The Americans with Disabilities Act is a comprehensive set of laws that define the requirements of businesses to make reasonable accommodations for the disabled. Typically, ADA accommodations violations involve the company’s failure to ensure that the disabled can avail themselves of the services offered by the business by ensuring that disabled individuals can access the building. Many ADA violations are directly related to the company’s parking lot, so when building a new lot, it is important to hire a paving contractor who understands the complexities of the ADA. However, it is also critical to hire a competent pavement striping contractor for both new parking lots and lots that need to be repainted. Whether you need concrete or asphalt striping, choosing the wrong contractor could leave you exposed to substantial fines and/or potential lawsuits.
What Are ADA Violations? | Asphalt Maintenance
How Can Incorrect Pavement Striping Lead to an ADA Violation?
The striping and markings for your parking spaces must meet the minimum requirements detailed in the ADA. The first thing that your pavement striping service must evaluate is whether you have an adequate number of accessible spaces. Every parking lot must provide at least one space that qualifies as accessible; the exact number of accessible spaces depends on the total number of spaces in the parking lot. The second thing that your contractor must consider is where the accessible spaces are located. If your parking lot serves a building with only one accessible entrance, your accessible spaces must be situated to provide the shortest route of travel to your entrance. If your building has more than one accessible entrance, accessible spaces should be properly placed near every entrance.
Once your parking contractor has verified that the layout is correct, he can proceed with the pavement marking. Accessible parking spaces must have access aisles that are clearly marked. Access aisles run the length of the parking space and are typically rectangular outlines with diagonal lines connecting the two longest sides. Pavement stencils bearing the image of a person in a wheelchair against a blue background are recommended, but they are not mandatory under the ADA. However, the ADA requires that you identify accessible spaces with permanent signs bearing the symbol for accessibility. If the space is intended to provide access for vans, this fact must be stated on the sign or on a supplemental sign.
What Other Issues Could Constitute a Violation of the ADA?
There are several other issues that are commonly noted by experienced paving maintenance contractors.
• The slope of the accessible space or access lane exceeds the maximum slope allowed by the regulations.
• The accessible route violates the ADA requirements. For example, the route contains curbs that lack wheelchair ramps, or the path of travel forces those using the route to go behind parked vehicles.
• Trees, awnings and signs must provide a minimum clearance of 98 inches at accessible spaces and access aisles as well as throughout the accessible route.
• Palletized materials, trash receptacles or other obstacles intrude into the accessible route or space.
• Ramps connecting the parking lot to the accessible entrance are too steep, too narrow or otherwise in violation of the ADA.
If you need to make sure that your parking lot meets the requirements of the ADA, contact MH Greeson Paving. We are a highly regarded company specializing in asphalt pavement maintenance. Our services include sealcoating, asphalt striping, asphalt repairs, ADA compliances, parking lot signs and asphalt paving. We are known for delivering superior work at an affordable price. You can call 770-335-2983 or fill out the online form to request a free quote.
