Key Takeaways:
- The ADA is a set of civil rights laws that safeguard individuals with disabilities from discrimination.
- The ADA also requires businesses and other organizations to provide appropriate accommodations to individuals with disabilities.
- To make an asphalt parking lot ADA-compliant, you will need to designate a certain number of handicap-accessible parking spaces and install signage indicating the location of these spaces.
- Parking lots must be level to meet ADA requirements.
- Use a laser level to check for irregularities.
- A non-slip surface is important for safety and will make the parking lot easier to maintain.
- Accessible parking spots should be near the property entrance and indicate that only handicapped individuals can park there.
- You will also need at least five feet of space on either side of the spot for wheelchair users. This is so people can easily get in and out of their cars.
Making an asphalt parking lot ADA-compliant can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ll explain everything to make your parking lot accessible for all. We will cover handicapped parking spaces, surfaces, and signage. We will also discuss the ADA and what it means for business owners. By following our guidelines, you can make your asphalt parking lot ADA-compliant and ensure everyone has access to your property!
What to Know about ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act represents a set of civil rights laws that safeguard individuals with disabilities from discrimination. The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and access to public facilities. The ADA also requires businesses and other organizations to provide appropriate accommodations to individuals with disabilities.
To make your asphalt parking lot ADA-compliant, you will need to designate a certain number of handicap-accessible parking spaces, depending on the size of your lot. You will also need to install signage indicating the location of these spaces and provide a smooth, level surface leading from the parking space to the building entrance.
If you have an existing asphalt parking lot that does not meet these requirements, you will need to make some modifications. Here’s what to do:
Level the Ground
The first step to making your asphalt parking lot ADA-compliant is to ensure the ground is level. Uneven pavement can create trip hazards for people with disabilities, so it’s important to ensure that the surface is level and even throughout. You can check for irregularities with a laser level or transit. Once you’ve identified any areas that need to be adjusted, use a power trowel or hand-held tamper to level out the ground.
If there are any large cracks or holes in the pavement, you’ll need to fill them in before proceeding. Use a cold patch material or hot asphalt to fill in defects, and then use a tamper to compact the area. Once the surface is level and smooth, you can paint stripes or markings to designate accessible parking spaces, wheelchair ramps, and other accessible features.
Create a Non-Slip Surface
One way to make your asphalt parking lot ADA-compliant and safer for everyone is to create a non-slip surface. You can accomplish this by texturing the asphalt or adding a seal coat. A textured surface will provide more traction. A seal coat will create a barrier protecting the asphalt from weather damage and wear. Another option is to add a layer of gravel or stone chips to the surface of the asphalt. This will create a non-slip surface that will be durable and easy to maintain.
Have Handicapped Parking Spots Near the Entrance
Ensure to have handicapped parking spots near the entrance of your property. This will ensure that people with disabilities can park close to the building and easily access the entrance. You should also have a sign that indicates that these spots are for disabled individuals only.
If you have a large parking lot, you may consider having a designated handicapped parking area. This area should be close to the building’s entrance and have easy access to sidewalks or ramps. The designated accessible parking area should also have signage that indicates that it is for disabled individuals only.
Make the Parking Spots Wide Enough
Ensure that your parking spots are wide enough. ADA requires that all parking spaces be at least eight feet wide. This may seem like a lot, but achieving this width is not as difficult as you think. You can restripe your parking lot, so the spaces are wider than before. You will also need at least five feet of space on either side of the spot for wheelchair users. This is so people can easily get in and out of their cars.
The Lines Must Be Prominent and Visible
The lines must be prominent and visible so drivers can easily see where they need to park. They also need to be thick enough to be seen from a distance. If the lines are not visible, it will be difficult for drivers to know where to park.
You must paint the lines with a reflective material so they can be seen at night. This is important because many people who have disabilities need to use their car at night.
The lines must be placed in such a way that there is enough space for wheelchair users to get in and out of their cars. The lines must also be placed so wheelchair users can easily access the sidewalk.
How will ADA Compliance Benefit Your Business?
ADA compliance will also benefit your business. Many people with disabilities stay at home because they cannot find businesses accessible to them.
If you make your business accessible, you can tap into a new customer base. People with disabilities have spending power, and they patronize businesses that are accessible to them.
ADA compliance will also make your business more attractive to employees. Many people with disabilities want to work but cannot find employers willing to make the necessary accommodations. To attract the best and brightest employees, you must show that you are an inclusive employer.
ADA compliance shows that you are committed to providing equal access to all of your customers. This can help you attract new customers and keep the ones you already have.
ADA compliance can also help you avoid lawsuits. If someone with a disability is injured on your property because it was not ADA-compliant, you could be sued.
Conclusion
Making your asphalt parking lot ADA-compliant is necessary to ensure that all visitors to your business or facility have equal access to your services. Making these modifications will provide a safe and accessible environment for all.
Check out our blog post about why you need to start fixing potholes.
ADA-compliant parking lots are important for businesses to ensure everyone can access their services. Laurel Asphalt, serving Bedford, is experienced in creating and maintaining ADA-compliant parking lots, making us the ideal company for this type of service. We’ll work with you to create a parking lot that meets all the ADA requirements, ensuring that your business is accessible to everyone.
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