What Are Parking Lot Requirements Under ADA?
A lot of work goes into operating and maintaining a business. It’s easy for day-to-day operations to become a priority while things outside fall by the wayside. If it’s been a while since you’ve had your parking lot paved or restriped, it’s time to contact the professionals at American Asphalt.
Our team has the skills and knowledge to ensure your parking lot is smooth, free of potholes, and meets current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for compliance, so your business is accessible to everyone. Here, we discuss the ADA’s parking space requirements.
What Is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law passed in 1990. This act guarantees that people with disabilities are given the same opportunities and have the same rights as everyone else. Complying with the ADA is a federal mandate and helps prevent discriminatory acts against those with disabilities. The ADA applies to many organizations, including:
- Commercial organizations
- State and local governments
- Private businesses
- Public nonprofits and businesses
- Labor organizations and employment agencies
- Hospitals and medical facilities
Commercial organizations and businesses need to make ADA compliance a priority to ensure those with disabilities can access their building. Prioritizing compliance helps you avoid lawsuits, fines, and other legal repercussions, as well as helping you expand your customer base.
What Are the ADA Parking Space Requirements?
To ensure your parking lot complies with ADA Title III (the section that covers public accommodations), your parking lot should meet the following standards and requirements:
Van Accessible Parking Spaces
Organizations and commercial businesses must provide parking spaces for vans and larger vehicles. These spaces must have enough room for passengers with disabilities to exit and enter their vehicles safely. If you have a small lot with only one handicap-accessible parking space, this spot needs to be van accessible. These spaces must:
- Have at least 98 inches of vertical clearance to accommodate lifting mechanisms
- Measure 132 inches wide with a 60-inch-wide access aisle
- Measure 96 inches wide with an adjacent aisle also 96 inches wide
Car Accessible Parking Spaces
Any business or organization with on-site parking must have ADA-compliant and accessible parking spaces. These spaces must be at least 96 inches wide to make it easier for individuals with disabilities to access the building. It is a common misconception that these spaces must be nearest to the building. According to the ADA, these designated spots must be on the closest, clearest route to the entrance.
For example, picture a parking lot with four rows of spaces. The first row is next to the sidewalk, and the sidewalk is a step above the pavement with potted plants down the middle. The second row comes to the end of the sidewalk right next to a ramp leading to the entrance of your building. In this instance, the accessible spots should be in the second row, because the second row has the clearest, most direct path to the entrance.
The number of accessible parking spots your parking lot needs depends on the total number of spaces it has. Lots or structures with 25 or fewer spaces need one accessible space. Structures or lots with 26-50 spaces need two accessible spaces. When you’re deciding how many accessible parking spots you need, you need to note that each lot and structure is calculated individually.
If you have two lots with 25 spaces each, then each lot needs one accessible parking space. Likewise, if you have a lot with 15 spaces and a garage with 50 spaces, the lot needs one accessible space, and the garage needs at least two.
Access Aisles
Accessible parking spaces must have an access aisle at least 60 inches wide. These areas should always be clear, giving those who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices enough room to enter and exit their cars.
Additionally, these aisles need to be marked properly with line striping. These lines discourage others from illegally parking in these areas. Other guidelines to keep in mind when designing your access aisles include:
- Aisles must be the same length as adjacent parking spaces.
- Aisles must be level with the parking space so people can get in and out of their cars safely and comfortably.
- Two accessible spots can share the same aisle if the spaces are straight.
- If the parking spaces are angled, each space needs its own aisle, and the aisle must be on the passenger side.
Other Requirements
Your parking lot must have the appropriate signage marking each accessible spot. You must mount the international symbol of accessibility on a sign at least 60 inches above the ground, so it’s at eye level for drivers.
You must also inspect your parking lot and accessible spots regularly to ensure they are stable, firm, and slip-resistant. You also want to ensure aisles and spaces are free of potholes, debris, and other obstacles that could be dangerous for wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids.
Get Your Parking Lot ADA-Compliant With American Asphalt
If you own a business, you need to have accessible parking spaces in your parking lots or structures. American Asphalt serves commercial clients in New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania with line striping to keep their lots compliant with ADA parking space requirements.
We also offer emergency repairs to help keep your parking smooth and free of potholes. Our team’s reputation is built on our ability to build durable and level parking areas. We have experience with big jobs, including commercial parking lot paving and line striping. To learn more about our services and ADA compliance, contact us today.