Wheelchair/Handicap Accessibility

We occupy the ground level apartment in a 4 unit coop, and need to make the apartment wheelchair accessible. Most time sensitive is the need to replace the 3 steps down into the apartment entrance (under the stoop) with a ramp (probably concrete). I’ve seen postings complaining about the new building code requirement that requires this accessibility, but nothing helpful about how to actually get it done. Would appreciate any advice about (1) who is willing to do this, (2) whether we need any kind of permits, and (3) general estimate of cost. Also would be glad to hear from others who have had to undertake similar renovations inside as well.

crampedinbklyn

in About Brooklyn 10 years and 2 months ago

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resident2 | 10 years and 2 months ago

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A lot will depend on if you are in a Landmark district. The width of the house and how deep the front yard is and does it actually belong to the building. You will have to get a survey to check. There are many blocks in Brooklyn where a large amount of the front yards actually belong to the City. Getting permission from the City to further encroach on their property is extremely time consuming. Costs will depend on all the above and the general conditions currently at the site. You will need to get this filed, so speak to a local architect to get some ideas and feasibility opinions.

ventilated | 10 years and 2 months ago

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There’s at least one set-up in Park Slope similar to what Bessie describes, maybe on 6th St. between 6th & 7th Aves. There’s a probably illegal hack-job wheelchair lift across from Methodist Hospital ambulance entrance on 7th St. close to 7th Ave. You’ll certainly need permits, and if you’re in a historic district, you’ll need LPC permission. Some reading you might find helpful: http://randpc.com/ask/architectural-design/installing-ada http://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/32-accessibility.htm

Bessie | 10 years and 2 months ago

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We did a ramp like this on a building at 20 Washington Sq., North by lowering the yard to install the ramp. We ended up with an l-shaped flagstone ramp that took up a lot of the yard but ended up looking very natural. The slope any handicapped ramp should be no greater than 1:12 and you’ll need to check the width of the understoop doorway and vestibule door to make sure they will be maneuverable. The work would definitely need to be filed.