Learn more information about ADA parking requirements to help you stay in compliance with these guidelines.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a law that makes it possible for people with any disabilities to have equal access to all public places and employment opportunities. Staying in compliance with the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design is a requirement for businesses within the United States. The Department of Justice created these ADA standards for accessible design to ensure buildings can easily be accessible for people with disabilities. Following these guidelines by meeting ADA parking requirements is a necessity for businesses and property managers.
ADA Parking Requirements for Businesses
Understanding ADA requirements for your business is key to avoiding costly violations. Offering accessible parking to people with disabilities is key to maintaining ADA compliance. The number of accessible parking spaces is dependent on the total amount of parking spaces available.
Typically, a commercial facility will need at least one accessible parking space for every 25 available parking spaces. Keeping up to date with all of the state and local government rules is also important in meeting ADA parking requirements.
Why You Need ADA Wheelchair Accessible Signs
Each parking lot needs accessible parking identification signs to stay in compliance. The international symbol of accessibility is a blue sign with a white wheelchair figure. Additionally, parking spaces that are also van-accessible need additional text to meet compliance standards. All of these signs need to be at a specific height to avoid being hidden by parked vehicles or other obstacles.
Requirements for Handicapped Parking
Following detailed guidelines is key in making your business accessible for people with disabilities. For example, ADA requirements mandate that handicapped parking spaces need to be the shortest accessible route to a building entrance. Wheelchair-accessible parking also needs to be at least eight feet wide with an adjacent access aisle that’s five feet wide. A van-accessible space needs to be at least 11 feet wide to stay in compliance.
Typically, the parking space required for handicapped individuals is one accessible parking space for every 25 spaces. At least one van-accessible parking space is required for every six handicapped spaces. Additionally, medical facilities are required to offer more handicapped spaces, which can be up to 20% of the parking lot. Reaching out to a company offering ADA compliance and parking lot repair services is important in following these guidelines.
Additional Requirements to Consider
Each parking space needs to be identified by the international symbol of accessibility. Access aisles also need to be hash marked to show that the area is accessible. Keeping your parking lot easy to navigate with these signs is critical to navigation.
Typically, it’s recommended to restripe your parking lot every two years to maximize visibility. Sealcoating your parking lot is also beneficial in keeping stripes and symbols easy to see. You may need these services more often if your parking lot experiences a lot of traffic. Parking spaces also can’t have more than a 2% slope to stay ADA compliant.
What Happens If You Don’t Meet These Guidelines?
Failure to follow the Disabilities Act (ADA) can lead to significant consequences for your business. A private entity that doesn’t meet these requirements is subject to legal action with a fine that can start at $75,000 and go up to $150,000 for additional violations. Business owners can even be the subject of class-action lawsuits by not providing accessible entrances. Making sure you stay in compliance with these rules is essential to avoiding fines while also saving you a lot of stress.
How Do I Stay in Compliance?
The easiest way to meet ADA parking requirements is to partner with an experienced parking lot maintenance company. These professionals understand how to meet these different requirements while also staying up to date with the latest changes in the law.
Scheduling a parking lot inspection is important to ensure you are meeting these guidelines. If not, a parking lot repair company can make changes to your pavement to help you stay in compliance and avoid costly fines. Ultimately, you will have greater peace of mind knowing your parking facilities are ADA compliant at all times.
Contact PLS Today to Learn About ADA Parking Requirements
Parking Lot Services (PLS) specialize in helping businesses and property managers meet ADA requirements. Following these detailed guidelines is essential to providing people with disabilities the easiest route to your building. Keeping up with any changes to the law is important for staying in compliance.
Our team also offers asphalt repair, parking lot sealcoating, asphalt maintenance, striping, and other parking lot services in Florida. We are also happy to answer all of your questions and discuss our services in more detail.
Give PLS a phone call today to schedule a no-cost consultation to learn more about our services!