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We receive many requests for technical assistance at the Northeast ADA Center that pertain to the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. One consistent “hot topic” is accessible parking. Given that, over the next few weeks we are going to share a few facts about accessible parking requirements that might not be as well-known to stakeholders, including business owners, design professionals, and—of course—people with disabilities. Sometimes the ADA Standards don’t provide all the requirements that apply to certain features, including accessible parking space design, because of state mandated requirements. 

It’s important to note that several states have enhanced accessible parking space design requirements to provide greater accessibility for people with disabilities.

For example, New York State requires that all accessible parking space access aisles are at least 8 feet wide. The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design require 8 feet (minimum) wide access aisles to serve Van Accessible parking spaces (one of every six, or fraction of six accessible parking spaces, must be Van Accessible). New York State also requires that signage is provided at each access aisle that states “No Parking Anytime”. There is no requirement for this type of sign at access aisles in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. The point is that only referencing or applying the federal requirements (the ADA Standards) will lead someone to miss the enhanced accessible parking space design requirements that are a function of the Building Code of New York State.

Stay tuned…next week we will share another accessible parking “hot topic.”