Question 1

What surface should an Ottawa entrance ramp have?

Accepted Answer

A ramp at a house and its landings must have a finish that is wear-resistant, slip-resistant, and smooth, even and free from open defects under Article 9.8.9.6 of the Ontario Building Code. That is the rule for a house ramp in Ottawa; it describes the performance the surface must meet, not a specific material. Whether a particular material meets those requirements is a question to put to the contractor in writing.

Question 2

When does a home ramp in Ottawa need a guard?

Accepted Answer

The Ontario Building Code requires a guard on a ramp or landing when the drop beside it is more than 600 mm. That is the trigger: not the slope, not the length, but how far someone could fall off the edge. What the height rule means in practice If the ground beside your ramp or landing drops away by more than 600 mm, a guard is required. The height the guard must reach depends on how high the walking surface is above the ground.

Question 3

Can a wheelchair ramp go in my front yard in Barrhaven?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a wheelchair ramp can go in your front yard in Barrhaven. Under both City of Ottawa Zoning By-laws 2008-250 and 2026-50, wheelchair ramps have no setback limit, meaning the zoning rules do not push them back from the lot line the way they do for ordinary steps. A couple of things to confirm before you build: Both by-laws apply to permit applications complete on or after March 11, 2026, with the most restrictive provision governing.

Question 4

How wide does a ramp at an Ottawa home need to be?

Accepted Answer

The Ontario Building Code sets a minimum width of 860 mm for a ramp serving a single dwelling unit. That is the house rule; the public-building standard in Section 3.8 does not apply to detached houses, semi-detached houses, duplexes, triplexes, townhouses or houses with a secondary suite. What else the Code says about ramp dimensions Width is one part of what the Code covers for a house ramp.

Ramps & Entrances

What surface should an Ottawa entrance ramp have?

When does a home ramp in Ottawa need a guard?

Can a wheelchair ramp go in my front yard in Barrhaven?

How wide does a ramp at an Ottawa home need to be?