches above adjacent grade. Compliant operators verify that ramps feature firm, slip-resistant surfaces, proper landings at the top, bottom, and every 30 inches of rise, and handrails meeting the Oregon Structural Specialty Code specifications when the ramp's total rise exceeds 12 inches or its horizontal projection exceeds 144 inches. Curb ramps are installed wherever curbs intersect a visitable route, with flush transitions and side slopes no steeper than 1:10 where pedestrians must cross them.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
OAR 813 § 813-310-0040 establishes the visitability pathway standards that covered Oregon housing must meet, which can be relevant to residents who rely on accessible exterior routes to enter or move around a property. If a walk, ramp, curb ramp, or handrail appears to fall short of the rule's specifications—such as a ramp that is too steep, a walk that is too narrow, or a missing curb ramp—tenants may consider documenting the condition and reaching out to the Oregon Housing and Community Services department or a local tenant-rights organization for guidance. Raising a potential violation under this provision may also be relevant as a defense or claim in certain housing proceedings, and consulting a legal aid organization familiar with Oregon housing law can help clarify available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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