Understanding the Importance of ADA Parking Spaces
Accessible parking provides easy access to your property and ensures visitors or customers can come and go with ease. This is particularly important when your parking lot includes ADA-compliant spaces, which allow individuals with disabilities to enjoy the same level of accessibility as all other visitors. These designated spaces are vital for inclusivity and compliance with legal requirements. Above all, ADA spaces show that you genuinely care about the needs of visitors with disabilities.
What Are ADA Parking Spaces?
ADA parking spaces and accessible parking spots are made specifically for those with disabilities. These spots were a major part of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. This act was signed into law to ensure those with disabilities are given equal rights and access. ADA parking spaces can be seen as a form of inclusivity or representation of a property or business owner committing to equal access.
Legal Requirements for Businesses
The law established by the Americans with Disabilities Act requires that parking lots include specific features for individuals with disabilities. Businesses must provide items such as appropriate signage, accessible travel paths, and accessible parking spaces. These requirements are mandatory for property and business owners.
By implementing these accessibility measures, you not only comply with laws and regulations but also demonstrate a commitment to serving all customers equally, regardless of their physical capabilities.
The Impact of ADA Parking on Customer Experience
ADA compliance shows that you as a business or property owner are inclusive to all customers and their needs. Understanding this and providing needed accessibility greatly impacts the experience that customer has. People with disabilities depend on these spots and having them build both trust and loyalty for your business.
Accessibility as a Key to Inclusion
Accessible parking spaces are essential for an inclusive society. Representations of this inclusivity create a clear image that you treat customers and visitors with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Building Trust and Loyalty With Customers
Accommodating those with disabilities demonstrates a forward-thinking approach, showing you care and respect your patrons. Continuing to portray that sense of inclusivity through factors like parking space upkeep encourages those visitors to come back again and again.
Benefits of ADA Parking for Businesses
Maintaining ADA parking is essential for providing access to patrons with disabilities. These accessibility options are also crucial for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which imposes penalties on those failing to provide adequate accessibility.
Enhancing Your Brand’s Reputation
Reputation is everything, and maintaining ADA compliance can help. After all, customers will choose a business that aligns with their values. Such is the case of being inclusive through accessible parking. Word among customers travels fast, especially online, so providing accessibility can keep the word positive.
Avoiding Penalties and Legal Issues
Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is essential. Business or property owners who refuse to comply with these laws face severe penalties and legal issues. Fines for a single ADA violation can reach up to $75,000, and if there are multiple violations, this amount can escalate to $150,000. Such fines can significantly impact your ability to operate your business.
The consequences extend beyond financial penalties. Failing to comply with ADA requirements can lead to various legal problems. For instance, if a customer is injured due to inadequate accessible parking, your business could face lawsuits and be held responsible for compensating the injured party. This compensation may cover pain and suffering as well as attorney fees, placing a further financial burden on you, the business owner.
How to Ensure Compliance With ADA Parking Standards
Whether your parking lot already contains ADA parking elements or if a new property owner has them installed, leaving them alone will not comply with ADA standards. Below are how to ensure your parking lot is fully compliant with ADA regulations.
Design Guidelines for ADA Parking Spaces
The parking space itself needs to be at least 96 inches (132 inches for vans) wide while having an access aisle for patrons to get in and out of. The access aisle must be at least 60 inches wide to provide enough space for movement.
The surface area must be stable, firm, and most importantly slip-resistant. Stable ground eliminates the risk of possible injury. If the ground has a slope, it cannot exceed more than 2.08% sloped surface in all directions, as this can heavily affect the ability to properly move about.
Finally, proper signage is necessary. A sign with the international symbol of accessibility designed on it must be mounted 60 inches above the ground. The measurement starts at the very bottom of the sign, going upwards.
There are two signage options for van parking spots. First is the international sign of accessibility. Another option is to have a sign stating that this particular parking spot is van accessible.
Keeping to these guidelines will allow for compliance with the ADA standards, and shows a commitment to providing accessibility for customers and visitors who need it.
Regular Maintenance and Inspection Tips
It’s important to regularly maintain and inspect ADA parking spots. To maintain these spots, you want to first inspect for any obvious issues that occur over time and promptly solve them. Issues like surface cracking or potholes can obstruct those with disabilities. If these problems arise, it is best to have the surface pressure washed and seal coated.
Another crucial aspect is lighting. Proper signage is typically the first thing patrons with disabilities will look for regarding accessible parking.
Check that the areas for accessible parking are marked clearly with no obstacles obstructing the space itself. Make sure the sign is visible and mounted 60 inches above the ground. Inspect surrounding lighting fixtures and make sure they are providing sufficient lighting for both the spaces and the signage.
Advancing Parking Through ADA Compliance
Providing and maintaining ADA parking spaces keeps you in compliance with the law. It also enhances the environment of your property, showing your customers you care about accessibility and inclusivity.
If your Cincinnati property is in need of ADA parking spaces, look no further than the expert team at Cincinnati Asphalt. Our ADA services follow an in-depth understanding of ADA regulations, allowing us to conduct a thorough assessment of your property. From there we provide the needed steps, such as installing signage or repainting parking areas, to make sure your parking meets the code.
Contact our team today at (513) 367-0250 or fill out a form online to get your parking ADA-compliant today.
