How to build a parking lot for accessibility?
Parking lot accessibility is more than just an ADA requirement. It’s an opportunity to design a welcoming experience for every visitor – including the 61 million Americans living with a disability.
Architectural design and careful planning lead to safer and more user-friendly parking lots.
But here’s the problem:
Too many parking lots are built as an afterthought. Commercial property owners squeeze as many spaces as possible into the existing real estate without regard for parking lot design and layout.
Guess who gets stuck with a sub-par parking lot experience? Customers with mobility challenges, of course.
Accessibility-related ADA violations can also run property owners thousands in fines and damages.
The good news is that user-centric parking lot design doesn’t have to be complicated. A little attention to architectural design elements, plus regular parking lot maintenance, will help any commercial property create a more accessible space.
In This Article:
- Why Accessible Parking Lot Design Matters Now
- Key Architectural Design Elements to Consider
- How to Maintain Accessibility Long-Term
- Top 9 Commercial Parking Lot Maintenance Companies in Denver
Why Accessible Parking Lot Design Matters Now
Do you think of accessibility only in terms of wheelchair users?
If so, it’s time to update your view of people living with disabilities.
The CDC reports that 12.2% of U.S. adults have a mobility disability that substantially limits their ability to walk or climb stairs.
In other words, about 1 out of 8 people who visit your business.
And here’s what most commercial property owners miss:
Accessible parking lot design matters to a much wider swath of visitors than you might think.
Parents with strollers, delivery workers with carts, seniors, and people recovering from injuries all benefit from well-designed parking lots. You’re not just providing basic compliance. You’re also building a better customer experience.
This is where hiring a parking lot maintenance service at Asphalt Coatings Company becomes crucial. Professional design and ongoing surface maintenance keep accessible features working long-term.
Per the ADA, a parking lot with 100 spaces must have at least 4 accessible spaces. One of every 6 accessible parking spaces must also be van accessible, due to their wider access aisle requirements.
Get this wrong and you’ll be facing fines of $1,500 or more per violation. Repeat violations can net property owners more than $10,000 in penalties.
Key Architectural Design Elements to Consider
So what does it take to build a truly accessible parking lot? Let’s take a closer look at the essentials.
Strategic Space Placement
It’s not just about quantity, it’s about placement.
Accessible parking spaces must be located on the shortest route possible to the entrance of the facility. It’s a detail many parking lot designers ignore. But accessible parking spaces far from the entrance accomplish nothing.
The best architectural design places accessible parking spaces:
- Closest to the main entrance
- On level ground with the least amount of slope
- Connected to curb ramps and accessible pathways
- Farther away from high-traffic lanes and vehicle delivery areas
Proper Dimensions and Markings
Standard accessible parking spaces must be at least 96 inches wide. Van-accessible spaces are wider at 132 inches or provide an 8-foot access aisle.
But width isn’t the only important design element. Surface slope is another critical detail. The cross slope cannot exceed 1:48 in any direction. Even minor slopes can create obstacles for wheelchair and walker users.
Marking lines and signage also require careful design. Signs must be installed at least 60 inches above the ground. Access aisles must have diagonal striping to prevent parking in them.
Accessible Routes and Curb Ramps
Don’t overlook the route from the parking space all the way to the facility entrance.
Curb ramps are often overlooked architectural design details but they must meet specific slope requirements. The running slope cannot exceed 1:12. Side slopes must be limited to 1:10. Ramp landings at the top must be at least 36 inches long.
These details are important because poorly designed ramps and routes become barriers, not aids, to people with mobility challenges.
Surface Quality
Surface condition is one of the most overlooked elements in accessible parking lot design.
Cracks, potholes, and uneven pavement create tripping hazards and mobility obstacles. ADA requirements state that surface surfaces must be firm, stable, and slip resistant.
This is why ongoing parking lot maintenance is so important. Denver’s freeze-thaw cycles wreak havoc on asphalt over time. Regular inspections and repairs help ensure accessible features remain safe and compliant.
Maintain Accessibility Long-Term
What most commercial property owners don’t realize:
Accessibility isn’t a one-time thing. It needs to be maintained long-term to stay functional and effective.
Accessible features degrade over time. Faded paint, surface cracks, and vegetation growth can render once-compliant lots out of compliance.
A good accessibility maintenance plan includes:
- Regular inspections to check surface conditions and faded or damaged markings
- Prompt repairs to any cracks and potholes to prevent safety hazards
- Annual restriping to ensure all parking lot markings are visible
- Signage checks to replace missing or damaged accessibility signs
- Snow and debris removal to keep all routes clear year-round
The key is treating accessibility maintenance as a routine part of your overall property management, rather than an occasional afterthought.
Top 9 Commercial Parking Lot Maintenance Companies in Denver
Need professional help to maintain your accessible parking lot?
Denver has several great companies that offer commercial parking lot maintenance services. Here are the top choices to consider:
- Asphalt Coatings Company – Operating since 1986, the Asphalt Coatings Company specializes in comprehensive parking lot maintenance. From crack sealing and sealcoating, to ADA-compliant line striping and infrared patching, they have you covered. The company has years of experience dealing with Denver’s harsh freeze-thaw cycles, which is why we consider them the best option for maintaining accessible parking lot surfaces.
- Colorado Pavement Solutions – Colorado Pavement Solutions is known for being upfront and honest with their customers. They provide quality workmanship on commercial projects all over the Denver metro area.
- 303 Asphalt – 303 Asphalt is one of the top parking lot repair companies in Denver. They specialize in patching, sealing, and line striping services.
- DCPS (Denver Commercial Property Services) – A full-service commercial parking lot company that provides maintenance for asphalt, concrete, and seasonal care. DCPS has more than 1,100 clients, so they have experience maintaining a variety of commercial properties.
- Enright Asphalt – The company has been in the asphalt industry for over 30 years. They focus on preventative maintenance and quality products.
- City Wide Facility Solutions – City Wide Facility Solutions offers comprehensive parking lot services including sweeping, striping, and ongoing maintenance programs.
- Van Matre Construction – Van Matre Construction provides concrete and asphalt repair services throughout the Denver area.
- 5280 Asphalt Paving Contractors – 5280 Asphalt Paving Contractors does parking lot installation and repairs for commercial properties in the Wheat Ridge area.
- Rose Paving – Rose Paving is a nationwide company with a Denver location. They offer parking lot striping and general paving services.
The Bottom Line
Designing a user-centric parking lot is more than just meeting ADA requirements.
Accessible parking lot design is an opportunity to create a welcoming and functional experience for all visitors to your property. The more attention you pay to the details – from the placement of spaces to the condition of surface – the more accessible your parking lot experience will be.
Property owners that take the time to do it right see the benefits in:
- Reduced liability and compliance risks
- Better customer experiences
- Improved property value
- Positive community reputation
Start by having a professional assess the current state of your parking lot. Determine where you fall short in terms of accessibility, then prioritize an improvement plan. Once accessible features are in place, create a regular maintenance schedule to keep everything in good working order.
Visitors will thank you for it.