French Ramp Rules: Housing Access and Terrace Exceptions

Check the scope first

CCH L161-1 gives an access-rule exemption for owners who build or improve a home for their own use. Other safety rules still apply. Check the scope for a home built for sale or rent. Public buildings use other texts.

Article 2 of the 24 December 2015 order covers the outside access route for housing within its scope. It sets these slopes:

• At most 5% in the normal case.
• Up to 8% for at most 2 m in an exceptional case.
• Up to 10% for at most 0.50 m in an exceptional case.
• Rest landings at both ends. Add one every 10 m if the slope is 4% or more.

Do not use the terrace exception for any ramp

Article 14 covers balconies, terraces and loggias. In specified cases, space must be left to add a ramp later. The text uses 10% over 2 m and 12% over 0.50 m for that space. It also has a 12% case for a terrace without the stated insulated screed.

These are not general limits for ramps inside a home. Read Article 14 for the full scope, threshold and clear space rules.

Work out the run

A 300 mm rise at 5% needs 300 ÷ 0.05 = 6000 mm of flat run. Add the level areas at the ends. A shorter run does not mean you can just use a steeper slope.

Sources

• CCH Article L161-1.
• Housing access order, Articles 2 and 14.
• French building-code hub.

Scope and figures checked on 6 September 2026. Confirm the rules for the actual building and work before setting out.