As a business owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your property is ADA-Compliant. That responsibility begins with the parking lot, which is usually your customer’s first point of access with your business. From proper signage to enough space between parking lines, there are many factors to take into consideration when maintaining an ADA compliant parking lot. The experts at Pro Pave Inc. are breaking down what an ADA compliant parking lot is, how to create one and also helpful tips.
What is ADA Compliant?
In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the American with Disabilities Act into law. The ADA protects people with disabilities from discrimination, especially when trying to access a business building. Title III of the ADA covers public areas like schools, businesses, restaurants, offices, retail stores, daycare centers and more. Employers are required to make accommodations for employees with disabilities to do their jobs and for customers with disabilities to be able to access their services. This includes wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms, proper signage and yes, parking lots.
ADA Compliant Parking Lot Stripes
The ADA has set strict guidelines to follow when it comes to striping a parking lot. It’s best to work with a professional pavement company to help you determine how many accessible parking spaces should be included in your parking lot. Guidelines are in place to ensure that wherever your ADA compliant accessible parking spaces are located, they must be within the closest range to the entrance of your business. Your customers have to be able to have enough space to park and exit their vehicle to get into your business. Not only do the parking spaces need to be wide enough, they also need to be clearly labeled and easy to locate. The surface of the accessible parking spots should not have any kinds of dips or bumps, so the patron can get out of their car safely. Most accessible parking spaces should also include an access aisle, where patrons can exit their car and have space to utilize a wheelchair.
ADA Compliant Parking Lot Signage
In addition to parking space sizes, your business needs to have proper signage to remain ADA compliant. Your ADA accessible parking space should be clearly labeled and installed on a mounted sign. The international symbol for accessibility is the wheelchair icon with a blue background. This sign needs to be on display at least 60 inches off the ground. If the parking space is designated for accessible vans, be sure that the parking space is labeled “van accessible.”
Work with Pro Pave Inc.
If you have questions about making your parking lot ADA Compliant, please reach out to us! Pro-Pave, Inc. has established a reputation as one of the Washington, DC area’s most reliable paving companies. We know everything to know about asphalt paving.
We currently offer these asphalt services for roads, parking lots, and more: Excavation, Asphalt Stone Work, Asphalt Grading, Asphalt Paving, Asphalt Patching, Asphalt Milling, Asphalt Sealcoating, Asphalt Crack Sealing, and Asphalt Striping and Signage.
To find out more about how we can help your business with all of your paving needs, contact Pro-Pave today. Visit our website, or give us a call at (703) 433-9500.
