Why This Matters
Accessible parking is required by federal law under the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is also a liability exposure for property owners who fail to comply — and, more importantly, a matter of dignity for customers, employees, and visitors who depend on those spaces.
We treat ADA compliance as part of the striping work, not an upcharge.
The Basic Count Requirement
The 2010 ADA Standards require accessible spaces based on lot size:
- 1 to 25 total spaces → 1 accessible
- 26 to 50 → 2 accessible
- 51 to 75 → 3 accessible
- 76 to 100 → 4 accessible
- 101 to 150 → 5 accessible
- 151 to 200 → 6 accessible
- Larger lots continue on a defined table
At least one accessible space in every lot must be van accessible. In lots with more than one accessible space, one in six must be van accessible.
Dimensions
- Standard accessible space: 96 inches wide minimum with a 60 inch access aisle
- Van accessible space: 96 inches with a 96 inch access aisle, or 132 inches with a 60 inch aisle
- Aisles must be striped with contrasting diagonal lines
- Slopes must not exceed 1:48 in any direction
Signage
Every accessible space must have a vertical sign displaying the International Symbol of Accessibility, mounted so that the bottom of the sign is at least 60 inches above ground. Van accessible spaces must be additionally labeled "Van Accessible."
Path of Travel
An accessible route must connect the accessible space to the building entrance without stairs and with slopes within ADA limits. Ramps, curb cuts, and detectable warnings all fall under this requirement.
Common Compliance Failures
- Faded or missing symbols
- Access aisles too narrow
- Missing van accessible designation
- Signs mounted too low or missing entirely
- Slopes that exceed 1:48 (surprisingly common on older lots)
When Restriping Triggers Full Compliance
Any resurfacing or restriping project on a commercial lot is an opportunity — and often a requirement — to bring the striping up to current ADA standards. We include an ADA layout review with every commercial striping proposal.
Related Services
Explore the services connected to this topic in our Services library. Every job is scoped and priced in writing by the same family-owned team.
Get a Free Estimate
Quality Paving provides estimates throughout Middle Georgia and surrounding communities, subject to project location and scheduling. If you would like an honest assessment of your property, request a free estimate or call (770) 946-5355.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my property need to comply if it was built before ADA?
Any restriping or resurfacing project must bring the striping into compliance. Existing structural exemptions are narrow.
Who is responsible — landlord or tenant?
Both parties can share liability. Lease language matters, but non-compliance is not a defense.
How much does compliant ADA striping cost?
A properly laid out ADA space costs slightly more than a standard space, but the delta is small compared to the risk of non-compliance.