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Navigating a parking lot may seem straightforward for most, but for people with disabilities, it can present significant challenges if proper accommodations are not in place.
In the context of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), parking lots are defined as public or private spaces where vehicles are parked, which must be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes designated accessible parking spaces, proper signage, and adequate space for mobility devices.
The ADA outlines various requirements to ensure these areas are accessible and free from discrimination. These include providing a specific number of accessible parking spaces based on the total number of spaces in the lot, designated van-accessible spaces, clear and visible signage, and unobstructed access routes to building entrances.
Compliance with ADA standards is not just about following the law; it is about creating an inclusive environment that respects the rights and needs of everyone. Non-compliance can result in severe penalties, including hefty fines, legal action, and damage to an organization’s reputation.
It is an obligatory requirement for most public and private entities, although there are certain exceptions. For instance, small businesses with fewer than 15 employees may be exempt under specific conditions. However, this status can change, particularly if the business undergoes renovations or expands, making compliance necessary.
This blog will outline the ADA parking requirements that need to be met. There’s also a handy checklist that you can download at the end of this guide for ease of reference.
We will talk aboutLet’s get into the specifics of the parking standards outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Buildings and facilities that provide parking for their employees and customers need to have a certain number of accessible parking spots based on the total number of available parking spaces.
| Total Number of Parking Spots | Total Number of Accessible Parking Spots Required |
| 1 – 25 | 1 |
| 26 – 50 | 2 |
| 51 – 100 | 3 – 4 |
| 101 – 300 | 5 – 7 |
| 301 – 500 | 8 – 9 |
| 501 – 1,000 | 2% of total spaces must be accessible |
| 1,001+ | 20 spaces plus 1 for each 100 over 1000 |
Van-Accessible Parking Spaces
For every six, or fraction of six, accessible parking spaces, at least one must be van-accessible.
Van-accessible spaces must be at least 8 feet wide with an access aisle at least 8 feet wide (or alternatively, they can be 11 feet wide with a 5-foot access aisle).
The ADA outlines specific slope requirements for accessible parking spaces and access aisles to ensure they are usable by employees and customers with disabilities. Here are the key requirements:
Pavement markings are an essential part of creating accessible parking spaces, ensuring disabled customers and employees are aware of where these spaces are located.
The ADA specifies dimensions for accessible parking spaces to ensure they are usable by people with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
Standard Accessible Parking Spaces
Van-Accessible Parking Spaces
Providing accessible parking spaces helps make your building or facility more accessible to all employees and customers, including those with disabilities.
By meeting these requirements, businesses can also avoid unnecessary penalties and brand-damaging lawsuits.
Click here to download our ADA Requirements for Parking checklist.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) can impose civil penalties for ADA violations. For a first violation, fines can be up to $75,000. For subsequent violations, fines can be as high as $150,000.
Many states and municipalities have their own additional fines for ADA non-compliance, which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per violation.
Yes, it is a legal requirement for hotels to comply with ADA parking regulations as they are categorized as places of public accommodation.
This all depends on the total number of parking spaces the store has. Stores with 25 parking spaces or fewer only require one accessible parking space. For stores with between 100 and 300 parking spaces, at least 5 accessible parking spaces are required.