ADA Access Consultants

CALIFORNIA CASp Inspections and Reporting

ADA PARKING GUIDE: PARKING, ACCESS AISLES, CRUBS AND MORE!

ADA Compliant parking

ADA parking compliance requires that parking and access lines and measured from the center according to title 24 section 502.1 of the CBC. There is however, an exception where parking spaces are not adjacent to another parking spot. In this instance, you may measure the entire available parking space. 

ADA PArking Space Dimensions

There are several ADA parking dimension to keep in mind when working toward an ADA accessible parking lot. The most important ADA parking dimensions are height, width, and slope. 

  • Width: ADA compliant van parking require a minimum width of 12 feet wide or 144 inches.
  • Length: Parking spaces in ADA compliance require are a minimum length of 18 feet or 216 inches. 
  • Slope: In parking spaces there is a maximum required slope ratio of 1:48 or about 2% in all directions. (502.4)

All of these factors are considered when looking at ADA parking compliance. If you have a parking lot with customer and public access, you need to hire an ADA/CASp inspector and work towards compliance.

In addition to parking space dimensions, there are specific requirements regarding access aisles. Adjacent to accessible parking spots you are asked to provide a connected access isle compliant with section 502.3. 

ADA Accessible Parking requirements
ADA Access Aisle

ADA Access Aisle: Compliance Matters

ADA compliant access aisles are a vital component of accessible routes. Access aisles are required to be adjacent to a parking lots accessible parking space. Access aisles are required to be connected to two parking stalls, or one accessible stall and one EV charging stall. (502.3). Access aisles must comply with the following.

  • Width: Access aisles must have a minimum width of 5 feet or 60 inches. This i to ensure wheelchair users have ample space to exit and enter access vehicles. 
  • Length: ADA compliant access aisle lengths must be the same as the adjacent parking space or longer.
  • Markings: According to code, access aisle need hatched lines painted maximum of 36 inches throughout the aisle. Additionally 12 inch tall “No Parking” verbiage must be present at bottom area or stall. 

Using a contrasting colored hatch marks in the loading and unloading parking space is meant to make sure that the marks stand out visually from the background. This helps drivers see that the area is a no-parking zone, making it clear that they shouldn’t park there.

 

CASP INSPECTION OR ADA Consultation:

International Symbol of Access (ISA)

Identification is an important part of ADA sign compliance. This refers to the identification signs that display the International Symbol of Access (ISA). Complying with section 11B 702.7.2.1, signs must have a white symbol with a blue background. 

The identification symbol is required to be displayed in parking spaces along with accessible parking signs. Signs for vans must read “Van Accessible” and shall be 60 inches minimum above the finish floor. If a sign is within a circulation path, it is required to be 80 inches minimum above the finish floor or ground. 

International Symbol of Access
International Symbol of Access

ADA Parking SIGNAGE & The I.S.A.

There are several important details involved when working towards ADA identification compliance. ADA compliant signs and identification have specific height, area, and finish requirements that ensure your property the best compliance.

  • Parking identification signs require to be reflective with a minimum area of 70 square inches
  • Additional signs are required below the ISA to state “Minimum Fine $250”
  • Within parking spaces, the ADA identification symbol shall be white on a blue background 36 inches wide by 36 inches high

Another overlooked aspect of ADA accessible signage are the tow away signs. 17 inch wide by 22 inch high (502.8.1) tow-away signs are required in a conspicuous location that sates: 

“Unauthorized vehicles parked in designated accessible spaces not displaying distinguishing placards or special license plates issued for persons with disabilities will be towed away at the owner’s expense. Towed vehicles may be reclaimed at: _________________________ or by telephoning _______________________.”

ADA Parking Arrangement

The way parking stalls are located & oriented in relation to an accessible path or property is referred to as arrangement. Parking arrangement ensures parking spots are in the correct spots, allowing for the most effective access. 

  • Parking identification symbols are required to be in a conspicuous location
  • Parking aisles and stalls must be positioned so that users will not travel behind parking spaces on the accessible route
  • Wheel or curb stops are required in a parking spot in order to prevent vehicles from encroaching on the accessible route

ADA accessible parking has several regulations around clearance and arrangement of parking spaces. A properties parking is arguable the most important factor considering access. Your parking can not put users in any danger from using the accessible route. This means parking spots, accesses aisles, and accessible routes need to be orientated safe distances away from each other in order to prevent blockage leading to access problems. 

ADA Passenger Drop-Off & Loading Zone

Passenger drop-off and loading zones shall provide a vehicle pull-up space 96 inches wide and 20 feet long minimum. In addition to this floor and ground surfaces must comply with section 11B-302, Access aisles must be at the same level that they serve. Changes in slope exceeding 1:48 are not permitted. 

ADA accessible vehicle pull-up spaces,  and the aisles serving them must provide a minimum vertical clearance of 114 inches. This ensure vans and other vehicles have ample space for loading, unloading, and using the vehicle accessibility features.

ADA Drop-Off/Loading Access Aisle

Passenger loading and drop off have several requirements to ensure accessibility. These dimensions ensure the most effective and best use of an accessible area. Access aisles are used to allow users to get in and out of their car or van.

  • Access aisles connected to vehicle pull-up spaces must be 60 inches wide minimum
  • ADA accessible access aisles must extend the full length of the pull-up space that they serve
  • Parking access aisles in addition to pull-up access aisles require hatched lines spaced a maximum of 36 inches apart

Access aisles that serve passenger loading and drop off must comply with section 11b-503 regarding adjacent and parallel vehicle pull-ups. Access aisles must adjoin an accessible route. Additionally, access aisles must not overlap or impede the vehicular way.

passenger drop off and loading zone access aisle

Property Questionnaire (CONFIDENTIAL)


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