FEATURE
ADA Compliance for Commercial Parking Lots:
Striping, Signage and Staying Within the Law
E nsuring your commercial parking lot complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act( ADA) is more than a legal requirement— it’ s a commitment to accessibility, inclusivity and community responsibility. The ADA, enacted in 1990, requires that public and commercial spaces be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Parking lots are often one of the first interactions customers have with a business, so a compliant and well-marked lot sets the tone for accessibility and professionalism.“ It is imperative that property owners comply with all ADA requirements to ensure that safe ingress and egress is provided for all property visitors who rely on and deserve to have their disability needs met,” says Scott Cerosky with World Insurance Associates, LLC.“ Insurance claims and increased premiums are a direct result of property owners not in compliance of the ADA act.” This article will break down ADA parking lot requirements, focusing on striping, signage and design, and explains how to make sure your property meets the standards.“ Non-compliance with ADA standards remains one of the most common and most avoidable sources of claims in the construction industry,” says Justin Failoni with ACRISURE.“ Ensuring that projects meet these requirements protects contractors from legal exposure while also creating safer, more inclusive spaces for the public.”
Understanding ADA Parking Lot Requirements The ADA Standards for Accessible Design outline specific technical requirements for parking spaces, access aisles and signage. These rules apply to new construction, alterations and existing facilities( when readily achievable).
Number of Accessible Spaces The number of accessible parking spaces required depends on the total number of parking spaces in the lot. As a general rule:
• 1 out of every 25 spaces( up to 100) must be accessible.
• For larger lots, the ratio decreases slightly, but at least one of every six accessible spaces must be van accessible. These spaces must be located on the shortest accessible route to the facility entrance.
Striping and Layout Standards
Proper striping ensures that accessible spaces are clearly visible and functional. Each accessible space must include:
• A clear parking area that’ s at least 8 feet wide( for standard accessible spaces) or 11 feet wide( for van accessible spaces).
• An access aisle adjacent to the space that’ s at least 5 feet wide( 8 feet for vans). This aisle provides room for wheelchair users to enter or exit vehicles safely.
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