The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was set to ensure equal opportunity for all Americans to enjoy and access the businesses and services they need. You create a welcoming environment for every visitor to your space by ensuring that your parking lot complies with ADA requirements. Handicapped spaces that are properly marked and sized are key markers of compliance to ADA laws. We’ve laid out the key requirements for handicap accessibility in a parking lot.
Why ADA Compliance Matters
Everyone deserves equal access to public spaces. The ADA works to ensure this by setting a baseline standard for accessibility. Violations of these requirements can result in fines and legal issues for the lot’s owner, along with unnecessary struggle for the individual.
A compliant parking lot:
- Enhances accessibility for people with mobility challenges.
- Prevents legal liabilities and fines.
- Improves the overall functionality of the property for any user.
Key ADA Requirements for Handicapped Parking
The ADA provides clear guidelines on handicap-accessible parking spaces. For specifics, visit their site, but here are some of the most critical requirements nationwide. If you are missing any of the following, prioritize fixing them.
NOTE: Some states (such as where we are located in Minnesota) will require slightly different requirements to federal guidelines. Where it differentiates, we have added a “MINNESOTA DIFFERENCE” section. The Minnesota ADA guidelines can be found here.
1. Minimum Number of Accessible Spaces
The number of handicap-accessible parking spaces required depends on the total number of spaces. The smallest ratios are:
- 1-25 total spaces → At least 1 accessible space
- 26-50 total spaces → At least 2 accessible spaces
- 51-75 total spaces → At least 3 accessible spaces
- 76-100 total spaces → At least 4 accessible spaces
- And so on, with additional requirements for larger lots.
At least one of every six accessible spaces must be a van-accessible space, which includes extra width and an access aisle. A van-accessible space is still required if there are less than six spaces.
MINNESOTA DIFFERENCE:
In Minnesota, one van accessible space is required for parking lots with one to two hundred spaces, two are required from there to five hundred, and after that point the requirement defaults back to the federal one of every six spaces.
There are different requirements for apartments, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities.
2. Proper Dimensions for Parking Spaces
To accommodate all mobility needs, handicap parking spaces have size requirements. This ensures that any handicap spot can be expected to serve equal function for its users. Standard handicap parking spaces must be at least eight feet wide and bordered by an access aisle.
The access aisle must be 5 feet wide and marked with diagonal lines to prevent other vehicles from parking. The spaces beside them must be the same length as the access aisle and fully level to allow easy access. If a ramp is required for building access, it should not extend into the access aisle. Two handicap-accessible spots can share the same aisle unless the parking spaces are angled.
Van-accessible spaces—one of which is required in any parking lot—have two options. The first is to be painted eleven feet wide, with the same access aisle as a standard spot. The second option is to paint a standard eight-foot parking space but increase the size of the access aisle to eight feet.
MINNESOTA DIFFERENCE:
In Minnesota, the access aisle is required to be 8 feet wide instead of the national standard of 5.
3. Signage Requirements
Singage is required to indicate which spots have been reserved for handicapped users. Each type of accessible space requires a sign placed at least 60 inches off the ground. This sign is the international symbol of accessibility, the stylized image of a person in a wheelchair typically displayed as a white symbol on a blue background. For your van accessible space, add a second sign below the symbol that states the space is van accessible.
MINNESOTA DIFFERENCE:
In Minnesota, a “No Parking” sign is required for the access aisle.
4. Slope and Surface Guidelines
The surface of all handicap-accessible spaces must be firm, stable, and slip-resistant to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices. In addition, the slope of the space cannot exceed a 1:48 gradient in any direction. These accessibility details allow safe travel for every user.
Best Practices for Parking Lot Paving and Marking
1. Use High-Quality Striping Paint
Paint selection matters. A good quality paint will be long-lasting with clear visibility. Look for paint with high-contrast, reflective, and weather-resistant qualities. Where it is not required for ADA compliance, it’s common for white or blue paint to be used for markings.
2. Regular Inspections and Maintenance
ADA compliance will not be a one-and-done. It is important to check handicap-accessible spaces routinely, as wear and tear from weather and time can decrease the quality of your accommodations. Ensure that lines are visible, signs are still in place, and the pavement is crack-free.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
ADA requirements should be taken seriously, as failing to comply can have negative consequences. Failing to adhere to ADA regulations can result in:
- Government fines
- Lawsuits from individuals impacted by a lack of accessibility.
- Loss of customers from a damaged reputation.
Final Thoughts
Access to public spaces is a human right. ADA compliance laws work to ensure safe access for all individuals. Well-maintained, accessible spaces create a welcoming environment for everyone. Maintaining compliance and avoiding fines is easy—simply inspect each space regularly.
Consult an ADA-experienced professional if you plan to repave, restripe, or assess your parking lot.
Have you ever pulled into an establishment’s parking lot and suddenly felt like you were driving across the moon? Cracks, potholes, uneven surfaces, and faded or missing pavement markings can lead to an uneasy and confusing parking experience. They can even make new customers less confident about doing business with you since a shabby or poorly striped parking lot doesn’t exactly show care and concern for your visitors.
Along with maintaining your parking lot’s surface quality to ensure no one has to risk their alignment driving through craters, one of the best ways to keep your commercial parking lot looking sharp is to have it professionally restriped. Freshly painted pavement markings not only improve your curb appeal and give a favorable impression of your business, but they also make your parking lot much safer. They identify where to park and where not to park, where to walk, and where ADA-compliant parking spots are located.
What Factors Affect How Long Pavement Markings Last?
Many factors determine how long and how well your pavement markings will last. Here in central Minnesota, weather greatly affects how long paint holds up on outdoor surfaces like asphalt and concrete. Our state often has drastic temperature changes (sometimes from one day to the next!). On hot, humid summer days, the sun’s UV rays beat down on the pavement and wear at the paint. And during the winter, freezing precipitation and snow removal (e.g., plowing, salting, and sanding) take a toll on pavement striping.
The amount of daily traffic driving through your commercial parking lot will also impact how often you’ll need to restripe. More traffic means more wear and tear on the paint, so restriping will be necessary more often. (But on the bright side, if you’ve got a lot of visitors coming and going, that’s usually a good thing for business!)
How well you care for your lot can also affect the longevity of pavement markings. Dirt, debris, and how well the pavement surface is maintained will impact how long your paint holds up. Keeping your commercial parking lot clean and well-maintained can help maximize the life of your striping.
How Will I Know When It’s Time To Restripe My Parking Lot?
Anytime you resurface or seal coat your commercial parking lot, you will need to restripe it. Maintenance and repairs can cover up pavement markings making your lot confusing and less safe for visitors. So once your parking lot maintenance is complete, you’ll need to hire a professional pavement marking contractor to restripe it.
Likewise, if your brightly painted lines begin to fade or chip away, it’s also time for restriping. You should walk through your lot a couple of times per year to check the condition. In central Minnesota, it’s a good idea to do this in the spring after the snow has melted to examine the pavement markings and check for missing paint. When the lines look worn and are becoming harder to see, it may be time to have your commercial parking lot restriped.
When Is the Best Time To Restripe A Parking Lot?
The best time to restripe is when temperatures aren’t extreme. Moderate weather and dry conditions allow the pavement markings to dry properly. It’s often best to schedule your restriping project on a day when your business is closed or after hours when traffic is minimal. Your contractor can help you determine the best day and time to complete the restriping work.
So How Often Will I Need To Restripe My Business’s Parking Lot?
A commonly asked question is, “How long does striping last?” The answer really depends on what the owner wants their lot to look like. If the goal is to have bright lines that pop and stand out, you’ll need to restripe more often. Additionally, some businesses, such as malls or grocery stores, have so much traffic that they must restripe their parking lots annually. A good guideline for lots that receive a moderate amount of traffic is to plan for restriping every two to three years to keep things looking great. This is why selecting the right pavement marking contractor is so beneficial when it’s time to restripe your commercial parking lot.
Experienced pavement marking contractors use high-quality equipment and materials. They can suggest layout improvements that will correct traffic flow problems, ensure your lot is ADA-compliant, and increase safety for both drivers and pedestrians. And most importantly, they will professionally and efficiently restripe your commercial parking lot the first time, so you can get back to running your business.