ADA Parking Lot Striping Requirements Property Owners Should Understand

Required number of spaces

The required number of accessible spaces is calculated separately for each parking facility. The federal table begins with one accessible space for a facility containing 1 through 25 total spaces and increases as the parking count grows.

For every six accessible spaces required, or fraction of six, at least one must be van accessible.

Special rules apply to certain medical facilities, rehabilitation facilities, residential facilities, and other uses. Do not apply the basic table without checking the facility type and applicable law.

Location

Accessible spaces serving a building or facility are generally located on the shortest accessible route to an accessible entrance. Where multiple accessible entrances are served, spaces may need to be dispersed.

The closest geometric parking stall is not always the correct location if it does not connect to a usable accessible route.

Parking-space dimensions

Under the federal standard:

• A car-accessible parking space is at least 96 inches wide.
• A van space may be at least 132 inches wide with an access aisle at least 60 inches wide.
• An alternative van configuration allows a space at least 96 inches wide with an access aisle at least 96 inches wide.
• Width is measured from the centerline of painted markings when adjacent to another marked space or aisle.

State standards may be more restrictive or use different configurations.

Access aisles

Access aisles must:

• Adjoin an accessible route
• Extend the full length of the space
• Be at least 60 inches wide under the federal standard
• Be marked to discourage parking
• Remain free from changes in level
• Be located outside the vehicular way
• Be level with the parking space, subject to the permitted drainage slope

Two spaces may share an aisle in qualifying layouts. Angled van spaces require the access aisle on the passenger side.

Slopes and surfaces

Accessible parking spaces and access aisles must have firm, stable, slip-resistant surfaces. Slopes generally cannot be steeper than 1:48, approximately 2.08 percent, in any direction.

This requirement is why painting alone cannot correct many accessibility problems. A lot can have perfectly crisp markings and still have excessive slopes.

Signs

Accessible parking spaces generally require identification signs containing the International Symbol of Accessibility. Van spaces require a "van accessible" designation. Under the federal standard, signs are mounted at least 60 inches above the ground, measured to the bottom of the sign.

Federal exceptions exist for certain very small parking facilities and assigned residential parking. State and local rules may still impose additional requirements.

Vertical clearance

Van-accessible parking spaces, access aisles, and the vehicular route serving them generally require at least 98 inches of vertical clearance under the federal standard.

This is particularly relevant in parking garages, covered parking, drive-through structures, and areas with overhead signs or piping.

The federal ADA standard does not prescribe one nationwide paint color for accessible parking pavement markings. It also does not establish every local requirement for:

• Blue borders
• Blue backgrounds
• "NO PARKING" lettering
• State-specific symbols
• Tow-away signs
• Curb colors
• Sign wording beyond federal requirements
• Permit or inspection procedures

Owners must check state building codes, local ordinances, adopted accessibility standards, and the specific project requirements.

Paving and sealcoating often erase or obscure the old layout. Before final striping:

1. Confirm the intended space count.
2. Confirm the location of accessible entrances.
3. Identify the accessible route.
4. Review stall and aisle slopes.
5. Determine whether old curb ramps and signs remain suitable.
6. Remove conflicting markings.
7. Establish control points from an approved plan or verified layout.
8. Coordinate sign installation and concrete work.
9. Confirm cure time for the asphalt or coating.
10. Keep traffic off the area until markings are ready.

Reproducing an old layout after resurfacing may repeat the same deficiencies.

The contract should identify who is responsible for:

• Counting required accessible spaces
• Selecting the location
• Confirming dimensions
• Reviewing slopes
• Identifying the accessible route
• Preparing a striping plan
• Verifying state and local details
• Obtaining permits or approvals
• Certifying or inspecting the completed work

A striping contractor should not be expected to assume unstated design liability simply because the work involves accessible parking markings.

Correct paint, incorrect slope

The markings are correct, but the space or aisle exceeds the allowable slope.

Correct space, blocked route

The stall and aisle are usable, but a curb, wheel stop, signpost, planter, or parked-vehicle overhang blocks the route.

Correct layout, missing signs

Pavement markings are present, but identification signs are missing, too low, obscured, or do not identify van spaces.

New overlay, old drainage problem

The accessible area ponds water because the paving scope maintained or worsened a low point.

Conflicting old lines

The new accessible layout remains visually confusing because obsolete stall lines were not removed.

A detailed striping proposal should identify:

• Layout source
• Number and type of spaces
• Space and aisle markings
• Symbols and lettering
• Old-line removal
• Surface cleaning
• Paint product
• Number of coats
• Signs and posts
• Wheel stops
• Traffic control
• Asphalt or concrete exclusions
• Slope-measurement exclusions
• Design and code-review exclusions
• Work hours and reopening requirements

1. Which accessibility standard is being used?
2. Have state and local requirements been checked?
3. Who prepared or approved the layout?
4. Were slopes measured?
5. Does the access aisle connect to an accessible route?
6. Are signs included?
7. Are obsolete markings being removed?
8. Are curb ramps or concrete transitions included?
9. Is drainage correction included?
10. Who will review the completed work?

• ADA Parking Lot Striping
• ADA Parking Contractors
• Parking Lot Striping Contractors
• ADA Parking Requirements for Property Owners
• Can Striping Alone Fix ADA Parking Compliance?

• ADA.gov: Accessible Parking Spaces
• ADA.gov: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
• U.S. Access Board: Chapter 5, Parking Spaces