One in four U.S. adults lives with some type of disability.
That is why the law requires that public and private businesses have adequate handicap parking spaces. Specific requirements vary based on the type of business and the size of the parking lot. It can be difficult to know where to start.
The good news is that, once you understand the laws that pertain to the number of handicap spaces in a given lot, it is easy to calculate requirements for your business. Keep reading to find out how.
Car Spaces
For parking lots with 100 spots or less, one handicap parking space is required for every 25 spaces. So, a parking lot with between one and 25 spaces would need a single handicap parking space, those with between 26 and 50 spaces would need two, and so on.
For parking lots with between 100 and 500 spots, the number of handicap spaces increases by one for every 50 additional spots. So, lots with between 101 and 150 spots would need five spots, those with 151 to 200 spots would need six, and so on.
For parking lots with 500 to 1,000 spots, the number of handicap parking spaces must be 2 percent of the total. So, a lot with 750 spots would need at least 15 handicap spaces. Lots with more than 1,000 spots should have 20 handicap spaces, plus one for every 100 spots.
Van Spaces
In general, parking lots with between one and 200 spaces must have at least one van-accessible parking space. Parking lots with more than 200 spaces must have at least two spaces to accommodate vans.
Medical Facilities
Certain types of medical facilities must have a greater number of handicap-accessible parking spaces. For instance, hospital outpatient facilities must designate 10 percent of their spaces. Rehabilitation facilities that specialize in treating patients with mobility conditions that impact mobility must have 20 percent of their spaces for handicap parking.
The number of van-accessible spaces at these facilities is one for every six accessible parking spaces. This includes any fractions of six. For example, a lot that has between 7 and 12 handicap spaces would need at least two van-accessible spaces.
Exceptions
There are exceptions for private lots that are only for specific types of vehicles. These include delivery vehicles, buses, trucks, law enforcement, or impounds. If these lots are accessible to the public, then they must meet the handicap space requirements laid out above.
Hire a Professional Service
Besides the number of spaces, there are other rules for handicap parking spaces laid out by the Americans with Disability Act. These include handicap parking space dimensions, signage, location, and maintenance. These are all important because they ensure visitors with disabilities can access your business without undue burden.
If you have concerns about handicap parking space painting requirements, one of the best things you can do is contact a professional parking lot company. Businesses like CATI Striping will be able to advise you and ensure your parking lot is within full compliance with the law.
Meet the Requirements for Handicap Parking Spaces
Now that you understand the requirements for handicap parking spaces, you can ensure that your business meets these standards. It will make sure that employees and visitors to your business have proper access to the building.
We hope you found this information on parking lot rules and regulations helpful. If so, be sure to take a look at some of our other business posts, as well as those on technology, food, health, and travel.