Accessible parking is an important part of any commercial parking lot. For property managers and facility owners, ADA parking requirements affect everything from space dimensions and pavement markings to access aisles and the route visitors take from their vehicle to the building.
A parking lot may appear accessible at first glance, but painted accessibility symbols alone do not make a space compliant. The entire layout needs to meet applicable standards.
Understanding the basic requirements can help property managers identify potential issues before their next parking lot paving or striping project.
How Many ADA Parking Spaces Does a Facility Need?
The required number of accessible spaces depends on the total number of parking spaces within each parking facility.
Under the 2010 ADA Standards, a parking facility with 1 to 25 total spaces must have at least one accessible space. Facilities with 26 to 50 spaces require at least two, while those with 51 to 75 require at least three. Requirements continue to increase with parking lot size.
At least one of every six accessible parking spaces, or fraction of six, must be van accessible.
These requirements are calculated separately for each parking facility. Property managers with multiple lots or parking structures should not simply combine every parking space across the property when determining their requirements.
Follow Proper ADA Parking Space Dimensions
ADA parking space dimensions are another major consideration.
A standard accessible car parking space must be at least 96 inches wide. It also needs an adjacent access aisle that is at least 60 inches wide.
Van-accessible spaces have two permitted configurations. A van space can be at least 132 inches wide with a minimum 60-inch access aisle. Another option is a minimum 96-inch parking space paired with an access aisle that is at least 96 inches wide.
Van-accessible areas also require at least 98 inches of vertical clearance for the parking space, access aisle, and vehicle route serving the space.
Provide Proper Access Aisles
Access aisles provide room for people using wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and other mobility devices to safely enter and exit vehicles.
These areas must extend the full length of the parking space and be clearly marked to discourage other drivers from parking there.
Two accessible parking spaces can generally share a single access aisle. Angled parking has different requirements. For angled van spaces, the access aisle must be positioned on the passenger side.
Property managers should keep these areas clear. An access aisle should never be treated as an extra parking space or storage area.
Pay Attention to Parking Lot Slope
ADA compliance involves more than striping.
Accessible parking spaces and their access aisles must have a maximum slope of 1:48, which is approximately 2.08%, in all directions. The surface must also be firm, stable, and slip resistant.
This requirement makes proper grading an important part of ADA parking lot work. Simply restriping an existing space may not address accessibility problems if the pavement has settled, deteriorated, or was originally installed at an excessive slope.
Create an Accessible Route to the Building
The location of an accessible parking space matters just as much as its dimensions.
Accessible spaces generally need to be located along the shortest accessible route to the entrance they serve. Access aisles must connect with an accessible route leading to the building or facility.
Property managers should consider curbs, sidewalks, ramps, traffic lanes, and other obstacles when reviewing the route. A properly striped parking space provides little benefit if a person using a wheelchair cannot safely travel from the space to the entrance.
Use Proper ADA Parking Signs and Markings
Accessible spaces require signage displaying the International Symbol of Accessibility. Under federal ADA standards, the sign must be mounted so the bottom edge is at least 60 inches above the ground.
Van-accessible spaces also need signage identifying them as “Van Accessible.”
Striping should remain clearly visible as well. Faded pavement markings can make access aisles difficult for drivers to recognize and can lead to vehicles blocking areas that need to remain open.
Keep Your Parking Lot ADA Compliant With Preferred Paving
ADA parking compliance requires careful attention to layout, dimensions, grading, striping, signage, and accessible routes. State and local requirements may also apply, so each property should be evaluated based on its location and specific conditions.
Preferred Paving provides ADA compliance services that address proper parking lot layouts, surface grading, signage, and pavement striping.
If your parking lot needs ADA improvements, restriping, paving, or repairs, contact Preferred Paving to schedule an evaluation and discuss the right solution for your property.
