Importance Of ADA Standards For Accessible Design
Importance Of ADA Standards For Accessible Design
The Americans with Disabilities Act is a complicated law that addresses a number of issues related to the disabled, including their right to access. Failing to make sure that your parking lot meets the requirements of the ADA can leave you open to fines, civil lawsuits and penalties. It can also erode the goodwill of your customers, vendors and employees.
Importance Of ADA Standards For Accessible Design
According to the ADA, you must provide a certain number of parking spaces that meet specific guidelines for size and markings. Following are the primary requirements for handicapped-accessible parking.
• The number of spaces provided for handicapped parking is determined by the total number of spaces in your parking lot. For example, if you have 10 parking spaces, at least one must be designated as a handicapped space. If you have 300 parking spaces, you must have no fewer than seven spaces designated as handicapped.
• The first handicapped space must be van-accessible.
• All handicapped parking spaces must be no less than 96 inches wide, excluding the access aisles on either side. Access aisles are mandatory and must be no less than 96 inches wide if the parking space is designated as van-accessible or no less than 60 inches wide for all other handicapped spaces. Two handicapped spaces can share the same access aisle.
• All handicapped parking spaces must be identified by a sign that is permanently fastened to a wall or pole at the end of each space. The sign placed at the end of a van-accessible space must include verbiage that identifies it as such.
• Handicapped parking spaces are to be located so that the journey between the spaces and your building’s point of entry follows the most direct path. Do not route this path behind areas in which vehicles may be parked.
• Pavement line striping and markings should be used to identify access aisles. Crosswalks must also be clearly marked if the path between the handicapped spaces and your door crosses a traffic lane.
The ADA also contains a number of other specifications, such as the minimum height of any overhangs, the maximum grade of the access route and the requirements for a passenger loading/unloading zone. If you need additional help with compliance issues, contact Dirtworks. We are a full-service asphalt paving and maintenance company providing our services to customers throughout the Cape Cod area. Whether you need parking lot markings, sealcoating, asphalt repairs or paving, we offer exceptional results at competitive prices. We also offer a variety of site work and excavation services. To receive a free quote, simply submit our convenient online form, or call us at (508) 240-5541.
