The Americans with Disabilities Act. more commonly known as ADA, was passed in 1990 as a federal law that helps people with disabilities to have equal access to all areas of public life. In simple terms, it means that all public places and businesses with 15 or more employees need to make sure their properties are accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities. For businesses, that means you need to be aware of parking lot ADA compliance rules – or at least your paving contractor needs to know.
5 Parking Lot ADA Compliance Factors
1. Accessibility
Accessible parking spots should be closest to the entrances and exits of buildings and the parking facility itself. This ensures that people with disabilities have the easiest and most direct route to enter and exit the area. To make these spots truly accessible, they should be near ramps and entrance doors. Any barriers that may obstruct ease of access should be removed or relocated to ensure a clear path. This setup helps make parking and moving around easier for everyone who needs it.
2. Availability
The ADA standards requires a certain number of parking spots designated for handicapped individuals, which will depend on the number of slots available in the parking lot. Parking lots that have 1 to 25 parking spaces are required to have one designated handicap parking spot, and then for every additional 25 spaces, they will need one more accessible spot. For lots with 501 to 1,000 spaces, 2% of the total spaces must be accessible.
3. Signage
Proper signage is crucial to ensure that these accessible parking spots are easy to locate and use. Accessible parking spots must be clearly marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility, which is a white wheelchair symbol on a blue background. This symbol serves as a universal indicator that the parking spot is reserved for individuals with disabilities. This symbol should be painted within the parking space and also displayed on a sign that must be at least 5 feet or 60 inches off the ground to ensure visibility.
4. Dimensions
Accessible parking spaces need to be at least 8 feet wide to accommodate vehicles of various sizes and provides ample room for individuals to enter and exit their vehicles comfortably. There should also be adjacent access aisles that are at least 5 feet wide. These aisles, which can be shared between two parking spaces, provide room for wheelchair lifts and other mobility devices like wheelchairs and walkers.
5. Slope
The slope of accessible parking spaces must be no greater than 2% in any direction. This means the surface should be almost level, with minimal incline or decline. A level surface ensures that individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility devices can maneuver safely without the risk of rolling or tipping over, and makes it easier for people to get in and out of their vehicles, especially for those with limited mobility or strength.
Get Professional Help
If you're looking to improve your parking lot and want to make sure it meets ADA standards, contact Wright Construction. We can help with everything from dimensions and signage to slope and pavement markings, ensuring your parking lot is fully compliant and accessible.
By following these guidelines, you can create a welcoming environment for all visitors and avoid potential fines for non-compliance. Contact us today for inquiries on how we can improve your parking lot.
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