All parking lots require handicap accessibility. This is absolutely non-negotiable if your establishment is to run in compliance with New Jersey and federal law. The Americans with Disabilities Act, a working branch of the Department of Justice of the United States, has an extensive list of regulations that must be followed to ensure all parking lots are in compliance.
Handicapped spaces need to be made for all new or existing facilities. This ensures that all visitors will have access to your establishment, be they able-bodied or not. These regulations are in place to provide equitable treatment for all.
Let’s take a look at what you need to ensure your parking lot is up to the standard.
Number of Spaces
According to the ADA, the number of handicapped parking spaces in your parking lot depends on your total number of spaces in the lot. If your parking lot is 1 to 25 spaces, you must have at least 1 handicap spot.
The sequence is as follows:
- 26-50 spaces – at least 2 handicap spots
- 51-75 – 3 handicap spots
- 76-100 – 4 handicap spots
- 101-150 – 5 handicap spots
- 500-1000 – 2% of total spaces must be handicap accessible
The number of handicapped parking spaces must be proportional to the total amount of spaces in your lot. It is inequitable, and a violation of ADA guidelines, to not have handicap accessible spots. For example, if your parking lot has 150 spaces, having only 2 handicapped spots is wrong and may result in your establishment being shut down.
Size
The ADA specifies that handicap spaces must be at least 60 inches wide. For every 8 handicap spaces in your lot, one must be marked as “Van Accessible”. A “Van Accessible” spot must be at least 96 inches wide to allow for vehicles that require additional space for the driver to dismount. The spaces next to this spot must be marked with diagonal stripes to allow for the driver to comfortably dismount their vehicle if they use a wheelchair or any other equipment. More importantly, your parking lot must have at least one of these “van accessible” spots, regardless of size.
Signage
All handicapped parking spots must be properly signed and labeled. The sign must be at least 5 feet above the ground. The sign must have the “Universal Symbol of Accessibility” which is the blue and white image of a person in a wheelchair. If a parking space is van accessible, the sign must also include that information.
The ADA has established these regulations to ensure all people have access to establishments. New Jersey law requires that these regulations be followed. It is important to consider how your parking lot will make the necessary accommodations to comply with the established standards.
Allow Us To Take Care Of Your Customers
At V&V Line Striping, we provide a wide range of resources and solutions for your parking lot. We are New Jersey’s top service provider for all the elements required to have a successful and effective parking lot. Our designs always ensure that your parking lot is up to New Jersey law standards and in compliance with ADA regulations. Through us you can stripe, design, refinish, or repair your parking lot, satisfaction guaranteed.
Our clients and partners include Ramapo College of New Jersey, McDonald’s, Rutgers State University of New Jersey, Hyatt, and Costco. Our team of experts is ready and available to answer any questions you may have about your parking lot striping project.