4 Things to Know About Making Your Property ADA Compliant

The laws for ADA regulations are ever-changing, but the one thing that stays the same is that public places, particularly walkways and parking lots, are required to accommodate people with disabilities to be in accordance with accessibility compliance. ADA construction services can help bring your property into compliance with ADA regulations.

1. Parking Lots Are Just as Important as Walkways

If your commercial property has a parking lot, ADA regulations require specifics to be followed. Wheelchair accommodations and walkway accessibility are the key points in keeping with accessibility compliance. Requirements related to parking lots include:

• A certain number of dedicated handicapped accessible parking spots based on the total parking places on your property. For every six spaces that follow accessibility compliance, at least one is required to be large enough for a wheelchair van.
• Handicapped accessible spaces require signs on each parking space and to be posted.
• Wheelchair ramps must meet gradient and slope requirements.
• Any improvements to your parking lot need to meet ADA regulations.

2. Potholes Spell Disaster

Whether in common area walkways or parking lots, a pothole can mean injury for anyone, especially someone using a wheelchair, cane, or otherwise requiring safe access. Potholes interrupt the smooth surface which can result in trips and falls or a wheelchair tipping over. ADA construction services who are experts in accessibly compliance and are skilled at correct application of asphalt and/or concrete will know how to reduce the risk of potholes in new construction. They will also be able to repair damaged surfaces to comply with ADA requirements.

Puddles forming in potholes or uneven surfaces can cause new problems or exacerbate old ones. Puddles can be an indication of improper installation of the original surface or insufficient drainage for that location. Either way, in order to follow accessibility compliance, repairs are necessary.

3. Wheelchair Accessibility Is Necessary in New Buildings

ADA regulations require new buildings built after 1992 to allow for walkway accessibility and have wheelchair accommodations. ADA construction services keep up to date on changes to the laws and will incorporate these into new construction jobs. Updating older properties is advised and can be done in order to meet accessibility compliance. In lieu of total renovation, barriers to wheelchair access need to be removed, but the best option is revising your property to make life easier for those who might be having a difficult time navigating.

4. Level and Smooth Walkways Are Essential

In meeting accessibility compliance, walkways are required to fit certain specifications. ADA regulations state that sidewalks need to be at least three feet wide. Concrete surfaces need to be free from cracks and be slip-resistant. Crosswalks are required to have curb ramps with specific slope requirements. Advance warning of ramps is required in the form of truncated domes that contrast with the walkway surface coloring.

Contact us today at Preferred Paving Company, Inc., to discuss making your property compliant with ADA regulations.