Installing a ramp in a porch

by Suzanne
(Maine)

I have a porch across the font of my small house facing the street. My front yard is small and right on the street. My property line on one side is only 2 feet from the house and on the other there is a driveway.

My problem is that in the winter I have to walk from my driveway into the street and then up my short walkway and stairs to the front door.

For reason too long to go into I can't use the back door in the winter. I am old now and can't do even that walk due to balance problems.

The ice and snow accumulated there by the city plow and the icy street make it prohibitive. I was thinking of building a ramp right INTO my porch directly from the driveway so I can get out of my car and go up the ramp to my front door. I don't need a wheelchair, just handrails.

The only thing I can find online are references to wheelchair ramps.

I just need a ramp about 3 feet wide from the ground to the top of the porch, about 3.5 feet high. The porch is about 18 feet long.

What would you call this type of ramp to avoid wheelchair ramp building requirements? A dog ramp? I just really want an alternate way to get into my house without having to go out into the street.

One carpenter told me there wasn't enough room for stairs in the porch due to building requirements. Help.