The passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act brought new responsibilities to virtually every property owner with a parking lot, regardless of how few parking spaces were in the lot.

Meeting the ADA guidelines is more complicated than simply setting aside a few spaces and designating them as handicapped parking.

The guidelines contain specific rules that you must meet to make your parking lot ADA-compliant.

• You must have a minimum number of parking spaces that are handicapped-accessible. This minimum number is determined by the total spaces in your lot. For example, if you have 50 parking spaces, at least two of them must be handicapped-accessible, but if you have 300, you will need a minimum of seven handicapped spaces.
• The handicapped space that is most convenient to your entrance should be designated for vans.
• All handicapped spaces should be no less than 8 feet in width, and all spaces must have access aisles beside them. Access aisles for van parking should be at least 8 feet wide; other handicapped spaces can have aisles that are 5 feet wide.
• Handicapped spaces should be selected based on their proximity to your door; guidelines require that the path between your door and the handicapped spaces offer the most direct and shortest route. However, the path is not to travel behind parked vehicles.
• After parking in a handicapped, if the path requires crossing a traffic lane, a clearly marked crosswalk must be provided.
• Signs are to be permanently affixed at the front of each handicapped space that identifies them as accessible. The signs should bear the international pictograph of accessibility, which is a blue background with a white wheelchair. Immediately beneath this sign, the words, “Van Accessible” or “Van Parking” must appear if the space is designated for vans.
• Pavement markings bearing the international pictograph of accessibility may be added in addition to the signs. Access aisles should be marked on the pavement as well to prevent drivers from inadvertently parking in them.

If you need assistance making sure that your parking lot complies with ADA requirements, contact B&E Coating Services. Our sealcoating contractors offer a full range of asphalt maintenance services to customers throughout the state of Michigan.

Whether you need sealcoating, crack repair, parking lot striping or asphalt paving, we have the experience to provide quality work at reasonable rates. You can complete our online form to request a free quote, or feel free to call us at 989-352-7305.