ADA Compliance
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities. In regard to parking lots, many people assume that an ADA compliant parking lot is having handicapped parking stalls and a small ramp to a sidewalk. For true compliance, the entire route from the street, sidewalk, or parking stall to the building entrance needs to be addressed.
Having ADA compliant parking stalls and pedestrian routes not only protects you from potential legal issues, but it also ensures all people are able to access your property regardless of abilities. Minnesota Roadways has MNDOT certified ADA Construction personnel to help ensure your parking lot is compliant.
Features to consider:
- Location – An accessible route is the path a person with a disability takes to enter and move through a building or facility. Accessible parking spaces must be located on the shortest route to the accessible entrance.
- Access Aisles – Access aisles provide a designated area for people who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices to get in and out of their vehicle. Access aisles must be:
- Marked (to discourage drivers from parking in them)
- The same length as the space
- Level with the parking space
- Parking Spaces – Accessible parking spaces must be provided for cars and vans. These spaces must meet a minimum width requirement with an access aisle. In addition, they have a surface slope requirement in all directions, and must provide a stable, slip-resistant surface and properly mounted accessibility signs.
