How many accessible spaces your lot needs
Under the 2010 ADA Standards (section 208.2), the minimum count is based on the total spaces in each lot or garage, counted separately for each one:
- 1 to 25 spaces: 1 accessible space
- 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 1,000: 2% of the total
- Over 1,000: 20, plus 1 for each 100 spaces (or fraction) over 1,000
Van-accessible spaces
At least one of every six accessible spaces, and never fewer than one, must be van accessible. Medical facilities have higher counts: 10% of patient and visitor parking at hospital outpatient facilities, and 20% at rehabilitation and outpatient physical therapy facilities.
Space and access aisle widths
The striping is where most compliance problems show up. The federal minimums are:
- Car space: at least 96 inches wide, with an access aisle at least 60 inches wide
- Van space: at least 132 inches wide with a 60-inch aisle, or 96 inches wide with a 96-inch aisle
- Vertical clearance for van spaces and their aisles: at least 98 inches
- Slope of spaces and aisles: no steeper than 1:48 in any direction
- Access aisles: marked so drivers don't park in them, as long as the space, and level with it
- Two accessible spaces can share one aisle between them, except in angled parking, where the aisle goes on the passenger side
Signs and location
Each accessible space needs a sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility, mounted so the bottom of the sign is at least 60 inches above the ground. Van spaces also need a "van accessible" sign. A lot with four or fewer total spaces still needs one van-accessible space but doesn't need the sign.
Accessible spaces should sit on the shortest accessible route to an accessible entrance, on the most level ground nearby. A painted ISA symbol on the pavement is common, but it doesn't replace the post-mounted sign.
Restriping can trigger these requirements
The U.S. Department of Justice's guidance says that when a business restripes its lot, it has to provide accessible spaces as the 2010 Standards require. Restriping is also usually considered a readily achievable fix, so it's the natural time to correct the count, widths, and aisles. Our ADA parking lot striping service handles the layout and markings.
Sources and a note on local rules
Figures on this page come from the U.S. Department of Justice's ADA parking guidance and its "Restriping Parking Spaces" compliance brief, which summarize the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Indiana's building code and your local building department can add requirements. This page is general information, not legal advice, so confirm your lot's requirements with your local authority or a qualified accessibility inspector.