Compliance with the ADA regulations can help you avoid fines, lawsuits and unhappy customers. However, the ADA is somewhat complicated, so many property managers or owners are uncertain whether there are violations present in their parking lots. If you are wondering whether you need to correct ADA violations in your own parking lot, here are some things to check.
ADA – Know Your Parking Lot Violations?
Check the Number of Accessible Spaces
One in 25 parking spaces needs to be handicapped-accessible if your parking facility has 100 or fewer total spaces. The minimum accessible spaces should be increased by one at 101 total spaces and again at 151 spaces. For parking lots with at least 201 but no more than 500 spaces, increase the number of accessible spaces by one for every 100 spaces. From 501 to 1,000, 2 percent of your total parking spaces must be accessible. If there are more than 1,001 spaces, you will need a minimum of 20 accessible spaces with an additional one for every 100 total spaces over 1,000.
If you operate an outpatient physical therapy or rehabilitation facility specializing in the treatment of mobility impairments, you must make at least 20 percent of your patient parking area accessible. If you operate a facility offering hospital outpatient services, at least 10 percent of your patient parking must be accessible.
Some of your accessible spaces must be van-accessible. All parking lots must offer at least one van-accessible space. Overall, out of every six accessible spaces, at least one must be van-accessible.
Check Your Access Aisles and Access Routes
Access aisles must be at least 60 inches wide, and if your van-accessible spaces are less than 11 feet wide, the adjacent access aisles must be 96 inches wide. Access aisles should be marked so that drivers know that they are not parking spaces.
Access routes must be free of barriers and obstructions. Curb ramps are to be used at all curbs present along the route.
Check Your Locations
Accessible parking must be located as close to the accessible entrance as possible. The access route is to follow a direct path and follow the shortest path possible. Parking lots serving more than one building, including those at shopping centers, should have accessible spaces that are dispersed to let drivers choose a space that is convenient to the entrance they desire.
Check Your Signs
All handicapped spaces are required to be identified by permanently mounted signs. Van parking spaces should have an additional sign denoting that they are van-accessible. Signs must be mounted so that they are clearly visible; the lower edge should be no closer than 60 inches to the ground.
Check for Miscellaneous Conditions
The ADA requires that all accessible spaces, the access route and the access aisles be kept in good condition. Make sure that there are no potholes, uneven concrete or other issues that could impede the progress of someone who is using a wheelchair, crutches or other device for mobility assistance.
Obstructions, including bicycle racks, shrubbery, parked vehicles, merchandise displays and trash cans, must not be present in the accessible space, access aisles or along the access route. Make sure that everything is out of the way and that the entire route is clear of accumulated leaves, trash or other debris.
Contact Us for Professional Assistance
MH Greeson Paving is an asphalt contractor and we offer a complete line of asphalt maintenance services for parking lots, including asphalt paving, parking lot striping and pavement marking, asphalt crack repair, seal coat and the installation of car stops, traffic signs and bollards. We are based in Marietta, GA and service the metro Atlanta area. We can assist you with all of your ADA-compliance needs. We offer quality workmanship at affordable prices. If you have more questions about ADA – Know Your Parking Lot Violations? or would like to receive a free estimate, you can submit a quote request online or call (770) 335-2983.
