Parking lots are either communal or reserved spaces that require ADA compliance to facilitate visitors or residents better. These are profitable business entities on their own, hence the need to insure against lawsuits and invest in a robust maintenance plan that covers ADA streetscape elements.
The following features are to be incorporated into an ADA-compliant parking lot to assist the disabled and protection plus curb appeal for your business.
1. Accessible Parking Spaces:
The universal symbol of accessibility that features an individual in a wheelchair is to be painted in bright thermoplastic pavement paint that is durable against weathering. Out of six accessible parking spaces, at least one should be made accessible for vans. There is a standard table for the inclusion of accessible parking spaces in a parking lot.
2. Accessible Aisle Gap
These are the spaces between regular parking slots and accessible slots. The aisle is meant to allow for the accessibility of individuals who use wheelchairs after exiting via a ramp built into their transport vehicles. A minimum of 60 inches is allowed for aisle spacing. The aisle is painted in bright diagonal strips to indicate a no-parking zone. Any violations are dealt with by security on standby.
3. Ramps & Railings
The ramps facilitate persons who use wheelchairs to access the facility after parked and exited their vehicle using the assisted parking and access aisles. The ramp and railings should be made of material offering a solid grip, should not be smooth, and should not be abrasive. The ramp slope should be built with moderation to allow the least amount of discomfort to the disabled. The railing should be installed at appropriate heights.
4. Bright Asphalt Markings
Thermoplastic and reflective parking lot stripping is ideal for keeping visitors and customers from getting into navigational accidents and direct traffic in the right direction. The paints need to be bright and imposing without exceeding levels that can distress the eyes or cause disorientation or seizures.
5. Visible Signage
You have to consider that markings are not enough to guarantee ADA compliance, so signage is installed at heights that anyone capable of operating a vehicle can see. Signage is ideal for broadcasting turns, speed limits, slopes, blind corners, stoppers, accessible parking, and ramp locations.
Most Importantly: The State Of Your Parking Lot’s Surface
A parking lot with deteriorated asphalt, cracks, ruts, potholes and faded signage from all that raveling is an irresponsible act on behalf of the parking lot manager. Always invest in a regular maintenance plan to keep your parking lots in top shape for customers and visitors. Just putting up hazard signs won’t be enough to argue your case in court when the victim suffered a mishap due to a massive pothole on your turf. Potholes take a long time to form; you should have acted when the asphalt started raveling.
The owner’s negligence is the worst way to go in an ADA lawsuit.
Be responsible and have The Pavement Group over for bringing up your parking lot to ADA-compliant standards. Don’t think of this upgrade as a hefty nuisance to avoid lawsuits. A well-maintained parking lot will earn you many times over the costs of installing compliant elements while providing you with the right curb appeal.
Please check our free quotes on our many services in everything asphalt and project management! We are active in Nashville, TN, and we offer consultations on paving projects too!