Commercial Paving & ADA Compliance: What You Need To Know

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets standards to ensure that public spaces, including parking lots, are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Compliance with these standards is crucial for providing equal access and avoiding legal issues. As commercial paving contractors, we can help ensure that your lot is safe for all who use it and compliant with ADA and local laws. Let’s take a look at ADA compliance and all it entails.

ADA-Compliant Parking Lots – What Are The Standards?

The ADA sets standards for the number of spaces needed, as well as the best ways to ensure access for all of your guests. Our part of the equation is to provide you with parking lot line striping that not only complies with ADA regulations but also improves the overall flow and safety of your asphalt parking lot.

1. Accessible Parking Spaces

• Quantity Requirements: In order to comply with ADA standards, you will need to provide a proper number of accessible parking spaces. This requirement is based on how many parking spaces exist in the lot in total. For instance, for every 25 regular parking spaces, you need to provide at least one ADA-compliant space.
• Dimensions: Accessible spaces also must be at least 8 feet wide, for easy access, with an adjacent access aisle that measures at least 5 feet wide. Van-accessible spaces require an 11-foot width or an 8-foot width with an 8-foot aisle.
• Location Requirements: The goal is always to provide the easiest access possible for your customers. Spaces should be as close as possible to entry points, and they should also be on level ground and free of any type of obstruction.

2. Access Aisles

• Design: Access aisles must be marked with diagonal stripes to prevent parking within them and should be at the same level as the parking space they serve.
• Signage: Proper signage is essential. Each accessible parking space must have a sign with the international symbol of accessibility mounted high enough to be seen when a vehicle is parked in the space.

3. Surface and Slope

• Surface Conditions: The surface of accessible parking spaces, access aisles, and routes should be stable, firm, and slip-resistant.
• Slope: The slope in all directions must not exceed more than a 2% slope or less. This ensures that wheelchairs and other mobility aids can move safely and easily.

4. Curb Ramps

• Placement: Where accessible routes cross curbs, curb ramps must be installed. These ramps should be positioned to provide a direct route from the parking space to the accessible entrance.
• Specifications: Ramps should have a maximum slope of about 8%, and a minimum width of 36 inches, and should include detectable warnings for the visually impaired.

5. Parking Lot Maintenance For Accessible Features

• Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect parking lots to ensure that accessible features remain in good condition. Look for issues like faded paint on access aisles, damaged signs, or deteriorating surfaces.
• Repairs and Upgrades: Promptly repair any damage to accessible features. When resurfacing or restriping, ensure that all accessibility requirements are met, and consider any updates to ADA standards. We can provide you with any type of asphalt parking lot repair you might need, so be sure to contact us if you need repairs.
• Snow and Debris Removal: In climates with snow, make sure that snow removal does not block access aisles or curb ramps. Similarly, keep these areas clear of debris and obstructions at all times. Of course, in Florida, snow is not an issue, but often our severe weather can produce copious amounts of debris, which can limit access to your parking lot.

Benefits of ADA Compliance

1. Legal Compliance: Meeting ADA standards helps avoid costly fines and lawsuits. Non-compliance can result in significant legal repercussions.
2. Increased Accessibility: ADA compliance ensures that all individuals, regardless of disability, can access the facilities, promoting inclusivity and customer satisfaction.
3. Positive Reputation: Following all ADA regulations demonstrates a commitment to accessibility and inclusiveness, enhancing the business’s reputation and attracting a broader customer base.

ADA compliance in parking lot design and maintenance is not only a legal requirement but also a commitment to providing accessible and inclusive environments for all individuals. Regular inspections, proper design, and timely maintenance are crucial for ensuring that parking lots remain accessible and safe for everyone. By adhering to these standards, businesses can enhance their reputation, avoid legal issues, and contribute to a more inclusive society.

Quality Parking Lot Maintenance Can Help!

Our team of commercial paving contractors can provide you with expert parking lot line striping, but that’s just one of the many services we can provide. Our additional commercial paving services include patching and repairs, milling, and sealcoating a parking lot.

Generally, we recommend that you call us for repairs as soon as you notice small issues, as these are easier and less costly to fix in the early stages. You typically need to seal coat a parking lot about every two years, and we can apply both sealants and redo your line striping at this time. Not only will this ensure ADA compliance, but it will give a huge aesthetic boost to your parking lot.

If you need a new parking lot, we also can provide you with complete asphalt parking lot installations as well as concrete installations. Additionally, if your lot seems prone to cracks, potholes and other structural issues, contact our commercial paving company for excavation and investigation services. We’ll get to the root of the issues and provide you with recommendations for repairs.

Whether you need line striping, seal coating or another of our asphalt parking lot maintenance services, our team of commercial paving experts can handle the job – large or small. Our paving company in Tampa provides paving solutions for clients throughout Florida, providing high-quality paving services at the most affordable prices possible. Contact us today for a free cost estimate of our paving services.