Texas Accessibility Standards
Technical Memorandum

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Architectural Barriers

Curb Ramps - Sides of Curb Ramps
4.7.5

Scoping and Application
4.7.1

Since 4.7.5 of TAS states that, "If a curb ramp is located where a pedestrian must walk across the ramp, or where it is not protected by handrails or guardrails, it shall have flared sides", this department has not accepted parallel type curb ramps (as shown in proposed Section 14, Figure 59(b) of ADAAG) except through an approved variance.  However, our position is to allow the use of these types of ramps without a variance.

This issue was discussed with various disability advocacy groups, and none felt that this design posed any significant hazard to any persons with disabilities.  The matter was then submitted to the Architectural Barriers Advisory Committee for consideration.  The committee recommended accepting these types of ramps without a variance, as they, too, did not consider them a hazard.  Further, they felt that since this design appeared in proposed ADA Accessibility Guidelines (although limited to public rights-of-way, where right-of-way width will not accommodate a perpendicular curb ramp and landing), that accepting this design would not pose a problem.  However, we strongly recommend maintaining slopes of 5.0% or less for this design so that these will not be considered "curb ramps".  Otherwise, the curb ramp must comply with all of TAS 4.7.

This position applies to new construction as well as alterations.