How to Comply with ADA Parking Requirements

Parking lots bring us the necessary convenience for our mobile lifestyles. But 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 property owner, facilities manager or otherwise simply looking to ensure your parking areas comply with ADA parking requirements, this guide is for you.

Ensuring accessibility for all

Creating accessible parking spaces for all abilities isn’t just about compliance — it’s also about fostering an inclusive environment for everyone. By following ADA guidelines and using reliable ADA accessible signs from Emedco, you play an important role in making your property welcoming and accessible to all individuals. Rely on our proven products and resources to create and maintain requirements for handicap parking spaces that are also convenient and inclusive.

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.

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)