We received the following query: “The ramp of our garage is too steep, there is a sharp bend and we think the access is very small”
You should know that the 1997 General Urban Development Plan of Madrid (PGOU), which is currently in force, establishes in its article 7.5.11, Vehicle access to garages and car parks (N-2):
- Ramps shall have a maximum slope of eighteen per cent (18%) on straight sections and sixteen per cent (16%) on curved sections, the latter slope being measured along the centre line of the ramp if it consists of a one-way or alternating-direction lane, or along the centre line of the inner lane if it consists of a lane with two separate directions.
In other words, the slope must not exceed 18%, and where the garage ramp has curved sections, the slope cannot exceed 16%, in which case it must be measured along the centre line of the ramp; and if the ramp is two-way, it must be measured along the centre line of the inner lane.
In addition, the transitions, that is, the points where the ramps meet the basement floors, cannot have a radius of curvature of less than 12 metres, and the slope cannot exceed 9%.
The transitions between ramps and floor surfaces shall be made using one of the following solutions:
- a) By means of a curved surface with a radius of curvature of no less than twelve (12) metres. b) By reducing the slope of the ramp to a maximum of nine per cent (9%) over at least the two (2) metres before the transition line.
And as regards the exit from the garage to the outside, point 4, section C provides that:
- c) At all garage exits to the outside, a space with a minimum depth of four (4) metres, whose paving has a maximum slope of five per cent (5%), shall be provided within the plot, adjusted to the level of the pavement without altering its alignment. In detached houses, the slope of this space may be increased to nine per cent (9%).
This is what Madrid’s PGOU provides, as it is the planning regulation applicable to the municipality where the property is located; although all General Urban Development Plans are very similar to one another, the specific planning regulations must be checked in each case.
HOW THE SLOPE IS CALCULATED.
To calculate a slope, divide the height or difference in level by the length of the horizontal plane and multiply by 100 to obtain the percentage slope.
However, it is better to have it checked by an expert, who can also measure it with a clinometer, a special level or a surveying instrument.
THE RAMP AND THE GARAGES MUST MEET FUNCTIONALITY REQUIREMENTS.
Notwithstanding the above, regardless of whether or not the minimum dimensions under the applicable municipal planning regulations (in this case the PGOU) are complied with, let us not forget that they must meet the provisions of Law 38/1999 of 5 November on Building Regulation (Ley de Ordenación de la Edificación, LOE), article
- Basic building requirements: .1“In order to guarantee the safety of people, (…), buildings must be designed, built, maintained and preserved in such a way that the following basic requirements are met:
a) Relating to functionality:
a1) Use, so that the layout and dimensions of the spaces and the provision of installations facilitate the proper performance of the functions intended in the building.” (DOES NOT COMPLY)
c.4) Other functional aspects of the building elements or installations that allow satisfactory use of the building. (DOES NOT COMPLY)
In other words, garage slopes, accesses, parking spaces, etc. must meet the basic functionality requirements, facilitating the proper performance of their functions (parking vehicles without major difficulty) and their satisfactory use.
If you have any questions and would like one of our experts to check whether the slope of your garage is within the maximum permitted, contact us.
Any questions?