There are many regulations one must be aware of when it comes to A.D.A. guidelines, from the types of acceptable signs to slope percentages over a given distance. Most people aren't aware of all the things that are required and the fines that one may have to pay if these are not met. We encourage you to look at the A.D.A. Home Page, because it would be virtually impossible for us to include everything on our site.
Below you will find general information such as sign requirements, stall requirements, basic ramp requirements
, and links to A.D.A. and accessibility related sites. NOTE: Federal A.D.A. regulations represent a minimum requirement and are superceded by local and state laws providing they are more strict.|
"The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, programs and services provided by state and local governments, goods and services provided by private companies, and in commercial facilities. The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990. It contains requirements for new construction, for alterations or renovations to buildings and facilities, and for improving access to existing facilities of private companies providing goods or services to the public. It also requires that State and local governments provide access to programs offered to the public. The ADA also covers effective communication with people with disabilities, eligibility criteria that may restrict or prevent access, and requires reasonable modifications of policies and practices that may be discriminatory. The ADA gives the Department of Justice (DOJ) authority to issue regulations for title II
and III of the ADA and to provide technical assistance and enforcement. The
Department also has authority to certify that a State or local accessibility code is
equivalent to the ADA's requirements for new construction and alterations." |
All handicap accessible parking stalls must be designated as reserved by a sign such as the one to the left. All signs must use the international symbol of accessibility. Letters and numbers on signs must also meet certain height to width ratio requirements.
All van accessible stalls must be designated with an additional sign labeled "Van-Accessible" mounted below the international symbol of accessibility as illustrated to the left.
There are several requirements for both regular and van accessible handicap stalls. Stalls not designated for van access must be a minimum of 8' wide with an access isle at least 5' wide next to it. Those stalls designated for van access must be a minimum of 8' wide with an access isle at least 8 feet wide next to it. Some states require each handicap stall to have it's own access isle.
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A certain number of handicap designated stalls must also be present depending on the size of the parking lot. For every 8 handicap signs, 1 must be designated for van access with a minimum of 1 "van accessible" per parking lot. The required number of accessible stalls broken down in the table below.
| Total In Parking Lot | Minimum Required Spaces |
|---|---|
| 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 1,000 | 2% of total |
| More than 1,000 | 20 plus 1 for every 100 over 1,000 |
Handicap ramps themselves have many requirements. Ramps must be a different texture and color from the surrounding walk. No part of the ramp should have more than a 10" slope. If a ramp has a rise greater than 6" or has a run of more than 72", a handrail is required. If there is a dropoff next to the ramp, a curb, railing, or other type of barrier to prevent people from slipping off the side is required.
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| A.D.A. Home Page | U.S. Access Board |