Curb Ramps

Curb ramps are critical to providing access between the sidewalk and the street for people who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices. The implementing regulations under Title II of the ADA and the California ’s Title 24 Disabled Access Regulations specifically identify curb ramps as requirements for each corner of street intersections and where a pedestrian way crosses a curb. The department oversees the design and inspection of all curb ramps within the city of San Diego .

Curb Ramp Standards

The department oversees the City of San Diego Standard Drawings and the supplement amendments which contain the Detectable/Tactile Warning Tiles and Curb Ramp specifications. All curb ramps must be designed and built per these standards and specifications. To request a copy of the supplement amendments, send an email to MMaali@sandiego.gov.

Curb Ramp Program

One of the City’s accessibility programs is to install curb ramp(s) based upon creating a path of travel to government offices, schools, public transit, medical facilities and other places of public accommodation. The department’s Transportation Engineering Division coordinates the Curb Ramp Program with Disability Services by taking in the requests and manages the construction of these curb ramps at specific locations.

• Privately Funded Curb Ramp Review - Applicants who are required to install a curb ramp(s) or retrofit an existing previously conforming curb ramp(s) must first obtain a Public Right-of-Way Permit for Standard Public Improvement (PDF: 118K) from the City’s Development Services.
• Publicly Funded Curb Ramp Review – Curb ramp projects that are part of a CIP is reviewed by the Access Law Design Compliance Section via the citywide plan check. Contact the Access Law Design Compliance Section via email at ecpada@sandiego.gov to inquire about the submittal and review process.
• Modified Curb Ramp Design Review – A modified curb ramp design may be allowed to accommodate site conditions. The design must be first submitted to Development Services or the Access Law Design Compliance Section for review prior to the demolition of the sidewalk and construction of the curb ramp. Construction of any modified curb ramps must be closely coordinated with the designated Resident Engineer. Contact the Access Law Design Compliance Section via email at ecpada@sandiego.gov to inquire about the submittal and review process.
• Curb Ramp Detectable/Tactile Warning Surface Sample Submittal – As specified in the Detectable/Tactile Warning SurfaceSection 216, samples and test reports of any detectable/tactile warning surface or commonly called “truncated domes” must be submitted to the designated Resident Engineer for approval prior to installation. The Notice of Completion will be issued to the contractor only when the curb ramp has been inspected and accepted by the Resident Engineer.