When designing a parking lot striping layout, you must follow many state, federal and local regulations. However, one of the most important compliance factors revolves around the Americans with Disabilities Act. This law improves accessibility and protects against discrimination in public life. The law is expansive, covering many accessibility requirements for areas open to the public, including parking lots. Keep reading to learn more about ADA parking lot compliance guidelines in Indiana.
What Happens If I Ignore ADA Parking Lot Compliance?
ADA parking requirements aren't optional. The ADA is a federal civil rights law that applies to all public parking areas. Failing to maintain parking lot compliance can lead to steep penalties. Your first violation can result in a maximum fine of $75,000. Additional violations can lead to penalties of up to $150,000. Furthermore, state and local governments can impose further penalties. Meanwhile, a lack of accessibility can significantly harm your business reputation.
Indiana ADA parking lot regulations aren't something you want to ignore. It's important to consider all requirements when developing a parking lot striping layout for your property, ensuring you cover all your bases to avoid trouble and potential liabilities.
What Features Do ADA-Compliant Parking Lots Need?
An Indiana ADA parking lot needs many accessibility features, the most important of which is marked handicap spots. Every lot and parking garage needs a specific number of spaces to maintain handicap parking ADA compliance. The number your property requires depends on the total number of vehicles your parking lot can accommodate.
Generally, parking lots with up to 100 total spots need a single handicap space for every 25 standard spaces. For parking lots accommodating 101-500 vehicles, there needs to be an additional handicap space for every 50 standard spots. Furthermore, one of every six of those handicap spots must be van-accessible, featuring an adjacent access aisle.
Additional features required to meet handicap parking ADA compliance include safe slopes, access ramps on curbing, wheel stops and signage mounted at least 60 inches above the ground. Of course, parking lot striping should also include appropriate symbols and colors for easy identification.
ADA-compliant parking lots must include the right amount of handicap spaces, and the above guidelines apply to most properties. However, certain properties, like medical facilities, rehabilitation clinics and physical therapy centers, may require 10 percent more to accommodate more disabled visitors.
How Large Should Handicap Spots Be to Achieve ADA Parking Lot Compliance?
In addition to having enough accessible spots for parking lot compliance, you must ensure those spaces are appropriately sized. Standard spaces can be in varying sizes. However, to comply with ADA parking requirements, handicap spots must be at least 96 inches wide. Van-accessible spots with adjacent aisles have specific measurements, too.
The access aisles next to ADA-compliant parking spots must be at least 60 inches wide with zero obstructions. Two spots can share an adjacent lane in an Indiana ADA parking lot, but those aisles must be part of an accessible route to the building and have appropriate striping and marking for visibility.
How Can I Ensure Full ADA Handicap Parking ADA Compliance?
ADA parking requirements can be difficult to navigate. While the guidelines seem simple, you must comply with all requirements for your unique property and parking lot design. The best way to avoid issues is to hire contractors experienced with parking lot compliance. Striping and layout design companies understand the law and will work closely with you to ensure your property has all the necessary handicap spots, features and markings.
Let Asphalt Authority be your partner in all things lot striping and ADA compliance. Since 2022, we've helped countless property owners and managers design and stripe ADA-compliant parking lots. We're well-versed in the law and work diligently to make your parking lot accessible to all. We're proud to be an award-winning company known for delivering top-notch results and great customer service. Asphalt Authority can handle all your needs, offering services like asphalt paving, repairs, resurfacing, crack repair, sealcoating, striping, signage and more.
Don't let simple mistakes put you at risk for ADA non-compliance. Call Asphalt Authority at (260)450-4976 today to discuss your needs and get a free project quote. You can also reach us via email at info@asphalt-authority.com or through our online contact form.
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