How to Comply with ADA Parking Requirements
How to Comply with ADA Parking Requirements
Amid the hustle and bustle of the workers, travelers, customers and others who visit your building, it’s essential to take time to know and adhere to ADA parking requirements. Whether you’re a business owner, facilities manager or otherwise looking to ensure your parking areas comply with ADA parking requirements, this guide is for you.
Ensuring accessibility for all
By following ADA guidelines you are creating accessible parking spaces for all abilities and fostering an inclusive environment for everyone. Our reliable ADA accessible signs from Emedco, you play an important role in making your property ADA compliant.
Car-accessible ADA parking requirements
Accessible parking must adhere to ADA parking space requirements to ensure compliance and accessibility.
Size
The ADA mandates a minimum width of 96 inches for standard accessible parking spaces with an accompanying access aisle of at least 60 inches wide. Access aisles should be marked, and be the same length as and level with the parking space. Two accessible parking spaces may share a common access aisle. Pavement marking solutions from Emedco offer an effective and reliable way to mark your access aisles.
Location
Accessible parking spaces should be located close to building entrances, elevators or essential amenities. They must be on the shortest accessible route to the accessible entrance.
Number of accessible parking spaces
The total number of accessible parking spaces required depends on the size of the parking facility. Generally, you should have:
- One car-accessible space for every 25 parking spaces up to 100
- Then, one car-accessible space per 50 spaces up to 200
- Then, one car-accessible space per 100 spaces up to 500
For 501 to 1,000 spaces, 2% of your total should be car-accessible spaces. For 1,001+ spaces, you should have a minimum of 20, plus one car-accessible space for each 100 spaces over 1,000. At least one of every six accessible spaces must be slightly larger van-accessible spaces.
| Total Parking Spaces In Lot | Required Accessible Spaces | Required Van Accessible Spaces |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 25 | 1 | 1 |
| 26 to 50 | 2 | 1 |
| 51 to 75 | 3 | 3 |
| 76 to 100 | 4 | 1 |
| 101 to 150 | 5 | 1 |
| 151 to 200 | 6 | 1 |
| 201 to 300 | 7 | 2 |
301 to 400
| 8 |
2 |
|
| 401 to 500 | 9 | 2 |
| 501 to 1,000 | 2% of Total | 1 in every 8 accessible spaces |
| 1,001 and over | 20, plus 1 for each 100 over 1,000 | 1 in every 8 accessible spaces |
Surface and slope
The surface of the parking space and access aisles should be firm, stable and slip-resistant. The slope must not exceed a 1:48 (2.08%) slope in all directions in order to accommodate wheelchair users and prevent potential hazards.
Van-accessible ADA parking requirements
Generally, at least one of every six accessible spaces must be van accessible. The requirements for these spaces differ slightly from cars. Van-accessible spaces should:
- Be at least 132 inches wide with an access aisle at least 60 inches wide - OR - at least 96 inches wide with an access aisle at least 96 inches wide
- Have no more than a 1:48 (2.08%) slope in all directions
- Provide at least 98 inches of vertical clearance (van height) for the parking space, access aisle and vehicular route
- Have a surface that is firm, stable and slip-resistant
- Have two signs (the international symbol of accessibility and the statement of “Van Accessible”) mounted at least 60 inches above the ground (measured to the bottom of the sign)
ADA requirements for handicap parking signs
Clear and visible signage is essential for guiding drivers to designated accessible parking spaces. Ensure your signage adheres to ADA requirements and general identification best practices. Shop ADA accessible signsVisuals and/or text legend
ADA-compliant accessible parking signs should feature: the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA). It is usually a blue square overlaid in white with a stylized image of a person in a wheelchair.
Van-accessible spaces: must be clearly labeled with the words “Van Accessible.”
Height
The distance from the ground to the bottom of the sign must be at least 60”.Location
Signs should be placed in a clearly visible location that is unobstructed by trees, vehicles or other objects.ADA parking requirements vary by state
Signage requirements vary by state and may include additional elements, such as information about fines, warnings or other identifying information. Check with your local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) to ensure your ADA accessible signage meets all applicable laws.Meet requirements for handicap parking spaces with versatile Emedco solutions
Find products that adhere to ADA parking space requirements and create more inclusive areas with Emedco’s wide selection of products and guides.
Clearly mark designated accessible parking spaces. Premium quality signs with the recognizable International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) Durable materials built to withstand various weather conditions
Create well-defined parking spaces and access aisles High-quality pavement marking supplies, including stencils and paints Easy to apply, highly durable and boldly visible
Enhance pedestrian safety with clear signage and visual cues Bright, reflective signs increase visibility day or night A variety of designs and sizes to fit any area
Plan and implement an accessible parking area with these helpful guides Detailed step-by-step instructions to help ensure compliance with regulations and best practices Tips for optimizing the use of available space and improving the overall user experience
About the ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that was enacted in 1990. It seeks to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, transportation and public accommodation. ADA compliance is crucial in public spaces, as it ensures that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can access essential facilities and services. Parking spaces that adhere to ADA parking requirements play a critical role in this inclusivity, making it easier for disabled individuals to navigate public areas safely and comfortably.Terminology: Accessible vs. Handicapped
The term “accessible” refers to creating an environment, service or product that is inclusive and accommodating to individuals with disabilities, allowing them to use it without barriers. It emphasizes the importance of designing for diversity and inclusivity. It is preferred over the term “handicapped.” While "handicapped" is an outdated term, it is still sometimes used colloquially. It's recommended to use person-first language when referring to individuals with disabilities, focusing on the person first and then acknowledging the disability as one aspect of their identity. The goal is to promote respect, inclusivity and sensitivity when discussing disability-related matters.NOTICE: The information contained in this article is intended to provide general information. This is not intended as legal advice and each situation may vary depending on the particular facts and circumstances. You should not act upon this information without first consulting with qualified legal counsel.
