Vertical Drop

• A main reason a handrail may be required on a sidewalk is due to a vertical drop. The size of a vertical drop which constitutes the need for a handrail depends upon which state the sidewalk is in. For example, a sidewalk with a vertical drop of 2.5 feet or more in Maryland will require a handrail.
  
  

Sidewalk Slope

• A sidewalk that is on a slope of a greater angle than the road it is adjacent to may constitute the need for a handrail. The angle of this slope varies by state.
  
  

Other Unsafe Areas

• If an area is found by a city engineer to be unsafe for any other reason, a handrail may be required.
  
  

Building Code

• The requirements for a sidewalk handrail can be found in your area's state building code and standards book.