What's Wrong With This Photo? 8/8/18

Question:  Two ADA parking spaces are located at the front of a building and they are installed parallel with the front of the building.  See photo right.  What's wrong?  

 

 

 

Answer:  First, these ADA parking spaces are marked only with the ADA symbol on the surface of the spaces and these marking are deteriorated significantly.  Neither parking space has a vertical sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility.  2010 ADA Standard 502.6, Identification, states, "Parking space identification signs shall include the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.2.1. Signs identifying van parking spaces shall contain the designation “van accessible.” Signs shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground surface measured to the bottom of the sign."  See the image below for a representation of this installation.

Second, the widths of the parking spaces are not marked and there are no aisles adjacent to the parking spaces.  Only a shared aisle between the end of the two spaces is installed.  2010 ADA Standard 502.2, Vehicle Spaces, states, "Car parking spaces shall be 96 inches (2440 mm) wide minimum and van parking spaces shall be 132 inches (3350 mm) wide minimum, shall be marked to define the width, and shall have an adjacent access aisle complying with [Standard] 502.3."  See the diagram below for a representation of this installation.  Although not the same configuration as the actual photo above, the diagram below shows clearly the preferred location of an adjacent access aisle.

Third, neither ADA parking space is designated as Van Accessible.  At least one space should be van accessible and marked with a “Van Accessible” sign.  2010 ADA Standard 208.2.4, Van Parking Spaces, states, "For every six or fraction of six parking spaces required by 208.2 to comply with 502, at least one shall be a van parking space complying with [Standard] 502."  See the diagram below for a representation of a van accessible parking space sign.

Fourth, there are no vehicle wheel stops in the ADA parking spaces to prevent parked vehicles from obstructing the required space of the shared aisle.  Standard 502.7, Relationship to Accessible Routes, states, “Parking spaces and access aisles shall be designed so that cars and vans, when parked, cannot obstruct the required clear width of adjacent accessible routes.”  Advisory 502.7, Relationship to Accessible Routes, states, "Wheel stops are an effective way to prevent vehicle overhangs from reducing the clear width of accessible routes."  See the photo below for an example of a wheel stop.

The 2010 ADA Standards do not specifically require that accessible spaces be perpendicular to an accessible route instead of parallel, but perpendicular parking spaces are preferred at facilities located on sites because most allow users to park facing in or out depending on the side that the access aisle is needed. If accessible parking spaces at facilities located on sites (as opposed to those located along public streets) are parallel, they must fully comply with all applicable requirements, including those for access aisles and for van spaces.

Did you see it all?  Please call me at 615-752-0060 should you have any questions.

Parking spaces for disabled individuals are a common source of ADA/FHA complaints regarding accessibility. If you observe a building that is not ADA compliant and you would like to know how to proceed, please see the link at What To Do When A Building Is Not ADA Compliant or Accessible.

Thank you.