Does your Bay Area parking lot comply with the law? Building code-compliant and ADA-compliant parking lot design are two different things, and unfortunately, not all contractors understand the distinction. Our Bay Area paving contractors know what it takes to comply with California state and federal ADA laws. When it comes to ADA compliance and your parking lot, here’s what you need to know.
ADA Compliance Overview
When adding or renovating a parking structure, you must meet nationwide ADA accessibility requirements to ensure people with disabilities can navigate your parking lot safely and independently. These requirements include:
Adequate ADA-accessible parking spaces
The minimum number of ADA parking spaces required depends on the total number of parking spaces. For instance, at least one accessible space is required for lots with under 26 spaces, and a minimum of four is needed for lots up to 100 spaces.
Proper ADA parking location
Accessible spaces must be placed as close as possible to an accessible entrance, identified with the proper ADA parking lot signage, and connected to your establishment by an accessible route.
Sufficient parking space sizing
ADA-compliant parking must be at least 96 inches wide, with adjacent aisle access at least 60 inches wide.
ADA van-accessible parking availability
Parking lots requiring more than one ADA-accessible space must include at least one space for vans, with aisle access at least 96 inches wide.
Level, properly sloped parking surfaces
ADA parking spaces should be stable, slip-resistant, and level, with a slope of no greater than 1:48 in any direction, including properly sloped access aisles, sidewalks, and ADA ramps where necessary.
In addition to federal ADA laws, state and local-specific rules above and beyond federal standards must also be met, though some may seem contradictory. Fortunately, American Asphalt’s knowledgeable asphalt contractors are up to date on the latest regulations, navigating the most confusing legislation discrepancies to ensure compliance.
Risks of ADA Parking Non-Compliance
Serious consequences can result from non-compliance with ADA parking laws. Businesses and organizations found in violation of ADA laws often agree to settlements requiring them to correct ADA compliance issues to avoid steep penalties. These include state, local, and federal fines, starting at $75,000 for the first incident and $150,000 for each failure to comply. Lost income, unhappy customers, and bad press could also result from injury and compliance lawsuits. The City of Los Angeles recently agreed to pay over $38 million to resolve allegations of knowingly failing to meet federal ADA requirements.
Ensure ADA Compliant Parking Lot Design with Service from American Asphalt
Doing it right the first time costs less than doing it over. Our in-house team of experienced paving contractors has experience crafting ADA-compliant parking lot designs for all types of commercial properties, including:
- Retail shopping centers
- Restaurants
- Office complexes
- Hotels and resorts
- HOAs and multi-family housing
- Industrial parks
- Flex space
- Medical facilities
- Campuses
- Stadiums
- And more
We’ll work with you throughout your project, from simple sealing and restriping to renovations and complete parking lot construction, ensuring your property provides maximum accommodation for disabled patrons and staff.
Schedule an ADA Compliance Inspection
When it comes to ADA compliance and your parking lot, what you don’t know could cost you. Ensure an ADA-compliant design and improve access for people with disabilities with service from the experienced paving and striping contractors from American Asphalt. Contact us at 510-723-0280 to schedule a parking lot evaluation today.
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