When is a Curb Ramp a Ramp?  We’ve had several instances where an independent CASp, a Building Inspector, a Building Plan Checker and an Architect will look at the same ramping condition and interpret it differently, as either a ramp, or a curb ramp.  Here's how the CBC, ADAS and ANSI A117.1 define curb ramps:

2016 CBC                                     

CURB RAMP. [DSA-AC] A sloping pedestrian way, intended for pedestrian traffic, which provides access between a walk or sidewalk and a surface located above or below an adjacent curb face.

1991 & 2010 ADAS                      

Curb Ramp. A short ramp cutting through a curb or built up to it.

2009 and 2017 ANSI A117.1        

Curb Ramp. A short ramp cutting through a curb or built up to it.

The 2017 ANSI A117.1 Commentary has done a good job of providing some additional clarification as to what the intent of a curb ramp is and how it may differ from a ramp.  It’s easy to identify a perpendicular curb ramp with flared sides.  But what about the longer curb ramp that doesn’t perfectly match the graphics we see in the CBC or the Standards?  Or a shorter ramping condition where handrails and larger landings may not necessarily provide a greater level of access by having them installed?   Although the 2017 ANSI A117.1 is not yet the applicable standard adopted by most states, we can still look to it for some of the research that’s been done for accessibility.  

The ICC indicates:

“Handrails are not necessary at curb ramps because of the limited rise and run of the curb ramp. They present an unnecessary and undesirable obstruction to pedestrian cross-traffic. Unlike ramps (Section 405.8), this is true even when the curb ramp has a rise of more than 6 inches (150 mm).”

                                                                                      - ICC A117.1-2017 Standard and Commentary

“For example, it would be impractical to require handrails (Section 405.8) or edge protection (Section 405.9) because of the obstructions such features would present to the surrounding areas, which are typically a circulation path or public way. The attributes that are unique to curb ramps make them suitable for their purpose primarily because of the limited rise (curb height) that they serve.”

                                                                                      - ICC A117.1-2017 Standard and Commentary

Take a guess at the condition attached (accessible route with a slope at 6%).  Non Compliant Sloped Walk?  Compliant Curb Ramp?  Or Non-Compliant Ramp?.  Of course, in any application, check with Authority having jurisdiction for their interpretation and as the code enforcement official.