Please look at the photo below. You are looking at two ADA accessible parking spaces with a shared accessible aisle leading to a restaurant entry/exit door. Focusing on the ramp at the end of the aisle, what’s wrong? HINT: ADA accessible parking spaces and aisles cannot share their space with other installations.

2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design Standard 406.5, [Ramp] Location, states, “Curb ramps and the flared sides of curb ramps shall be located so that they do not project into vehicular traffic lanes, parking spaces, or parking access aisles.” So that is what is wrong. The curb ramp has been installed so that it projects into the aisle and both parking spaces. Furthermore, Standard 502.3.2 [Parking Space] Length, states, “Access aisles shall extend the full length of the parking spaces they serve.” So in this case a curb cut should have been installed instead of this curb ramp.

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.

ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC, offers ADA/ABA/FHA accessibility compliance inspections for buildings and facilities, as applicable to the different laws, and expert witness services with respect to ADA/ABA/FHA laws for building owners, tenants and managers. Also, ADAIN offers consulting for home modifications as a CAPS consultant for people wishing to age in place in their homes. For a complete list of services please see ADAIN Services.