An ADA compliant parking lot requires proper sizing, placement, and marking of accessible parking spaces.
The Americans with Disabilities Act, or the ADA, was created to ensure that public places across America are accessible for people with disabilities. ADA compliance is essential for every property, and property managers must take care that their property follows the guidelines of the ADA. The ADA has regulations for the spaces inside as well as outside most businesses, including the parking lot. The parking lot is the entrance to your business, so creating an ADA compliant parking lot is crucial for making your business accessible to every individual. Read on to learn what necessary components your parking lot needs to be considered ADA compliant.
Accessible Parking Spaces
An ADA compliant parking lot should have designated accessible parking spaces, an entrance ramp, and any other required architectural changes to increase accessibility. The total number of spaces determines the number of accessible parking spaces required. For instance, an average parking lot with 26-50 spaces is required to have a minimum of two accessible spaces. A lot with 51-75 spaces requires three, a lot with 76-100 spaces requires four, and so on.
Additionally, one of every six accessible parking spaces must be van-accessible so, if you own a large parking lot with 400-500 spaces, you will be required to have a minimum of nine accessible parking spaces, with two of those van-accessible. A van-accessible space must have extra space on the left and right sides, as well as a sign indicating that it is van-accessible.
The Size and Placement of Parking Spaces
Once you know how many accessible parking spaces you need in your parking lot, you must know the size and placement requirements for each. Every accessible space must be a minimum of eight feet wide and must include an access aisle with a width of five feet. In van-accessible spaces, the access aisle must be eight feet wide.
An ADA compliant parking lot must provide access from the accessible parking spaces to your building via the shortest, most direct route. Any curbs must have a ramp, and if the path crosses parking lot traffic, the crosswalk must be clearly marked.
Appropriate Signage
Signage is required for an ADA compliant parking lot. Your accessible parking spaces must be marked to keep others from taking handicapped spots. You should use the international symbol for handicapped access, which features a white wheelchair against a blue background. The symbol is often painted on the pavement, but you are also required to place a sign in front of the space. Additionally, any van-accessible spaces must have the proper signage. Every sign must be high enough so that the entire sign is visible over the hood of the vehicle.
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If you want to protect your pavement and ensure it has a long lifespan, choose PTG Enterprises for your community sidewalks, parking lots and pavement maintenance needs. We offer commercial concrete, asphalt, masonry, paving, consultation, and survey report services throughout Baltimore, Harford, Anne Arundel, Howard, and P.G. Counties. If you are interested in hearing how we can help you, contact us online or give us a call at (410) 636-8777. For more tips and tricks, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Flickr.
Tags: accessible parking spaces, ADA Compliance, Parking lot maintenance, parking lot regulations, parking lot striping
