ADA Compliance
ADA Compliance and modifications South Florida
ADA compliance or ADA modifications to your pavement surfaces can be complicated. The Americans with Disabilities Act was one of the most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation in the history of the United States. The ADA extended to handicapped individuals the right to have equal access to jobs, transportation, education, and all spaces that serve the general public. In 1990, the passage of the ADA left property owners scrambling to make their parking lots and buildings compliant. However, many people are not aware of the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and other people do not realize that some local jurisdictions have enacted laws that exceed the requirements stated in the federal laws. For example, in Florida, there are cities that require parking lots to identify handicapped spaces with pavement markings that are larger than the size required in the ADA.
What Are the Accessibility Guidelines for Parking Lots?
The guidelines to ADA compliance or ADA modifications to parking lots are extensive, so it’s to provide a complete explanation here. However, the following section lists the most common violations reported.
- The parking lot contains an insufficient number of accessible parking spaces. If you are subject to the ADA, you must provide both car-accessible and van-accessible parking spaces. The exact number of each type depends on the total number of spaces in your parking lot, but you must have at least one space that is reserved for handicapped parking. Furthermore, if you only have one handicapped parking space, it must meet the minimum requirements for a van-accessible space.
- The accessible parking spaces are not correctly located. Accessible parking spaces should be placed as close as possible to an accessible entrance. In addition, the route between the entrance and the parking space should not require passing behind parked cars, and the path must be free from obstacles.
- The accessible spaces do not meet the minimum size requirements. Car-accessible spaces must be at least 96 inches wide, and this does not include a mandatory access aisle of 60 inches that runs beside the parking space. The width of van-accessible spaces must be at least 132 inches if bordered by a 60-inch access aisle, but if the access aisle is at least 96 inches wide, the width of the van-accessible space may be reduced to 96 inches. The size of spaces gets a bit more complicated if two handicapped spaces share an access aisle.
- The handicapped spaces are improperly signed or marked. All accessible parking spaces must be identified by a permanently mounted sign of specific dimensions that is mounted a specific distance above the surface of the pavement. Van-accessible spaces must have additional signage identifying them as such. Accessible spaces include pavement markings that feature the well-known wheelchair symbol. Although the ADA does not specifically require pavement markings to identify accessible routes or access aisles, it does recommend that property owners take steps to prevent others from parking in the aisles or routes, and some local building codes require markings.
Have a paving project you'd like 3-D Paving to look at?
Can 3-D Paving assist with ADA modifications due to violations?
ADA compliance is a complex matter, and even a small mistake can have serious repercussions for your business. At 3-D Paving & Sealcoating, we are experts who have a thorough understanding of the specific requirements needed to ensure that your parking lot achieves and maintains ADA compliance. We can install concrete ramps, parking lot signage, pavement markings, thermoplastic line striping, reflective pavement markers, concrete curbing, speed bumps, bollards, concrete parking lots, parking lot striping, paver bricks, and concrete sidewalks, and we also offer drainage solutions, concrete grinding, asphalt milling, asphalt resurfacing, and asphalt paving. We have earned our impeccable reputation by providing exceptional work and professional customer service on every job performed for South Florida residents and businesses. For a free quote, submit the online form, call 855-735-ROAD, or email Info@3-DPaving.com.
Benefits of ADA Compliance
ADA Compliant
Ensures you are legally sound as a business because you are adhering to a federal directive.
Reputation Management
Improves the reputation of the company as one that thinks about Americans with disabilities.
More Customers
Attracts more customers to the business and brings you more money as a result.
A Strong Brand Perception
Builds trust and repeat customers as a socially responsible business.
Aesthetics
Boosts the aesthetics of the rest of the premises and surrounding areas.
Contact 3-D Paving and Sealcoating today to get a quote for your ADA needs.
Contact 3-D Paving and Sealcoating today to get a quote for your ADA needs.
