As a business owner, accommodating customers with disabilities will make it safer and easier for them to navigate the property. Additionally, increased accessibility proves to your patrons that you care about inclusivity. Here are a handful of tips to make your parking lot more accessible with striping and other logistics.

4 Ways to Increase Parking Lot Accessibility

1. Include Enough Spaces

According to the ADA, parking lots must have one accessible spot for every 25. For bigger parking lots of 500 to 1,000 spaces, at least 2% need to be accessible. In extremely large lots of over 1,000 spaces, 20 should be accessible, and you’ll need an additional spot for every 100 beyond that. 

2. Prioritize Width

Accessible spaces for cars must be eight feet wide, measured from the center of the neighboring boundary stripe, with a five-foot access aisle. Accessible spots for vans should be eight feet in width with an eight-foot aisle. Access aisles need to run the full length of the space.

3. Mark Spaces Appropriately

Mark each spot with a sign that features the international symbol of accessibility, and position the signage five feet above the surface of the space. Additionally, include painted pavement markings of the symbol within each space.

4. Use a Legible Paint Color

Though the ADA does not mandate any particular paint color for striping, they require the color to stand out from the pavement. Blue, yellow, or white is often used to contrast the gray or black concrete or asphalt. Double-check your state and city codes to find out if they require a specific striping color. 

 

When you need pavement markings for accessible spaces, get in touch with Pacific Striping LLC. They provide parking lot striping, signage, and maintenance to businesses in Honolulu and throughout Oahu. Call (808) 859-3664 to get an estimate, or visit the website to learn more about how they can keep your property safe and navigable.