PART 3 — FIRE PROTECTION, OCCUPANT SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITYUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code
Try BUILDAiD Beta
3.8.3.2.Exterior Walks
(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), exterior walks that form part of a barrier-free path of travel shall
(a) be provided by means of a continuous plane not interrupted by steps or abrupt changes in level,
(b) have a permanent, firm and slip-resistant surface,
(c) except as required in Sentence 3.8.1.3.(4), have an uninterrupted width of not less than 1 100 mm and a gradient not
exceeding 1 in 20,
(d) be designed as a ramp where the gradient is greater than 1 in 20,
(e) have not less than 1 600 mm wide surface of a different texture to that surrounding it, where the line of travel is
level and even with adjacent walking surfaces,
(f) be free from obstructions for the full width of the walk to a minimum height of 1 980 mm, except that handrails are
permitted to project not more than 100 mm from either side into the clear area,
(g) have a level area adjacent to the entrance doorway conforming to Clause 3.8.3.4.(1)(c), and
(h) have a tactile attention indicator conforming to Article 3.8.3.18. that is located to identify an entry into a vehicular
route or area where no curbs or any other element separate the vehicular route or area from a pedestrian route. (See
Note A-3.8.3.2.(1)(h))
(2) Where a difference in elevation between levels in a walkway is not more than 200 mm, a curb ramp conforming to
Sentences (3) and (4) may be provided.
(3) The curb ramp permitted by Sentence (2) shall
(a) have a running slope conforming to Table 3.8.3.2.,
(b) have a width of not less than 1 500 mm exclusive of flared sides,
(c) have a surface including flared sides that shall,
(i) be slip-resistant,
(ii) have a detectable warning surface that is colour- and texture-contrasted with the adjacent surfaces, and
(iii) have a smooth transition from the ramp and adjacent surfaces, and
(d) have flared sides with a slope of not more than 1:10 where pedestrians are likely to walk across them.
(4) Curb ramps described in Sentence (3) do not require handrails or guards.
Table 3.8.3.2.
Ramp Rise and Slope
Forming Part of Sentence 3.8.3.2.(3)
Vertical Rise Between Surfaces, mm Slope
75 to 200 1:10 to 1:12
less than 75 1:8 to 1:10
This provision includes a table — formatting is preserved from the source; refer to the official code for the authoritative layout.
Understand this provision in seconds
BUILDAiD Assist explains any article of the building code in plain English — with exact citations, exceptions and related requirements.
Code text is reproduced for reference from the Ontario Building Code (O. Reg. 163/24, 2024 Building Code Compendium). This page is provided for general information and is not an official copy. Always verify requirements against the official Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.