ADA Requirements for Parking: Standards, Compliance, and Penalties

Navigating a parking lot may seem straightforward for most, but for people with disabilities, it can present significant challenges if proper accommodations are not in place. 

In the context of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), parking lots are defined as public or private spaces where vehicles are parked, which must be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes designated accessible parking spaces, proper signage, and adequate space for mobility devices.

The ADA outlines various requirements to ensure these areas are accessible and free from discrimination. These include providing a specific number of accessible parking spaces based on the total number of spaces in the lot, designated van-accessible spaces, clear and visible signage, and unobstructed access routes to building entrances. 

Compliance with ADA standards is not just about following the law; it is about creating an inclusive environment that respects the rights and needs of everyone. Non-compliance can result in severe penalties, including hefty fines, legal action, and damage to an organization’s reputation. 

It is an obligatory requirement for most public and private entities, although there are certain exceptions. For instance, small businesses with fewer than 15 employees may be exempt under specific conditions. However, this status can change, particularly if the business undergoes renovations or expands, making compliance necessary.

This blog will outline the ADA parking requirements that need to be met. There’s also a handy checklist that you can download at the end of this guide for ease of reference.

What Are the ADA Requirements for Parking?

Let’s get into the specifics of the parking standards outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Number of Parking Spots

Buildings and facilities that provide parking for their employees and customers need to have a certain number of accessible parking spots based on the total number of available parking spaces.

Van-Accessible Parking Spaces

For every six, or fraction of six, accessible parking spaces, at least one must be van-accessible.

Van-accessible spaces must be at least 8 feet wide with an access aisle at least 8 feet wide (or alternatively, they can be 11 feet wide with a 5-foot access aisle).

Slope

The ADA outlines specific slope requirements for accessible parking spaces and access aisles to ensure they are usable by employees and customers with disabilities. Here are the key requirements:

• Slope of Accessible Parking Spaces: Accessible parking spaces must have a slope no steeper than 1:48 (approximately 2.08%) in all directions. This requirement ensures that people with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs, can safely and easily maneuver within the parking space.

• Slope of Access Aisles: Access aisles, which are adjacent to accessible parking spaces, must also have a slope no steeper than 1:48 in all directions. This consistent slope requirement helps maintain a level and stable surface for people with disabilities.

• Surface Requirements: The surface of accessible parking spaces and access aisles must be stable, firm, and slip-resistant. This ensures safe and reliable traction for people using mobility devices.

Pavement Markings and Signage

Pavement markings are an essential part of creating accessible parking spaces, ensuring disabled customers and employees are aware of where these spaces are located. 

• Designation of Accessible Spaces: Accessible parking spaces must be clearly marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA). This symbol is typically a white wheelchair icon on a blue background, painted on the pavement of the space. The ISA must be placed in the center of the parking space to clearly indicate that the space is reserved for disabled users.
• Access Aisles: Access aisles adjacent to accessible parking spaces must be clearly marked to discourage parking in them. This is usually done with diagonal striping. The striping is typically yellow or blue and should contrast with the surface of the access aisle to ensure visibility. Access aisles must be the same length as the parking space they serve and must connect to an accessible route to the building entrance.
• Van-Accessible Spaces: Van-accessible spaces must be designated with additional signage indicating that the space is “Van Accessible.” The pavement marking for van-accessible spaces should also include the International Symbol of Accessibility and the required access aisle markings.
• Signage: In addition to pavement markings, each accessible parking space must have a sign mounted at a height so that it is visible when a vehicle is parked in the space.
• Dimensions and Colors: Pavement markings must be maintained to be visible and in good condition. This includes regular repainting as necessary to ensure that the markings remain clear and distinguishable. The colors used for pavement markings (typically blue and white for the ISA, and yellow or blue for access aisle striping) should provide high contrast with the parking surface to ensure visibility.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance of pavement markings is required to ensure that they remain visible and effective. Faded or worn markings must be repainted to maintain compliance with ADA standards.

Parking Spot Dimensions

The ADA specifies dimensions for accessible parking spaces to ensure they are usable by people with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs and other mobility devices. 

Standard Accessible Parking Spaces

• Width: Accessible parking spaces must be at least 8 feet (243.84 cm) wide.
• Access Aisle: An adjacent access aisle must be at least 5 feet (152.4 cm) wide. This access aisle can be shared between two accessible parking spaces.
• Length: The length of the parking space must be standard for parking lots, typically around 18 feet (45.72 cm).

Van-Accessible Parking Spaces

• Width: Van-accessible parking spaces must be at least 11 feet (27.94 cm) wide, or they can be 8 feet (20.32 cm) wide if the adjacent access aisle is at least 8 feet (96 inches) wide.
• Access Aisle: The adjacent access aisle must be at least 8 feet (243.84 cm) wide if the parking space is 8 feet wide. This allows sufficient room for a wheelchair lift or ramp.
• Length: The length must be the same as standard parking spaces, typically around 18 feet (45.72 cm).

Final Thoughts

Providing accessible parking spaces helps make your building or facility more accessible to all employees and customers, including those with disabilities.

By meeting these requirements, businesses can also avoid unnecessary penalties and brand-damaging lawsuits.

Click here to download our ADA Requirements for Parking checklist. 

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