The American Disabilities Act was established to ensure that every person, regardless of physical ability or the need for mobility devices, can use the stores and services they need across the country. However, when running a business, it isn’t always easy to know if your parking lot complies with the various regulations. Here are a few factors to check when inspecting your lot.

A Basic Overview of ADA Guidelines

What’s Required? 

Every business is required to have a set number of accessible parking spaces based on the size of the facility. For instance, parking lots with 51-75 total spaces should have at least three handicapped-accessible spots, while lots with 501 to 1000 spaces should have at least 2% of the area designated to people with disabilities.

The designated spaces should be the closest ones to your building’s entrance. If the building has several doors, the parking spots should be dispersed to provide options and access to the various entry points. 

All handicapped-accessible parking spots should be at least 8 feet wide. For every six ADA-compliant spaces, there needs to be one that’s 11 feet wide to accommodate vans.

What Kind of Maintenance Is Required?  

Accessible parking lots, aisles, and the connecting routes should always be kept clear of snow, ice, and leaf debris. Additionally, the areas must be clearly marked with signs, and the ground should be level. There should also be enough space allotted so that people who rely on assistive devices can get out of their cars with ease.

As you create an area that’s suitable for everyone, have your team perform tasks like collecting carts, removing snow and leaves, and clearing other obstacles that could interfere with a person’s ability to use your parking lot easily. 

If you’re concerned with the safety of your parking lot, turn to Melvin Hubbard Concrete Construction Inc. in Broken Arrow, OK. In addition to offering expert concrete construction and repairs, this team of professionals can help with projects like complete tear-outs and lot striping. To find out more about how they can help you, visit their website or call (918) 857-1163.