As a commercial business owner, property manager or parking lot manager in North Carolina, complying with ADA parking lot requirements is essential. Not only does ADA parking provide accessibility for all customers and employees, but it also helps you avoid potential legal issues and fines.
In this guide, we’ll explore the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) parking lot requirements specific to North Carolina and why meeting these standards is essential for your company.
ADA Parking Lot Requirements
While ADA laws can vary slightly from state to state, the fundamental requirements remain consistent across the United States. In North Carolina, businesses must adhere to both federal ADA standards and state-specific regulations.
Number of Required Accessible Parking Spaces Per Lot
The number of accessible parking spaces required depends on the total number of spaces in your parking facility. According to the ADA National Network, the requirements are as follows:
| Total Number of Spaces on Lot | Number of Accessible Spaces Required |
|---|---|
| 1 to 25 | 1 |
| 26 to 50 | 2 |
| 51 to 75 | 3 |
| 76 to 100 | 4 |
| 101 to 150 | 5 |
| 151 to 200 | 6 |
| 201 to 300 | 7 |
| 301 to 400 | 8 |
| 401 to 500 | 9 |
| 501 to 1000 | 2% of total spaces |
| 1001 and over | 2 % of total spaces up to the first 1000, plus 1 for every 100 spaces over 1000. |
| NOTE: | For every six accessible parking spaces (or a fraction thereof), at least one must be van-accessible. |
Accessible Parking Space Dimensions
According to the ADA.gov guidelines:
- Car-accessible spaces must be at least 96 inches wide
- Van-accessible spaces must be at least 132 inches wide (or 96 inches wide with a 96-inch access aisle)
- Access aisles must be at least 60 inches wide
- The maximum slope in all directions for accessible spaces and access aisles is 1:48 (2.08%)
Accessible Parking Spaces Location and Accessibility to Building
Accessible parking spaces must be located on the shortest accessible route to the building’s available entrance. If there are multiple accessible entrances, the spaces should be dispersed to provide convenient access to each entrance.
Specific ADA Parking Design Elements
The North Carolina Persons with Disabilities Protection Act entails state laws that are in compliance with federal guidelines and prohibit discrimination (or unfair treatment) of disabled individuals. North Carolina also has building codes, including parking, that your company may need to adhere to. See Chapter 11 of the North Carolina Building Code to address specific requirements for parking lots.
Here are some federal and state-specific ADA requirements to keep in mind for North Carolina.
Signage Requirements
Accessible parking spaces must be identified by signs that include the International Symbol of Accessibility. Additionally, to be enforceable under state law, the sign must state “Maximum Penalty $250”.
Surface Requirements
The parking surface must be stable, firm, and slip-resistant. In North Carolina’s climate, this often means using materials like asphalt or concrete that can withstand weather changes without compromising accessibility.
ADA Ramp Requirements
For many businesses, providing accessible parking also means installing ADA-compliant ramps. In North Carolina, these ramps must adhere to the following specifications:
- Slope ratio of 1:12 (one foot of ramp for each inch of rise)
- Minimum width of 36 inches of clear space across the ramp
- Minimum 5′ x 5′ flat, unobstructed area at the top and bottom of the ramp
- Handrails between 34″ and 38″ in height on both sides of the ramp
Importance of Meeting ADA Requirements
Complying with ADA parking lot requirements is not just about avoiding legal issues; it’s about creating an inclusive environment for all customers and employees. Here’s why it matters:
- Legal Compliance: Failure to meet ADA standards can result in costly lawsuits and fines.
- Customer Accessibility: Proper accessible parking ensures that all customers can easily access your business.
- Employee Accommodation: ADA-compliant parking lots make your workplace more accessible to employees with disabilities.
- Positive Brand Image: Demonstrating a commitment to accessibility can enhance your company’s reputation.
Maintaining ADA Compliance
Meeting ADA requirements is not a one-time task. Regular parking lot maintenance and ADA updates are necessary to keep up with ongoing compliance. Maintenance can include:
- Conduct regular inspections of your parking lot to check for wear and tear.
- Restripe parking spaces as needed to maintain clear visibility of accessible spaces and access aisles.
- Keep up with any changes in ADA regulations or North Carolina state laws.
- Ensure that snow removal and other maintenance activities don’t compromise the accessibility of your parking lot.
Additionally, it’s important to have your parking lot serviced if any damages occur. This can include cracks, uneven surfacing, potholes, and other asphalt deterioration that paving companies can service.
Choosing a Paving Company for ADA Compliance
When creating or updating an ADA-compliant parking lot, working with a knowledgeable paving company is crucial. Look for a company that:
- Has specific experience with ADA parking lot requirements
- Understands both federal and North Carolina state regulations
- Can provide a comprehensive service, including design, installation, and maintenance
- Offers ADA-compliant solutions for various surfaces, including asphalt and concrete
If you’re unsure about your parking lot’s compliance or need expert support in creating an ADA-compliant parking area, reach out to Paving Pros. Our paving professionals specialize in commercial parking lot installation, maintenance, and repair, all while keeping your business up to date with ADA-compliant solutions. We’ll help your business meet all necessary parking lot requirements.
Contact Paving Pros for a free quote and maintain an optimal ADA parking lot now and into the future.
Trust the Pros at Paving Pros
With over 60 years in the industry, the dedicated team at Paving Professionals is one of the most experienced paving teams in the Raleigh-Durham and Triangle area.
Call or message us today to book an appointment. We’ll meet you at your site to discuss your needs and provide you with a free estimate!
