{"data":{"id":"us-nyc/n.y.c.-admin.-code-bc-3315","jurisdiction":"us-nyc","citation":"N.Y.C. Admin. Code § BC 3315","heading":"Section BC 3315: Structural Ramps, Runways, and Platforms","body":"3315.1 Ramps and runways.\n\nRamps and runways (including elevated walkways) shall comply with the requirements of Sections 3315.1.1 through 3315.1.7, as well as rules promulgated by the commissioner.\n\n3315.1.1 Construction.\n\nAll runways and ramps shall be constructed, braced and supported to resist lateral displacement and all vertical loads, including impact.\n\n3315.1.2 For motor vehicle use.\n\nRunways and ramps for the use of motor vehicles may consist of an earthfill or may be structurally supported. Such runways and ramps shall have a clear width of not less than 12 feet (3658 mm) with solid curbs or barriers at least 8 inches by 8 inches (203 mm by 203 mm) placed parallel to, and secured to, the sides of the runway or ramp. The flooring of structurally supported ramps shall consist of no smaller than 3-inch (76 mm) planking full size, undressed, or equivalent material, with spans designed for the loads to be imposed. Runways and ramps used by both motor vehicles and persons must also comply with requirements for runways and ramps used by persons. Runways and ramps dedicated exclusively to motor vehicles do not have to comply with requirements for runways and ramps used by persons.\n\n3315.1.3 For use by persons.\n\nRunways and ramps used by persons shall be at least 2 feet (610 mm) in clear width. Where used for wheelbarrows, handcarts, or hand-trucks, runways and ramps shall be at least 3 feet (914 mm) in clear width. Flooring shall consist of at least 2-inch (51 mm) planking spanning as permitted by Table 3314.5.2, laid close, butt-joined and securely fastened.\n\n3315.1.4 Slope limitations.\n\nRamps shall have a slope not steeper than one in four. If the slope is steeper than one in eight, the ramp shall be provided with cleats spaced not more than 14 inches (356 mm) apart and securely fastened to the planking to afford a foothold. Spaces in the cleats may be provided for the passage of the wheels of vehicles. The total rise of a continuous ramp used by persons carrying material or using wheelbarrows, hand-carts, or hand-trucks shall not exceed 12 feet (3658 mm) unless broken by horizontal landings at least 4 feet (1219 mm) in length.\n\n3315.1.5 Guardrail required.\n\nA guardrail meeting the requirements of Sections 3308.7.1 through 3308.7.7 shall be provided in any of the following circumstances:\n\n1. Where an unprotected side or edge is 6 feet (1829 mm) or more above the ground, floor, or other lower level;\n\n2. Along any portion of the runway or ramp that is used by persons and abuts motor vehicle traffic; or\n\n3. Along any portion of the runway or ramp where a person may thereby be exposed to harm from adjoining machinery, electrical equipment, or other hazardous equipment.\n\nFor the purposes of Section 3315.1.5, the term \"floor\" in Sections 3308.7.1 through 3308.7.7 shall mean \"runway or ramp\".\n\n3315.1.6 Netting required.\n\nWhere it is possible for the public to pass under, or next to, runways or ramps, the space between the top rail and the toeboard shall be enclosed with a wire screen comprised of not less than number 18 gauge wire mesh, or equivalent synthetic netting that is flame retardant in accordance with NFPA 701, with openings in the wire or synthetic mesh no larger than 1/2 inch (13 mm) in the vertical or horizontal dimensions and 3/4 inch (19 mm) in any other dimension.\n\n3315.1.7 Signage required.\n\nAt every access point to a runway or ramp, a sign shall be posted indicating whether the runway or ramp, or a portion thereof, is intended for use by motor vehicles or by persons.\n\n3315.2 Platforms.\n\nPlatforms shall comply with the requirements of Sections 3315.2.1 through 3315.2.3.\n\n3315.2.1 Planking.\n\nPlatforms shall have a floor consisting of at least 2-inch (51 mm) planking spanning as permitted by Table 3314.5.2. Planking shall be laid close and shall be butt-joined and securely fastened.\n\nExceptions:\n\n1. Where the platform is to be used to support loads in excess of 75 psf (366.2 kg/m\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t2\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t), or is intended for a use as specified in rules promulgated by the commissioner, the platform shall be designed by a registered design professional.\n\n2. Where the platform is to be used by motorized equipment, including but not limited to trucks, power buggies, fork lifts, or scissor lifts, the platform shall be designed by a registered design professional.\n\n3315.2.2 Guardrail required.\n\nA guardrail meeting the requirements of Sections 3308.7.1 through 3308.7.7 shall be provided in any of the following circumstances:\n\n1. Where an unprotected side or edge is 6 feet (1829 mm) or more above the ground, floor, or other lower level;\n\n2. Along any portion of the runway or ramp that abuts motor vehicle traffic; or\n\n3. Along any portion of the runway or ramp where a person may thereby be exposed to harm from adjoining machinery, electrical equipment, or other hazardous equipment.\n\nFor the purposes of Section 3315.2.2, the term \"floor\" in Sections 3308.7.1 through 3308.7.7 shall mean \"platform\".\n\nException: In lieu of a guardrail, the side of the platform used for the loading or unloading of vehicles may be protected by a solid curb or barrier at least 8 inches by 8 inches (203 mm by 203 mm) for motor trucks or 4 inches by 4 inches (102 mm by 102 mm) for wheelbarrows and hand-trucks.\n\n3315.2.3 Netting required.\n\nWhere it is possible for the public to pass under, or next to, platforms, the space between the top rail and the toeboard shall be enclosed with a wire screen comprised of not less than number 18 gauge wire mesh, or equivalent synthetic netting that is flame retardant in accordance with NFPA 701, with openings in the wire or synthetic mesh no larger than 1/2 inch (13 mm) in the vertical or horizontal dimensions and 3/4 inch (19 mm) in any other dimension.\n\n3315.3 Special requirements where motorized equipment is used.\n\nRunways, ramps, platforms, and other surfaces upon which motorized equipment, including but not limited to trucks, power buggies, fork lifts, or scissor lifts, is operated shall also meet the following minimum requirements:\n\n1. The minimum width, inside of curbs or barriers, for any ramp, runway, or platform shall be 2 feet (610 mm) wider than the outside width of any motorized equipment operated thereon without passing, and 3 feet (914 mm) wider than twice such motorized equipment width in the places where passing occurs.\n\n2. All runways shall be essentially level transversely.\n\n3. Curbs or barriers shall be furnished along all motorized equipment traffic paths that are nearer than 10 feet (3048 mm) horizontally to any unenclosed area, shaft, or other open space into which or through which a fall of more than 12 inches (305 mm) from such surface is possible, except as set forth in numbered Item 5.\n\n4. Where curbs or barriers are not required because the motorized equipment is operated on a surface up to 12 inches (305 mm) above another surface, the lower surface shall be strong enough to sustain the loaded vehicle in the event of a fall thereon.\n\n5. Curbs or barriers may be omitted at actual dumping points more than 12 inches (305 mm) above other surfaces if the edge over which dumping occurs is provided with bumpers or other means that will effectively stop the motorized equipment from running over the edge while dumping.\n\n6. Curbs or barriers must be at least 7 inches (178 mm) high, securely fastened, and capable of resisting side impact, and shall be equivalent to at least 2 inch by 8 inch (51 mm by 203 mm) plank set on edge against uprights securely fastened and braced at not more than 4-foot (1219 mm) intervals.","path":["New York City Administrative Code","Title 28","Chapter 7: New York City Building Code"],"source_url":"https://files.amlegal.com/pdffiles/NewYorkCity/Admin/XML.zip","current_through":"Local Law 2026/135 (enacted August 31, 2026)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-06T02:48:57Z","sha256":"2cc59af6b4804e53df04d3402fdfae6df8d2b8a1226cb3d5313087d2eb2df175","source_id":"us-nyc","stale":true,"prev":"us-nyc/n.y.c.-admin.-code-bc-3314","next":"us-nyc/n.y.c.-admin.-code-bc-3316"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}