Understanding ADA Compliance for Parking Lots

Understanding ADA Compliance for Parking Lots

A Guide for Commercial Property Managers and Developers

ADA (the Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance is critical when it comes to commercial parking lot paving to ensure a welcoming workplace for employees and business for customers (not to mention avoiding any costly rework or noncompliance fines). If you’re a commercial real estate manager, developer, or business owner, after reading this article, you’ll understand the basics of ADA compliance for parking lots so you can approach your next project with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Location and Accessibility

The primary consideration for ADA-compliant parking is the location. Accessible parking spaces must be situated on the shortest accessible route to the facility’s accessible entrance. This means the path a person with a disability takes to enter and navigate the building must be considered while planning these spaces.

Access Aisles

A crucial element of ADA-compliant parking spaces is the access aisle. These aisles allow people who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids to enter and exit their vehicles comfortably. Access aisles must be:

• Clearly marked to prevent parking
• The same length as the parking space
• Level with the parking space
• Situated such that two parking spaces can share one aisle

In angled parking setups, the access aisle must be on the passenger side of the parking space.

Guidelines for Car and Van Accessible Spaces

Car accessible spaces must be at least 96 inches wide with an access aisle of at least 60 inches. They should have a surface slope no steeper than 1:48 in all directions and be firm, stable, and slip-resistant. These spaces must also feature signage with the international symbol of accessibility, mounted at a minimum height of 60 inches.

Van accessible spaces can be developed in two ways, but both options require a minimum of 90 inches of vertical clearance. The same rules apply to van-accessible spaces as to car-accessible spaces for surface quality, surface slope, and signage. The two acceptable variations for van-accessible space sizes are:

• Option #1: A space that is at least 132 inches wide with a 60-inch wide access aisle or
• Option #2: A space that is 96 inches wide but with a wider, 96-inch access aisle.

How Many Accessible Spaces Does My Parking Lot Need?

The number of accessible parking spaces is determined based on the total number of parking spaces in each parking structure. The ADA provides detailed guidelines for calculating the minimum number of accessible spaces. Every parking lot must have at least one van-accessible space; for larger lots, one in every six accessible spaces must be van-accessible. 

Special Conditions for Medical Facilities

For hospital outpatient, rehabilitation, and outpatient physical therapy facilities, a higher percentage of accessible parking spaces is required, reflecting the specific needs of these environments:

• Hospital Outpatient Facilities: 10% of patient and visitor parking must be accessible, with one of every six accessible spaces being van accessible
• Rehabilitation and Outpatient Physical Therapy Facilities: 20% of patient and visitor parking must be accessible, with one of every six accessible spaces being van accessible

ADA Compliance for Walking Surfaces

All parking lots connect to walking surfaces, which must also adhere to ADA standards, ensuring they are stable, firm, and slip-resistant to accommodate various mobility needs. The ADA mandates specific slope requirements for these surfaces, with running slopes not exceeding a 1:20 gradient and cross slopes maintained at a maximum steepness of 1:48. 

Additionally, any changes in level on walking surfaces must be carefully managed to comply with ADA standards, ensuring seamless accessibility for individuals with mobility impairments. These pathways must also maintain a minimum width of 36 inches to allow the movement of wheelchairs and other mobility devices, with additional provisions for passing spaces and navigational turns. Furthermore, in areas where handrails are provided, they must conform to ADA guidelines, offering necessary support and stability for users traversing gentle slopes.

Implications for Commercial Property Managers and Developers

Understanding and implementing these ADA requirements is not just about avoiding legal pitfalls; it’s about ensuring that your property is welcoming and accessible to all. As you embark on new construction projects or renovations, it’s essential to incorporate these guidelines from the planning stage. It’s also important to consider the state and local requirements of your area in addition to ADA regulations, which is why partnering with an expert contractor is critical to project success.

At E. Meier Contracting, we are committed to assisting you in creating spaces that are not only compliant but also contribute to the overall accessibility and inclusivity of your property. We bring top-notch craftsmanship in concrete and asphalt paving and sealing along with expertise in ADA compliance and local construction codes, ensuring that your parking lots meet the highest quality and compliance standards.

For more information or to discuss your next project, connect with an E. Meier expert today! Let’s pave the way to a more accessible world together.