If your property has a parking lot that serves the public, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets rules for how many accessible spaces you need and how they are laid out. Here are the basics, based on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
How many accessible spaces do you need?
The number depends on the total number of spaces in the lot:
| Total spaces in lot | Minimum accessible spaces |
|---|---|
| 1 – 25 | 1 |
| 26 – 50 | 2 |
| 51 – 75 | 3 |
| 76 – 100 | 4 |
| 101 – 150 | 5 |
| 151 – 200 | 6 |
| 201 – 300 | 7 |
| 301 – 400 | 8 |
| 401 – 500 | 9 |
| 501 – 1,000 | 2% of total |
| 1,001 and over | 20, plus 1 for each 100 over 1,000 |
Van-accessible spaces
At least 1 of every 6 accessible spaces (or fraction of 6) must be van-accessible. So even a small lot with a single accessible space needs that space to be van-accessible.
Space and aisle sizes
- Car-accessible space: at least 96 inches (8 feet) wide, with an access aisle at least 60 inches (5 feet) wide.
- Van-accessible space: at least 132 inches (11 feet) wide with a 60-inch aisle, or 96 inches wide with a 96-inch aisle.
- Access aisles must be marked so people don't park in them. Diagonal striping and “NO PARKING” lettering are common ways to do this.
- Two accessible spaces can share one access aisle.
Location and signs
Accessible spaces should be on the shortest accessible route to the building entrance. Each space needs a sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility, mounted so the bottom of the sign is at least 60 inches above the ground. Van-accessible spaces also need a “van accessible” sign.
Why re-striping matters
The U.S. Department of Justice's guide on restriping parking lots explains that when a business re-stripes its lot, it must provide accessible spaces as required by the ADA Standards. Re-striping is the ideal time to fix space counts, aisle widths and markings, because the old lines are being replaced anyway.
A note for Texas properties
In Texas, accessibility is also governed by the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS), administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Requirements can change, so for a new build or major project, check with TDLR or a Registered Accessibility Specialist.
This article is general information, not legal advice.