Ensuring that everyone has equal access to the goods, opportunities, or services that you offer has always been a logical attitude to have. However, today it is mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act enacted by the federal government. Although municipalities, states, and counties are free to pass their own laws, such laws cannot reduce the requirements contained in the ADA. Therefore, most jurisdictions simply follow the ADA guidelines. Currently, the ADA compliance guidelines in North Georgia are identical to the federal guidelines when it comes to parking facilities.
What Is Needed to Achieve ADA Compliance for Parking Lots in North Georgia?
Because the ADA is very complex, the best way to ensure that you are ADA compliant in Cobb County or the rest of North Georgia is to seek the assistance of an experienced asphalt paving company or parking lot striping contractor. In fact, you may need the expertise of both to achieve full compliance; ADA guidelines specify the slope of pavements in accessible stalls, for example, as well as the pavement markings and signage required for accessible spaces. In addition, the ADA specifies how many accessible spaces you must provide, their minimum sizes, and their locations. To further complicate matters, certain providers of outpatient health services are required to offer more accessible spaces than dental offices, retailers, and businesses in other sectors.
What Are Some Common ADA Compliance Parking Lot Violations?
Fines for parking lot violations can be quite hefty; a first offense carries a potential penalty of $75,000, while subsequent violations can result in fines of up to $150,000. Here are five of the most common violations nationwide.
1. The parking lot does not provide the minimum number of van-accessible and car-accessible spaces. The minimum number of each type of accessible spaces is based on the total capacity of the parking lot. For example, if your parking has room for 500 vehicles, you need a minimum of nine accessible spaces, at least two of which must be van-accessible spaces. If you only provide parking for one vehicle, the space must be a van-accessible space.
2. The ADA specifies the minimum size requirements for accessible spaces and their adjacent access aisles. Whether they are van- or car-accessible spaces, they must be a minimum of 96 inches wide. The adjacent access aisles must be at least 60 inches wide if the space is car-accessible, and they must be at least 96 inches wide for van-accessible spaces.
3. In ADA terminology, the path connecting accessible spaces to your building’s nearest accessible entrance is known as the access route. You need at least one access route that is a minimum of 36 inches wide and that provides the most direct path possible. Furthermore, the route must be completely unobstructed, so there can be no low-hanging branches or signs, no trash bins, no pallets of material, no parked vehicles, and no other types of obstacles in the path.
4. If sidewalks or curbs lie in the access route, curb ramps that comply with ADA specifications must be present. Curb ramps and sidewalks must also comply with the requirements for slope.
5. Pavements in accessible spaces, access aisles, and access routes must be kept in good repair. Potholes, uplifted or sunken concrete slabs, significant cracks, or any other form of damage that could pose a hazard to anyone using a mobility aid must be eliminated.
If you need help to ensure that your parking lot complies with the ADA, contact MH Greeson. We are a well-respected company that specializes in the maintenance and repair of asphalt pavements. In addition to ADA-compliance services, we also offer asphalt crack repair, lot striping and marking, traffic signs, asphalt repair, bollard installations, car stops, and sealcoating. We have earned our exemplary reputation by delivering extraordinary service and exceptional craftsmanship on every project. If you are interested in a free quote, you can fill out our online request form, or you can call our Marietta headquarters at 770-335-2983.
