ADA Compliance 101: How to Keep Your Parking Lots Compliant

Making sure your business is accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities, is not only federal law but also crucial to providing the best service to your customers. ADA, the Americans with Disabilities Act, was enacted in 1990 to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to all areas of public life. Title III specifically targets your parking lots, setting the minimum standards for accessibility.

What are the ADA requirements for commercial properties and parking lots?

ADA was designed to guarantee that disabled persons are able to access all areas of your business, including the high-traffic areas, which are known as Primary Function Areas. These specific parts of your facility are defined as “any area where people carry out one or more of the major activities for which a facility is utilized.” The specific list of requirements includes:

Installing accessible hardware on doors and windows.
Upgrading public and company bathrooms with accessible appliances.
Increasing the number of accessible parking spots to your parking lot.
Increasing the width of door frames to allow wheelchairs.
Installing ADA handicap ramps or creating curb cuts at entrances and exits.

When it comes to parking lots, there are more specific requirements businesses have to follow. All public businesses must have a certain number of handicapped parking spaces, while private businesses must “remove barriers” that could hinder a person’s access to the building. In general, it is standard to have one accessible parking space for every 25 parking spaces.

What happens if you aren’t compliant?

The consequences for not keeping your business ADA compliant are no joke. Not only could you be fined by the Department of Justice (starting at a $75,000 violation and an additional $150,000 for every following violation), but you could also be subject to class action lawsuits filed by individuals with disabilities.

How can you keep your parking lots compliant?

The first thing to do is review the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and see what your parking lot may be lacking or what could be improved. Beyond improvements or additions, it’s always important to keep your parking lot maintained for the safety of all your customers. Whether you need repairs or a complete replacement, E. Meier Contracting is the go-to contractor for all ADA compliance needs. Connect with us today for all parking lot maintenance and compliance needs, and follow us on social media for more insights on all things surfacing.