4 Ways to Ensure Parking Lots Are ADA Compliant

A parking lot after repainting by our commercial painting contractors

4 Ways to Ensure Parking Lots Are ADA Compliant

Commercial building regulations cover everything, from how to do electrical wiring to parking lots. As a business owner, you can easily find yourself putting a lot of effort into making sure your building, restaurant, etc., is up to date with the copious amounts of regulations and requirements. However, one of the most frequently overlooked aspects by facility maintenance or business owners is the first thing customers encounter upon arrival at the premises.  

The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division has posted articles with specifics on organizing and maintaining parking lots. Failure to do so can result in a slew of problems, namely a lawsuit. While a strategically mapped parking lot may not deliver a thrilling experience for clients, it can eliminate potential problems for business owners and clients alike. So, here are 4 ways that you can ensure your parking lot is in good shape! 

  1. ACCESSIBILITY: ADA guidelines require a certain number of parking spaces accessible for van and car, as well as a minimum number for vans. If your parking lot has under 100 parking spaces, you must have at least one to four van and car-accessible spaces and at least one space dedicated to a van. While the number of van and car spaces increases to six if you are up to 200 spaces, the number of van-accessible spaces stays at one. Anything between 200-500 requires two van spaces and varying numbers of van and car. Once you cross the 500 threshold, you determine the number of spaces you need based on percentage. If all this seems confusing, and it truly can be, click here to help make sure you have everything that you need to ensure you have the correct amount of accessibility spaces. 
  2. PROXIMITY: Another factor to consider when examining or restriping your parking lot is the location of your accessible spaces. Are they in the closest possible proximity to the entrance of your business or office space? Another important question to consider if you have multiple entrances, are the accessible spaces dispersed around those entrances? More often than not, even if there are multiple entrances, it is easy to put all accessible spaces close to each other. With a little balance, your parking lot will be up to ADA standards with ease.
  3. VISIBILITY: Ensuring that all accessible spaces are visible is important to make them easy to locate. The correct signage and clear lines are critical for visibility. When placing two spaces next to each other, the layouts given by the ADA must be followed closely. The link provided above contains helpful diagrams for how to layout and clearly sign and line your accessible spaces that connect to each other. When placing signs, note that the bottom of your sign should be at least 60 inches above the ground so they can be seen.
  4. ROUTE: The ADA specifies that the surface between accessible spaces to the entrance of a building or business should be as flat as possible. The guidelines state a slope no greater than 1:12 can exist in the direction of travel, and no steps or curbs can exist along that route. Your route must be at least 3 feet wide, provide a firm surface, and slip-resistant. 

It can be tricky to navigate through all the commercial painting ADA specifications. Still, it is one way to ensure that anyone in need of accessible parking has a positive experience when arriving at your business or building. A good entry experience speaks volumes to the end-customer and protects you from any future problems with legality.