How many handicapped spots do I need in my lot?

While there is no standard regulation regarding normal parking spaces in a parking lot there is regulation regarding handicapped spaces in a lot. The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) has now ensured that handicapped people are able to have easier access to the places that they need to go. If you own a parking lot there are a few things that you will need to keep in mind if you haven’t already.

The first thing is how many handicapped spaces will be needed. The ADA requires that for smaller lots every 25 parking spaces there must be one handicapped space up to 200 regular parking spaces and one extra handicapped space for every hundred spaces from 200-500. With over 500 spaces 2% of the lot must be devoted to handicapped spaces. For lots with over 1000 spaces they must have 20 spaces plus one extra for every extra hundred spaces. This space must be 8 feet wide with at least 5 feet of space on either side to allow for the loading and unloading of wheelchairs and walkers. These spaces must be in close proximity to the entrance of the building. If you have a large lot that can mean a considerable amount of spaces. Also one out of every eight spaces must be van accessible and therefore will need to be 11 feet wide with at least five feet in between spaces.

The loading and unloading of a wheelchair requires a lot of space. Handicapped van ramps are usually about 4-5 feet long and then there is also the room that is required for the wheelchair to maneuver, which can be 3 feet or more.

Each space must be clearly marking, with both a sign and with lines painted a different color (usually blue) but this can vary from state to state. The signs also can read differently, from Georgia which says only “Permit parking only” to other states that make it much clearer. Some states do not even allow for the use of the word handicapped. Parking lot owners that are not in compliance will be notified by either an informal request or an official complaint with enforcement coming from a local or state agency and usually the threat of expensive litigation is enough to ensure compliance. Larger lot owners may even be prosecuted by the Department of Justice.

This is all something that needs to be thought about before a parking lot is marked off. Trust a professional to do this. For anyone in Central Pennsylvania situated along the I-81 corridor from Chambersburg to Carlisle and Mechanicsburg to Harrisburg as well as Hershey and Middletown give Michael B. Stoner Inc. a call before you start parking lot striping. We will not only do a professional job but will also make sure that your lot is in compliance with all state and federal regulations so you will not have to worry about that. Save yourself the worry and let us do your parking lot marking! For more information contact us at https://mbstonerinc.com/contact.