Restriping looks like a simple repaint, but under federal guidance it's also the moment accessible parking requirements apply. This is a plain-language summary of the federal basics. It isn't legal advice, and California's rules can be stricter.
How many accessible spaces?
The minimum is calculated separately for each parking facility (each lot or garage), not from the total across a whole site.
| Total spaces in facility | Accessible spaces (car + van) | Of those, van-accessible |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 25 | 1 | 1 |
| 26 to 50 | 2 | 1 |
| 51 to 75 | 3 | 1 |
| 76 to 100 | 4 | 1 |
| 101 to 150 | 5 | 1 |
| 151 to 200 | 6 | 1 |
| 201 to 300 | 7 | 2 |
| 301 to 400 | 8 | 2 |
| 401 to 500 | 9 | 2 |
| 501 to 1,000 | 2% of total | 1 of every 6 accessible |
| 1,001 and over | 20, plus 1 per 100 over 1,000 | 1 of every 6 accessible |
Hospital outpatient, rehabilitation, outpatient physical therapy and residential facilities have different requirements.
Van-accessible spaces
One of every six accessible spaces (or fraction of six), and always at least one, must be van-accessible. ADA.gov describes two permitted van layouts: a 132-inch-wide space with a 60-inch access aisle, or a 96-inch-wide space with a 96-inch access aisle. Van spaces, their access aisles and the vehicle route to them need at least 98 inches of vertical clearance.
Car spaces and access aisles
- Accessible car spaces are at least 96 inches wide, marked to define the width.
- Access aisles are at least 60 inches wide and run the full length of the space they serve.
- Two spaces may share an access aisle, except for angled spaces.
- Spaces and aisles have a maximum slope of 1:48 in all directions.
Location and signage
- Accessible spaces go on the shortest accessible route to an accessible entrance.
- Each space needs a sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility, mounted at least 60 inches above the ground to the bottom of the sign. Van spaces add “van accessible.”
- Where a lot has four or fewer total spaces, the van-accessible signage isn't required.
California adds its own rules
California projects are also subject to the accessibility provisions of the California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2, Chapter 11B), which in some areas are stricter than the federal standards. Confirm requirements with your local building department, and with your architect or CASp inspector where applicable, before restriping.
Restriping often reveals that an accessible route needs concrete work, such as a curb ramp or new flatwork with detectable warning surfaces. MGB handles striping, concrete and asphalt, so ADA upgrades can be coordinated under one contractor.
Sources
- Restriping Parking Spaces, U.S. Department of Justice, ADA.gov
- Guide to the ADA Standards, Chapter 5: Parking, U.S. Access Board
